The 2022 Mazda3, whether hatchback or sedan, is not just a mobility machine – it is a work of art. The Japanese automaker leveled up its game in the compact sedan segment with the release of the fourth generation in 2019, and it continues to improve.
The 2022 Mazda3 has a longer wheelbase compared to the previous model. It is for increased cabin space and a larger trunk. Wheels are now positioned flush along the sides for better aesthetics and aerodynamics. Skirts at the bottom feature an appendage that Mazda says will reduce ‘chipping’ noise from the road as you travel and also levels of NVH.
Experience the 2022 Mazda3 at Keffer Mazda along 13307 Statesville Rd. in Huntersville, NC.
Doors latch on like a luxury unit, and the cabin is now more streamlined than ever. The dashboard has a lot of open padded surfaces (especially in front of the passenger) and uses plenty of premium materials.
Optional features include a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. Regardless, all Mazda3 seats have excellent bolstering and support for a comfortable fit and drive.
The layout is highly minimalistic and driver-centric, with the 8.8-inch non-touchscreen (which some will balk at) angled facing the driver. It can only be manipulated using voice or the rotary Command Control along the center console. It comes with HD radio, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Bluetooth connectivity, and Mazda Connected Services.
Both the hatchback and sedan version of the 2022 Mazda3 has been stripped of character lines – well, most of it. What is left is a stunning visual that is both a design and engineering accomplishment for a mass market unit.
The curvature of the sheet metal of the door panels is some of the smoothest surfaces seen on a compact sedan. The play of light and shade, reflection, and angles change the hue and texture of the surface all the time.
The sedan will sport a longer character line in front. Since it has a tail, the rear will also get one, but both terminate before the B-pillar to mimic the same illusion as the hatch.
Hatch fans are already loving the thicker C-pillar. They say it makes the profile more attractive, but Mazda says it’s to create a fastback look.
Aerodynamic features differ as well. The sedan has an air curtain (through the fog lamps and wheel well), and the hatch uses a channel along the bumper.
Get your Mazda3 in any of the following colors:
There are two SKYACTIV engines available for the 2022 Mazda3, a 2.0-liter engine (156 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque) and the larger 2.5-liter that comes in non-turbo (186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque) and turbo form (227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque).
All models come with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), which controls the engine output, so the wheels don’t lose traction. The car’s reaction to steering input felt more direct, intuitive even.
The model with the turbocharged engine feels lighter and more responsive, but all variants will do well on the highway, and you’ll require very little of its output in the city.
A six-speed manual transmission is available on the front-wheel-drive variant. The all-wheel drive model comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Sedans and hatchbacks don’t come any prettier than the 2022 Mazda3. It is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.
See it for yourself and test drive one at Keffer Mazda today. Stop by our showroom in Huntersville, NC, today.
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