The Mazda 3 Sportback showed the brand's upmarket move. Meanwhile, the Honda City Hatchback is the second City with a tailgate, after its first Japan-only grandfather. This Honda is also the successor to the Jazz, which recently left the local market. 

Are you hatching a plan to get a 3 Sportback or City Hatch? Then let's take a look what these cars have more to offer. 

Mazda 3 Sportback (P1.320 million to P1.570 million)

The Mazda 3's sharp styling has always been one of its biggest selling points, and this latest version is no different. The overall design is more subdued to create a more minimalist look. Meanwhile, Mazda's signature 90-degree grill, and the slim LED lamps front and back lend some aggressiveness.

 

Prices for the 3 Sportback start at P1.320 million for the 1.5L Sportback Elite, the 2.0L Sportback Premium at P1.510 million, and the top-spec Anniversary Edition at P1.570 million. 

The 3 Sportback Elite is well-kitted, featuring two USB sockets, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel controls, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The upmarket feel that Mazda is fitting on its cars is pushed even further with dual-zone auto climate control and an eight speaker audio system. Mazda also said the materials used in the cabin are premium in feel. 

The Elite is powered by a 1.5-liter engine that makes 106hp and 146Nm of torque. A six-speed auto is the gearbox of choice for all Sportback cars. 

As for the Sportback Premium, its higher price brings keyless entry, dynamic stability control, power-adjustable driver's seat, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 

Moreover, this variant also features Activsense, a driving safety technology bundle. This includes Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Cruising Traffic Support System, and Smart Radar Cruise Control. And to add more assurance, this 3 also packs seven airbags and a 360-degree view camera.

Under the hood of the Premium is a two-liter mill that creates 151hp and 200Nm of torque. 

The same engine powers the Anniversary Edition. This car stands out from the Sportback range with its Snowflake White Pearl or Jet Black paint and Soul Red body kit. As its name suggests, this Edition commemorates 100 years of Mazda. 

Honda City Hatchback (P1.115 million)

This newcomer comes with one variant, the RS. Those two letters mean that it bears design elements similar to its City RS sedan equivalent.

The City Hatchback RS wears RS Design bumpers, front grille with RS emblem, complemented by full LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. All of these create the integrated "solid wing face" similar to that of the RS sedan.

Inside, more similarities between the two City siblings are apparent: suede and leather seats, black interior trims with red stitching and accents, leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel.

Sports pedals meet the driver's feet, and multi-information display with red illumination shows sporty intent. 

The City Hatchback's eight-inch touchscreen display carries Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WebLink connectivity, which is also linked to eight speakers.

Safety isn't forgotten. The car packs Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS),Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Multi-view Rear Camera with dynamic guidelines, to name a few. 

Under the hood, a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine resides. It dishes out 119hp and 145Nm of torque, and is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 

Verdict

The Mazda 3 Sportback and Honda City Hatchback offer amenities that you can find in larger cars. However, this means they begin to cost as much, too. 

Frankly, you'd have to really desire one of these compact cars to turn your back against similarly priced crossover SUVs. It's no longer a secret that in the market, an almost endless choice of crossovers await. 

Photos from Mazda and Honda

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