While we’re in the middle of a hot, humid summer, it seems a little odd to be testing Mazda’s most affordable AWD sedan, but hey, cooler temps and messy weather are just around the corner.

Also, this is a chance for us to test something unique – in general, Mazda gives us the most expensive turbo model to test, because, well…turbo! But the Carbon Edition here is the normally aspirated model, with less power, but lots of lux and tech, plus AWD. Sensible sporty sedan? Count us in!

Hope you like Gray!

Well, the first thing to know here is that the Carbon Edition comes in one exterior color – Polymetal Gray Metallic. Luckily it is a rich, upscale that works beautifully with the 3’s handsome conservative lines.

The 3 sedan design meets you at the crossroads of elegant and sport, and it tasteful in a very European way. UP front is Mazda’s familiar pentagon grille – blacked out here for sporty effect – flanked by slender LED headlights and running lights. A small amount of chrome adds some bling.

The profile remains one of the most handsome of the small sedans, with a swept-back coupe-like A-pillar, and some subtle curves to give a little visual muscle. Helping our Carbon Edition stand out were standard blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels.

The rear, like the front, keeps things simple, including LED “afterburner” style taillights, and a gently carved-in tailgate. A small AWD badge beneath the Mazda3 logo is a tip off to those in the know, while the dual exhaust pipes poking out below the rear fascia reminds us that this is the company that makes the Miata. Sporty comes standard on Mazda!

Euro Lux

Inside, Mazda brings surprising elegance and luxury to an affordable vehicle.

Open the door, and you’re immediately struck by the Carbon Edition’s red leather interior. A deep dark tone, it looks classy and upscale and helps to brighten up a somewhat dark interior.

A broad horizontal dash line gives the impression of width, while high quality, soft touch materials reinforce this is a nice place to be. So nice in fact, you get that Audi vibe – nice!

You know this is the Miata company with a thick 3-spoke steering wheel and chunky shift lever. A wide center console carves out defined driver’s and passenger space up front.

Sit down, and the 3 makes a solid impression, with heated front seats, and a driver’s seat with power lumbar and memory function.

Settle in and you’re greeted by handsome gauges. They’re pretty trick too, the 160-mph speedometer looks like an analog gauge, but it’s actually a digital display, and you can pull up different screens to get you info in different ways. More traditional gauges for the 8,000-rpm tachometer and coolant and fuel gauges. There are also clever readouts that bracket the speedo with things like instant MPG, range and outside temp.

In the center we have an 8.8-inch info-tainment screen (other models get a larger touchscreen which is a notable step up), with key functions activated by a central knob behind the shift lever. While most manufacturers are moving away from this – relying entirely on a touchscreen – the Mazda system works intuitively, and you figure it out quickly.

There’s also lots of tech too, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and Alexa built-in. One thing we noticed lacking was Sirius XM – only offered on more expensive models.

That’s about all that seems missing, you enjoy dual-zone climate controls, with dedicated controls in the center console that look and feel upscale.

Those sitting in back enjoy good room, and the split rear seats fold flat to create a large cargo hold, and we found the trunk’s large opening made for good access. If you need better access, Mazda offers a 5-door hatchback model – but you should plan on paying $1,000 more for the privilege.

Smooth Operator

Driving the Mazda3 reinforces the feelings of refinement and fun.

While we’ve often driven the turbo model with a stout 250 horsepower, our tester kept the price in check with a normally aspirated 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder. It may have no turbo, but the power is still quite good, with 191 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque on tap.

You do have to wind the engine more than the turbo to get strong performance, but this is a sweet, smooth motor that’s happy to rev – typical Mazda. With the standard 6-speed automatic serving up quick shifts, the 3 hustles nicely, and feels especially quick around town. And we love that this is a true automatic with better response and more fun than the CVT transmissions you’ll find in the Civic, Corolla and Impreza. All this, and the 3 is impressively efficient, with an EPA highway rating of 35 mpg.

Also, typical Mazda is the sporting and lively chassis. This is a car that’s happy to be zipped around, and the steering has nice weight and precision. Standard on the Carbon Edition is Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive, and it gives a more planted, stable feeling in the curves, although we’d guess most buyer would be opting for enhanced grip in bad weather conditions – it’s a win-win here – you get both! Combine that with a quiet ride that’s just a little firm and the feeling you’re in a baby Audi is reinforced here as well.

You feel well looked after too. All Mazda3 models feature a complete suite of driver assist and safety features including Smart Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert and Rear Door Alert.

Lots of Green for the Carbon Edition?

This is one of the nicest surprises here. You can get into a Mazda3 S model starting at just $24,150, with that powerful 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, handsome styling and upscale interior, loads of tech and safety – plus that great Mazda driving feel – it’s a bargain even in the low-priced sedan sweepstakes.

At those prices though, it’s easy to plump for a little luxury. Our Carbon Edition with standard leather, AWD, wireless connectivity and more comes in at $29,410, still great value. Add in navigation ($500) and Destination ($1,185) and we rang the bell at $31,095.

Competitors would include the Corolla LE hybrid AWD at $28,305. A very nice car with impressive fuel efficiency, but it can’t match the Mazda’s road manners and upscale interior. We’d also look at the Subaru Impreza, a bit more expensive than the Mazda at $32,490. The Subie has more of an off-road vibe than the Euro-sedan 3, but we say drive all three cars and see which speaks to you. All nice, all different.

Stylish, sporty, well equipped and luxurious, the 2025 Mazda3 Carbon Edition gives you everything at an impressively affordable price!