Mazda’s 2010 MAZDA3 makes fun, sporty and affordable more than mere buzzwords. This compact car is exceedingly pleasurable to drive, thanks in large part to steering that’s absolutely precise when turning left, right or taking an S-curve. MAZDA3’s right-sized steering wheel doesn’t induce the tired-hand syndrome so driving binges are truly restful retreats. Re-shaped front seatbacks and front seat bottoms with enhanced thigh support add to MAZDA3’s inviting interior. The dash includes a 4.1-inch LCD color screen where navigation, trip and other information gets display-selected via steering wheel controls. Two cupholders and a sliding armrest/storage box comprise the center console zone. Self-leveling high and low beam headlamps are among the safety staples. MAZDA3’s five-door hatchback is powered by a 2.5-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 167 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 168 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The 4-door MAZDA3 is available with a 2.0-liter or a 2.5-liter engine. (MAZDA3 models in 2009 were offered with 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter engines.) The car’s catalytic converter puts a spotlight on single, nano-sized precious metal particles, which translates to the under-floor catalytic converter using about 70% less precious metals than the previous model. MAZDA3 5-door with 5-speed sport automatic transmission has estimated fuel economy of 22 city/29 highway and carries a MSRP of $20,030.