Mazda 3 Hatchback

Along with the exterior, even the interior cabin of the Mazda 3 has become much more upmarket and feels as if it belongs to one segment above. The interior gets a rich looking dual-tone black and burgundy theme with leather inserts and a curvy theme for the dashboard.

Both the three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel as well as TFT instrument console make up for a classy looking cockpit, and so is the minimalist theme for the centre console of the dashboard. There is a neat and well-laid touchscreen infotainment system tucked within a scooped housing on the upper layer of the dashboard. The centre console gets small controls for automatic climate control, below which flows the transmission tunnel.

Complete with features like dual-zone automatic climate control, 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, push-button start with keyless entry, cruise control, and electrically adjustable driver’s seat, the Mazda 3 feels rich, a feeling which only gets better with the immense space levels on the inside.

The Mazda 3 has set the bars higher when it comes to sheer visual appeal, with the striking aerodynamic design being a solid head turner. The sleek-looking silhouette with the elongated stance surely manages to give the Mazda 3 a premium air.

With a wide stance which is quite evident when you look at the Mazda 3 head-on, the hatchback’s prominent look becomes even more well-heeled with the presence of the traditional large Mazda family grille which has tapered edges but a slightly rounded look. The all-black grille has its edges extended towards the headlamps, which have become thinner than ever before and gets all LED lighting pattern.

The sporty essence of the side profile of the Mazda 3 is all due to the smooth curvy roofline, big round wheel arches, and door-mounted rearview mirrors. The wide-body design post the rear door might look a bit disproportionate to some, but it surely gives a long look to the Mazda 3.

At the rear, the Mazda 3 has got a very coupe-like look with a highly rakish rear windscreen with a big sporty roof spoiler. The boot lid has a clean design with rounded and horizontally stretched LED tail lamps shaped like bird’s eyes. The high loading lip for the boot accentuates its squat stance even more.

Mazdas are known to handle brilliantly with taut steering and suspension setups, and the Mazda 3 follows the tradition with being equipped with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology on board. However, the ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, thanks to the stiff setup.

Under the hood of the Mazda 3 sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is paired here to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces a maximum power output of 153 PS, while the peak torque output stands at 200 Nm, with a promising fuel efficiency of 16.8 kmpl.

The Mazda 3 tries to be the best hatchback when it comes to being equipped with safety features, which has some premium inclusions like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, brake override system, and adaptive front headlamps, along with electric parking brake, seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control.

The Mazda 3 has successfully managed to be one of the most striking looking hatchbacks of all times, with a sense of richness in its both exterior and interior design and list of features onboard. The reliable mechanicals under the hood as well as superior chassis do make it a thoughtfully designed product as a whole.