It’s 4:53 a.m. and the prospect of falling back asleep just isn’t in the cards – jet lag!
Still, been up for a while – well-rested, mind buzzing – and resistance is futile. It’s the full embodiment of the “early to bed, early to rise” mantra. Fortunately, there’s a silver lining to this pre-dawn energy surge, and it just so happens to be Ceramic Metallic.
Enter the 2025 Mazda3 GT Turbo AWD.
With a potent 250 peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm (on 93 octane) and a sunrise about to happen in minutes, the mission in life is clear. Leave on the pajamas, get in the car, give the metallic knob, just to the right, a gentle nudge upwards, and chase the sun.
Coffee?! No need when you have your own boost of espresso underneath your right foot. The Mazda3 GT Turbo is more than enough to get you right and perky, regardless of time of day. It stems from the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 T engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo (DTP). This $2,400 upgrade brings the kind of enthusiasm that turns an everyday commute into something more.
Matched with a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda3 GT Turbo glides smoothly through gears and over pavement. The optional i-ACTIV AWD system ($2,000) adds confident traction, whether you’re climbing a rain-slick mountain road or navigating icy winter streets. This car doesn’t just go – it grips, sprints and carves.
While climbing the sinuous North Shore roads, being behind the wheel teleported me on a trip down memory lane. Specifically, back to 2003, when I took my first of many turbocharged Mazdas for a spin. The 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protegé to be exact. With its A Garrett T25 turbocharger, Kenwood-Excelon CD/MP3 audio system (oh yeah!), and unmistakeable Blazing Yellow Mica hue, it reminded me of how a great, boosted Mazda makes you feel: present, energized and hungry for more road.
And though I crested the mountain under clouded skies, not quite catching the sunrise I hoped for, I couldn’t help but smile. Because the Mazda3 GT Turbo had already delivered the real payoff: the joy of the drive.
On the outside, the GT Turbo distinguishes itself from the rest of the Mazda3 lineup with several design details that signal its performance pedigree. The larger-diameter exhaust outlets hint at the power within, while the Jet Black Mica finish on the side mirrors adds a subtle contrast to the body colour. Turbo badging appears on both the hatch and the engine cover, leaving no question about what’s under the hood. The car sits on sharp-looking 18-inch black alloy wheels that tie the whole look together.
Step inside, and the Mazda3 GT Turbo continues to impress. The 10.25-inch full-colour display, equipped with Mazda Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, makes accessing audio, navigation and rearview camera functions seamless and intuitive. The available Garnet Red leather upholstery – a $250 upgrade – wraps the seats in a deep, rich hue that feels both refined and slightly daring. The seats themselves offer solid back and leg support, and the cabin has a welcoming, body-hugging feel that’s made for the long haul.
Comfort continues with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as heated front seats that take the edge off chilly Canadian mornings. The driver benefits from a 10-way power-adjustable seat that makes it easy to dial in the perfect position. And when it comes to cargo, the Mazda3 offers 374 litres of space behind the rear seats and up to 940 litres with them folded down – plenty of room for gear, groceries, or weekend luggage.
The Mazda3 GT Turbo feels planted and responsive. Its independent MacPherson strut front suspension and rear torsion beam help it absorb bumps like a hero while staying composed and connected to the road. Passengers gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up – not just for the ride quality, but for the overall vibe and craftsmanship of the interior.
Mazda has long nailed the balance between practicality and performance, but the GT Turbo edges closer to something more rare: a true driver’s car that also happens to be your daily. It’s refined, road-hugging and just plain fun.
The base MSRP for the 2025 Mazda3 GT Turbo starts at $33,700. The price as tested, including the optional engine, AWD, paint, and upholstery (a total of $4,950) and delivery charges of $1,995 (excluding taxes) is $40,645.