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:
4Apple CarPlay?
Mazda is definitely behind the segment when it comes to in-car technology. The Mazda3 does offer a simple head-up display, but you won’t find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the options list. Mazda says that it’s coming, but it’s a major negative when almost every of the Mazda3’s rivals already offer the technology. It may not be so bad if the current infotainment didn’t already feel five years old. Hopefully Mazda fixes it soon, there’s also reports that when Apple CarPlay does arrive, current owners may be able to retrofit their cars with the newer and way better tech.
