Acceleration

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
4	5	5	7	4.9

The i sedans are OK around town but lack midrange punch, especially with the automatic transmission. The s models are peppier overall. A manual-transmission hatchback did 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, but in everyday driving it doesn't feel that quick. Passing on two-lane roads requires planning and, with the manual transmission, prudent gear selection. MazdaSpeed is very quick, though acceleration is blunted a bit by turbo lag. Mazda pegs it at under 6.0 seconds 0-60. On all, the automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. The manual has precise shift and clutch action.

Fuel Economy

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
6	6	6	5	6.5

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission s sedan averaged 27.1 mpg in mainly highway driving. An s hatchback averaged 20.8 mpg in mostly city driving, including gas-eating performance runs. Similar models averaged 23.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 27.1 mpg with more highway use. A MazdaSpeed averaged 20.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure with the i model. MazdaSpeed requires premium-grade gas, and other 3s use regular.

Ride Quality

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
5	5	5	4	5

All 3s have firm suspensions that show good composure except over large high-speed dips and swells. Impact harshness increases with wheel size; 17-inch tires on s models register some sharp bumps, but the ride is never punishing. MazdaSpeed is notably tauter.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
6	7	7	8	5.9

Among the best handling compacts, especially the MazdaSpeed: nimble and balanced, helped by precise, linear steering with good road feel. Excellent directional stability and a solid body structure further enhance the 3's sporty character. MazdaSpeed minimizes torque steer by modulating engine power and torque transfer. Braking on all is stable, but be sure to get ABS.

Quietness

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
4	5	4	3	4.4

Road noise is noticed more in hatchbacks than sedans, but it isn't intrusive for the class. Same for highway wind rush. Engines get loud at full throttle and aren't that quiet in gentle cruising. MazdaSpeed's low-profile tires and sporty exhaust note generate more ruckus.

Controls

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.7

Most controls are simple and handy. The gauges are easy to read, despite being recessed into the dashboard. The 3, like some other Mazdas, has two backlight settings for the instrument panel and major controls, which are governed by a button in the gauge cluster. In some low-light conditions, the "day" mode rendered the display too bright while the "night" mode was too dim. The navigation system is fairly easy to use and is a rare small-car feature.

Details

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.2

The cabin decor tries to go for a sporty, upscale look, but it falls short in several areas. The plastic-looking woven inserts on the door panels and seats are unimpressive, and there are very few soft-touch surfaces. One test 3 hatchback suffered from an occasional dashboard rattle.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.7

Legroom is good, as is headroom, even below the sunroof housing. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids positioning in all models. Chair-height seats provide fine comfort and support. MazdaSpeed has particularly well-bolstered sport buckets.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
3	3	4	4	4.1

Legroom is especially tight with the front seats far back. Foot space is fine. Headroom ample in hatchbacks, only OK for taller folk in sedans.

Cargo Room

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
3	3	7	7	5

The sedan's trunk is a bit small but useful, with low liftover and sufficient height. More-versatile hatchbacks include a handy rear cargo organizer. The hatchback's liftgate rises high enough to clear the heads of taller folks. Its handle, though, is in an awkward location that makes it difficult to open without hands scraping across the top of the rear bumper. All 3s have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold almost flat. Interior storage is good, highlighted by an extra-large glovebox.

Value within Class

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
8	7	8	6	6

All Mazda 3s share a spirit of sporty driving fun, solid build quality, and a pleasant interior package. The availability of a hatchback body style adds flexibility as well. MazdaSpeed models are plenty fast, but mainstream versions leave something to be desired for acceleration. These compacts are also on the pricey side, even without options. All told, though, the 3 is a solid Recommended pick.

Total Score

i Touring, automatic	s Touring sedan, automatic	s Touring hatchback, manual	MazdaSpeed Grand Touring	Class Average
55	57	62	60	58.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71