2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback Test Drive Review: A Near-Perfect Hatchback

Whereas the default compact automotive within the USA appears to be both the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Hyundai Elantra, the Mazda 3 is for the extra refined palette. Whereas costing across the similar, the Mazda 3 Hatchback exudes a extra premium appear and feel, backed up by Mazda’s now typical zest in relation to driving dynamics. It comes as both a sedan, which we assessment individually, or within the cheekier and prettier-to-look-at hatchback kind.

Our tester arrived as in Turbo Premium Plus kind, that means it got here with the extra highly effective 2.5-liter turbo engine, a six-speed computerized transmission, all-wheel-drive, and an MSRP of $36,650 – an enormous leap from the Mazda 3’s base mannequin worth of $24,170. The query is, does the highest trim do sufficient to justify the worth tag?

Exterior: Understated However Sharp

The Mazda 3 Hatchback has a convex curve designed into the facet bodywork, which Mazda has wordy methods of describing as a part of its design language – however whenever you see one go by in site visitors it seems to be like a dent; like somebody knocked into the facet of it. That is about our solely criticism of how the hatchback seems to be, as the remainder of the automotive is properly understated whereas the competitors will get obsessive about edges and laborious strains. It is a extra elegant tackle the small automotive physique fashion, fairly opposite to the Corolla hatch.

Our Premium Plus mannequin arrived on 17-inch wheels – which implies a big selection of tires and cheaper to switch than pointless 18- and 19-inch wheels; normal 2024 Mazda 3 Hatch Premium Plus fashions experience on 18-inch gadgets, although, which additionally get sharp LED projector headlights and taillights, roof facet rails, a black roof spoiler, and a entrance air dam with air guides.

Inside: Premium

Mazda is chargeable for the opposite mainstream manufacturers upping their inside sport, however Mazda remains to be doing it higher than most. The inside of the Mazda 3 at any worth is effectively constructed, feels premium, and cozy. Contained in the Premium Plus, the game seats are leather-trimmed in Black or Crimson, the steering wheel and equipment selector are leather-covered, the local weather management is dual-zone, the entrance seats and steering wheel are heated, and there are paddle shifters for altering gears when the urge takes maintain. Inside house is par for the compact course, with simply sufficient room for 4 folks to be snug and a trunk with sufficient room to assist a protracted weekend away.

The trick is in how effectively the inside is laid out; there’s sufficient room for 5, and the controls are laid out ergonomically – that means every little thing is the place you anticipate it to be. The draw back with the hatchback is that you just lose a little bit visibility out the again, however to not the extent that we ever felt unsafe.

Inside dimensions for a small automotive are spectacular, though fashions with a moonroof lose just a few inches in headroom as in comparison with the usual measurements beneath, and the rear passenger facet seat has 0.7 inches much less leg room.

The hatch model of the Mazda 3 additionally has the advantage of extra cargo quantity than its sedan counterpart, holding 20.1 cubic ft over the 13.2 behind the sedans again seats.

Infotainment: Weak point And Power

Mazda likes to mount a smaller infotainment display additional ahead on the dashboard than most automakers, making it a shorter distance for the driving force to drop their eyes to look at data. We’re followers of this method, significantly when utilizing a navigation system. Thankfully, the highest two trims get a bigger 10.25-inch display for infotainment over the 8.8-inch unit on base fashions. The dial within the heart console does job of controlling the system, because it is not a touchscreen.

A slight concern arises when utilizing Apple Carplay or Android Auto because it takes lots of management wheel turning to get to your chosen icon or menu choice. It is not a dealbreaker, however neither CarPlay or Android Auto are designed for that management system. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included within the Premium Plus. Disappointingly, neither can be found wirelessly on decrease trims – together with the Premium with out the Plus.

Beneath The Hood: A Robust Engine

Mazda’s non-turbocharged base 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine is ok, however the turbocharged model is nice. It makes with 227 hp on common gas and as a lot as 250 hp with 93 octane gasoline.

Energy goes to all 4 wheels whenever you go for the Turbo. Whereas the engine is not chaotically quick, it is fast, sturdy, relentless, and has a satisfying sound coming from the air consumption into the cabin. Well, Mazda appears to appreciate four-cylinder exhaust sounds aren’t attention-grabbing, however a growly air field making itself identified below more durable acceleration is enjoyable.

The six-speed transmission can also be sturdy and shifts fast sufficient to make issues attention-grabbing when in Sport mode. On paper, the engine is not too attention-grabbing – however when you think about it as a part of the bundle, it matches completely. 0-60 comes up in round six seconds, and the little hatch has a prime pace of 134 mph.

On The Highway: A Hatch With Objective

There’s all the time a way of goal that comes with driving a Mazda 3. It desires you to drive it, not take a look at and observe rote routes, whether or not round city, on a commute, or on a again street. For those who wish to be concerned within the driving expertise or similar to to hustle, you will respect the Mazda 3 Hatch. The steering is completely measured for weight and really feel, the suspension is compliant however alert, and the engine and transmission have an urge to them. Positive, you may take it straightforward, however whenever you’re able to hustle and have some enjoyable, it is raring to go. It is not fairly a scorching hatch right here in 2024, however fifteen to twenty years in the past it could have blown our minds whereas we puzzled how the experience was so good when on the freeway.

Sport mode is the place the actual enjoyable is, with the throttle response rising and the all-wheel-drive system working its magic whereas by no means noticeably interfering. It desires to assist, by no means hinder. You possibly can flip it in and maintain a line with the tires and steer, finally letting you are approaching the sting of grip and getting the ability down early and out of a nook. Then, swap out of sport mode and go about your day in consolation.

Conclusion: A Driver’s hatch

Mazda has frequently refined the Mazda 3, turning it into an absolute gem on the street. It is brilliantly balanced between being a taut, enjoyable automotive on a again street and a every day commuter or small household automotive. It additionally manages to have distinctive styling with out wildly following any fashions and can nonetheless look good in 5 and ten years’ time.

There is a vary of trims to select from, with pricing from simply over $25k for the 2024 base mannequin. We predict the turbo engine is a should, and the Turbo Premium Plus has all of the bells and whistles for $36,650 earlier than vacation spot.

Up in opposition to the competitors, Mazda has the inside high quality and fun-to-drive benefit. Look to Hyundai for higher infotainment, Toyota for its repute for reliability, and Honda for a stable mix of the aforementioned. However, if infotainment is not a dealbreaker, and also you need the very best inside and luxuriate in a backroad blitz, the Mazda 3 Hatch needs to be on the prime of the take a look at drive checklist.

It is price noting, nevertheless, that the 2025 Mazda 3 has already been launched to the market, and it provides an excellent decrease beginning worth – and it guarantees some further user-friendly options. If you may get deal on a 2024 mannequin, it’s best to go for it – in any other case, the 2025 model is an much more completed hatch,