EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2005 Mazda Mazda3

2005 Mazda Mazda3s, Grey, Hatchback, 115978 mi, $7,900 http://bit.ly/NSdeow Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 22/29

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INTRODUCTION: “The Mazda 3 is sporty, roomy and fun. It's available as a neatly styled four-door sedan or as a more adventurous looking five-door hatchback. The sedan has a sweet, rounded shape and smooth, cohesive design. The five-door looks more aggressive, but a lot of utility with its hatchback design and folding rear seats.

Quick, nimble handling makes the Mazda 3 (or Mazda3 as the company renders it) fun to drive on twisty country roads. The free-revving 2.3-liter engine delivers spirited performance. The five-speed manual transmission shifts beautifully.”

EQUIPMENT: “The Mazda3s is more powerful and better equipped… the 3s comes standard with all the power conveniences plus air conditioning, cruise control, an upgraded stereo and foglights. The five-door hatchback gets sporty 205/50 all-season radials on 17-inch steel wheels.”

INTERIOR: “The seats are great, with adequate bolstering. The 3s has adjustable lumbar support, and the hip position is elevated, reducing front legroom a touch, but providing excellent forward visibility as well as a very tidy relationship with the pedals and especially the short shift lever.”

DRIVING: “Handling is quick and nimble, making the Mazda3 fun to drive. It's a blast on winding country roads. It's also sharp, true and steady in emergency lane-change maneuvers.

Mazda3s models with the 2.3-liter engine come with slighter larger brakes than those on the 2.0-liter 3i. We found the brakes to be quite effective and sensitive; a mere light touch on the brake pedal around town is nice.”

SUMMARY: “The Mazda3 is sporty, practical and affordable. It's fun to drive and fun to look at. The Mazda3 is solidly executed, with no flaws, but a strong engine, transmission, handling, brakes, comfort, packaging and looks. We like the versatile five-door.”

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