The Triangle

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Philly Auto Show

Media Credit: MCT Campus The MAZDA3 combines a low base price of $13,895 with a variety of luxury features, including steering-wheel mounted audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.

One of the best small sedans available is the MAZDA3. Also available in hatchback and zippy MAZDASPEED3 models, the MAZDA3 is experiencing a level of popularity usually reserved for Honda Civics among buyers purchasing their first new car.

The reason for this popularity is that the car combines an affordable price (starting at $14,530) with a variety of popular features and great performance. The four-door version of the MAZDA3 is available with two engines: a two-liter 148-horsepower engine or a quicker 2.3-liter 156-horsepower engine. The two-liter engine gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the larger engine is slightly less efficient.

Even the base version of the MAZDA3 includes features which are normally found only in more expensive models, such as steering wheel-mounted audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control. A fully-loaded MAZDA3 will run you about $24,000 and includes leather seats, a six-CD Bose sound system, a moon roof, Xenon HID headlights, fog lights, a navigation system and more - a set of features that is usually only found in mid-range luxury cars.

If you're looking for a slightly larger sedan, don't forget the MAZDA3's big brother, the MAZDA6. Other solid options for a larger sedan are the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu and Hyundai Elantra. Some practical small sedans include the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and Chevy Cobalt. If you're looking for performance and are willing to spend a bit more, take a look at the Volkswagen GLI or the Acura TSX.

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