2006 Mazda MAZDA3

It all adds up to a fresh new take in this class with the upswept headlights, an athletic, wide-shouldered stance—thanks in part to some curvaceous fender flares sitting on aggressive 17-inch alloy wheels—and slender wraparound rear taillights. While its large rear hatch may say, "function," the overall effect is that this is one sporty ride—in the European tradition.

Interior

Enhancing the good looks, all 2006 MAZDA3 models gain body-color mirrors, fog lamps and freshened front and rear bumpers. Touring models look more hunkered down with standard side sill extensions, while Grand Touring models like our tester add a particularly wicked look with standard xenon headlights.


There's substance under the style, too. The MAZDA3 is built on a platform that's shared with Volvo's S40 sedan and V50 wagon, as well as Ford's European Focus. (Volvo and Mazda are both under parent Ford Motor Company.) The result is a very stout chassis—a whopping 40 percent stiffer than the Protége—that's designed to give a smooth, quiet ride with the responsive performance you'd expect from a premium European brand. That you get the very same goodness in the MAZDA3 is a wonderful bonus for buyers in the know.


The 3 is certainly great fun to drive. Power is supplied in the 5-door (and the 4-door s) by Mazda's 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that pumps out a very respectable 160 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the same 4-cylinder found in the larger MAZDA6 and, while it gives the larger sibling plenty of zip, it really makes the smaller MAZDA3 fly. This is one of those engines that feels good throughout the entire rev range. Ultra-smooth, there's lots of low-end power to make commuting a breeze, but give it the spurs and, thanks to variable valve timing, you get a lovely lunge to the redline accompanied by a delightful snarl through the exhaust.


Our tester was equipped with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, which is smooth, direct and more than able to handle the power kicked out by this impressive little engine. Those opting for the automatic in s models get added enjoyment as a new 5-speed automatic replaces the previous 4-speed. Along with revised gearing for added oomph and quieter cruising, the transmission features a sporty manual-shift mode that lets you choose gears by nudging the transmission lever up or back.