Honda Civic

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he 2021 Mazda 3 is one of the more entertaining small sedans around. That's particularly true for this year since Mazda has introduced a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Borrowed from the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs, this engine produces 227 hp and a stout 310 lb.-ft of torque (250 hp and 320 lb.-ft on 93 octane gasoline). It comes standard with all-wheel drive, too.

The turbocharged model is undoubtedly the one to get if you want a speedy Mazda 3. But this isn't a revival of the Mazdaspeed 3. An American classic, last seen in 2013, upgraded the standard 3 with a turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension and a six-speed manual transmission. The new Mazda 3's turbocharged engine is automatic-only and doesn't come with any other performance upgrades, but its effortless thrust and impressive refinement are nice complements to the car's steady handling and premium design.

Still, athleticism and good looks only get you so far. Compared to the Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Subaru Impreza, the Mazda 3 comes up short when it comes to rear passenger and cargo space. But there's more than enough good here to make it worth checking out, especially if you enjoy a small car with extra oomph.

If a 2021 Mazda 3 shows up when you call your next Uber, we'd forgive you for confusing the Editors' Choice winner with a far more expensive Audi or BMW as you settle into the passenger's seat. Mazda often straddles the line between mainstream and luxury, and it pays off in its bread-and-butter hatchback, particularly in the swanky Premium and Premium Plus trims. A trio of four-cylinder engines are on the menu, as is all-wheel drive. The 3 continues to be one of the most refined and athletic compact cars on sale today, with hightech infotainment and driver-assistance features that provide a class-above experience. That said, adding those features may drive the 3's price beyond what buyers in this segment are willing to pay, giving mainstream stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic an edge.

Mazda has added two engines to the 3's lineup this year, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that's available on the top trims. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the base model now comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Otherwise, the 2021 model year is marked by some shuffling of equipment between the trims. For example, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12speaker Bose stereo system are no longer standard on the mid-range Preferred trim, but it does gain a power sunroof. The 3 hatchback is tempting because of its distinct appearance, but the hatch's bulbous backside compromises visibility. Instead, we'd stick with the sedan. Those who want all-wheel drive can add it for $1400 on most trims. When you select the Preferred trim level, you get standard features such as heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings.

Mazda offers three different four-cylinder engines with the 3, starting with a 2.0-liter on the base sedan. It makes 155 horsepower and comes only with front-wheel drive. Moving up to the 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder unlocks the optional all-wheel-drive system, but we're most excited by the 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter. Buyers can get a six-speed manual but only if they stick with front-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel drive system mandates a six-speed automatic transmission. While every 3 responds quickly to gas-pedal inputs, neither of the nonturbo models is particularly quick. We haven't tested the new turbocharged engine, but we expect to see big improvements in performance over the other two. Both the hatchback and sedan feel composed on straight and twisty roads and provide a refined ride quality. We've praised the new Mazda3 for retaining the fun-to-drive nature of the outgoing model. It has tight body control, natural-feeling steering, and a firm ride that manages not to punish occupants when going over rough roads.