As you’re weighing your options, you’re probably wondering: what else is out there? Well, let’s cut to the chase – the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, for instance, boasts impressive fuel economy.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ve got a slew of other contenders vying for your attention, each with their unique strengths. Want to know what sets them apart?
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Key Takeaways
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Honda Civic Hatchback offer alternative fuel economy options with up to 64 mpg and 32 mpg combined, respectively.
- Ford Focus and Kia Forte provide similar handling and performance alternatives with engine outputs ranging from 123-350 HP.
- Mazda3 Hatchback has larger interior space, but Ford Focus offers more extensive trim levels and options for customization.
- Luxury alternatives like BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, and Mercedes A-Class offer premium features and performance.
- Electric and warranty-backed alternatives like Cupra Born, Kia XCeed, and SEAT Leon offer unique benefits and value for money.
Honda Civic Hatchback: A Close Rival
The Honda Civic Hatchback stands out as a formidable rival to the Mazda3 Hatchback, boasting a starting price of $22,900 and offering a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, alongside 180 horsepower.
You’ll find it offers similar practicality to the Mazda3, with a fuel economy of up to 32 mpg combined.
The Civic Hatchback also trumps the Mazda3 with a more comprehensive range of trims, including the high-performance Type R trim.
Additionally, it provides more interior space, with more rear-seat legroom and cargo space, making it a strong contender in the compact hatchback market.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback: A Fuel-Efficient Option
You’re considering the Toyota Corolla Hatchback as a fuel-efficient alternative to the Mazda3.
You’ll want to compare its fuel economy of up to 64mpg to the Mazda3’s offerings.
The Corolla Hatchback also provides a range of engine power options, including an estimated 139-169 HP, to suit your driving needs.
Fuel Economy Comparison
When shopping for a fuel-efficient ride, one key contender stands out: the Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
You’ll get an impressive fuel economy of up to 64mpg, making it a great option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.
In comparison, the Mazda3 Hatchback has an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway, which is lower than the Corolla Hatchback’s fuel economy.
The Corolla Hatchback’s superior fuel economy may be a deciding factor for buyers who prioritize saving money on gas and reducing their carbon footprint.
Engine Power Options
Powering the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which provides a respectable 169 horsepower.
You’ll notice this engine option is slightly less powerful than the Mazda3 Hatchback’s 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine, but it makes up for it with its fuel efficiency.
Some key features to ponder are:
- The Corolla Hatchback’s engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system, whereas the Mazda3 Hatchback offers a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic.
- The Corolla Hatchback’s curb weight is 2,910 pounds, slightly less than the Mazda3 Hatchback’s curb weight of 2,947 pounds.
- The Corolla Hatchback’s starting price of $23,650 is slightly higher than the Mazda3 Hatchback’s starting price of $20,790.
Kia Forte: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
You’ll find the Kia Forte to be a budget-friendly alternative to the Mazda3, with a starting price of $17,890 for the 2021 model year trims.
Its performance and handling are also notable, boasting 201 HP and achieving an estimated 27 MPG city and 37 MPG highway with the 6-Speed Manual Transmission.
With its range of features and spacious interior, the Kia Forte presents a strong case as a budget-friendly option in the compact car segment.
Budget-Friendly Features
With its affordable starting price of $17,890, the Kia Forte establishes itself as a viable alternative to the Mazda3 Hatchback for budget-conscious buyers.
You’ll appreciate the flexibility of its 6-Speed Manual Transmission or Intelligent Variable Transmission, as well as the decent power of 201 HP.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from:
- An estimated EPA rating of 27 MPG city and 37 MPG highway for fuel efficiency
- A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for added peace of mind
- A budget-friendly package that won’t break the bank
Performance and Handling
In terms of performance and handling, the Kia Forte holds its own against the Mazda3. You’ll find the Forte’s 201 HP engine is comparable to the Mazda’s 250 horsepower, but at a lower price point. The 6-Speed Manual Transmission or Intelligent Variable Transmission provides a similar driving experience to the Mazda 3’s 6-Speed Manual Transmission.
| Vehicle | Horsepower | Transmission | Fuel Economy (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte | 201 | 6-Speed Manual or IVT | 31 city, 41 highway |
| Mazda 3 | 250 | 6-Speed Manual | 28 city, 39 highway |
| Kia Forte | – | – | – |
| Mazda 3 | – | – | – |
| Kia Forte’s fuel economy is competitive with the Mazda 3, making it a fun to drive alternative.
Volkswagen Golf: A Premium Hatchback Experience
The Volkswagen Golf sets a high standard for premium hatchbacks, excelling on motorway, country roads, and town-centre streets.
You’ll appreciate its wide range of engines and plenty of rear-seat room.
What sets it apart from the Mazda3 is its upscale interior, focusing on comfort and premium materials.
Some key advantages include:
- Highly responsive infotainment with great visuals
- All-round ability to handle various driving conditions with ease
- Premium badge, although at a slightly higher starting price than the Mazda3.
Hyundai Elantra GT: A Feature-Packed Option
You’ll find the Hyundai Elantra GT to be a compelling alternative to the Mazda3, boasting an impressive array of features at an attractive starting price of $20,650 for the 2020 model year.
With two engine options producing 161-201 HP, you’ll have a range of powertrain options, including a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic.
The Elantra GT’s standard and optional amenities include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, making it a well-equipped compact hatchback.
Honda Fit: a Subcompact With Ample Space
You’ll be surprised by the Honda Fit’s compact design, which belies its generous interior space.
With front seat space comparable to the Mazda3, you’ll appreciate the Fit’s practicality.
Its compact design also allows for an impressive cargo area, making it a great option for those who need space without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Compact Design
Compact dimensions don’t necessarily mean cramped quarters, as this subcompact car proves.
You’ll be surprised by its spacious interior, comparable to the Mazda3 hatchback.
- The Honda Fit’s seat space is comparable to the Mazda3, making it a great option for those who want a smaller car without sacrificing comfort.
- Its cargo area is almost as big as the five-door Mazda3, offering ample space for passengers and cargo.
- The 60/40-split folding rear seat provides versatility, allowing you to configure the space to suit your needs.
Interior Space
The Honda Fit’s interior space is a notable feature, offering ample room for passengers and cargo alike. You’ll find the front seat space comparable to the Mazda3, making it comfortable for daily driving. The cargo area is surprisingly spacious, almost as big as the five-door version.
| Feature | Honda Fit | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Seat Space | Comparable to Mazda3 | Impressive |
| Cargo Area | Almost as big as Mazda3 | Spacious |
| Fuel Economy | Up to 36 mpg combined | N/A |
The Honda Fit’s rear seat folds in various configurations, providing maximum storage space. Clever storage solutions, such as a center console storage bin and door pockets, further augment the interior space.
Mazda CX-3: A Crossover-Inspired Alternative
Sitting between the Mazda2 and CX-5 in terms of size, the Mazda CX-3 is a crossover-inspired alternative to the Mazda 3 Hatchback.
You’ll appreciate its SUV ride height, which solves the Mazda 3’s drawbacks while keeping its plus points.
- The CX-3 starts at $20,390, just $1,045 more than a five-door Mazda3.
- You can opt for all-wheel drive for an extra $1,400, with a fuel economy of 31 mpg combined or 29 mpg in AWD models.
- The CX-3 offers a more premium feel and features than the Mazda3, making it a suitable alternative for those who want a more upscale driving experience.
Ford Focus: A Driver-Oriented Hatchback
You’ll find the Ford Focus excels in handling and performance, making it a great option for those who prioritize a engaging drive.
However, the trade-off comes in the form of limited space and cargo capacity, which may not be ideal for passengers or road trips.
In terms of fuel efficiency and price, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s an affordable option with a starting price under $20,000.
Handling and Performance
When seeking a car that echoes the Mazda 3’s handling and performance, the Ford Focus stands out as a compelling option.
You’ll appreciate its similar driving sparkle, with a range of engines offering 123-350 HP outputs to suit your needs.
Key performance highlights include:
- A range of engines to choose from, including a high-performance ST model
- A handling-oriented character that’s similar to the Mazda 3
- A more extensive range of trim levels and options to tailor your driving experience
Interior Space and Features
The Ford Focus’s interior space is a notable aspect, offering more rear-seat room than the Mazda 3, while still maintaining that similar driving sparkle. However, you’ll find the interior space is smaller overall. Here’s a breakdown of the interior space features:
| Feature | Ford Focus | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-seat room | More | Less |
| Interior space | Smaller | Larger |
| Engine selection | Less powerful | More powerful |
While the Ford Focus may not excel in interior space, it makes up for it with its attractive exterior and fairly good handling, making it a driver-oriented hatchback.
Fuel Efficiency and Price
Both the Ford Focus and Mazda3 Hatchback cater to budget-conscious buyers, with the Focus boasting a lower starting price point – $17,950 for a sedan and $20,540 for a hatchback – making it a more affordable choice for those on a tighter budget.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Focus falls short, with its base models rated 29 mpg combined with the manual transmission.
Consider the following key differences:
- The Mazda3 Hatchback offers better fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.
- The Focus’s engine selection may be a drawback for those who prioritize performance in this regard.
- The Focus’s lower price point may outweigh its fuel efficiency and performance shortcomings for budget-conscious buyers.
BMW 1 Series: A Luxury Hatchback Experience
You’re likely drawn to the BMW 3’s blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, so it’s no surprise you’re considering the BMW 1 Series, a luxury hatchback that packs a similar punch.
As a hatchback, the 1 Series offers a spacious interior, with 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Its turbocharged engine produces 228 horsepower, making it a formidable performer on the road.
With its premium features and agile handling, the BMW 1 Series is an attractive alternative to the Mazda 3 Hatchback.
Audi A3: A Premium Infotainment System
Luxury car buyers seeking a premium infotainment system will find Audi’s offering hard to ignore.
The Audi A3’s infotainment system is a major selling point, making it a strong competitor to the Mazda 3 Hatchback in terms of in-car technology.
You’ll appreciate these key features:
- Intuitive menus and great graphics
- Top-rate responsiveness to user inputs
- Advanced infotainment system worth the extra cost for some buyers
Mercedes A-Class: A Plug-in Hybrid Option
The Mercedes A-Class plug-in hybrid offers a compelling alternative to the Mazda 3 Hatchback’s traditional powertrain.
You’ll get a 13kWh battery that enables a circa 50-mile electric driving range, making it an environmentally friendly option.
The hybrid engine provides instant power and unstickable grip, giving you a hot hatch-like experience.
With a range of over 250 miles, you can prioritize electric driving without range anxiety.
As a plug-in hybrid, you’ll enjoy the benefits of electric driving while having a gasoline engine as a backup.
This makes the Mercedes A-Class a solid choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient alternative.
Cupra Born: An Electric Hatchback Alternative
Several electric hatchbacks are giving the Mazda 3 Hatchback a run for its money, and the Cupra Born is one of them.
You’ll appreciate the Cupra Born’s instantly available torque and unstickable grip, making it feel like a hot hatch hooligan.
- Decent range of over 250 miles, making it a viable option for those who want an electric vehicle
- 13kWh battery for a circa 50-mile electric driving range
- Available for sale, with more information on the CarsGuide website
Kia XCeed: A Warranty-Backed Option
If you’re seeking a car similar to the Mazda 3, Kia’s XCeed is an attractive option, backed by an impressive seven-year warranty.
You’ll appreciate its sleek design, spacious interior, and robust engine options.
The XCeed shares some DNA with the Kia Forte, a compact sedan known for its safety features and comfortable ride.
Both vehicles offer a blend of style, functionality, and reliability.
With the XCeed, you’ll enjoy a more compact, hatchback design, making it an excellent choice for city driving or those seeking a more agile ride.
SEAT Leon: A Stylish and Sporty Hatchback
You’ll find the SEAT Leon to be a stylish and sporty hatchback that offers better value for money than the Mazda3, boasting a posher interior with a more premium ambiance than its price tag would suggest.
The SEAT Leon stands out for its practicality, making it a great option for those who need extra space.
Some key benefits include:
- A range of trim levels, including the sporty FR trim with 17-inch alloy wheels and a flat-bottomed steering wheel
- More practicality than the Mazda 3
- A seven-year, 100,000 miles warranty for peace of mind
Conclusion
You’ve delved into the alternatives to the Mazda 3 Hatchback, from the fuel-efficient Toyota Corolla to the luxurious Mercedes A-Class. Consider this: a young professional, Sarah, prioritizes reliability and affordability. She chooses the Kia XCeed, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a seven-year warranty. This real-world example highlights the importance of considering factors beyond just aesthetics or performance when finding the perfect hatchback for your needs.
