Somewhat exhilarating it is to drive the 2025 Mazda3 Premium Plus hatchback with its 250-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged 4 and the 6-speed automatic transmission with paddleshifters. Sport and manual modes add to the quickness and handling capabilities, the emit from the high-compression SkyActiv engine sounds so good and the soul red crystal metallic finish is perfect for the little speedster. It is of all-wheel-drive configuration.

Though a bit longer in overall length and 200 pounds heavier than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Mazda with underhood turbo matches up fairly closely in performance with the VW. Among other competitors are the Honda Civic Type R, the Toyota GR Corolla and the Hyundai Elantra N Line.

While the ride is not especially smooth, the driver remains in place from the form-fitting, bolstered seats, trimmed in leather. If a smooth ride is of high priority, check out the big Mazda – the XC90 and its boulevard-tuned suspension.

After numerous in-city drives last week, a run to Longmont and back on Monday lifted the overall fuel mileage average to 24.5 mpg, lower than the rating of 23 city/31 highway/26 combined.

The Premium Plus with turbo and AWD is a high-end trim and with optional items of 360-degree view monitor, navigation, traffic-sign recognition and rear cross traffic with braking brought the sticker price to  $38,865. Standard items included lane-keep assist, 18-inch black alloy wheels, heated steering wheel and Bose premium audio with 12 speakers.

Regarding the Mazda3 series, more than 28,000 have been sold in the first nine months of 2024, a healthy increase over the same period of last year, when 23,000 had been sold. The Mazda3 models are built in the factory in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan.