2019 Mazda3 AWD Review in Winter: One step forward, one (blind) step back

Since it debuted back in 2004, The Mazda3 has been a strong favourite of motorists in Canada. Its selling points have long been, in no particular order: a pretty face, good value and driving pleasure that rises above the norm.

The model even survived some issues with rust that bedeviled it for a certain number of years. More specifically, the first-generation Mazda3s had a tendency to start falling apart at a rate normally associated with the Yugos and Ladas in our climatically challenging market in the early 1980s.

Last year saw the introduction of the model’s fourth generation, and with it the expectation the strong progress we’ve seen with each new edition would continue.

The big question now involves the introduction of all-wheel drive. Is it a match made in heaven? We’d like to say yes and end it there, but the fact is that while AWD marks a clear progression for the newest 3, all is not exclusively rosy as a result of the latest overhaul.  

We drove the AWD Mazda3 hatchback for three weeks, and here’s what we discerned in terms of steps forward… and backward.

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