2021 Mazda Mazda3 Premium

The 2021 Mazda3 is Mazda's compact car, sold as both a sedan and a hatchback, and it competes with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It drives with a sporty feel that's rare in this class, with sharp steering and a willing character that makes even a commute fun. The cabin is a cut above the competition, with high-quality materials and a clean design that makes it feel more expensive than it is. Back-seat space is tight, so it's best for two adults or a small family, but the hatchback's folding seats add real cargo flexibility. The 12-speaker Bose audio system and leather-trimmed seats set the Premium apart from the Preferred trim below it. The 2.5L I4 makes 186 horsepower and sends power through an automatic transmission to all four wheels, giving this hatchback confident traction in rain or light snow. The Premium hatchback's standard paddle shifters let you hold gears manually, which suits the car's sporty character on a twisty road.