Mazda3 2.5T HB Premium Plus: A Week of Thrills and Practicality

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I had an amazing week driving the Mazda Mazda3 2.5T Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback, an all-wheel-drive version of the Mazda3 that boasts impressive cargo space. I easily packed two suitcases, a lot of my clothes for global travel, and various materials for programming, all while comfortably fitting my mother for the journey.

My drives around the Washington DC metropolitan area were spectacular. I ventured onto I-270, heading north to I-70, and explored the northeastern parts of West Virginia. The drive through the Appalachian Hills and up to I-81 around Martinsburg was breathtaking. I also made my way to Baltimore, Maryland on I-70, and later drove on I-97 across the Bay Bridge, where the serene waters provided a peaceful retreat to recharge my soul.

The Mazda3 integrates a wealth of technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features numerous driver-assist packages like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, which proved incredibly useful on my highway drives. 

Under the hood, the Mazda3 sports a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo engine that delivers 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 18-inch alloy wheels and the stunning poly metal gray metallic exterior color added to its allure. The active all-wheel-drive system enhanced its performance, making every drive smooth and enjoyable.

The interior is equally impressive with a 10.25-inch color center display with a touchscreen and Mazda’s premium Bose sound system, which includes 12 speakers. This setup was perfect for enjoying the music I created with the Carnegie Mellon music department.

This Mazda is also fuel-efficient, achieving an EPA-rated 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The base price is $36,650, with the only additional option being the metallic paint, bringing the total delivered price to $38,265.

For more information, visit www.MazdaUSA.com