2019 Mazda3 Sedan Premium Interior Review: Is It Really Premium?

The Mazda3 stands out among competitors for its clean, youthful exterior design, and this statement is even truer now that the model has entered a new generation. Open those doors, and you'll find a similar theme: a streamlined interior with upgraded technologies. There are a few key things we wish we could change, though.

We presented our driving impressions of the 2019 Mazda3 sedan in a recent First Test. Now, read on to learn our thoughts on the interior of the sedan with the top-tier Premium package.

The Mazda3 sedan comes in four variations: the base model, Select package, Preferred package, and Premium package. The latter is the most expensive version available, bringing with it leather-trimmed seats instead of leatherette seats, a head-up display, and a sliding-glass moonroof over the front seats. Standard features on our tester that are not exclusive to the Premium trim include heated front seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Unfortunately, there are no ventilated seats, even on our top-tier model.

All versions come standard with an 8.8-inch center screen—but it's not a touchscreen. It's operated by a rotary controller located on the lower part of the center console near the driver's seat. Canted toward the driver so it's easy to see, the screen responds quickly to prompts from the controller. But sometimes it's more convenient to touch something than scroll through a range of buttons, particularly when it comes to Google Maps.

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Another way to operate the infotainment screen is through steering wheel controls, right? Unfortunately, although there are buttons for volume, phone, voice commands, and a few other functions, you won't find a comprehensive set of controls here. So back to the rotary dial it is.

The infotainment system boots up quickly once the car starts. But there's no getting around one issue: The parking guideline markings on the rearview camera don't turn with the car as it's backing up.

Mazda didn't skimp on the leather. Smooth and indulgent, it adorns not only the seats but also significant parts of the dashboard. This alone is almost enough to make the Mazda3 look like a full-blown luxury car. We also appreciate the brightwork incorporated into the dash and the air vents, which are hidden in the lines of the dash.

Unfortunately, the headliner betrays the car's premium intentions, feeling paper-like to the touch. Yes, you can argue, how many times do you actually touch a headliner? But when such a large part of the interior looks and feels subpar, we have to count the headliner as a miss.

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Although we love the way the car looks, it comes at the expense of visibility. Large pillars make it hard to see out the side when switching lanes. And the protruding trim piece above the instrument cluster doesn't do short drivers any favors, either.

Rear-seat passengers get the same luxurious leather seats as those up front. The rear offers a reasonable amount of room, plenty for my 5-foot-3 frame. Taller passengers may not find it spacious enough, however. If you're looking for a little more space to stretch out, consider competitors like the Honda Civic. Other than cupholders that pop out of the middle seat, there are no special amenities back here—no air vents, climate controls, or audio ports.

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The Mazda3 comes up short when it comes to cargo space. The trunk measures 13.2 cubic feet, making it smaller than the trunk in the Honda Civic Touring sedan (14.7 cubic feet), Hyundai Elantra sedan Limited (14.4), Kia Forte EX (15.3), and Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium (14.1). On the plus side, the trunk release is particularly easy to find, located on the bottom of the protruding Mazda badge on the car's exterior.

So is it premium or not? Overall, yes, in great part thanks to the suppleness of the leather seats that you wouldn't even find on an entry-level luxury car. That said, the interior has some considerable shortcomings when it comes to technology and space. But at its reasonable starting price of $27,420, you get a car that looks and feels upscale.