By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com
(February 17, 2020) Mazda is intent to move the brand upmarket — not unlike Acura and Infiniti. With the Mazda3, redesigned last year, it certainly does that. It has engaging driving performance, upscale interior, sharp exterior styling features, and new innovative technology. Mazda3 is noticeably more upscale than competitive rivals like Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen GTI and Nissan Sentra, and aligns closer to a European sports sedan than a Japanese econo box.