Mazda 3: Five features that make it the best premium hatchback

While compact SUVs give a feel of compromise on some aspects, the premium hatchbacks represent the luxury end in the small car segment. One of the main players in this arena is Mazda that is known for making stylish, technologically advanced, and performance-oriented small cars and the Mazda 3 Hatchback is a testament to that. The car exudes a premium appeal with a number of hi-tech creature comforts and dynamic handling capabilities. 

In the local market, it is available in 2 variants - Skyactiv-G 1.5 and Skyactiv-G 2.0 High Plus. The Mazda 3 hatchback price for the base trim starts at RM 137,000, while the top-spec version retails for RM 154,00. Here are the top five features that make the Mazda 3 Hatchback the best premium hatch in Malaysia.

A feast for the eyes

Mazda really makes beautiful cars and the 3 Hatch is no exception. It also follows the brand’s Kodo design philosophy like its stablemates. It has a wing-shaped front fascia, featuring a large diamond-shaped grille, with eyebrow-shaped automatic LED headlights. The use of LED elements and chrome makes the car’s front look very elegant and modern.

Further, Mazda gave the hatch a low-slung and stretched long profile that seamlessly merges with the beautiful curves lending the car a contemporary look from every angle. On the back, the Mazda 3 hatchback gets an aerodynamically styled rear spoiler, sleek-looking tail lamps, and a high positioned opening for the trunk lid for a sporty stance. Overall, the Mazda 3 is a treat to the eyes.

Feature-laden interior with premium fit and finish

The Mazda 3 hatchback cabin boasts a contemporary feel thanks to the layout and fit and finish levels that scream quality and modernity simultaneously. It features a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with a round theme that carries silver elements and chunky buttons, which is paired with a 7-inch Colour TFT LCD Multi Info Display.

The Mazda 3 hatchback specs sheet is full of hi-tech and premium goodies, including

• Head-up display
• Leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
• Electric parking brake
• 8.8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment System With Voice Command 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
• 8-speaker audio system
• Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control
• Power adjustable driver’s seat
• Power windows
• Engine Start/Stop Button
• Reverse camera
• Sunroof

Powerful engines 

The Mazda 3 Hatch comes with two engine options - a 1.5-litre DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder that churns out a maximum power of 118 hp at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 153 Nm at 4000 rpm and the other one is a larger 2.0-liter motor which pumps out 162 hp at 6,000 rpm and 213 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both the engines come mated to Mazda's SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode. 

Mazda designed both units with an intent to deliver a thrilling driving experience. The fun-to-drive hatchback can be revved all day without breaking a sweat. 

Dynamic handling

While Skyactiv-G petrol engines deliver exhilarating performance, the newly developed G-Vectoring Control Plus enables the Mazda 3 hatchback to better handle emergency avoidance maneuvers and offers more confidence-inspiring controllability in various situations, including high-speed lane changes and driving on slippery roads. The GVC Plus is the second-gen Mazda’s vehicle dynamics control technology. It is the first system in the world that alters the engine torque based on the steering input.

Mazda i-Activsense safety net

The Mazda 3 hatchback comes loaded with really nice safety bits that are usually present in premium positioned cars. These include advanced safety technologies in the form of an i-Activsense safety net. The pack comprises:

• Adaptive Front-Lighting System
• High Beam Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Lane-Keep Assist System
• Driver Attention Alert 
• Smart Brake Support
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control 

Other standard safety features on board are six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Anti Lock Braking, Emergency Stop Signal, Emergency Brake System, Traction Control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

In a nutshell, the Mazda 3 hatchback offers everything that one desires from such a vehicle. If you are looking to buy a compact car, you should consider the Mazda 3 Hatch.

Also read: Straight-six engine confirmed for next-gen Mazda CX-5