MAZDA 3 Hatchback– Exterior

The Mazda 3 Hatchback was first shown as the Mazda Kai Concept car in 2017. Concept to production went ahead with minimal changes, with the second-generation Kodo design carefully applied for mass production. The distinctive rear quarter styling from the Kai Concept was kept for Mazda 3 Hatchback, leaving it with a large and thick C-pillar, gloss black roof spoiler, circular full-LED tail lamps and short overhang for a very sporty look.

Both engine outputs also have dual exhaust outlets. Up front, LED headlamps with auto on/off function are standard items. However, the 1.5 variant gets incandescent bulb-type DRL as opposed to LED type with signature illumination on the 2.0 High Plus variant. The front bumper of the Mazda 3 Hatchback is styled with a smooth, clean look without corner trim pieces that also separates its frontal outlook versus the Mazda 3 Sedan. 

A gloss black grille with different mesh pattern is also used in the Mazda 3 Hatchback compared to the sedan. The 2.0 High Plus variant wears 18-inch dark chrome wheels wrapped with 215/45R18 tyres, while the 1.5 is fitted with 16-inch silver wheels with 205/60R16 tyres. A power sunroof with a tilt-and-slide function is also fitted only on the Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.0 High Plus. 

MAZDA 3 Hatchback– Interior

Dashboard

Much of the shape and styling of the interior also is inherited from the Kai concept car. The upper section of the Mazda 3 Hatchback is fitted with semi-soft touch material that feels high quality. It certainly feels driver-oriented, with the instrument cluster and air vents in a half-oval shape curved to focus on the driver.

Even in the 1.5 variant, the compact switchgear for the manual air conditioning feels high quality too, with good weightage and subtle satin silver highlights on the dashboard, steering wheel and air vent surrounds. As far as cabin ambience and build quality goes, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is one of the nicest places to be in for the C-segment vehicles, exuding a premium feeling thanks to clean lines and good lighting technology.

Instrument cluster

The instrument cluster Mazda 3 Hatchback is a combination of classic dials and a 7-inch TFT LCD. The engine tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges are in analogue dials, while other driving information plus speedometer is projected in the LCD.

Amazingly, Mazda managed to calibrate the graphics and speedometer in the central LCD to look as genuine as the analogue dials. All these finer details certainly make the Mazda 3 Hatchback stand out from the segment.
A head-up display (HUD) system further compliments the information being projected to the driver in the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

Space and practicality

Like other Mazda models, the space inside the Mazda 3 Hatchback is adequate rather than spacious. Two 6-footers sitting behind one another would struggle for knee room due to the low placement of the seat bench. Storage spaces are well thought out with a large centre storage space that can be partitioned, two cupholders in front of the gear lever and decently sized door pockets.

The boot space continues to be the Mazda 3 Hatchback’s weakness as just 295 litres, even with the mechanical bits underneath are a more compact torsion beam axle and temporary space-saver spare tyre. The boxier-looking Volkswagen Golf is almost 100 litres larger, triumphing the Mazda in all dimensions. 

MAZDA 3 Hatchback– Features

Safety features

Similar to the sedan body style, the Mazda 3 Hatchback has 7 airbags (inclusive of driver knee airbag), stability control, electric parking brake with automatic hold and speed sensing auto lock are standard on both variants. 

On the 2.0 High Plus variant, the Mazda 3 Hatchback features i-ActivSense ADAS package which includes: Radar cruise control, Smart Brake Support for the front and rear direction, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist System, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with automatic high beam control.

The unfastened seat belt warning function is available on all five seats. Thank goodness the reverse camera with guidelines is a standard feature, as rearward visibility is hampered by the thick rear pillars and compact rear windscreen.

Comfort features

Both engine and grade variants feature standard items such as automatic rain-sensing wipers, Skytint window tinting, walk away automatic door locking, automatic folding side mirrors, auto-hold function on the electric parking brake and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2.0 High Plus gets automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with rear vents, 10-way power adjustment with memory function for the driver’s seat, leather upholstery and paddle shifters.
Strangely, the Mazda 3 Hatchback 1.5 does not come with any parking sensors, while the 2.0 High Plus gets warning at both front and rear ends.

Infotainment

The Mazda 3 Hatchback features an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is also a mechanical-less setup, meaning there is no slot of CDs or DVDs. There are 8 speakers in total; audio is crisp and clear, while there is no boominess in the bass region, it lacks weight and depth. Controlling the infotainment screen is via the commander controller at the lower console behind the shift lever.  

MAZDA 3 Hatchback– Powertrain

Engine

The engine choices of the Mazda 3 Hatchback are similar to the sedan body style – 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv petrol units with direct fuel injection. The 1.5-litre makes 118 PS/153 Nm while the 2.0-litre pushes out 162 PS/213 Nm. This engine is also fitted in the CX-30 and CX-5 crossovers/SUVs.

Transmission

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is only offered in a 6-speed automatic transmission. The final drive gear ratio in the 1.5-litre is tuned to be shorter to match the lower engine outputs, delivering a responsive drive. There is also a Sport mode to further enhance engine and transmission response in the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

Chassis

The Mazda 3 Hatchback sees the biggest change in the chassis technology. For many generations, the C-segment model from Mazda has been using an independent multi-link arrangement for its rear suspension. In this latest generation Mazda 3 Hatchback, engineers have switched to a torsion beam axle setup, which is perceived to be cheaper and offer less body control. Mazda claims the switch is important for the car to achieve a quieter cabin and refined ride.

It is however not a rudimentary torsion beam as found in the Toyota or Korean models, but a patented design that allows specific flexing yet providing maximum tyre contact to the road. Mazda’s GVC+ feature is standard in the Mazda 3 Hatchback, in which the system uses supple engine torque and individual brake control to stabilize the vehicle for minimal bodyroll in bends. It works, as we felt our torsos did not lean much when taking roundabouts at higher speed.

Drivetrain

The Mazda 3 Hatchback has its power sent to the front wheels. There is no option for all-wheel drive in Malaysia. 

MAZDA 3 Hatchback– Driving Performance

Engine performance

Torque delivery in the Mazda 3 Hatchback is linear and strong even at lower rpm, which makes daily driving easy. And the linear delivery continues throughout the rev range; it doesn’t push you back in the seat, but the speed climbs effortlessly.

We recorded a 9.9-second time for the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration for the Mazda 3 Sedan 2.0 High Plus which should be similar in the Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.0 High Plus. The power deficit in the 1.5-litre cannot be masked, but it is very well compensated with the much sportier gear ratio, with the transmission shifting more eagerly to bring the car up to speed.
Top speed for the 1.5-litre variant is 193 km/h, while the 2.0-litre variant goes to 207 km/h.

Transmission performance

The automatic transmission in the Mazda 3 Hatchback downshifts when going up an incline even when the throttle position is maintained, holds the gear through corners and when driving enthusiastically. This is arguably the highlight of the proven powertrain.

Steering and handling

Steering ideally in the Mazda 3 Hatchback weighted for all situations, striking a fine balance between sportiness and ease of driving. And the most impressive part is, there is feedback from the steering wheel when going over rough surfaces, giving drivers the feeling of connection with the road. The GVC+ feature helps with smooth driving, managing weight transfer through corners and body roll is relatively minimal.

MAZDA 3 Hatchback– Ride Comfort

The suspension of the Mazda 3 Hatchback is on the firmer side but still able to maintain composure when going through broken surfaces. The 1.5-litre with smaller 16-inch wheels are 60-series tyres also absorbed rough surfaces better, while still delivering agile and direct handling the Mazda brand is known for.

NVH levels have also been improved by a massive leap forward, with the cabin now among the quietest in the segment.
Front seats are sculptured in a way that maintains the natural body posture and it is evident, back and thigh is well supported. 

MAZDA 3 Hatchback – Conclusion

The Mazda 3 Hatchback speaks to your emotions even more than the sedan. Because the rational mind would point out the steep price and tight cabin, and direct your attention to the Volkswagen Golf or crossovers like the CX-30 if you are not a fan of sedans. But if you love driving, the concept car looks, love the feeling of being connected to the car and the road, willing to sacrifice space and pay the premium over the sedan, then the Mazda 3 Hatchback is the perfect car for you.