2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback Performance

The recent addition of the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine option has thrown the Mazda 3 Hatchback into unfair comparisons with performance cars such as the Subaru WRX STI and VW Golf R, but it should be stated from the outset that the Mazda 3 is not a hot hatch. The base 2.5-liter engine packs a decent 191 horsepower and feels reasonably plucky, but being a naturally aspirated engine, it requires one to get the revs up before any actual power is sent to the wheels. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is the one to go for if you're looking for any degree of performance. This motor produces 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel and sends its power exclusively to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Mazda doesn't publish official performance figures for the Mazda 3 Hatchback, but independent testing has shown that sub-six-second 0 to 60 mph sprints are possible. The top speed is 130 mph.

There are two engine options on offer for the current model year. All non-turbo models are equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. While a six-speed manual is available to the Premium model in FWD configuration, on all other FWD models, power is sent to the front wheels via a Skyactive six-speed electronically controlled sport automatic transmission. This engine and transmission combination is fine for most occasions and pulls off the line well. Its lack of forced induction requires one to push the engine harder to achieve any sort of lively response from the engine, and fully loaded, performance can get sluggish. As a city car, however, the 3 Hatch performs just fine with the 2.5-liter engine. Carbon Edition and Premium models are also available with all-wheel drive.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter version delivers a more robust 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, although these figures increase to 250 hp/320 lb-ft with premium unleaded fuel. Power is sent exclusively to all four wheels. The 2.5T pulls strongly in any gear, and the sheer amount of torque on tap makes the base engine feel weedy by comparison. If you're after any sort of performance, the 2.5T engine is the way to go. The six-speed automatic transmission is intuitive enough, but we wouldn't describe it as sporty.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is powered by a relatively large 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, unlike many rivals who have opted for smaller capacity engines assisted by a turbocharger. This doesn't stop the Mazda from returning impressive fuel consumption figures. The base FWD model will manage 28/37/31 mpg on the city/highway/combined circuit, and the AWD version will see those numbers dip to 26/33/29 mpg. The FWD six-speed manual delivers 26/36/30 mpg. AWD turbo models are the heaviest drinkers of the lot and post gas mileage figures of 23/31/26 mpg.

FWD models have a 13.2-gallon fuel capacity and can manage a maximum range of 396 miles in their most frugal guise, while AWD models get a 12.7-gallon fuel tank and a maximum range of 368 miles.