In the compact car segment, the Mazda3 fills a very specific role: Typically this sporty little ride will appeal mostly to driving enthusiasts, while the masses generally shy away and move toward more traditional best-sellers. But should they?

I recently spent some time in the 2020 Mazda3 hatchback, which carries over most of the 2019 version’s reinvention, and I’m back with a full report on whether it has the goods to try to move beyond its traditional role in the compact world.

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Featuring Mazda’s unique front overhang and grille design, and extra-sharp side lines, the exterior of the Mazda3 features a striking design that will garner lots of positive feedback. The only downside of the design is that it allows for poor rear visibility.

When we start talking size, remember that this is a compact car. So by nature it’s small, and it has limited storage space compared to its rivals in the segment. The rear seats are tight for adults (but good for children). For families, I would recommend moving up to a larger sedan (within the brand, the Mazda6 is a strong option that’s more roomy than the Mazda3).