Base price: $18,425
As tested: $20,340
156-horsepower, 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve 5-speed manual
22 city / 29 highway
More info:
www.mazdausa.com
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The 2008 Mazda3 S Touring five-door has to be one of the sharpest looking cars in its class. While the 3 series sedan doesn't stir much excitement, the hatchback Mazda3 S Touring turns heads. The sporty stance has a ready-to-pounce feel, and cool halogen and fog lights front and back, an aggressively styled grill and 17-inch alloys make for a car that looks much pricier than its 20K tag.
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Inside, the Mazda 3 S Touring blends performance and comfort. Red and blue luminescent gauges are cool, and the driver's seat holds up well during aggressive driving. Cabin space is impressive, with plenty of room in the front for taller drivers and substantial rear-seat legroom. The center armrest has plenty of storage space; the leather-wrapped steering wheel and optional moonroof/six-CD package up the fun factor; and the standard iPod dock is a welcome add-on.
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The Mazda 3's rep for great handling and responsive steering lives on in the 2008 S Touring model. The engine's 156 horsepower is not enough to blow anyone off the line, but the standard five-speed manual transmission pulled aggressively enough for plenty of fun on the straights, and the suspension held up nicely in the curves. (We'd love to see what the five-door 2008 Mazda Speed3 can do with its 256 horses.) At 22 and 29, EPA fuel economy estimates come in a little low compared to others in this class, which means a few more trips to the pumps than we'd prefer. But at least we'll have fun driving there.
-- by Sam Jemielity |
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