“The all-new Mazda3 is an incredible engineering feat made possible by our passionate engineers and designers, and the addition of all-wheel drive to this car brings it even more in line with the needs and wants of Canadian consumers,” said David Klan, President & CEO, Mazda Canada. “We are honoured and humbled to accept this award for the Mazda3, which is such an important part of our portfolio and is the first product to launch our new-generation of vehicles that are elevating the Mazda brand to a premium position.”

The fourth-generation Mazda3 was designed to be human centric at its core, and strives to provide a vehicle that is tuned to match our human capability; from quality and craftsmanship that is pleasing to the senses, to driving dynamics that mimic the natural rhythm of human movements, the Mazda3 responds to the driver’s inputs in a natural manner that allows all occupants to feel relaxed when they are in the vehicle.

The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback (Mazda3 Sport) and is available with the choice of 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv-G engines and 6-speed Skyactiv manual or automatic transmissions.

“The Mazda3 is not new to the title of Canadian Car of the Year and is among the most enduring nameplates in these awards,” said Stephanie Wallcraft, AJAC President. “With the collective weight of AJAC members and their rigorous evaluations behind it, Canadians can be assured that the 2020 Mazda3 is among the very best vehicles available in our market today.”

Within the 2020 Small Car category, AJAC journalists scored the Mazda3 best in a number of areas: Styling/Appearance, Quality, Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH), Performance, Vehicle Dynamics, and Safety.

With this win, all four generations of the Mazda3 have been recognized by AJAC, previously winning the overall title of Canadian Car of the Year in 2004, and taking category wins in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2018.

Here’s a just a small sample of how other experts feel about the all-new and category crushing Mazda3:

• “The Mazda3 updates a compact-car formula with some winning touches of style and performance. Especially as a Hatchback Select with all-wheel drive, the Mazda3 offers gorgeous styling, an elegant cabin, a smooth and competent powertrain, a firm and compliant ride, and great gas mileage.” – autoblog.com
• “Few small cars balance frugality, practicality, and verve like the 2020 Mazda3.” – thecarconnection.com

• “With comprehensive refinement and sophisticated driving manners, the Mazda 3 is one of the nicest compact cars in its class. Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Mazda is a richer-feeling alternative to rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. In our testing, its responsive four-cylinder engine proved frugal on the highway, and both body styles maintain Mazda’s commitment to driver engagement. While the 3 doesn’t offer a high-performance model, it’s always agile when the tarmac curves and comfy when the road gets rough. An excellent infotainment system and standard driver assists place the 2020 Mazda 3 among the best compacts out there.” –caranddriver.com

About the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is an association of professional journalists, writers, photographers, and corporate members whose focus is the automobile and the Canadian automotive industry. Collectively, our primary objectives are to promote, encourage, support, and facilitate professionalism in Canadian automotive journalism and to ensure factual and ethical reporting about the automobile and automotive issues to Canadian consumers. This is achieved through the work of our members and AJAC’s annual vehicle testing and evaluation events, the Canadian Car of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards (CCOTY and CUVOTY), Innovation Awards, and EcoRun.

Still not convinced? Then drive one! Click the TEST DRIVE button below and enjoy a thorough tour and road test of either the sedan or hatchback version of the revolutionary 2020 Mazda3.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.