I got the hatch because it only comes in hatch.

Personally I prefer the hatch due to cargo room, sleeker styling, better lines, GREAT sightlines, and no guessing where the bumper is when backing up. I don't feel like I am driving a large shoe in it like you get in some hatchbacks/wagons.

I also, just don't like the look of sedans actually.

 

The 5 door, more so the MS3, may be a wagon....but it's one hot *** fast wagon. I've read some criticism regarding the MS3 being a 5 door.... its not a VW GTI although I think I read somewhere something about a GTI 5 door too...Different people with different styles and different needs, need different rides. In the end it is still a Mazda.

 

To answerUrbanmanUSA's post, sstlaure states two very good reason's why the sedan outsells the hatch. Many sold are the "i" model for ppl that just want cheap transportation. Hell, when I bought mine in '04, I really didn't know there was that much difference and looked @ the i as well as s model sedan's myself... and I'm a car guy!!! The average customer is not gonna look @ all the little details, just the price.
"'Looks like the same car, but it's $2K cheaper. what a deal!!!"

 

My 3i sedan was $14,900 out the door...brand new. My old vehicle got 13 mpg, this gets 29 mpg. I drive 24,000 miles annually, and at $2.50/gallon, I save ~$2500 each year in gas costs alone by switching vehicles. In other words, if I keep this car 6 years (150,000 miles) it will have paid for itself. Hard to argue with a value like that.

 

In the first place, I am a little confused by your post? If my previous post offended you, rest assured it was not intended that way at all. Only that you brought up a few valid points as to why the sedan sells better than the HB. I apologize if I offended in any way..
Secondly, since the subject is hatches vs. sedans I don't understand how your post is valid to the subject?
Did I miss something?

 

You didn't offend me at all. The i model is also more fuel efficient than the s was my point (just another reason for sedan vs hatch.)

 

Oh. Okay, I get it now.
However, I often get 25-27mpg, Last three tanks were 26.43, 26.78, 27.16 mpg. NOT driving w/a light foot, but certainly w/o the A/C on either. Then it's more like 24mpg.

 

I average 29 mpg with my heavy foot, but I've gotten as high as 34.5mpg with all highway. (2.0L 5-speed)

 

32.3 over 1650 miles is the best I've done w/mine. But to qualify, my wife was driving @ least 1/3rd of that. She does not use cruise and does not have the steadiest right foot either. I think we could've done a bit better. (2.3L, 5-sp.)

 

If there are any online gamers out there who go to LAN parties or cyber cafes with a group of friends then I am sure you can appreciate the use and ease of the hatchback. It is very easy to put multiple systems and with the cargo net and the piece that when you close the hatch hides everything , it does not get any easier than that. Would not have it any other way.