Cargo Space

[Debbadoo12]

So, how do all you new owners feel about the cargo space in the hatch? What have you been able to fit (and not fit), Considering downsizing from an Outback and I know I will lose a lot of storage.

 

[LH451]

Fit two large check in bags and a smaller third one with only one side folded and a months worth of groceries with no seats folded. So far so good and much more practical than my Versa.

 

[Deftmetal]

I'm very happy with the storage area. I've had my tools and clothes from when I was going to trade school and had no issues.

 

[lowincash]

The hatch area on the mazda3 feels smaller than my pontiac vibe. I haven't carried much large items yet but will see how it'll work carrying a photobooth and props this coming weekend.

 

[Debbadoo12]

Let us know how it went with your load. I will have a chance to check out the car at the Auto Show next weekend

 

[drivesacar]

I'd be interested to hear this too (photo booth and any other reports!) I'm coming from a 2000 Corolla sedan, which has a roomy trunk but can't deal with big items/loads like a hatch. I've pretty much narrowed things down to a Mazda3 hatch or a Prius (the regular "Liftback" one). As I don't drive a ton of miles I prefer the 3 overall, but want to make sure I don't come up too short on hatch space. Anyone have experience with both?

 

[ceric]

Our Mazda3 replaced a '05 Prius. Compared to the new Prius, it is 20 vs 21 ft^3.
Not much smaller.

 

[drivesacar]

Our Mazda3 replaced a '05 Prius. Compared to the new Prius, it is 20 vs 21 ft^3.
Not much smaller.

Thanks! That's trunk dimensions, right? Any thoughts on general real-world hauling situations? I guess with the length difference I won't be getting 8-foot pipes into a Mazda3, but I wonder if the shorter hatch height and sloped tailgate on the Prius might end up being limiting for bulkier things?

 

[ceric]

It is possible to fit 8ft pipes. I just measured it.
From passenger foot well to the rear hatch, it is more than 8 ft.
(assume you lay flat the rear seats)
Prius might fit even longer pipes due to cab-forward design.

 

[drivesacar]

It is possible to fit 8ft pipes. I just measured it.
From passenger foot well to the rear hatch, it is more than 8 ft.
(assume you lay flat the rear seats)
Prius might fit even longer pipes due to cab-forward design.

Thanks! yeah, I remember getting some 8-ft theatrical pipe into a Zipcar Prius (actually maybe it was 8+ feet.) The guys at the theatrical supply place took a look at the Prius and thought it wouldn't fit, but we had measured beforehand and knew it would. Very glad to hear that 8-ft can make it into the 3 too!

 

[Chibana]

My new 50" Panasonic plasma TV in its box fit easily. There was a ton of room left over left-right, and length had another six inches or so (with the rear seats folded). I haven't tried fitting my bicycle in the back, yet. I could just barely fit it in my 2012 Focus hatchback if I removed the front wheel. I'm 6'3", so the bike is pretty large.

 

[lowincash]

Here's my photo booth and canopy. Not shown are the few bags of props and other stuffs that I bring along, plus 2 passengers.

 

[Debbadoo12]

Here's my photo booth and canopy. Not shown are the few bags of props and other stuffs that I bring along, plus 2 passengers.

Awesome

 

[drivesacar]

Here's my photo booth and canopy. Not shown are the few bags of props and other stuffs that I bring along, plus 2 passengers.

Nice! I was a little dismayed when I saw the insets from the wheel wells on the sides of the 2014's trunk (the 2013's are flat on the sides.) But it doesn't look like it's too terrible in practice.

 

[LH451]

Here's my photo booth and canopy. Not shown are the few bags of props and other stuffs that I bring along, plus 2 passengers.

Holy bananas that actually got in the car? That's pretty impressive!

 

[lowincash]

Holy bananas that actually got in the car? That's pretty impressive!

Normally I would have it standing on the side, with the wheels on the bottom for easy loading/unloading but this car is shorter than my vibe on the inside so it wouldn't fit. Putting it on its back like this is actually more safe, won't slide around At first I had both seats down because I thought it wouldn't fit but moved it over a tad at an angle and it fits like a glove I'll have to find a way to secure the canopy so it won't slide onto my head if I brake hard lol

 

[nl3]

Thanks! yeah, I remember getting some 8-ft theatrical pipe into a Zipcar Prius (actually maybe it was 8+ feet.) The guys at the theatrical supply place took a look at the Prius and thought it wouldn't fit, but we had measured beforehand and knew it would. Very glad to hear that 8-ft can make it into the 3 too!

According to the Mazda3 / Ford Focus comparison in December Car and Driver the new 3 will take a 9'10" length of pipe! The cargo area behind the seats is basically the same as my '08 3 but the cargo cover and roof are both lower. I was able to stand 20 lb propane tanks under the cover in the last one but not with the new one.

 

[grumpy]

I got fed up with the cargo cover and removed it. I had to remove it when carrying a double cabinet and then again when I got 3 5 gal. jugs of water. Now I can stand up the water with no issues, and with the 20% tint its dark enough back there to discourage casual looky-loos. I was thinking of fabbing a roll up cover in the spring/ summer.

 

[lowincash]

haha I think I'm going to remove my cover too. Already more than twice I've hit my head on it while leaning over to getting stuff out of there.

 

[drivesacar]

According to the Mazda3 / Ford Focus comparison in December Car and Driver the new 3 will take a 9'10" length of pipe! The cargo area behind the seats is basically the same as my '08 3 but the cargo cover and roof are both lower. I was able to stand 20 lb propane tanks under the cover in the last one but not with the new one.

Thanks for that info! Is that comparison in the print Car and Driver? I just found a video comparison online, but they didn't really discuss interior space.

I measured the 2014 cargo cover an inch lower than the 2013 on separate occasions so was never sure how accurate that was. Think I'll be OK with losing an inch under the cover, but I should prolly remeasure the full hatch height before I decide to buy one. Hopefully it's still taller than the Prius hatch.