One of my favorite autos of the last couple of years is the Subaru Crosstrek, a spunky little all-wheel-drive hatchback that's a blast to drive and practical, too.
Well, now the Crosstrek has a worthy adversary in this micro-segment, the Mazda3 Hatch AWD which is equally spunky, drivable and practical. When it comes to hatches, the more the merrier, we say.
Both the Crosstrek and the Mazda3 hatch are welcome alternatives to the tyranny of the small SUV. Both have car-like manners, but retain the cargo-carrying utility and four-wheel power of crossovers.
Staff Photos by Mark Kennedy/ The black interior pairs well with the Soul Red exterior paint.
After a week in the 2020 Mazda3 hatch on Chattanooga streets, we believe it's a solid - if somewhat pricey - choice for active drivers who occasionally need all-weather security. We tested the all-wheel-drive system on a rain- and leaf-slickened Roberts Mill Road up Walden's Ridge without even a hint of wheel-spin.
We also took it on a family outing to Home Depot, and the hatch easily swallowed a huge stack of power tools which included a mitre saw and an unassembled work bench. Impressive.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback* Exterior color: Soul Red* Interior color: Black* Engine: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 186* Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission* Fuel economy: 32 mpg highway, 24 mpg city* Local Dealer: Tim Short Mazda* Price (as tested): $32,065
WHAT IS IT?
The Mazda3 Hatch is a compact hatchback with a potent 2.5-liter, 186-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has seating for five and is available locally at Tim Short Mazda. In premium trim you get such standard features as LED headlights, Android Auto/Apple Carplay interfaces, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, one-touch moon-roof, paddle shifters and knee airbags.
Staff Photos by Mark Kennedy/ The Mazda3's 2.5-liter engine makes 186 horsepower.WHAT WE LIKED
The Mazda3 Hatch tracks the speed limit on the stretch of road where you are driving and plots a 10-mph red zone above the limit on the analog speedometer. Not sure how that little piece of safety tech works, but if it saves you a speeding ticket it will easily pay for itself. The all-wheel-drive is a big bonus and the normally-aspirated engine is a wonder. We love (love!) the Soul Red paint, a $595 upgrade. The black finish alloy wheels, part of the Premium package, are very cool.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
The bottom line on our factory-provided tester is $32,065, which includes about $3,000 worth of options. That may seem like a lot for a compact car, but it's in line with a similarly equipped Subaru Crosstrek.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
We found the side mirrors a little hard to adjust and the C-pillars create pronounced blind spots. Thankfully, an electronic blind-spot monitoring system saves the day. The gauges, while simple and functional, need a pop of color to look more contemporary.
Staff Photos by Mark Kennedy/ The hatch has plenty of room for cargo.DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We took the Mazda3 on a big circle around the city via I-24, Highway 127 and Highway 153. Aside from the blind spot issue, the Mazda3 is a perfect commuter companion. It accelerates briskly and the ride is quiet and composed.
BOTTOM LINE
If access to all-wheel-drive is your only reason for driving a small SUV, the Mazda3 Hatch with all-wheel-drive provides a great alternative.
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Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.
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