Mazda Mazda 3

Mazda has a tradition of building zippy, entertaining small cars, something that's evident in the Mazda 3, which always has been known for its sharp handling and engaging nature. Of course, the Mazda 3 still provides suitable levels of economy and practicality, too. That's because even the base Mazda 3 comes with a refined engine and a surprisingly sophisticated suspension and interior, while higher trims offer more power and plenty of useful convenience and luxury-oriented features.

The Mazda 3 is available in two body styles: a sedan or a four-door hatchback. The sedan is offered in six trim levels -- i SV, i Sport, i Touring, s Touring, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. The hatchback comes only in the four upper trims. No matter which Mazda 3 you buy, expect an impressive level of convenience and safety-related equipment for the money. The base trim counts a height-adjustable driver seat and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls among its standard features, while the Grand Touring versions provide a luxury sport vibe with leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

For power, the 3i SV and i Sport come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional on the i Sport. The 3i Touring and Grand Touring trims get a more efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder (Skyactiv-G) with 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. The sprightlier Mazda 3s trims are powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 good for 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard here, with a five-speed automatic optional.

While most economy cars have little in the manner of interior aesthetics, the cabin in the Mazda 3 shows impressive attention to detail. The materials used are some of the nicest found in this class and there are lots of standard features, so your passengers are bound to think you paid more than you actually did. Even taller folks will be comfortable up front, and the driver will appreciate the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. As expected, the hatchback offers more cargo capacity than the sedan's trunk. And should you need more, both body styles provide a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The current Mazda 3's refined road manners will come as a surprise to most economy car shoppers. Thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the 3 is blessed with good body control and -- with the s trim's superior tires -- a healthy amount of grip on twisty blacktop. Furthermore, its steering is quick and reasonably communicative. In the real world, this translates into a greater sense of driver confidence. The 3's highway ride is smooth enough to please most commuters, although drivers who prefer softly sprung compacts like Toyota's Corolla might think the 3 is too firm.

Altogether, we think the Mazda 3 should be one of the first vehicles you test-drive when shopping for an economy family sedan or hatchback. It hits all the right notes and its flaws are few and far between.