The Mazda3 is a very pleasant, practical, fun-to-drive small car. The 2.0-liter engine is relatively quick and sparing with fuel. We got 30 mpg overall with the manual transmission The 2.3-liter is punchy. Handling is precise and responsive, and the ride is firm and comfortable, though road noise is pronounced. Interior quality is very good. The rear-seat room is competitive in this class, but the sedan's trunk is a bit small. The hatchback increases versatility. The sportier Mazdaspeed version has a 263-hp engine. Electronic stability control is included on some trim lines. The sedan received a poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test when tested without the optional curtain air bags.