How the 2025 Mazda3 AWD Hatchback Tried my Willpower (I lost!)

When it comes to the Mazda3, Zoom-zoom is more than just a corporate tagline! This week, I share my experience behind the wheel of a 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD hatchback. Unfazed during high-speed interstate driving at night in heavy rain, it remained quiet and balanced, demonstrating how a solid chassis can subtly influence handling. While the return trip of the drive ended with a $250 ticket and a hard reset on my speed discipline, it also reminded us why this compact hatch surpasses expectations: strong torque, simple elegance, and confidence for road trips, despite a few flaws, such as non-flat folding seats and the absence of fog lights.