2023 Mazda3 Hatchback
There is a train of thought that speaks to how the Mazda3 is the best compact car available today. We always loved the performance and the driving experience.
The last time we reviewed a Mazda3 was the sedan version. We wanted to bring in the hatchback version for a comparison between the two to see if having more space behind the rear seat truly makes the difference in. one of our favorite compacts.
Design-wise, everything is the same just until the B-pillar. The KODO features a prominent but sleek front grille that welcomes you to a unique driving experience, along with LED headlamps on each side. Then, it gets interesting behind the front doors. The window profile turns upward creating a large c-pillar area. The hatchback drops own along a curvy roofline to the rear bumper. LED taillights finish out the exterior design.
In our turbocharged Premium Plus tester, a set of black-finished alloy wheels add to the dark mystique along with its Machine Gray Metallic paint job.
Inside the Mazda3 hatchback, you will find the controls are superb, logical and good to the touch. The instrument binnacle combined analog and digital readouts in a very clean screen. The MazdaConnect controls on the center console drives the wider infotainment screen tucked in on top of the dashboard. This includes a large multifunction knob.
Behind the wheel, the leather front seats are supportive and have power-assisted adjustments for rake, recline, and lumbar support. Rear seat space is fine for average adults, but there is a driveshaft hump in the middle that may not fit five people comfortably.
Our hatchback tester had 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable with the rear seats folded down.
Powering our Mazda3 tester is a 250-horsepower 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G turbocharged four-cylinder engine is very familiar to us. However, the Mazda3’s lighter weight brings out a lot more fun out of this engine. The turbo engine was combined with a six-speed automatic transmission connected to an all-wheel-drive system. This system is designed to enhance year-round traction rather than enhanced performance.
Throttle response is excellent, and you should have no problems with passing and on-ramps, as the power is instant with this turbo engine. If you want more engagement with the Mazda3, flip the switch on the center console to “Sport.” This drive mode will hold the gears longer and higher on the tachometer. In turn, we experienced a fuel economy average of 28.9 MPG.
We found the ride quality very solid but on the firm side. Where the Mazda3 shines is the way it handles. The cornering is sensational, as well as its response to evasive maneuvers.
The steering is sharp with excellent on-center feel and a tight turning radius. The brakes are equally good. Pedal feel is solid and stopping power is sharp.
The entire 2023 Mazda3 lineup starts with a base price of $22,550 for the sedan, $23,550 for the hatchback. Our turbocharged tester with the Premium Plus package came with a sticker price of $37,095.
While the turbocharged engine elevates the Mazda3’s profile, it is still compared with its mainstream compact rivals, along with its premium-branded counterparts. Those competitors include the Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Subaru Impreza, Acura Integra, and MINI 4-door Hardtop.
If you like a good hatchback, the driving experience of a Mazda3 is just what you wanted. It is a rewarding way to take some stuff with you, as you carve some curves or gobble up some miles.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
