Mazda is one those very few mass-market brands fortunate enough to be selling hatchbacks in a country that still generally adores saloons, the former variation usually appealing more to less traditional palates.
To ensure it has covered both consumer segments at the same time, Mazda has simultaneously launched the four- and five-door together with exactly the same 2.0-litre engine, specification and 1.064 million baht price tag.
Although a matter of taste, the black interior trim goes well with the sporty nature of the 3 hatch. The classier beige upholstery suits the saloon's more conservative state.
You really can't compare the two 3s together; it merely depends on your preference. Even though many would like to go for the hatch simply because it's not as commonplace as a saloon, it's typically a better choice in objective terms.
There are higher levels of practicality in the hatch including a more versatile boot and rear seats that can now fold down completely flat. Rivals like the Ford Focus and Toyota Prius tend to have a more raked rear windscreen, thus reducing boot height but not necessarily depth.
Black interior trim matches the hatch’s trendy nature
And speaking of the competition, there's less shopping to do when evaluating the 3 hatch. Unlike the saloon which faces more and stiffer opposition, the hatch's only competitors are the aforementioned Focus and Prius.
True, these two are the only other hatchbacks available in the 1 million baht price range, but it's also this duo pressing to make life hard for the 3 hatch once buyers start making comparison.
For around 100k more, the Prius offers a more spacious cabin, higher levels of safety equipment and, of course, a petrol/electric hybrid that's far, far superior in economy terms than the 3 hatch.
Despite its expiry date in Europe, the Focus is still a compelling hatch boasting a class-leading handling/ride balance and diesel alternative that offers a fine combination of performance and economy in the C-segment class.
Practical boot is enhanced with rear seats that can now fold down completely flat.
Better even is the price of less than 900,000 baht which is a result of Ford dumping the retail price (previous buyers must surely be upset) to clear stocks before the all-new replacement comes to Thai showrooms early next year.
Because of that, buyers weighing the proposition of 3 hatch shouldn't look at what's on offer elsewhere because they're sure to be swayed away in objective terms. Like the saloon, the hatch is an emotional choice with its distinctive looks.
The hatchback costs exactly the same as the saloon— 1.064 million baht.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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