Some cars just get you from point A to point B. The Mazda3 Hatchback asks a little more from the drive, and it gives a lot back. With sharp styling, a driver-focused cabin, and handling that makes a quick run feel spirited, this is the compact that keeps things interesting for drivers near Broad Ripple, Indiana.
At Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda, we have watched drivers fall for this little five-door again and again. It offers the practicality of a hatch without sacrificing fun, a rare combination in this segment. Whether you are weaving through tight neighborhood parking or settling in for a longer stretch up Keystone Avenue, it feels planted and eager.
Every Mazda3 starts with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder that makes 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is smooth off the line with enough pull for merging and passing without feeling strained, and the six-speed automatic shifts with a directness that suits the car’s character. Front-wheel drive is standard, and i-Activ all-wheel drive is available for extra grip on wet or wintry roads.
Want more? The available 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo pushes output up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, paired with standard all-wheel drive. There is even a six-speed manual on one hatchback-only trim for drivers who like to row their own gears. No matter how you spec it, the car responds the moment you ask. Take one out and feel how it settles into a run on I-465.
The interior is where the Mazda3 Hatchback earns a lot of its fans. A clean, uncluttered dash keeps the controls where your hands expect them. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, with wireless connection on higher trims, along with an available Qi wireless charger to keep your phone topped off.
Move up the lineup and the comfort features stack up quickly: a power moonroof, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a Bose 12-speaker sound system on select trims. Materials feel richer than the price suggests, from available leather seating to the soft touch surfaces you reach for. It makes daily driving feel calmer, whether you are headed to work or making a coffee run near the Monon Trail.
Mazda builds its i-Activsense suite into every Mazda3 Hatchback, so the safety tech is not reserved for the top trims. Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, and Driver Attention Alert all come standard. Automatic-transmission models add Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which takes some of the strain out of stop-and-go traffic.
The turbocharged trim adds even more, including a 360-degree View Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and Cruising and Traffic Support for hands-on highway lane centering. It is the kind of confidence that fades into the background until the moment you need it. Mazda’s reputation for safety is well earned, and the current lineup keeps racking up top marks from independent testers.
With six trims to choose from, there is a version of this hatch for almost any driver and budget. The chart below breaks down how the lineup builds from the well-equipped 2.5 S up to the turbocharged Premium Plus, so you can see where each step adds the features that matter most to you.
| Trim | Engine & Drivetrain | Wheels | Seating | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 2.5L, FWD, 6-speed automatic | 16-inch alloy | Cloth | i-Activsense safety suite, 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| 2.5 S Select Sport | 2.5L, FWD, 6-speed automatic | 18-inch Black Metallic alloy | Synthetic leather sport seats | Dual-zone climate, Advanced Keyless Entry, leather-wrapped wheel |
| 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5L, FWD, 6-speed automatic | 18-inch alloy | Synthetic leather | Power moonroof, heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | 2.5L, AWD, 6-speed automatic | 18-inch Black alloy | Red leather | Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, standard AWD |
| 2.5 S Premium | 2.5L, FWD, 6-speed manual | 18-inch black-finish alloy | Leather, black or red | Bose 12-speaker audio, Active Driving Display, Traffic Sign Recognition |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | 2.5L Turbo, AWD, 6-speed automatic | 18-inch alloy | Leather | Up to 250 hp, 10.25-inch touchscreen, 360-degree View Monitor, paddle shifters |
Not sure which trim fits? That is what our team is here for. Tell us how you drive and what you want, and we will match you with the right one. This is a car that tends to win people over on the first drive, so browse our selection online or stop in for a closer look.
Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda is backed by a group that has served drivers across the region since 1980. That history shows up in how we treat people: straightforward answers, fair numbers, and a low-pressure approach from start to finish.
Our finance team works with a range of lenders to fit different budgets and credit situations, and our Value Your Trade tool gives you a quick, honest number to put toward your next Mazda. When you are ready, apply for pre-approval online, schedule a test drive, or just stop by and see the Mazda3 in person. We think you will be glad you did.
Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda is a short drive away. We stock the full Mazda lineup, including the Mazda3 Hatchback, and our team is happy to help you find the right fit. The trip over is well worth it.
The Mazda3 makes 186 horsepower with its standard 2.5-liter engine, and the available Dynamic Pressure Turbo bumps that up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. Both engines pair with a six-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive is available. It is a lineup that balances everyday efficiency with real driving fun.
Yes. i-Activ all-wheel drive is available on the Mazda3 and comes standard on the Carbon Edition and the turbocharged Premium Plus. It adds extra traction for rainy days and the occasional winter storm, which makes it a smart pick for year-round driving. Front-wheel drive is standard on the rest of the lineup.
The Mazda3 offers 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which handles groceries, gym bags, and weekend trips with room to spare. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats down and you get even more space for larger items. That flexibility is a big part of why buyers choose the hatch over the sedan.
Yes, our finance team at Ray Skillman Northeast Mazda works with a range of lenders to find terms that fit different budgets and credit situations. You can apply for pre-approval online before you visit to save time. Whether you have strong credit or are building it back up, we will work to get you into the right Mazda.
Absolutely. Our Value Your Trade tool gives you a quick, transparent estimate you can apply toward a new Mazda. Bring your vehicle by and we will walk through the numbers with you in person. It is an easy way to lower what you finance on your next car.
