Can the AWD Mazda3 stop the compact SUV trend?

There are a lot of people who are buying compact and subcompact SUVs these days, mostly so they can get the practicality of the hatch and All wheel drive (AWD). Up until now most auto makers only put AWD into their SUVs or large sedans. Luckily Mazda has come up with a solution to this problem – adding AWD to the Mazda3.

Honda, take note.

Not only has Mazda been killing it lately in the styling department, but the Mazda3 has been a perennial hit among Canadians, selling 26,728 units in 2018. While that is down 4.1% from 2017 (27,862 units) it is still a healthy number when compared to the 26,587 CX-5s sold in 2018, the Mazda3s main internal competitor.

Personally I love the way the outside of the Mazda3 looks. The headlights are sleek and aggressive. The front grill is tilted forward a little bit giving it a unique look and Mazda’s current design language, in my opinion, the best in the business outside of the ultra-expensive brands such as Aston Martin and Bentley.

While the AWD Mazda3 doesn’t give the same raised seating position of the CX-5, the hatchback variant of the Mazda3 does provide the same practicality and sleek design. And now it offers the same capability on ice and snow that Canadians are wanting, while at the same time returning better fuel economy than the CX-5.

Here’s hoping that the addition of AWD to the already popular Mazda3 will reverse the trend towards compact SUVs and ensure that the Mazda3 doesn’t face the same fate as the Ford Focus and the Chevy Cruze.