2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The 2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback is one of the few hatches left in a market that is now overrun with more practical crossovers and SUVs. It is presented with a choice of two engines, including a turbo four-cylinder that develops 250 horsepower and enables some spirited driving that earns it a spot among the hot hatches. Aside from being genuine fun, the Mazda 3 hatch is also more premium than its price point would suggest, with a high-quality interior and a long list of standard features. However, its subpar cargo and passenger capacity put it on the back foot against practical crossovers and other hatchbacks like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla that arguably offer better value for shoppers in this segment. Nevertheless, a closer look is warranted.

The price of the new Mazda 3 Hatchback is a bit higher than its direct competitors, with the entry-level S starting at $23,550. Most of the trims are a modest step up from the previous one, as shown by the S Select at $24,950, the S Preferred at $26,550, S Carbon Edition at $28,200, and S Premium at $29,150. The most expensive models are those equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder. The Turbo will cost you $32,450, while the Turbo Premium Plus tops out at $35,300. All-wheel drive can be added to the S Carbon Edition for $1,400 and the S Premium for $1,250. These prices for the Mazda 3 Hatchback are MSRP and do not include the $1,165 destination fee.

While there is a definite focus on comfort over outright performance, Mazda can't help but throw a splash of fun into its cars. The 3 Hatchback never loses its composure, neither when taking a corner a little faster than you really should nor when dealing with undulations on the road. This dual personality is courtesy of a slightly stiff suspension paired with excellent dampening. As such, the small car handles remarkably well, which is definitely welcome when you put the turbocharged engine into play.

The steering is a bit light, but it maintains a good feel, giving you all the confidence you need to have a little fun. That being said, there is a tendency for understeer that you should be aware of. All-wheel drive, which comes standard on the Turbo models, helps to improve handling and eliminate torque steer.

There aren't a lot of premium hatchbacks in the USA, and while the 2023 Mazda 3 Hatch doesn't quite fall into premium category, it is extremely close to qualifying thanks to its luxurious and well-stocked cabin. More impressive is its respectable pricing for what it brings to the party. This includes a Turbo option that rockets the small car into hot hatch territory, though its focus on comfort and lifestyle hold it back from really running with the big dogs.

The availability of AWD only adds to the appeal, allowing the hatch to survive in states where many sedans and small cars are left to die in a snowdrift. To top it all off, already good fuel economy figures have been further improved this year. However, there are some less-than-stellar points, like the relatively cramped rear seats and the subpar trunk capacity, but these are par for the course in this segment. In review, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is a reliable and safe city car that offers way more value than its price tag implies, and it is more than deserving of attention.

If you're looking to buy a 2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback, you can't really go wrong, no matter which model you choose. The first thing you have to decide is how much power you want, since there is a large discrepancy in price between the models with the turbo engine and those with the naturally aspirated unit. You don't really need the extra power, though, since the 3 was never meant to be a sporty vehicle. The money saved from going with the base engine can be used to increase the trim level to something like the Carbon Edition, which not only looks great but also boasts features like a moonroof and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.