2019 Mazda Mazda3 AWD Hatchback Funky or Fabulous?
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Date: 2019-07-26
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
Except for the iconic MX-5 I think the Mazda3 is the most interesting and competitive model compared to its rivals in the entire Mazda lineup. I was somewhat surprised, though, to see some of the alternatives that Alex presented and those he omitted. For example, I find it difficult to believe that many consumers would cross shop the Mazda3 and the Subaru Forester. On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised to see consumers looking at the Mazda3 hatchback, especially in its upper trim version versus the VW GTI or the Mazda3 sedan versus the VW GLI, neither of which was mentioned. As far as AWD is concerned, I'm skeptical about its utility in a small relatively light vehicle versus a comparable FWD vehicle with the weight of the engine over the drive wheels. Equipped with a good set of winter tires, I'd expect the latter to perform just about as well in challenging winter conditions as an AWD equipped vehicle. Nevertheless, Mazda claims that AWD is more than a marketing tool in other conditions and they might be right. If my money were on the line, I'd opt for the Mazda3 hatchback over the sedan simply because I value the versatility of a hatchback. But I wouldn't trade my GTI for one. The VW provides better performance and considerably greater passenger and cargo room in a vehicle that's about seven inches less in overall length. And while it's a unique personal advantage for me the 14' length of the GTI earns me a discount on Puget Sound ferries while the Mazda3 hatch would not. ;)
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Except for the iconic MX-5 I think the Mazda3 is the most interesting and competitive model compared to its rivals in the entire Mazda lineup. I was somewhat surprised, though, to see some of the alternatives that Alex presented and those he omitted. For example, I find it difficult to believe that many consumers would cross shop the Mazda3 and the Subaru Forester. On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised to see consumers looking at the Mazda3 hatchback, especially in its upper trim version versus the VW GTI or the Mazda3 sedan versus the VW GLI, neither of which was mentioned. As far as AWD is concerned, I'm skeptical about its utility in a small relatively light vehicle versus a comparable FWD vehicle with the weight of the engine over the drive wheels. Equipped with a good set of winter tires, I'd expect the latter to perform just about as well in challenging winter conditions as an AWD equipped vehicle. Nevertheless, Mazda claims that AWD is more than a marketing tool in other conditions and they might be right. If my money were on the line, I'd opt for the Mazda3 hatchback over the sedan simply because I value the versatility of a hatchback. But I wouldn't trade my GTI for one. The VW provides better performance and considerably greater passenger and cargo room in a vehicle that's about seven inches less in overall length. And while it's a unique personal advantage for me the 14' length of the GTI earns me a discount on Puget Sound ferries while the Mazda3 hatch would not. ;)
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paul pellico
Color me. very disappointed with Mazda and their 3 redesign. Not only this new rear hatch look, but also the last generation. Given a 3 to drive while my 09 6S in for a recall, I was very unhappy. The 19 3 hatch drove like it was heavy and not very alive in my hands. I was so happy to get back into my Orange Sunset 05 Mazda3S It was alive Fun. Friskier. Everything I always loved about my Mazda cars. The build in that first generation and then the addition of a 6 speed auto to that in 07 and on were the best Mazdas ever.
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Color me. very disappointed with Mazda and their 3 redesign. Not only this new rear hatch look, but also the last generation. Given a 3 to drive while my 09 6S in for a recall, I was very unhappy. The 19 3 hatch drove like it was heavy and not very alive in my hands. I was so happy to get back into my Orange Sunset 05 Mazda3S It was alive Fun. Friskier. Everything I always loved about my Mazda cars. The build in that first generation and then the addition of a 6 speed auto to that in 07 and on were the best Mazdas ever.
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D Mack
I really like the look of the hatch. I remember when you could get the Mazda 626 in the 5 door. America has become so obsessed with the SUV that so many cool cars have either been discontinued or certain body styles are no longer available. Don't get me wrong, the SUV serves an important niche in America. But not everyone wants an SUV or CUV. Oh and it would be nice if performance wagons like the Audi S4 avant, S6 avant, or the Caddy CTS wagon could come back to our shores.
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I really like the look of the hatch. I remember when you could get the Mazda 626 in the 5 door. America has become so obsessed with the SUV that so many cool cars have either been discontinued or certain body styles are no longer available. Don't get me wrong, the SUV serves an important niche in America. But not everyone wants an SUV or CUV. Oh and it would be nice if performance wagons like the Audi S4 avant, S6 avant, or the Caddy CTS wagon could come back to our shores.
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MrPicky400
I read that people are having problems with how small the mazda hatch is but the corolla is same size or smallers but there is no complaining there. They say that the mazda 3 needs a turbo engine, it does not have sufficient power. But when the corolla and civic only had 140 hp from 2003 to 2016 for the civic and 2019 for the corolla. No one had a problem they said it was sufficient. But the mazda 186hp is not sufficient.
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I read that people are having problems with how small the mazda hatch is but the corolla is same size or smallers but there is no complaining there. They say that the mazda 3 needs a turbo engine, it does not have sufficient power. But when the corolla and civic only had 140 hp from 2003 to 2016 for the civic and 2019 for the corolla. No one had a problem they said it was sufficient. But the mazda 186hp is not sufficient.
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Clippers0507
I might be slightly biased, having a CX-9, but I'd much rather have this than the CX-3. That car doesn't make sense to me. It's barely higher off the ground and pretty much is a weirder Mazda3. This Hatchback version fixes a lot of things. The back is a bit weird, but most Mazda's backs are just okay. They have fantastic fronts and sidelines, but the backs are just okay.
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I might be slightly biased, having a CX-9, but I'd much rather have this than the CX-3. That car doesn't make sense to me. It's barely higher off the ground and pretty much is a weirder Mazda3. This Hatchback version fixes a lot of things. The back is a bit weird, but most Mazda's backs are just okay. They have fantastic fronts and sidelines, but the backs are just okay.
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Terriell Porter
Amen brother They screwed up the rear end. I saw one someone bought the other day at the mall. And I didnt like the end. Also sorry if you go from independent suspension to torsion beam thats a down grade aka cost cutting to the extreme. Idea is to improve the not give excuse that its better cost cutting.
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Amen brother They screwed up the rear end. I saw one someone bought the other day at the mall. And I didnt like the end. Also sorry if you go from independent suspension to torsion beam thats a down grade aka cost cutting to the extreme. Idea is to improve the not give excuse that its better cost cutting.
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Kurt Grundel
Mazda naturally aspirated engines have a lot of torque over other brands and I like the six speed transmission mated to it. Toyota has less torque but used an 8 speed to compensate. That is my take on the numbers as well as around town driving the Toyota couldnt choose a gear with conviction.
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Mazda naturally aspirated engines have a lot of torque over other brands and I like the six speed transmission mated to it. Toyota has less torque but used an 8 speed to compensate. That is my take on the numbers as well as around town driving the Toyota couldnt choose a gear with conviction.
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Herp McDerp
The hatchback looks polarizing and quirky - but that also means it's not bland like so many other cars and therefore gets bonus points from me. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of the premium direction Mazda is going lately. Otherwise, it would probably be on my shopping list.
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The hatchback looks polarizing and quirky - but that also means it's not bland like so many other cars and therefore gets bonus points from me. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of the premium direction Mazda is going lately. Otherwise, it would probably be on my shopping list.
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Mark Murphy
Front and rear looks good, but that rear profile view looks hideous. Very nice interior and nothing in the class comes close to matching it. The AWD is big plus for those in the snow belt. If you dont have a lot of ish to always lug around, I think the sedan is the way to go.
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Front and rear looks good, but that rear profile view looks hideous. Very nice interior and nothing in the class comes close to matching it. The AWD is big plus for those in the snow belt. If you dont have a lot of ish to always lug around, I think the sedan is the way to go.
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pete
Maybe I'm weird here, but I love the hatchback. The shape is different but it resolves super well for me given the rest of the design language on the car. On the other hand the sedan just comes across as generic. Not bad, but nothing remarkable.
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Maybe I'm weird here, but I love the hatchback. The shape is different but it resolves super well for me given the rest of the design language on the car. On the other hand the sedan just comes across as generic. Not bad, but nothing remarkable.
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