All-wheel drive is a feature many people want — which accounts for the popularity of crossovers, which usually offer it and often come standard with it.
But for some reason, it's hard to find an entry-level compact sedan or hatchback that even offers it.
Well, it was.
Mazda now offers the extra grip — and better handling — of all-wheel drive with the new Mazda3, which gives it a leg up over rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Kia Forte — which don't offer it at all.
On the downside, there are some things the Mazda doesn't offer, like an optional engine or the option to choose a manual transmission, if you choose the sedan — options that several of its rivals do offer.
As always, you pay your money, and you take your choices.
What It Is
The 3 is Mazda's entry-level compact-sized sedan/hatchback sedan.
It differs from all of the above in being one of just two models in this price range that's available with all-wheel drive.
The other one being the Subaru Impreza.
It's also one of the few new cars in this class that still comes with a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable automatic transmission — which is the Impreza's optional automatic.
However, there is no longer a manual transmission option — unless you buy the more expensive hatchback — and then you can't opt for all-wheel drive.
Prices start at $21,500 for the base-trim sedan, which is front-wheel-drive and comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
A top of the line Premium-trim sedan with all-wheel drive stickers for $27,900.
The hatchback starts at $23,700 - $27,500 if you want to shift for yourself.
What's New
The 3 gets all-wheel drive as an option — and a suite of standard safety tech, including lane keep assist and a drowsy driver monitor.
What's Good
It's one of just two economy sedans that even offer all-wheel drive.
It has a powerful standard engine — without a turbocharger.
It's one of the few small sedans still offered with a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable automatic transmission.
What's Not So Good
All-wheel drive comes standard in the Impreza — for less ($18,695 to start).
The sedan is automatic only.
The manual-equipped hatch is only available with front-wheel drive.
Under the Hood
Regardless of trim or body style, every 3 comes standard with the same engine — which was last year's optional engine. It's a 2.5-liter engine that makes 186 horsepower and 186 foot-pounds of torque.
If you buy the sedan version of the 3, you get a six-speed automatic transmission and your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The hatchback comes standard with the same engine — and the option to go manual, if you prefer. However, the six-speed manual is optional — it adds to the car's price — and you can't pair it with all-wheel drive, which is only available with the six-speed automatic.
On the Road
The 3 may not offer an optional engine, but its standard engine is among the strongest in the class. Especially relative to its only rival equipped with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza — which comes standard with a smaller, much-less-powerful 2.0-liter engine that only manages 152 horsepower.
Subaru does offer the Impreza with a five-speed manual transmission, but the automatic-only Mazda is much quicker, posting a zero to 60 mph time of about 8 seconds flat, versus about 11 seconds for the Impreza.
With the manual six-speed, the 3 hatchback is even quicker, getting to 60 mph in about 7 seconds flat.
At the Curb
Both the sedan and the hatch have interiors — as well as standard features — that would have qualified them both as entry-luxury cars as recently as five years ago. These include the iPad-like 8.8-inch LCD touch screen in the center stack, as well as the standard adaptive cruise control.
The hatch has about twice the cargo space as the sedan — but less rearward visibility due to the slope of the rear glass. The sedan also has better visibility on either side because it doesn't have the large "C" pillars that the hatch has.
Like others in this class, there is a big difference in front versus rear seat legroom. The driver and front seat passenger enjoy 42.3 inches of legroom — comparable to a full-size luxury car. But those in back get just 35.1 inches — unless those up front slide their seats forward a few inches.
The Rest
Another luxury-level amenity the 3 offers is an exceptionally high-fidelity 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. It is the kind of audio system that you used to have to buy a luxury-badged car to get.
But not anymore.
The Bottom Line
If you need all-wheel drive — and don't want to buy a crossover or do without power — now you don't have to!
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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