Driving Impressions

The larger, more powerful 2.3-liter engine that comes with the Mazda3s has plenty of spirit. It makes 160 horsepower, but it is, after all, an atmospherically aspirated (not turbocharged) four-cylinder, so there's not a ton of torque at low rpm. At 1000 rpm it generates only 120 pound-feet, which climbs to 140 at 3000 and peaks at 150 at a relatively high 4500 rpm. Be prepared to downshift to accelerate suddenly, either with the manual five-speed gearbox or the four-speed automatic.

Redline is 6500 rpm, but the engine is happy zooming to 7000. The 16-valve head is quite sophisticated, with variable valve timing and a variable induction system that optimizes intake efficiency and torque. The block is aluminum, there's a cam chain rather than a belt, and the exhaust manifold is stainless steel. The engine is very smooth and quiet at consistent freeway speeds, and has a nice sporty sound when it's revving under acceleration. The 2.3-liter Mazda3 with the manual transmission rates 25/32 miles per gallon EPA City/Highway, while the 148-horsepower 2.0-liter gets 28/35.

The standard five-speed manual shifts beautifully, especially the upshifts, which were almost as smooth as an automatic, with no real driver effort. Mazda worked hard on designing new synchronizers and cable linkage for reduced friction.

Mazda calls the optional automatic transmission Activematic. That's a fancy name, but it is a fancy transmission. You can just put it in Drive and go, but it also features a manual mode programmed for quick shifting. Put it in Drive and it's smart, maintaining its gear going downhill for engine braking or uphill to reduce hunting.

Handling is quick and nimble, making the Mazda3 fun to drive. It's a blast on winding country roads. It's also sharp, true and steady in emergency lane-change maneuvers. The Ford group in England designed the suspension, but it was tuned by Mazda at its long, rolling test track at Hiroshima.

Mazda3s models with the 2.3-liter engine come with slighter larger brakes than those on the 2.0-liter 3i. We found the brakes to be quite effective and sensitive; a mere light touch on the brake pedal around town is nice.

Summary

The Mazda3 is sporty, practical and affordable. It's fun to drive and fun to look at. The Mazda3 is solidly executed, with no flaws, but a strong engine, transmission, handling, brakes, comfort, packaging and looks. We like the versatile five-door.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Sam Moses reports from the Columbia River Gorge, with Mitch McCullough in Los Angeles.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Mazda3i ($13,680); Mazda3s sedan ($16,615); Mazda3s hatchback ($17,105)

Engines:148-hp 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4; 160-hp 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4

Transmissions:5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode

Safety equipment (standard):two-stage front airbags with passenger weight sensor; collapsible steering column and breakaway pedals; front and rear side impact beams; LATCH anchors and tethers for child safety seats in the rear

Safety equipment (optional):ABS with EBD; side airbags for front seats; side curtain airbags for front and rear

Basic warranty:3 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Hiroshima, Japan