Sedans have a tough time getting noticed by new vehicle shoppers in Mississauga or anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, as SUVs and trucks tend to get most of the attention. A compact sedan needs to dare to be different, and that’s exactly what you see with the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan. The compact Mazda is available in various specifications that appeal to a variety of shoppers and budgets. Every version offers something different, including manual transmission options and all-wheel drive, both of which are rare in this class.
The first thing that hits you about the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan is its exterior styling, which is a fabulous illustration of restrained elegance that sets it apart from the competition. The silhouette of the Mazda3 Sedan is sleek, sporty, and athletic but with more than a touch of premium included. It’s sporty enough to create interest but in a grown-up way that won’t scare away sensible drivers.
There are effectively three trim levels to choose from in the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan lineup: the entry-level GX, the mid-range GS, and the range-topping GT. However, there’s more to configuring the Mazda3 than just those three trim levels. There are five trim levels as the GS is also available with a Luxury Package, and the GT trim can be equipped with a turbocharged engine that turns it into the GT Turbo.
The most affordable version of the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan is the front-wheel drive GX with a standard six-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic transmission. The engine under the hood is a 2.0-litre inline-four that develops 155 horsepower, and the same configurations are also available in the mid-range GS specification. However, the GS also has a more powerful 191-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This is also the first point in the lineup where all-wheel-drive comes into the equation.
The GS Luxury Package is the next grade in the family. It’s only available with the automatic transmission, but the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre engines are available with the Luxury Package. The range-topping GT trim level has standard front-wheel drive, the 2.5-litre engine, and the manual transmission, but you can opt for AWD and the automatic transmission. The pinnacle of the lineup is the GT Turbo, which gets standard AWD, the six-speed automatic transmission, and as much as 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque if you use premium 93-octane fuel.
Only the most demanding shopper would look at the standard specification of the 2023 Mazda3 Sedan at the entry-level and consider it lacking, especially for the price. Even the base model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, a push-button start, and an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.
Safety is another area where the Mazda3 Sedan excels. Standard safety kit at all levels includes a wide-angle rearview camera, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring System, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Move up a level to the GS, and you then get standard Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Smart City Brake Support Front, Distance and Speed Alert, Smart Brake Support Front, Forward Pedestrian Detection, Distance Recognition Support System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Driver Attention Alert.
The 2023 Mazda3 Sedan is a sensational small car representing a versatile, stylish, and affordable alternative to a small crossover. Find out what you could be missing with a test drive from Erin Mills Mazda at 2400 Motorway Blvd, Mississauga, ON, or call us at (905)-828-0070 for more information and schedule an appointment for a time that’s suitable for you.