Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $38,335 (Base Mazda3): $26,335
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment (Test Model): 18-inch wheels; AWD; dual exhaust outlet’ power sunroof with sunshade; auto leveling headlights; rear hatch spoiler; dual zone automatic climate control system; cargo cover; paddle shifter on steering wheel; a push button ignition system; a heated steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a 10-inch infotainment screen; heated front seats; leather seats; power driver’s seat; keyless entry system; and wireless charger
Options: N/A
Other Trim Levels:
Non turbo trim available
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD audio system with SiriusXM
Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin-power turbo engine/250-hp
Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/35-hwy (test model)
What’s New: For the hatchback, a new 2.5-liter entry-level trim is available.
Why:
Stylish design
AWD availability
Premium quality interior
A turbo and non-turbo powertrains are available
A peppy 250-hp engine with turbo engine
An engaging driving experience despite lacking a manual transmission
Front wheel drive and AWD configuration only
Power sunroof
Host of safety driving aids
Heated steering wheel
Leather seats
A power driver’s seat
Wireless phone charger
Outfitted with the latest safety driving aids
But:
Test vehicle was approaching $40,000
Firm ride
Limited backseat legroom
No manual transmission
No power pull down hatch (should be available on higher level trims)
Cumbersome to operate the analog-like navigation system
SiriusXM wasn’t activated by Mazda, so it difficult to determine the quality of the audio system
Mazda is one of the few automakers offering a compact hatchback. While many compact cars are available as a sedan, Mazda has upped its game in pushing the limits with the Mazda3, offering both a sedan and a hatchback. Moreover, Mazda offers a vibe with their vehicles. Their vehicles have more a premium look and feel, when compared to most mainstream brands. In fact, the Mazda’s seemed more suited for the premium Infiniti brand.
After spending time in a Mazda3 sedan last summer, this go around we became acquainted with the sporty looking hatchback. At a starting price of approximately $26,000, a new entry-level Mazda3 hatchback trim powered by a non-turbo engine now aids in making the car more affordable.
While an entry-level 2.5 S trim is now available for both the sedan and hatchback, the folks from Mazda gave us a pricey turbo-powered hatchback to review. In fact, our hatchback was outfitted with a peppy 250-horsepower turbo engine, a power sunroof, leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Our test vehicle was about $1,700 shy from approaching $40,000. Like many of today’s vehicles, pricing just seemed out of line in comparison to where they were before the pandemic.
Overall, the Mazda3 hatchback was everything we expected in terms of the handling, features and styling cues. However, we must note, the Mazda3 hatchback suspension system is somewhat firm.
Competition (Hatchback): Volkswagen GTI and Toyota GR Corolla
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