By: Peter Gregorian
July 23, 2024
In a world trending towards autonomy, it is refreshing to see Mazda stick to its roots and continue to offer a manual transmission within its lineup. Despite being a dying breed, some things are better left in the past. This, however, is not the case for the 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Mazda3 has always been a strong contender in the compact car segment with its blend of aesthetics, practicality, and performance. A week spent with the 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT, courtesy of Mazda Canada, proved that this manual transmission deserves to live on.
The 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT is a testament to Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, which seeks to capture the essence of motion, even at a standstill. The vehicle’s silhouette is a sleek testament to this, with its sinuous lines and an athletic stance that exudes dynamism.
The front fascia, with its bold black gloss grille and sharp LED headlights, gives the Mazda3 a confident gaze on the road. The GT trim adds a further touch of sophistication alongside the gloss black exterior appointments with its 18-inch alloy wheels. The Ceramic Metallic paint job, which is neither white nor gray, throws off different hues based on the lighting conditions.
Slipping inside the Mazda3 Sport GT, one is greeted by an interior that rivals luxury contenders. The cabin is well-appointed with soft-touch materials and is a generally comfortable place to be. The dashboard and cabin style remain familiar with other models across Mazda’s lineup, so why change a good thing? The interior’s blend of simplicity and sophistication elevates the cabin without being overwhelming, which works.
The leatherette-trimmed sport seats offer both support and comfort, ideal for spirited drives or long journeys. The driver-centric cockpit is intuitively laid out, with every control within easy reach, reinforcing Mazda’s Jinba Ittai philosophy of creating a sense of oneness between car and driver.
Unfortunately, one tradeoff which becomes apparent as a result of the exterior design is the blind spot created by the large C-pillar. This design choice makes it difficult to see other vehicles at certain angles when conducting routine shoulder checks. Mazda remedies this with advanced driver-assistance systems as part of the i-Activsense suite, which features blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround view camera.
Practicality is not lost amidst the Mazda3 Sport GT’s stylish demeanor. The hatchback design opens up to a generous cargo area – with a volume of 569 L (20.1 cubic feet) behind the rear seats and 1,334 L (47.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded up, offering versatility for various lifestyles. With the rear seats up, the cargo space still remains ample for daily errands, while flexibility is allowed by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats. This makes it practical for those who need the extra room without stepping up to a crossover.
Under the hood, the Mazda3 Sport GT’s 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine delivers a spirited 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. For jaunts around the city, this power never felt inadequate. In fact, paired with the 6-speed manual transmission, it really allowed you to ring out the gears, adding to the thrill of each drive.
As prefaced, the 6-speed is a rare gem in today’s market, offering an engaging driving experience that purists will cherish. The manual transmission is slick, tactile, and precise, allowing drivers to extract every ounce of performance from the engine while enjoying the pleasure of shifting gears. It genuinely was a joy to drive and clearly shares elements with the Mazda MX-5.
The suspension is tuned to strike a balance between comfort and sportiness, offering a genuinely compliant ride in all driving scenarios and ensuring the car remains composed over various road surfaces. The suspension geometry paired with G-Vectoring Control Plus, which subtly adjusts power delivery and braking to enhance cornering stability, allows the vehicle to rotate nicely through corners, even if there is a hint of understeer given its front-wheel drive nature.
The 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT is loaded with technology. The Mazda Connect infotainment system is accessible via an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, offering seamless integration with smartphones through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lack of a 240V socket in the cabin was a downside, especially given most dash cameras rely on these outlets for power, but thankfully there were two USB-C ports available for charging needs along with a wireless charger.
Audiophiles will appreciate the 12-speaker Bose audio system which envelops occupants in a rich acoustic environment. The system produced incredibly clear vocals with good bass – a true pleasure to listen to on long commutes.
For buyers shopping in this segment, efficiency remains a key consideration. Thankfully, the Mazda3 Sport GT remains economical with commendable fuel economy figures of 9.0L/100km in the city and 6.7L/100km on the highway. In our real-world test, which often involved more spirited driving than usual, combined fuel economy hovered around 10L/100KM, which could easily be brought down with more conservative driving.
In terms of pricing, the 2024 Mazda3 Sport GX starts at $24,950; GS at $27,450; GS Luxury Package at $29,650; GS Luxury Package AWD at $31,650; GT FWD (6MT) at $32,450; GT FWD (6AT) at $33,750; GT AWD (6AT) at $35,750; Turbocharged GT AWD (6AT) at $38,150; and, the Suna Edition at $38,900. Notably, the Mazda3 Sport GT represents the only trim in the lineup offered with a manual transmission.
The 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT is a vehicle that refuses to compromise. It offers a rare combination of style, handling, and practicality, wrapped in a package that is both technologically advanced and safe. For those seeking a compact car that can stir the soul without breaking the bank, the 2024 Mazda3 Sport GT is a compelling choice that deserves a closer look thanks to its ability to deliver an exceptional and engaging driving experience.
