2015 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

There is perhaps no larger range of options in a segment than when it comes to compact cars.

Some cater to the practical side, while others load up on features or emphasize sporty manners.

The 2014 Mazda 3 manages to do all three.

Along with the Ford Focus, it's the sportiest of the group.

The Focus, like the Mazda 3, has a taut ride and a very responsive driving feel overall; we tend to like the Mazda 3’s dash layout better than that of the Focus, but Ford makes back-seat passengers happier.

The Volkswagen Golf, new for this model year, is also fun to drive, and has a premium feel to rival the 3's, but it's still a bit short on options, particularly when it comes to infotainment.

The Chevrolet Cruze is super-spacious, with a back seat that feels like it came out of a mid-size sedan, and its ride is quiet, although there’s nothing exciting about the driving experience.

The Honda Civic is right smack in the middle of the segment—so is the newly redesigned Toyota Corolla, of course, and the Kia Forte—and the Civic in particular is a top-notch safety performer.

The Dodge Dart, like the Corolla and Cruze, is only sold as a sedan, but it offers a wider range of powertrains as well as a far more spacious interior—all with quite a bit of comfort yet a sporty design.