The Mazda3 combines real sportiness with excellent gas mileage -- 33 mpg overall. That has earned it one of the top spots in our compact-car Ratings.
No boring fuel-economy special, the 3 is a joy to drive, thanks to super-sharp handling, sprightly engines, and smooth transmissions. Power is plentiful even from the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder; the optional 2.5-liter is somewhat more relaxed to drive, but costs about two mpg overall. Manual transmissions are still available on most versions, appealing to the enthusiast.
The 3 also offers a number of features normally found on larger cars, including a modern infotainment system and heated power-adjustable leather seats. However, the controller-based Mazda Connect infotainment system isn't particularly intuitive, and can be frustrating to use.
Another downside is ride comfort, which takes a back seat to sporty handling. In addition, the cabin is rather loud. Rear-seat room is adequate for two adults, but too narrow for three. And taller adults will run short of headroom in the rear, especially in the hatchback.
The Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, with the sedan providing slightly more cargo space and the hatchback delivering a little more versatility. You don't give up much either way, although the view out of the hatch's small rear window is somewhat crimped.
Touring and Grand Touring trims have standard blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert and low-speed automatic emergency braking, unique for this class. Forward collision warning is only available on the top trim Grand Touring and only with the larger engine, pushing the price to about $29,000.