The new 2022 Mazda3: Brilliantly disguised as a more expensive sedan

While it's true that the latest edition of the Mazda3 is elegant and stylish, the Mazda3's affordable price tag is every bit as attractive. You can choose either the sleek sedan body style or the ultra-practical hatchback model. You can add optional all-wheel drive, ramp up the zoom factor with a turbo-charged engine and include enough available luxury features to compete with comparable BMWs and Audis.

Performance: Three engine choices

Mazda makes the buying process more interesting for the new 2022 Mazda3 by offering you a choice of three engines. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the base followed by a 2.5-liter four with 186 horsepower. The third option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four that delivers 250 horsepower. You can get a more authentic driving experience by opting for the six-speed manual transmission.

Gas mileage: Up to 36 mpg (Or even more)

With the base Mazda3 sedan, the EPA estimates an impressive 28 mpg in cities like Washington DC and Baltimore, MD and an even more impressive 36 mpg on nearby highways. With the 2.5-liter non-turbo, fuel efficiency is almost as good at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Car & Driver tested the same non-turbo version on their 200-mile route and achieved a remarkable 41 mpg. Who are we to argue with that?

Interior: A cut above

At higher trims, buyers from Laurel and Pasadena, MD can upgrade the inside of the Mazda3 enough to approach the luxury level. You can, for example, add genuine leather upholstery, heated front seats and a head-up display that puts vital driving data discreetly on the windshield in front of you. Shop online for the new 2022 Mazda3 you like most and set up a test drive soon at Fitzgerald Mazda in Annapolis, MD.