The 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback Deserves More Love
There aren’t many hatchbacks left on the market, with most brands focusing on what’s most popular: sedans. From compact to midsize and large sedans, the sporty hatchback is being left behind more and more each and every model year. But Mazda refuses to forget the hatchback, offering driving enthusiasts its compact Mazda3 in a not-so-compact hatchback version.
And here’s why the less-popular Mazda3 Hatchback shouldn’t be forgotten. In fact, maybe the 2020 Mazda3 hatchback should be first on your list.
More than just a sedan
Mazda is known for making quality cars, crossovers, and SUVs that are still fun to drive on the road. The compact Mazda3 is one of the most popular offerings across the brand’s entire lineup, but some may not even realize that the 2020 Mazda3 is also offered in a larger, more fun variety: the hatchback.
And even though the Mazda3 Hatchback may not be as popular as its sedan sibling, it deserves more recognition. In fact, MotorTrend experts name the Mazda3 one of the best hatchbacks you can buy in 2020.
And why shouldn’t the 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback get more attention than its boring sedan counterpart? Sure, the Mazda3 sedan has plenty to offer owners, but those same owners can take advantage of everything the sedan has to offer, plus more, with its hatchback sibling.
According to MotorTrend, the 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback offers an additional “20 cubic feet of cargo room behind the back seats and a sleek, sporty exterior design thanks to a raked roofline and unique C-pillar shape.”
The 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback accomplishes everything the sedan version does, but with SUV-like space and a more sports-car-like design and feel. While the Mazda3 sedan may be the more obvious and popular choice, the hatchback deserves more attention for its space, design, and sporty nature.
As hatchbacks slowly disappear from the compact car segment, the 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback may be one of driving enthusiasts’ last hope.
What the 2020 Mazda3 gets right
Whether it’s the sedan or sportier hatchback body style, the Mazda3 has plenty to offer new owners. According to U.S. News experts, the 2020 Mazda3’s “engaging performance and upscale interior help it stand out in a highly competitive segment,” earning itself scores high enough to sit “near the top” of the compact car rankings.
Among the Mazda3’s best attributes are its sporty handling (assisted by the hatchback’s refined design), sufficient and refined powertrain, a suite of standard safety features, and impressive interior features.
Every 2020 Mazda3 comes standard with a sufficient, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 186-hp. Another rare feat the Mazda3 accomplishes, aside from its available hatchback body style, is its driver-focused drivetrain.
While standard sedans come paired to six-speed automatic transmission (with front-wheel drive), hatchback owners can take advantage of an available six-speed manual transmission as well. All-wheel drive is available on all Mazda3 models, except for the base model.
Even Car and Driver experts give the 2020 Mazda3 an impressive overall rating of 9/10, stating that it is “one of the classiest compact-car experiences on the market.”
No matter the trim level, the Mazda3 comes standard with features and performance specs that are fancier and more impressive than most rivals in its class. Sophisticated, refined, and fun to drive, the Mazda3 offers great performance at budget prices.
What the 2020 Mazda3 could do better
The compact car segment obviously isn’t known for its offerings in spaciousness, thus one of the Mazda3’s biggest drawbacks is its relatively cramped rear seats. Keep in mind, however, that the hatchback version of the Mazda3 helps increase spaciousness, especially in the rear.
The Mazda3 also only features one engine choice across all trim levels, meaning there is no availability for “performance” models. But the Mazda3’s few drawbacks are simply not enough to keep you from giving it the attention it deserves.
