The Hatchback that Redefined Expectations: A Groundbreaking Multi-Car Test Unveiled!

The compact five-door hatchback has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a mundane two-box hauler into a sophisticated vehicle boasting refined powertrains, advanced technologies, and luxury-level options. These vehicles now offer a compelling blend of style, affordability, comfort, and utility, built on a compact chassis for nimble city driving and featuring a spacious interior with four passenger doors and a large rear hatch for moving people and cargo. Equipped with small, economical engines, they provide ample performance for urban traffic.

A recent back-to-back test evaluated four such hatchbacks to determine which best delivered the ideal mix of fun, practicality, and value. The lineup included the 2006 Mazda3 S Touring, 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS, 2006 Chevrolet HHR 2LT, and 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T. It's important to note that due to manufacturer press fleet limitations, these testers were not perfectly matched, featuring variations in transmissions (manual, automatic, CVT), drivetrain (front and all-wheel drive), and trim levels.

The 2006 Mazda3 S Touring emerged as the most fun of the group by a significant margin. Despite its 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine being the least powerful in the test, it matched the lighter and more powerful Matrix in sprints and decisively outperformed all rivals in slalom, figure eight, and skidpad tests, a testament to its balanced chassis and superb handling. Its dynamic prowess is complemented by excellent ergonomics, including a thick-grip steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach (a unique feature in this group), a slick five-speed manual shifter akin to an RX-8's, properly placed pedals for heel-and-toeing, and supportive seating. The steering precision and feel rival many expensive sports cars, and its four-wheel disc brakes are strong and finely tuned for aggressive driving. While offering an intimate connection with the road, some drivers might find its constant feedback a bit insistent, perhaps preferring a more sedate experience.

For those seeking versatility over peak performance, the 2005 Toyota Matrix XRS offers a different experience. This Corolla-based wagon embodies typical Toyota goodness, but its performance-tuned XRS model, with a 164-horsepower 1.8-liter engine, has a peaky power delivery, reaching maximum horsepower at 7600 rpm and revving up to 8200 rpm. While quick, its relatively weak torque means drivers must work harder to extract performance compared to the Mazda. The six-speed manual transmission and pedal placement are well-suited for sporty driving, though the absence of rake and reach steering adjustment is a minor drawback. The Matrix's steering and suspension, while entirely competent, are conservatively tuned for comfort, making it a more relaxed freeway cruiser, albeit at the expense of the precise inputs and detailed feedback found in the Mazda.

Chevrolet's retro-styled HHR 2LT provided a pleasant surprise. Despite its slower pace, it proved to be a pleasure for navigating congested city streets, being the easiest to enter, start, and drive. Its suspension offers comfortable compliance, and the steering is responsive. The 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter Ecotec engine is sufficient for daily tasks, providing a resolute flow of power through the optional four-speed automatic, even if it growls under hard acceleration. As the tallest vehicle in the group, its at-the-edge handling is compromised by body roll and weight transfer, and its smaller 16-inch wheels contribute to less stability through corners. However, around town, the HHR responds with a gentle mechanical sweetness reminiscent of a simpler era, featuring straightforward cockpit controls and down-home styling inspired by the 1949 Chevy Suburban, which garnered considerable attention in westside L.A.

The newest entrant, the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T, succeeded the Neon line of compact cars and joined the test at a disadvantage due to its weight. The R/T model, equipped with an all-wheel-drive system and larger 18-inch wheels and tires, weighed 3368 pounds – approximately 300 pounds more than a front-drive Caliber SXT and 500 pounds heavier than the lightest Matrix. This substantial inertia, coupled with its 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower four-cylinder engine, resulted in the slowest times for 0-60 mph and the quarter-mile. While the larger wheels and tires improved its scores in the slalom and figure-eight tests compared to the HHR, they negatively impacted ride quality, making the Caliber the noisiest of the four, particularly due to road rumble and suspension clatter on rough surfaces. As a pre-production pilot car, some minor tuning adjustments might still be possible. Despite the engine feeling underpowered for its weight, the continuously variable transmission (CVT), standard on the R/T with an Autostick mode, was highlighted by several testers as the best part of the Caliber, offering swift, crisp, and efficient power delivery.