2021 Mazda 3 100th Anniversary

The Mazda 3. Some would call it the car that keeps on giving.

Ah, the go ol’ Mazda 3. What is there to say that hasn’t already been said. It’s reliable (unless you live in Quebec where the rust will stop the car before the engine does), good looking, and from what I’ve read, quite fun to drive.

2020 Mazda3

Let's start with what was changed last year that already made the Mazda 3 that much more interesting. For starters, for the 2020 model one of the main changes that was made was an AWD system. For Mazda, that was already a step in the right direction. On top of that, they changed the rear suspension design to allow for the most room in the trunk, unfortunately though, it ended up loosing a fair amount of space due to the new hatch design. 

2020 Mazda3

Inside, the 2020 Mazda 3 lost total of 3L, down from 572L to 569L for 2020, and that hasn’t changed for 2021. On the contrary if you choose to go with the sedan, you will gain space, totalling, 24L from 350L to 374L. That being said, you would really need to nitpick to be able to find yourself squeezing something into the trunk for 3L worth of space.

Sticking with the interior for a minute, the 2020 also received a new larger 8.8” display, but, if you were hoping for a touch screen, your shit out of luck. The display is still controlled by a knob in the centre console between the two seats.

2020 Mazda3

Now that we got some of the basics out of the way, let’s get into what’s new for 2021, and what is changing under the hood!

For 2021, Mazda is bringing the big guns and letting out the BOOST! That’s right, Mazda is bringing a turbo 2.5L to the mix, known as the Skyactiv-G 2.5T. The new turbo 2.5 will have 250hp and 320ft-lb of torque! That’s a total of 64hp over the last 2.5L for Mazda. Now, you mix that with the i-Activ AWD system, and you basically get a recipe for a good time. Also, with a new turbo, it means new badges. So, the turbo will get a turbo badge on the trunk and engine cover. 

2020 Mazda3 2.5L non-turbo

Also for 2021 Mazda is releasing a whole line of 100th anniversary models, the Mazda 3 being one of them. This is to celebrate the 100th year since the foundation of Mazda. So what do you get with the 100th anniversary edition? Here is the break down; Floor mats with unique 100th Anniversary badging, headrests with the 100th logo, a key fob with the same 100th logo, wheel centre caps, the 100th logo on the two front fenders, and finally, the floor carpet in red (i think that is going to look awesome). 

2021 Mazda3

So all of this is fine and dandy, but how much is this going to cost? 

Well, you might be pleasantly surprised, the base model with AWD and the 2.5L turbo will start at $32,900 for the sedan and $33,900 for the hatchback. Up from that you have the premium package, $34,600 sedan, $35,600 hatch, and last but not least, the 100th anniversary, $36,100 for sedan and $37,100 for the hatch. That is actually surprisingly cheap for an AWD 2.5L turbo hatchback. In comparison, a new Subaru WRX base model is $31,958 although that is available in a manual where the Mazda will only be available in automatic for the AWD. 

2020 Mazda3

All in all, I think Mazda in moving in the right direction. I don’t know what the future plans look like, but if they are anything like what they are coming out with now, then I am excited. Overall the newest Mazda 3 offers something for everyone, and all at a reasonable price. If you are looking for something new, I would suggest stoping by the Mazda dealer and checking the new Mazda 3 out!