Mazda3 is absolutely fun-to-drive, but riders very much enjoy this four-door, too. Following a one-week test drive, the undeniable impressions were supportive/comfortable front and rear seats, an attractive interior, responsive steering, and agile handling. Completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, the front wheel drive Mazda3’s 2016 updates include a standard rear view camera on all five model trims. The 106.3-inch wheelbase third-generation car’s dandy ride/ handling dynamics are heavily influenced by its independent front MacPherson strut suspension and independent rear E-type multi-link suspension.

The engine choices are a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder providing 155 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm, and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder supplying 184 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 185 pounds-feet of torque at 3250 rpm. Both engines are paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available. Power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes provide on-demand stopping power. The 2016 Mazda3 Grand Touring sedan with the 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission collects estimated per gallon mileage of 29 city/41 highway and carries a base MSRP of $22,545.