Mid-Size Hatchback Comparison

Just look at what's happened to the five-door hatchback. The once mundane two-box compact hauler has been tweaked into all manner of exterior form, the powertrains refined for greater pep and efficiency, sophisticated technologies introduced into even the least-expensive models, and lists of options enriched to near luxury-car levels. Style and affordability, comfort and utility, all in one package. What could be better?

Better yet is that this continuous mutation of shape and content hasn't messed up the hatchback's basic chemistry: a compact chassis for nimble around-town duty; a tall, extended body with four passenger doors and a big rear hatch to ease the movement of people and things; and a small, economical engine with enough performance for the cut and thrust of city traffic. Our assembled five-doors were built to that winning formula, so it's not surprising they share many dimensions and physical traits beneath their stylish skins.

Each is a nice compact container ship that can ferry passengers comfortably when it's not hauling stuff and junk, but we'll return to the question of utility later. First, let's sift through their qualities as driving machines, not as mobile storage sheds.

At the Wheel
Before this ride leaves the staging area, however, we'll save you some letter writing. Due to the limitations of manufacturer press fleets, these four testers aren't perfectly matched. We have manual transmissions, an automatic, and a CVT; front and all-wheel drive; varying trim levels, base, and as-tested pricing. Before you draw your final conclusions, do your homework, spec out the cars the way you want them, and then compare.

The most fun of the bunch, by a good margin, is the Mazda3 s Touring. Even though its 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter four was the least-powerful engine in this test, it ran the sprints about as quickly as the lighter and more powerful Matrix, and it plain spanked all comers in the slalom, figure eight, and skidpad tests, testament to its balanced chassis and superb handling. Its dynamic balance is underscored by equally excellent ergonomics. The thick-grip steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach (the only one among the group to do both), the five-speed manual shifter--as slick as an RX-8's--is precise and quick to find the next gear, the pedals are properly placed for heel-and-toeing, and the seating is supportive and comfortable. The steering precision and feel rivals many expensive sports cars, and the four-wheel disc brakes are strong and superbly tuned for aggressive motoring.