I love a good hatchback. They offer added practicality with driving dynamics and options similar to their sedan counterparts. Like I said when I talked about wagons, hatchbacks are far-and-few in-between. Although you can’t get a diesel in hatchbacks anymore (thanks Volkswagen), you can still get regular engines along with hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs. Since there aren’t that many hatchbacks in the United States, competition is fierce. Vehicles like the Nissan LEAF made EVs “affordable” while the Volkswagen Golf really brought hatchbacks to the massive. Ironically, my test car is what I think is a fantastic hatchback should be.
Now, this is a combination of a review plus my pure opinion of hatchbacks as a whole. When this press car was dropped off, I knew it was the highest trim level. What is this vehicle that I adore? The Mazda3 AWD hatchback. This review was one of the easiest to do because a friend of mine has a 2019 Mazda3 AWD. Since I’ve been a passenger in it, I’ve used the infotainment system, felt the drivetrain, and noticed the interior in detail. Although he has the preferred trim level, my test car was the highest Prestige trim level.
Along with the engine, there are a few standard features across the board. The shark-like front-end has LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. Around the back, there are LED taillights. When the hatchback debuted, some thought the side view was a bit controversial due to the window design and large blank rear section. I think it’s quite smart and handsome. The front-end is definitely the best part of the exterior design. Front-ends that have shark-like designs are some of my favorite and Mazda did a great job.
The central display has a 7” digital dial which can house a massive speedometer. My Prestige trim level has a head-up display with navigation, speed limit, and your current speed. Preferred and Prestige trim levels get a Bose 12-speaker audio system and it sounds great. Along with the board, the 3 gets adaptive cruise control with stop and go and blind-spot monitoring. The steering wheel has your standard audio and cruise-control controls while the Prestige has paddle-shifters. Finally, all have dual-zone climate control.
This is all good, but why is this the best hatchback for under $40,000? First off, the new engine that’s coming out. Mazda is going turbo with a 2.5-liter I4 producing 250-horsepower and 320 lb-ft with their AWD system. The turbocharged engine is going to significantly help with the performance and the decrease in the 0-60 MPG time. What’s great about the regular 3 sedan and hatchback is you have a premium feeling interior. Although it feels a bit cramped, the trimming makes up for it. Having an easy-to-use infotainment system is one of the most important aspects of a vehicle and the rotary wheel is the easy-to-use controller.
Which Mazda 3 AWD (future turbocharged engine) should you get? I had the Prestige model and it was wonderful. That said, you don’t really need it unless you want a sunroof and premium leather. The lesser Preferred is appropriately named. The Preferred has handsome 18” wheels, a good number of exterior paint colors, and a powered eight-way driver’s seat. Both front seats are heated. Preferred trim levels are the entry to the upgraded Bose sound system. If I had the choice to get the Mazda 3 AWD, I would get the turbocharged engine, red exterior, and beige interior.
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