2012 & 2013 Mazda Hatchback Reviews & Ratings

Japanese performance wizards Mazda Motor Corporation are famed for their compact yet plucky and performance driven family hatchbacks. Chief among their hatchback models is the Mazda3 or Mazda Axela. Replacing the now discontinued Mazda Familia in 2004, the Mazda3 has become the dominant brand of the Mazda Motor corporation, with the lesser known sedan and MPV, respectively the Mazda4 and Mazda5, failing to gain the worldwide brand recognition of their younger cousin according to reviews.

Japanese performance wizards Mazda Motor Corporation are famed for their compact yet plucky and performance driven family hatchbacks. Chief among their hatchback models is the Mazda3 or Mazda Axela. Replacing the now discontinued Mazda Familia in 2004, the Mazda3 has become the dominant brand of the Mazda Motor corporation, with the lesser known sedan and MPV, respectively the Mazda4 and Mazda5, failing to gain the worldwide brand recognition of their younger cousin according to reviews.

There are currently six models of Mazda hatchback cars, representing the majority of its total car sales. The Atenza is Mazda's family sedan and most expensive model, retailing at around $23,000. The Premacy, Mazda's take on a compact MPV, goes for around the $20,000 mark. Like many of its competitors, reviews state that the Premacy has never threatened to make a dent in the sales of industry killers like the Citreon Xsara Picasso or the Renault Scenic. The Mazda Verisa and the Mazda Demio are the company's babies, a charming mini car going for $21,600 for the two wheel drive model and $24,600 for the four wheel drive model.

But it is the Axela, at $20,000, that reigns supreme among the Mazda hatchback models offered by Mazda according to reviews. The compact car's powertrain is recognised in reviews as the top amongst its competitors, making it a fun and responsive drive for a compact. It has been classified as the best in its class in reviews. Mazda's defining characteristic, the grinning front grille, has failed to win the hearts of the public and it is considered, if not ugly, then at least smugly unpleasant in reviews. Indeed, reviews have stated that the Axela is as ugly on the outside as it is in the inside, with the factory upholstery being singled out as particularly glaring. It cannot, however, be faulted for its safety record, which reviews from the Institute for Highway Safety as well as the federal government remark are exceptional.

Mazda hatchbacks don't stand alone in the world of compact hatchbacks. Reviews state that the car's major competitor is the ever popular Volkwagon Golf, which gives the Mazda hatchbacks a run for their money in terms of price and performance. While the Golf has less space for the family's inventory than the Axela, reviews state that the Golf is far nippier and fun to drive. Fuel economy, however, will be a concern compared to the sleek efficiency of the Mazda3 according to one review. Retailing at $25,000, however, the Golf has attracted the ire of reviews for being a little less bang for your buck.

Another contender is the Chevrolet Cruze, which has no problems competing with the Mazda3 in terms of storage space according to most reviews. In terms of fuel efficiency the Chevrolet's hatchback also present the Mazda3 with a considerable challenge as it is available in an eco-friendly Cruze Eco model.

While it by no means rules the roost, the Axela is definitely Mazda's flagship and is likely to become a competitor for the dominant Golf in years to come.