Mazda 3 Hatchback

Inside, the Mazda 3 Hatchback features a premium sporty cabin design. Its seats are well-padded and equipped with an expensive-looking black leather upholstery, ensuring elevated comfort for everyone on board even at high speeds. Drivers have access to a smart cockpit that offers an active driving display (front windshield projected), a 7-inch LCD meter set display, as well as a leather-wrapped shift knob. 

All passengers can enjoy a 10.25 inch LCD infotainment display with Mazda Connect and has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free, and dual USB-C ports. This infotainment system is linked to a 12-speaker BOSE sound system, providing top-notch acoustics all-around. 

There is an abundance of soft-touch materials around the cabin, making the front row the best place to be. Its seats at the rear can also provide good ergonomics. However, due to the limited rear space, three tall and large adults will not be able to comfortably fit in the second row. Also, the rear visibility inside the Hatchback model really needs to be improved. Another downside of this model is the low trunk space. 

Hence, this car is more ideal for smaller families or single career-driven individuals who prefer performance over space and capacity.

Although the latest Mazda 3 Hatchback’s exterior did not undergo significant changes, its styling really aged well, since it is still one of the most attractive hatchbacks in the country. At the front, both variants sport a gloss black mesh grille and a gloss black signature wing, both of which give this line a sporty facade that also exudes sophistication while on the road. This line comes with an LED adaptive front lighting system with an auto-leveling and auto on and off features as well as LED running lamps. The HEV Fastback variant also has a high beam control for improved visibility at night. On the sides, it has power-adjustable body-color side mirrors with auto-folding, auto-tilting, auto-dimming, and memory functions. 

The hatchback features a sportier and more aggressive-looking rear design compared to its sedan counterpart. It also showcases its unique-looking rear combination lamps with passive collision hazard and brake signals for the HEV variant (only hazard for the Sport Fastback variant). To let drivers behind know that this car can perform, it is equipped with dual exhaust tail pipes. 

The Mazda 3 Hatchback line measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and 1,440 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,725 mm, which is similar to its sedan counterpart’s. This line runs on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels: black metallic for the Sport variant, while gray metallic for the HEV variant.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback line utilizes a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Torsion Beam Axle at the rear. This suspension system allows you to have an intuitive driving experience with this vehicle. This car’s suspension is firm enough to let you know that you are driving and allow the vehicle to respond to your steering and/or turning with precision. This car is effective in becoming one with the driver and ensuring that everyone on board is relaxed and stable.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback offers two powertrains. First, the Sport Fastback variant is powered by a 2L, in-line 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that produces a maximum power output of 155 PS and a maximum torque of 200 Nm.

Second, the HEV Fastback variant is powered by a combination of a 2L, in-line 4-cylinder e-SKYACTIV-G engine and a 24-volt hybrid system with a 0.216 kWh Lithium-ion battery. With an integrated electric motor output of 6.9 PS and an integrated electric motor torque of 49 Nm, the setup produces a maximum power output of 164 PS and a maximum torque of 213 Nm.

Both run on a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission system with sport mode. That said, both run smoothly on city roads and on the highway. Power is delivered to both powertrains really well. However, the HEV variant offers more fuel-efficiency and acceleration on the road. This line’s NVH suppression is also impressive, ensuring little to no noise comes inside the cabin. 

Both variants of the Mazda 3 Hatchback are equipped with the brand’s I-ACTIVSENSE. However, the Sport variant only has two advanced driver assistance features, namely, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

On the other hand, the HEV variant has the full package. It comes with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with rear cross brake support, front cross traffic alert with front cross brake support, front and rear smart brake supports, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, cruising and traffic support, driver monitoring system, as well as a driver attention alert. 

Both variants are equipped with standard and advanced safety and security features. For Cruise Control, the HEV variant has the more premium ‘Mazda Radar’ version, while the Sport variant has the standard version. And, in terms of braking, both utilize ventilated discs at the front, while solid discs at the rear. They also come with an electric parking brake with an auto brake hold, an anti-lock braking system, and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is one of the most visually-appealing and fun-to-drive vehicles in the Philippines’ hatchback segment. Although, its HEV variant is admittedly on the pricier side of things. At the end of the day, it can still compete with the best of its class in terms of performance, comfort, and functionality.