Acceleration

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
5	4	5	6	4.1

The i version's 2.0-liter is adequate for most purposes, but lacks passing punch and is noticeably slower with automatic transmission than with manual. The 2.3 provides more pep, but passing on 2-lane roads still requires plenty of room with automatic transmission and some planning ahead with manual. Automatic smooth, responsive. Manual feels precise, has short, positive throws.

Fuel Economy

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Test manual-transmission s versions averaged 26.5-27.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure with i model.

Ride Quality

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.6

All 3s have a firm suspension for good composure over all but most-severe high-speed dips and swells. Impact harshness increases with wheel size, with 17-inch tires suffering mediocre absorption on some sharp bumps, but ride is never punishing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.4

Among the best-handling compacts. Nimble, balanced, highlighted by precise, linear steering with good road feel and excellent directional stability. Braking is stable, though we highly recommend the option package that includes ABS among other important safety equipment.

Quietness

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
4	4	5	4	4

Road noise noticeable in hatchbacks, better muffled in sedans, but not intrusive for the class. Same for highway wind rush. Engine note more ragged with 2.0 than 2.3. Some testers noted clunking from chassis over sharper bumps in s hatchback.

Controls

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.5

Controls generally easy to reach, though some test drivers had to stretch to reach the climate switches. Available navigation system fairly easy to use and a rare feature in this class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5

Fine 6-footer head and leg room, though taller drivers may want more of both. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel aids positioning. Chairlike seats provide fine comfort, support.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.6

Leg room cramped with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Fine toe room under front seats in both body styles. Head room ample in hatchbacks, but taller passengers will want more clearance in sedans. Small door openings hinder entry/exit.

Cargo Room

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
2	2	2	6	3.9

Sedan's trunk is small, but has low liftover and is tall enough to provide usable space. More-versatile hatchback has standard rear cargo organizer. Both have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold almost flat. Sufficient interior storage highlighted by a glovebox big enough for a laptop computer.

Value within Class

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
9	9	9	10	5.8

With its solid build, pleasant interior, and sporty character, the Mazda 3 is a strong competitor. It's more fun than comparable Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla models, rivaling the Jetta, Golf, and Ford Focus for driving dynamics. Add in competitive pricing, and the 3 is a worthy Best Buy.

Total Score

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
53	52	55	60	48.6

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		63