Mazda 3 Hatchback Review - 2o6 style: "Is this your king?"

[2o6]

I've been doing more writing pieces, and I wrote this piece about a Mazda 3 I drove yesterday as a way to relax from the very heavy writing I've been doing about the shit going on in the world.

https://2o6.kinja.com/is-this-your-king-2020-mazda-3-review-1844481216



"It is a sharp-looking car; the exterior looks particularly expensive. The greenhouse is a bit restrictive, but once again, works - the "two-window" design I think makes the car look rakish. The sides of the car are remarkably unfussy, with the headlights, grille, and taillamps doing most of the heavy lifting showing intricate details. The car has a wide and planted stance, and the car itself looks very low compared to other compacts on the market."

[Speed_Racer]

Good read! IMO the sedan looks way better with this redesign. I can't find a non-awkward angle of the hatch

[Laconian]

Good read! IMO the sedan looks way better with this redesign. I can't find a non-awkward angle of the hatch

I disagree! I think the chunk looks distinctive and classy, like the Alfa Brera.

[shp4man]

Good article. I have a newfound appreciation for Mazdas since I got the Miata. The best Japanese brand, IMHO. That's now, not in past decades.

[Laconian]

Good article. I have a newfound appreciation for Mazdas since I got the Miata. The best Japanese brand, IMHO. That's now, not in past decades.

The 90's on up has been a good run for their sports cars, starting with the FD RX7, holy crap.

The Mazda6 marked the transition of their mainstream product from ersatz-Hondas with too much Ford DNA to something special.

[Speed_Racer]

I disagree! I think the chunk looks distinctive and classy, like the Alfa Brera.

That's funny because the sedan makes me recall the Alfa 159 sedan

[SJ_GTI]

I disagree! I think the chunk looks distinctive and classy, like the Alfa Brera.

#metoo

[2o6]

Thanks for the comments, guys! 


I think I'm starting to find my groove with this writing thing.

[FoMoJo]

I think I'm starting to find my groove with this writing thing.

I read the whole thing which says something.  Most reviews I give up about half way through.

[veeman]

Great review.  Stunning looking car.  I dunno in the US how often these small hatchbacks are purchased or leased with the intent of regularly having adult sized rear seat passengers.  I know you used your Sonic as an Uber car though. 

Meaning in the U.S. someone who regularly has adult rear seat passengers... why would they get a small hatchback?  Just wondering out loud.  A Mazda CX5 is basically the same price as this car. 

I'd love this car as a daily driver to work.  I agree with you.  It's too expensive.  Just looks great though, exterior and interior. 

[Laconian]

Great review.  Stunning looking car.  I dunno in the US how often these small hatchbacks are purchased or leased with the intent of regularly having adult sized rear seat passengers.  I know you used your Sonic as an Uber car though. 

Meaning in the U.S. someone who regularly has adult rear seat passengers... why would they get a small hatchback?  Just wondering out loud.  A Mazda CX5 is basically the same price as this car. 

I'd love this car as a daily driver to work.  I agree with you.  It's too expensive.  Just looks great though, exterior and interior. 

The previous generation can fit full size adults in the back with no problem. The new 3 sedan has a reasonable amount of legroom. It's just the current hatch that's problematic.. sigh..

[Speed_Racer]

I've been sitting in a bunch of Mazdas as my GF is shopping around for her next ride. I'd expect the 2020 Mazda3 hatch is a hard sell when a 2yr old CPO CX5s comes in at a similar price ($23-26k). But the CX5 has more a comfortable rear seat and larger usable trunk space. The 3 (and CX30) have such a raked hatch that it cuts into the usability of the trunk for larger items like furniture.

[veeman]

I've been sitting in a bunch of Mazdas as my GF is shopping around for her next ride. I'd expect the 2020 Mazda3 hatch is a hard sell when a 2yr old CPO CX5s comes in at a similar price ($23-26k). But the CX5 has more a comfortable rear seat and larger usable trunk space. The 3 (and CX30) have such a raked hatch that it cuts into the usability of the trunk for larger items like furniture.

In the US a brand new Mazda CX-5 base model (sport) and next level up (touring) start from 25 - 28 thousand depending on FWD vs AWD. 

[veeman]

The previous generation can fit full size adults in the back with no problem. The new 3 sedan has a reasonable amount of legroom. It's just the current hatch that's problematic.. sigh..

What I'm saying is Mazda doesn't have to make the rear seat that roomy or with good sight lines because it's not really meant for regularly carrying adult sized rear passengers.  They have the equally priced Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 6 for that.  This car is meant to be a real stylish upscale good driver single person or two person car which can occasionally be used to take on additional passengers. 

In the US I don't see a lot of small hatchbacks being used as family cars with adult sized rear passengers.  I see Camcords or mostly SUVs for that.  Small hatchbacks are bought as work commuter cars, delivery driver cars, people who don't have kids cars, and empty nester cars. 

[AutobahnSHO]

Fantastic writing- really the only criticism I could offer is take off the dealer plate from the body if you're going to take photos in a parking lot!

[Payman]

I disagree! I think the chunk looks distinctive and classy, like the Alfa Brera.

Agree 100%

[CaminoRacer]

I didn't like the rear view when it first came out, but in-person it looks great. Very muscular yet classy.

[Laconian]

Fantastic writing- really the only criticism I could offer is take off the dealer plate from the body if you're going to take photos in a parking lot!

It was entertaining and informative. It actually posited an opinion, too! That's something that is sorely lacking with today's anodyne advertorial review fare. Nobody provides actual criticism anymore.

[2o6]

Thx guys!

[CaminoRacer]

It was entertaining and informative. It actually posited an opinion, too! That's something that is sorely lacking with today's anodyne advertorial review fare. Nobody provides actual criticism anymore.

It drives me crazy when I search for a car review and just get spec comparisons. Total clickbait garbage to get $0.000001 from ad revenue.

[Laconian]

It could be a nice car for you, depending on your needs and how much money you're willing to spend.

[mzziaz]

Nice car. However, there is only one original

[cawimmer430]

Nice review.