By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Some years back, the Japanese carmaker put the excitement back into the Mazda3 hatchback by borrowing the 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 cylinder found in its CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs. It was the right move, we can say, after a recent test-drive of the 2026 hatchback version, leaving us thoroughly moved with its pace and dexterity.

The turbocharged engine produces a decent 227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque @ 2500 rpm (with 87 octane gas). And that is plenty to deliver a composed, unflappable and athletic drive. Power reaches the front wheels via a crisp-shifting 6-speed auto gearbox. The MacPherson strut front and a torsion beam axle rear suspension handles the bumps of rough surfaces and sudden turns with little sacrifice to the back side. The precise electric power rack-and-pinion steering offers a good feel and a tight-turning radius. Once again, it is equipped with the direct-injection Skyactiv, which uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy.

Up front sits a black metallic-finish grille hosting the centered Mazda insignia, which is surrounded by horizontal adaptive LEDs and daytime running lights. Front air dams/guides and black side sill extensions/rear bumper skirt add further oomph to the look. Step inside the cozy cabin and you will find a substantial 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen atop the dashboard. In clear vision of the driver, it can be operated via a command control center. Eight-way power driver and four-way manual leather front-passenger heated seats, dual auto a/c, 60/40 fold-down rear seat with hidden armrest and cup holders, overhead sunglass holder, head-up display, power windows/door locks and a moon roof, paddle shifters, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose audio and AM/FM are standard.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, stability and traction control, hill launch assist, active front-head restraints, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, 360-degree monitor, rearview camera, radar cruise control, lane keep assist and departure warning, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and tire pressure monitoring system are standard. The G-Vectoring Control Plus (enables driver to handle emergency situations or untoward road conditions with more accurate steering inputs) comes at no extra cost. And the i-ACTIV AWD works along with G-Vectoring to control torque distribution between front/rear wheels.

Base-priced at $37,890 (tested at $40,775), the agile and exhilarating Mazda3 is a compact hatch, bar the constricted rear-seat passenger space. Regardless, you can count on an economical, trendy and pleasurable outing in this smoking jack rabbit of a car!

MAZDA3 AWD (PREMIUM PLUS)

Tires: P215/45R18 all season

Wheelbase: 107.3 inches

Length: 175.6 inches

Width: 70.7 inches

Height: 56.7 inches

Weight: 3,247 pounds

Fuel capacity: 12.7 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 23/31/26 mpg

Web site: www.mazdausa.com