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2022 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus - Review by Mark Fulmer


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Zoom Zoom adds Turbo Zoom

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
The Auto Channel


You don't have to make a lot of changes when you keep making a good looking affordable car that is fun to drive. But being fun to drive means that putting some more zoom in your zoom is a good thing. So the 2022 edition features a boost to its engine.


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The 250 HP turbo 2.5-liter motor pushes 320 pound-feet of torque to a 6-Speed Automatic transmission and sends power through the all wheel drive system. Mazda’s i-Active All-wheel drive system and G Vectoring Control plus result in plenty of pop from a stop and a tight ride through all kinds of conditions. The steering is responsive and the suspension firm making for dynamics that exude youthful energy and mental states. We got 30 miles to the gallon with a mix of city & highway.


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The interior has upscale style with soft materials and upper class fit-and-finish, and the dashboard has clean simple lines. A glossy black center console includes a leather-wrapped gear shift knob along with a normal/sport drive mode toggle, and controls for the brake auto hold and electronic parking brake.


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The driver’s seat has 8-way power adjustability with lumbar support. The seat cushions are slightly bolstered. Both the ergonomics and visibility are very good. Front Head Room (in.): 37.5Front Leg Room (in.): 42.3Front Shoulder Room (in.): 55.7Front Hip Room (in.): 54.


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And who doesn't love a Bose sound system, filling the car with all the great tunes via satellite radio and/or a Spotify playlist.


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The second row has less headroom but earned thumbs up from our normal heighted passengers who loved the leather.

Second Head Room (in.): 36.5
Second Leg Room (in.): 35.1
Second Shoulder Room (in.): 53.4
Second Hip Room (in.): 50.9


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Standard driver assistance features include
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Driver Attention Alert
Brake Assist and High Beams.
The Premium Plus adds Rear Cross Traffic
Rear Smart City Brake Support
Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.


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Trunk space behind the second row is fine for normal shopping trips...


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And when you stock up at Costco, fold down that second row for the big stuff.


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Safety Features:
Brake AssistElectronic
Stability Control
Daytime Running Lights
Child Safety Locks
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
Traction Control
Blind Spot Monitor
Auto-Leveling Headlights
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist.

All in all, the 2022 turbo Mazda3 is an impressive compact sedan with sharp good looks and a driving experience that seems to get better each year.


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