The 2021 Mazda 3 is the only hatchback Mazda model for sale in the US but it ranks near the top of its class. It upstages most rivals with a surprisingly mature and upmarket interior, yet retains the sporty and fun-to-drive characteristics that we have become used to from the Mazda brand. The Mazda 3 delivers a well-rounded driving experience with few weak spots and demonstrates that a class-leading blend of style, quality, and reliability can be had in a modern hatch.
The Mazda Hatch Models
Designed for sportier types of drivers, the Mazda 3 hatch skips over the sedan’s base 2.0-liter engine, instead opting for the 2.5L, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, as well as a choice of FWD or AWD. In the future, from 2022 onwards, the 3S might offer hybrid or EV models but, for now, these are absent from the range.
The only Mazda hatchbacks available locally are the six in the Mazda 3 range and they all use the same five-door body:
- Mazda 3: Due to all its blind spots, over-the-shoulder and rearward sightlines are poor in the hatch - more so than its sedan sibling - and the standard backup camera is a welcome help. Some of the best features are not available on base trims and space is limited compared to class rivals, both in the rear seat and the trunk. As ever, the driving experience is rewarding and both the performance and handling of the flagship with its 250-horsepower turbocharged engine are very good. All-round premium finishes, eye-catching styling, and plenty of standard features - including radar cruise control and an infotainment system with smartphone mirroring - elevates the Mazda 3 above the class average. Safety levels and crash ratings are also class-leading.
Pricing Of The Hatchback Mazda 3 Models
There is only one range of Mazda hatch models and that is the compact Mazda 3 - here is the current MSRP price list information for the USA:
Model |
Power |
Engine |
Base Price |
Mazda 2 |
100 hp |
1.5L Inline-4 Gas |
$14,720 |
Mazda 3 Hatchback |
186 hp |
2.5L Inline-4 Gas |
$23,100 |
Mazda 6 Hatchback |
156 hp |
2.3L Inline-4 Gas |
$20,750 |
Mazda MazdaSpeed 3 |
263 hp |
2.3L Inline-4 Gas |
$24,200 |
What to Consider Before Buying a Mazda Hatchback
The various Mazda 3 hatchbacks share some common traits, pros, and cons:
Pros
- High-quality, premium cabin finishes
- Good ride quality, coupled with dynamic handling
- Quick-responding infotainment system
- Powerful flagship turbo engine
- Many convenience and safety features
Cons
- Poor rearward visibility
- Tight rear seat
- Turbo model doesn’t feel hardcore
- Limited trunk space
- No hybrid models
FAQs
Is the Mazda 3 Hatchback offered with a manual transmission?
Like its Honda Civic Hatchback rival, the Mazda 3 Hatchback can also be had with a six-speed manual transmission. However, on the Mazda, it is only available in a single model, the 186-hp Premium with FWD. All the other models in the range are available with a six-speed automatic transmission only, including AWD and turbo models.
Is the new Mazda 3 2.5L Turbo a traditional hot hatchback?
The flagship of the Mazda 3 Hatchback range is more of a refined performance hatchback than a hot hatch. Unlike some hot-hatch models such as the Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R, the Mazda is only offered with AWD and a standard six-speed automatic transmission. No FWD or manual options are available and it is tuned for all-round ability, comfort, and refinement, not straight-up thrills and handling, even though it does deliver excellent performance.
Which is the best Mazda 3 Hatchback model in the range to buy?
The Preferred trim offers the best all-round package, being less than $3,000 more expensive than the base car, but adding plenty of desirable features, such as powered and heated front seats, a power moonroof, 18-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter. The Premium model costs $28,000 and is close to the base Turbo model’s $31,050, making the latter excellent value - and the other “best buy” - with its high-performance engine, AWD, and extra equipment such as a heated steering wheel and SiriusXM radio.
Where does the Mazda 3 rank in its class?
The Mazda 3 had the measure of the previous-generation Honda Civic to rank as the potential class leader, but the arrival of the new Civic has arguably placed Honda just ahead again. While there are many competent hatchbacks in this class, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla, the Mazda’s quality finishes, excellent suspension tuning, many features, and class-leading safety has kept it on the podium, even though the Civic traditionally sells in far greater numbers in America.