2025 Mazda 3 Review: A Mature Hot Hatch

Mazda’s numerically named hatchback might be a vestige of its former naming conventions, but it still echoes Mazda’s modern direction. This fourth-generation Mazda 3 made its way to roadways for the 2019 model year, which, historically, puts it close to the end of the line. Despite not having a Mazdaspeed version for hopped-up hatchback enthusiasts to add to their respective stables, this fourth-gen Mazda 3 does pack plenty of power under the hood. The base-model Mazda 3’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter mill sends 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. That’s not bad, of course, but Mazda also offers the Mazda 3 with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that shoves 250 hp, on 93 octane fuel, and 310 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, host Wesley Wren hops behind the wheel of the turbocharged Mazda 3 hatchback and puts it through its paces. Wren takes you on a guided tour of the 2025 Mazda 3 before taking you on a live drive review. Adding to these segments, Wren chats with Patrick Carone about the Mazda 3’s position in the marketplace, the competition, and more. Closing the show, the pair breaks down what makes the 2025 Mazda Mazda 3 special.