For years US buyers have stayed away from hatchbacks even though they are super practical and just as fun, if not more fun than their sedan counterparts. In the last year we’ve seen some significant new entries in the compact hatchback segment that may finally win over US buyers, like they have with our friends in Europe. This year the Honda Civic hatchback finally made a comeback and Chevy even introduced a Cruze hatchback. Although both new entries are welcome, they already have some heavy competition from the segment leader – the Mazda3 5-Door.
The Mazda3 is actually one of the oldest models now in the segment, but each year the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback continue to be the benchmarks for the segment. Here are five things that you should know about the 2017 Mazda3 5-Door:
3Fuel efficient and sporty
Mazda is one of the few automakers to not offer a hybrid model in its lineup, but that doesn’t mean the automaker doesn’t place an emphasis on fuel efficiency. The base Mazda3 with the 155-hp 2.0L engine is rated at 28/37 with the 6-speed automatic and 27/37 with the 6-speed manual. If you opt for the more powerful 2.5L, you won’t have to pay that much more at the pump with the 27/36 mpg rating if you opt for the automatic with Mazda’s efficient i-Eloop system.
How does that compare to the new Civic hatchback? The turbocharged Civic Hatchback is a bit more fuel efficient with a 31/40 mpg rating with the CVT and 30/39 mpg if you choose the six-speed manual.
