People looking for a smaller car these days have fewer options than ever before, but thankfully many in the segment are sticking around for the long haul.

And if you’re looking for something that’s pretty high-end in design but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, your choices are even more thin.

One vehicle that does check this box in 2025 is the compact Mazda3, which comes in both a sedan and hatchback version. It’s attractive, sporty, fun to drive, and it looks and feels more expensive than the price tag would indicate.

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition AWD sedan, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up against the remaining compact offerings — such as the Honda Civic, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.