2020 Mazda3 Hatchback Test Drive and Review

The hot hatchback segment is... hotter than ever, with vehicles like the Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R, and Ford Focus RS. But there's a segment just below that, with vehicles we like to call "sporty hatchbacks," and among those, the Mazda3 has always been the driver's choice. However now that there's an all-new generation - and stiffer competition - let's see if that's still the case.

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[ep]

I hate how beautiful this car is, i got into my first accident because of it. I kept looking over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of one next to me and ended up rear ending the guy infront of me.

[ivannovakovic]

This is the most beautiful hatchback I’ve ever seen.

[py]

Mazda is the only car manufacturer with balls these days to keep auto gears, and for that I'm grateful.

[ctk]

YES!! Finally a reviewer that understands touchscreen is bad for Just like ur not suppose to use your TOUCHSCREEN smartphones while you are driving!!

[evang]

While that red paint is quite stunning, I’d opt for another color with red interior.

[kjacob]

just a tip guys: the hatchback looks wayyyy moreee better in person than video or photo so keep that in mind when choosing

[mrmm]

Definitely the Mazda 3 is the winner for sure

[andreascederberg]

I've just ordered a Mazda 3 Hatchback Skyactiv-X manual, looking forward to recieving it! A couple of comments:
- Hatch looks better in person than it does in pictures/videos. I was set on the Sedan (in Machine Grey) but when seeing both the Grey sedan vs the Red Hatch in person I was immediatly converted, the Sedan looked less exciting, a bit too bland almost in person next to the hatch I thought despite they both are stunning in their own way.
- Sould Red exterior with Burgundy Red interior looks bad even if it's an option now in 2020 and you aren't forced to pick Polymetal Grey but it's probably the most fitting color with that option though. Personally I'm just a little more fan of the Soul Red painting in how greatly in varies in tone depending on how the light hits the surface that I'm willing to go with the all-black interior even if the contrasting Burgundy Red inside color had been quite nice, just forget about matching it with Soul Red, it just doesn't work that well (IMHO).
- The brakes is a _taste_ thing, I actually prefer linear breaking performance (low initial grip, slowly, linearly building braking performance). After driving like forever with my 2007 Civic Sport which also have the same kind of brakes, every other vehicles brakes feels just off for me and not as fun to use due how precisely you can choose to brake with more linear-feel brakes. It's like an addiction to sit very lightly on the brakes before reaching the crossroads for me because how precise the ability to dial in the breaking is with minimal effort, makes for a very smooth drive.
- I'm also about 183cm / 6", had about 2.5 cm of additional legroom space and about 2 cm headroom in the rear seat, can be that I like to sit one step closer to the steering wheel than the avg person perhaps, the rearseat space is about my only slight issue but it was just "barely enough", every one centimetre of additional space for both legs and head had been golden to make it an easier likeable car among working mates. :)

It was either the Mazda 3 SkyActiv-X or the Civic 1.5l turbo but in the end I went for the Mazda as the interior already looks so dated in the Honda (needs an update badly), exterior design is also much nicer on the Mazda and overall driving feel is better despite lack of turbo for my tastes, I got the feeling the Mazda spoke my kind of car language (handling, breaking, suspension) and the centre console NOT being touchscreen operated which is something I personally hate. The torsion beam update is only a con on the paper, in practice it's not for those who are worried about that. The only thing which you kinda left wanting with the Mazda is a turbo and more roomy interior vs the Civic. Would Mazda bring forth a new model, "Mazda 5" I would switch to that in a heartbeat that would be like in-between Mazda 3 and 6 in size (with also hatchback option, perhaps slightly dialed down C-pillar) with more interior room and a Turbo 2.0l Skyactiv-X engine. Rear seat vents as standard in all regions. Maybe more interior color options. Feels like there would be a big demand for such a model. :)

[gingerbreadman]

If only Mazda would put the 2.5 turbo 4 in the 3 already!! There’s no need for a Speed designation to give this gorgeous hatch the power to match its looks

[wddub]

That red is AMAZING

Have been noticing lately that the color variety on new cars currently is quite drab. Black, white, grey rule. 85% maybe Occasional burgundy or garnet and silver blue or dark blue.

[yulboothe]

just got my mazda3 hatchback premium 2 days ago and i really do love it, and i had the new civic and the new jetta ( both fully loaded) but the 3 was by far the best one and its not even close. i cant wait to get up in the morning and drive it to work. i agree totally with your review. im not big on the braking system neither. only thing i can really complain about but beyond that, its amazing.

[Fastlane]

We just bought the last new car on the lot and it is a 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback in Perl White, with the Red leather interior. Wow. Thank you for your review!

[ryanj]

Very nice style. I've always been a fan the mazda hatchbacks. I'd go with the FWD 6 speed manual. That would be a very fun drive.

[akgonen]

i just bought my own its basik model mazda 3 hatch its gorgeous i love it its actually gets it when it comes to speed

[dk]

I wouldn't worry about the blind spot. The car has warning triangle on side mirrors and sound signal if you intend to change the lane.

[vagabond]

Just purchased a new one today. AMAZING car, the front is a bit long for a Mazda hatchback in my opinion but it’s all and all an amazing car and drives great! The new technology it has is not overwhelming but enough for you not to get distracted. It’s quiet inside and turning and parking is awesome. Gas is pretty good so far, and with coronavirus messing up the market and dropping gas to lower prices where I am, it’s heavenly for my wallet. 8/10 in my opinion.

[bellmeisterful]

The red stitching thing, for a young man of his age, makes total sense. But when youre designing a car for the masses, you have to consider, the masses.
When I got my current car, a black Mazda Miata Club Edition I had them remove the big red stripes on the outside and the red decal in the interior. The saleman said all the guys at the lot thought i was crazy and I said yeah whats the average age of the guys, 25? He said yeah. lol.
Im over 40. I understand young dudes loving the sportier race car look, but I prefer the sleek lack of red stripes, very much. The red stitiching I wouldnt prefer either :-)

[allexayare]

The first time I saw this car, I was starstruck.

[StefanTheMongol]

I am buying one of these later this summer. The Premium 3 with AWD are going for around $27k right now.

[MDC]

I hate those weak infotainment screens sticking out of the dash.I will say that it has been integrated a lot better by Mazda than in The Toyota Corolla Hatch.