Mazda MAZDA3

If you really want a sports car, but you absolutely need the practicality (and the lower monthly payments, full warranty, and lower insurance) of an affordably priced compact car, the Mazda3 might not feel like settling for a compromise. Even with tough competition from the likes of the Ford Focus and Honda Civic, the compact Mazda Mazda3 model, offered as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, is by most accounts the sportiest-driving and best-handling compact offered in the U.S.

The Mazda3 competes with a long list of compacts like the Focus, Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Kia Forte, yet it does preach and practice a sportier ethos, of “zoom zoom.” In general, shoppers are going to like its better handling, perky driving feel, and more flamboyant looks, but beware that road noise--and, especially on the older Mazda3 models, a harsh ride and drab interior pieces--can narrow its appeal.

The first-generation Mazda3 originally launched in 2004, and lasted through 2009. Its saucy lines and tight handling put it head and shoulders above the Mazda Protege (and prior to that, the 323 and GLC) sedan it replaced, and it was an instant sales success. Base versions were fitted with a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter four and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while “s” models upgraded to a 160-hp, 2.3-liter four with five-speed manual or automatic transmissions. For 2006, a Grand Touring model was added to the line as well.

For 2010, a thoroughly redesigned Mazda3 wore more exaggerated styling than its trim, taut predecessor, and some found fault with the 'grinning' expression of its front grille and air dam. Two models were offered, each with a different engine. The base Mazda3 'i' model has a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four, paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission. The sportier Mazda3 's' fits a 167-hp, 2.5-liter four with a six-speed manual as standard (the automatic is available too).Gas mileage ranked near the bottom of the compact class, with ratings as low as 22/29 mpg for the 's.'

Two of the factors limiting the 3's appeal were taken care of for 2012. Mazda gave the front end a somewhat new look with a softened grin and more flowing air dam, plus more body-color bodywork and a more refined interior. But the most significant additions were under the hood and enabled new fuel economy ratings of up to 40 mpg. A new Sky-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder, combined with all-new six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, were completely re-engineered to bring performance approaching the 2.5-liter 's' models, with fuel economy about 20 percent better than that of the older 2.0-liter. Both of the previous engines remained available for 2012, though, with the 2.0-liter on the base 3 i SV and Sport and the 2.5-liter on 's' versions.

The current model has several advanced features not found on its competitors. They include rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon adaptive lighting (on the Grand Touring model), and three-position memory seating on the power seats. For 2012, a blind-spot monitoring system was added to the Tech Package, offered on the Grand Touring. And the Mazda3 has the usually raft of options: a Bose premium stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod dock, satellite radio, and keyless entry, for instance.

For hard-core enthusiasts, the MazdaSpeed3 model fits a direct-injected, turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four that pumps out 263 horsepower through a six-speed manual gearbox. This model, which can be found facing down Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Evo models (but with front-wheel drive, not all-wheel drive) at stoplight drags, is said to do 0 to 60 mph is less than six seconds. An economy car, it ain’t.