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COPYRIGHT 2006 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
Once a popular body style, hatchbacks nearly disappeared from the U.S. automotive landscape several years back. However, rising gasoline prices may be fueling a hatchback revival, as these vehicles offer the cargo flexibility of a small SUV with the fuel economy of similar-sized sedans.
Most modern hatchbacks have four doors and feature option packages with upgraded interiors. Base models usually aren't very exciting, but optional engines deliver better performance.
The new 2007 Dodge Caliber replaces the Neon sedan. The others we tested for this issue, the Mazda3, Audi A3, and Saab 9-2X, have been on sale for at least a year. As-tested prices ranged from $19,015 for the Caliber SXT to $27,990 for the A3.
The Mazda3 achieved the top rating of any hatchback that we've tested in this class (see the Ratings on facing page).Power comes from a refined 160-hp, 2.3-liter engine that returns good fuel economy. Handling is agile and the ride is comfortable, but too much road noise enters the cabin. Our $22,095 Grand Touring model has a five-speed automatic transmission, HID headlights, leather interior, heated seats, and an optional sunroof. Head-protecting curtain air bags are standard on the higher trim levels. Electronic stability control (ESC) will be available on 2007 models but is not offered on 2006 models.
The sporty Audi A3, which rated slightly below the Mazda, delivers fun performance but is somewhat expensive. It's based on the redesigned Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. Our A3's 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to a Direct Shift Gearbox, a transmission that shifts automatically while delivering the sporty feel of a manual.
The A3's ride is a bit stiff, but the car was agile and composed on our test track. To get an A3 that's priced closer to the others here, we bought a car that lacked leather, heated seats, and a sunroof. While often found on less-expensive cars, those options would bump the A3's price to more than $30,000. Standard safety gear includes ESC and curtain air bags. Insurance-industry crash tests are impressive.
The Saab 9-2X is basically a Subaru Impreza wagon with slight styling changes, Saab badges, and a longer basic warranty. We bought a 2.5i version ($25,560) with optional automatic transmission. The more expensive Aero version is based on the turbocharged Impreza WRX. Our car's ride is comfortable, and handling is fairly agile. Standard all-wheel drive helps in slippery conditions but hurts acceleration and fuel economy. The interior is snug, and some materials feel cheap. Antilock brakes and front side air bags are standard, but ESC is not available. Crash-test results are impressive.
We purchased two versions of the Dodge Caliber, but both scored low in our ratings. The $19,015 front-wheel drive SXT has a 2.0-liter engine and optional ABS. The $23,860 AWD 2.4-liter R/T has optional heated leather seats, larger wheels, and a sunroof. Both use a continuously variable transmission.
The Caliber has some handy features (see CloseUp), but overall the interior is drab with poorly finished materials. Both models provide a comfortable ride and reasonable fuel economy but were slow off the line. Curtain air bags are standard, but ESC is not offered.
Mazda3.
Highs|Nimble handling, engine and transmission, braking. Lows|Road noise, instrument contrast.
The Mazda3 is a fun, versatile car that is sporty to drive and has a nicely finished interior. The sedan also scored well in our tests. Our tested hatchback has a comfortable ride and handles well, but road noise is notable. Head-curtain air bags are standard on the hatchback; the sedan performed poorly in insurance-industry side-crash tests without them. Reliability has been above average.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The ride is firm yet compliant. Bumps are isolated, and body motions are steady and controlled. The 3 is quiet overall, though road noise dominates over engine hum and suppressed wind noise.
Agile handling gives the car a sporty feel. Body lean is controlled, and the steering is quick and precise. The Mazda was forgiving and attained a high speed in our avoidance maneuver test. Stability control is not available, but it will be optional on 2007 models.
The hatchback comes standard with the up-level 2.3-liter, 160-hp four-cylinder engine, which provides lively performance and returns 25 mpg overall. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively. A five-speed manual is standard.
Braking distances are impressively short, with firm pedal feel. Headlights reached a good distance, but the HID low-beams had a distinct cutoff.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior is roomy, well-laid-out, and nicely finished....
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