Mazda 3 Hatch - 5 Things we love

Mazda makes some really awesome cars. However, the 3 Hatchback couldn't hit the sweet spot back when it was first launched. Mazda was quick to react and rectified the issues of the first two generations of the 3 Hatchback and launched the third generation. And boy, oh boy, Mazda has struck just the right cords. Here are five things that we love about the Mazda 3 Hatch.

Distinctive styling 

The latest model of the Mazda 3 Hatch carries itself extremely well, thanks to its distinctive exterior. It has got a unique design that makes it very appealing. Based on Mazda’s KODO: ‘Soul of Motion’ design language, the 3 Hatch can give a serious inferiority complex to its rivals. The face of the car features a set of aggressive LED headlamps that are separated by a wide and low set grille with horizontal chrome slats. The only let down here is the fact that the number or license plate is placed on the grille which spoils the otherwise spectacular view.

The side of the car has been kept occupied by the flowing character lines and the sporty alloy wheels, which are available in either 16 or 18-inch size. Moving to the rear you are greeted by a similar set of tail lights that are found on the sedan variant of the 3 Hatch, and a roof-mounted spoiler to keep things sporty. Overall, Mazda has done a great job of giving the 3 Hatch a dual personality. It can be a mean and aggressive sporty car and an elegant and calm hatchback at the same time.

Sporty and feature-laden interior

Even though the all-black interior of the Mazda 3 Hatch is quite minimalistic, it still feels sporty. The layout of the dashboard is such that you get a good view of what’s ahead. Yes, the protruding 7-inch touchscreen display is a bit out of place but you will soon get used to it. Talking about the display, it allows you to access music, social media, navigation, etc.

Sitting in the driver’s seat you will feel no less than a race car driver. The three-spoke steering wheel is very sporty to hold and has got mounted controls. Behind it is the unique instrument cluster. It features a big tachometer in the middle with a small digital display placed inside it at the bottom right position that displays your speed. On either side of the tachometer is a display that shows other necessary information.

In terms of features, the Mazda 3 Hatch gets an automatic climate control, electric parking brake, sunroof, leather upholstery, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, etc.

Peppy engines

The Mazda 3 Hatch comes with two engine options - a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder mill that churns out 110 PS of max power at 6,000 revs and a peak torque of 144 Nm at 3,500 revs, and the other one is a larger 2.0-liter engine which produces a max power of 153 PS at 6,000 revs and 200 Nm of torque that kicks in at 4,000 revs. Both the engines come mated to Mazda's SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed Automatic with Sport Mode.

Both the engines are designed to give a thrilling driving experience. The Mazda 3 Hatch can be revved all day long without breaking a sweat. It is a fun car to drive and the engines aid to enhance the overall sporty character of the car. Depending on which variant you pick, you can get to avail the benefits of Mazda's i-STOP and i-ELOOP technologies which work in unison to extract the max from the engine and deliver an enhanced fuel efficiency without compromising of the performance aspect.

Ride and handling

Mazda 3 Hatch is incorporated with a new SkyActiv chassis and body that enables it to be ridden enthusiastically in corners without losing the race line. The car feels very well balanced and poised at all times. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control also plays a major role in enhancing the car’s handling capabilities. It is the first system in the world to alter the engine torque based on the steering input.

Safety features

In terms of safety features the Mazda 3 Hatch gets ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Rear-View Camera, Blind Spot Detection, and airbags.

The Mazda 3 Hatch, which starts at a price of PHP 1.11 million, is a perfect answer to why Japanese cars are amongst the best in the world.