Best compact car: Mazda3
Last year, I put a check next to the name of the older-generation Hyundai Elantra when filling out my ballot. But this is a new year, and while 2021 sees a heavily revised Elantra make its debut, I passed it over in favour of the Mazda3. This car caught my eye for the number of engines available and the manufacturer's stubborn persistence in continually seeking to offer driving enthusiasts what they want from a car like this.
Since last year, all-wheel drive has been an option, while the more dynamic Mazda3 Turbo convincingly completes the lineup at the top of the range. The attention to detail inside, the elegant design and high quality of construction, not to mention the model's competitive pricing, make this compact car an excellent choice for 2021.
See also: 2021 Mazda3 Turbo First Drive: A Rare Breed
See also: Top 10 Most Affordable All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles in Canada in 2020
From our review (of the 3 Turbo):
... this is one seriously fast, able-handling and altogether ultra compact sedan. Power is dispatched lickety-split from tip-in, with peak torque arriving at a lowly 2,000 RPM and peak power arriving an additional 3,000 revs past that.
- Dan Heyman, Auto123
