Monday, May 12, 2025
66.5 F
Roseville

Mazda3 adds All-Wheel Drive in redesign

Engaging compact receives high marks

Roseville, CA- Mazda engineers are known for pushing the envelope in the search for something more innovative and interesting than its competitors.

With that in mind, the Japanese automaker has equipped the popular 2019 Mazda3 with a novel new feature – all-wheel drive (AWD). With the exception of the front-wheel drive base sedan, every other Mazda3 trim level (Select, Preferred, Premium) has an AWD option. Note that AWD is only paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Adding AWD to a sedan is nothing new. Subaru has been doing it for years and multiple luxury brands provide it as well. Adding it to the Mazda3 gives the car a definite distinction that should make this affordable sedan even more appealing.

To demonstrate the AWD efficiency, Mazda set up a snow course this winter in Lake Tahoe to show off how the Mazda3 performed. By most reports, it did quite well.

The Mazda3 was introduced in 2004 and quickly established a solid reputation as both a sedan and five-door hatchback. Over the years, the Mazda3 has went through modest and full redesigns and still maintained its status among competitors.

The compact class has a number of “stars” and the Mazda3 has been one of them from the beginning. It shares the spotlight with some other notables, including the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla.

Overhaul

Adding AWD is easily the most interesting aspect of the fully redesigned Mazda3. But it’s not the only one. The vehicle was given an overhaul – inside and out.

The car’s length has been increased and overall the Mazda3 has a more sophisticated presence, featuring a long aerodynamic hood and a wide body. The sedan is nearly 8 inches longer than the hatchback.

The interior redesign has the dash residing further back and angled toward the driver. The new touchscreen has a huge rotary dial and several buttons on the center console that Mazda feels will be less of a distraction for the driver. Getting acquainted with the new system does require some time – not everything is intuitive. We found the audio system setup more confusing than it needs to be.

Performance

The responsive Mazda3 performance is quite evident in the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 186 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The engine is quick, smooth and delivers good acceleration. The Mazda3 goes 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 130 mph.

2019 Mazda3

  • Performance: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 186 horsepower
  • Mileage estimate: 26-35 mpg
  • Estimated price: $21,100 to $28,100
  • Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/unlimited; corrosion: 3 years/36,000

The Mazda3 also receives solid marks for the way it performs. The engaging compact accelerates quickly and handles with good precision when navigating tight turns, providing the driver with a high level of confidence.

Interior

A well-designed cockpit is better than most compacts. The front seats provide good support, comfort and adequate head and leg room, but the rear seats are not as gracious with space, especially leg room. The sedan has 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space and there’s 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback.

Thanks to a smart redesign, the 2019 Mazda3 with its AWD option will continue to be rated among the top compact cars and remains a great buy for multiple reasons.



Sphere Las Vegas

Festival! May 16 -18

Support local sports!

Trending

Midas / SpeeDee Oil Change in Roseville

Your Roseville Midas dealer on Foothills Boulevard is the place to go for brakes, oil change, tires and all your auto repair needs

Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville

Modern Asian cuisine meets timeless tradition. The premier spot for Chinese and Asian fusion in Roseville and Folsom. Great for happy hour, dinner, date night.

Squeeze Burger in Roseville

Squeeze Burger Roseville, home of the Famous Squeeze With Cheese. Formerly Squeeze Inn, we offer the #1 Burger in the Sacramento area.

Subaru Outback still delivering dependability

Roseville, Calif. - Despite having a wagon-like body style, for years the Subaru Outback was classified as a midsize SUV.

Peet’s Coffee locations in Roseville

Since 1966, Peet's Coffee has sourced and offered superior coffees and teas adhered to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Topics

Midas / SpeeDee Oil Change in Roseville

Your Roseville Midas dealer on Foothills Boulevard is the place to go for brakes, oil change, tires and all your auto repair needs

Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville

Modern Asian cuisine meets timeless tradition. The premier spot for Chinese and Asian fusion in Roseville and Folsom. Great for happy hour, dinner, date night.

Squeeze Burger in Roseville

Squeeze Burger Roseville, home of the Famous Squeeze With Cheese. Formerly Squeeze Inn, we offer the #1 Burger in the Sacramento area.

Subaru Outback still delivering dependability

Roseville, Calif. - Despite having a wagon-like body style, for years the Subaru Outback was classified as a midsize SUV.

Peet’s Coffee locations in Roseville

Since 1966, Peet's Coffee has sourced and offered superior coffees and teas adhered to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Hormones: The Key to Dropping Excess Weight

Sacramento, Calif.- When it comes to improving body composition and achieving optimal health, balancing your hormones is essential for both short- and long-term success. There are seven major hormones that

Roseville Quilt Guild 2025 show at Jessup University in Rocklin

Roseville, Calif.- Welcome to the Roseville Quilt Guild 2025 Quilt Show! Join us May 9 & 10, 2025 for a day filled with beautiful quilts and creativity at Jessup University in Rocklin.

RCSDF Golf Tournament in Roseville tees off to support student education

Roseville, Calif. - The Roseville City School District Foundation (RCSDF) invites the community to its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the scenic Sierra View Country Club.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

Roseville Sheet Metal serving community’s heating and air needs for over 70 years

Roseville, Calif. - At Roseville Sheet Metal, we’re proud of our years of service to the Roseville area and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center is a professional primary care natural medicine committed to helping all people reach their full potential – mind, body and spirit.