Vehicle: 2008.5 Mazda3 Sport GX with 4-speed Sportmode automatic
Price as tested: CDN$17895

Performance: Mazda3 Sport used to be available with only one engine. That’s the wonderful 156 hp 2.3 liter DOHC 4-cylinder in uplevel GT model. With the skyrocketing gas prices, its no better time to introduce an entry-level engine in a fun hatchback. Mazda does exactly like with the introduction of the Mazda3 Sport with the equally potent 2.0 liter powertrain. Even if its 300cc down, it got the same 16-valve DOHC treatment as with its larger silibing. 148 horses and 135 lb/ft of torque are nothing short of performance, despite its 8 hp and 15 lb/ft short of its 2.3 silibing. The throttle response remains smooth and instant. Our tester comes with the optional 4-speed automatic with manumatic mode. This gearbox provides decent gear ratios, especially good with high cruising gear ratio for highway cruising. However, it wouldn’t be amiss to add another gear. This gearbox has provided the performance of impressive low end and mid range, an extra gear would only provide an even more relaxing high speed cruising.

Handling: Riding on narrower 15″ on our GX instead of 16″ on GT and GS, Mazda3’s driving dynamics remain fun and confidence-inspiring. Mazda3 is riding on a world-renowed chassis that is shared with European Ford Focus and Volvo C30/S40/V50, without a doubt, this has to be considered as one of the world’s best compact car chassis all around. Mazda3’s electric power steering continues to be impressed, with plenty of road feel and excellent precision. It tracks the path correctly without being too twitchy. Ride quality, thanks to the smaller 15″ wheels, is even more comfortable than its larger silibing. There is minimal understeer and body control is superb.

Brakes: I really have to give mod to Mazda for providing 4-wheel discs as standard feature even on a 17k base model. Best of all, ABS is a standard fare. The braking performance and distance are top-notch. The stopping distance is short, while the pedal feel and modulation are excellent. ABS doesn’t step in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Slip behind the wheel of a Mazda3, you would be mistaken as a car costing twice as much. The use of plastic materials are classy. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic around the dashboard and center console. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The center infocenter for stereo is clear without the usual interference from the sunlight. The cloth seats in our GX is well-foamed with superb comfort. All the switchgears have a high-quality, tactical feel. Unlike some of its peers, Mazda3’s base model doesn’t feel cheapening out compares to uplevel model.

Conclusion: Its hard to imagine Mazda3 already on the market for 4 years. Mazda has done a great job by engineered such a great driver’s car at this affordable price. With the introduction of the 148hp 2.0 liter in Mazda3 Sport 5-door guise, those who want a hatchback will have a more affordable alternative. While the Mazda3 sedan remains a looker, its hard to beat hatchback’s utmost versatility and hot hatch driving experience. Despite of our wanting of additional gear in the 4-speed automatic, our test average of fuel economy remains an impressive 7L/100km. An extra gear would simply be doing amazing in this somewhat heavy 1295kg small car. The bottom line. Mazda3 remains the gold standard where others are judged when it comes to small car.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008.5 Mazda3 Sport GX
=====================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5