The wait is almost over: the all-new Mazda3 is slated to arrive sometime this month. This piece of news comes as Mazda Philippines opened up a microsite (link here) where buyers can express interest (reservations and/or test drives) on Mazda’s first next-generation model.

Now, while Mazda Philippines has yet to reveal the final Philippine specifications, there’s one peculiarity you’ll find once you browse around the website: there’s no mention of the Mazda3 hatchback. If you don’t believe it, check the photo below.


From the list, it’s clear that Mazda Philippines doesn’t want to call the 5-door Mazda3 a hatchback, but rather, a Sportback.

The term, Sportback was actually popularized by Audi, but it’s not exclusively used by them. Over the years, it’s been applied to models from Porsche, Buicks, and even one Mitsubishi.

So what’s a Sportback then?

In the simplest terms, it’s down to marketing. You see, premium automakers had to come up with a label that sounds cool and edgy. Opting for “wagon” makes it sound old and boring, while “hatchback” may conjure up images of something more pedestrian. Of course, automakers (including Mazda) insist that Sportback is more than just a fancy name. They say it combines the cargo carrying capability of a hatchback, but with a rear profile that’s sexed up.

It’s still up in the air whether enthusiast will warm up to calling the 5-door Mazda3 a Sportback, but at least the alluring rear profile does fit the bill. Naturally, using a term popularized by premium automakers could also hint to the Mazda3’s premium pricing, or at least premium positioning.

Will the Mazda3 Sportback cost buyers a pretty penny? We’ll find out soon enough.