Kelley Blue Book ® - 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Overview

For years we—along with scores of budget-minded enthusiasts—have sung the praises of the Mazda Proteg. Light on its feet and as nimble as a moth dancing around a flame, the Proteg may not have been the most powerful car in its class, but it sure was fun to drive, which after all is the hallmark of Mazda cars.

For 2004, the Proteg has been put out to pasture, replaced by an all-new car called the Mazda 3. The 3 bears little resemblance to the car it replaces, built upon Fords new global architecture shared by the Volvo S40 and the upcoming 2005 Ford Focus. The 3 is larger, more powerful and more spacious than the Proteg; it is also far richer in content and appearance.

The 3 is offered in two variations: a stylish four-door sedan (the base model) and racy five-door that carries a slightly higher content level and a more powerful motor. From the outside, both cars have a substantial look about them, mimicking the look of the new 6 sedan and RX-8. The base 3 i sedan comes equipped with stylish 15-inch wheels, while the sportier 3 s gets 16-inch rims; the five-door comes standard with 17s.

A 148-horsepower 2.0-liter engine powers the base 3 i. Teamed to a smooth shifting five-speed manual, this engine provides adequate power for the 3, putting it on par with cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Our spin in the five-door brought on a whole new feeling, one we last encountered during a test drive in the Mazdaspeed Proteg. The secret ingredient for a faster more thrilling 3 is its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Mazda 6. Though it only has 12 more horses than the 2.0-liter, the 2.3s powerful low-end grunt and linear torque curve help to accelerate the 3 like nobodys business. The optional automatic transmission features a quick shifting 1-2 gear ratio for a faster response, making even steep hills no threat to rapid acceleration. If you fall in love with the sedan rather than the five-door, you neednt worry; the 2.3-liter is available on the 3 s model, as are massive 17-inch wheels.

Though we know most 3s will go out the door with the automatic, we still feel the best way to get the most out of this car is via its standard five-speed manual. Mazda makes some of the tightest, short shifting gearboxes in the industry and the 3s manual is no exception. The short spacing between gears allows for quick flick-of-the-wrist gear changes and the perfectly weighted clutch takes up with a smoothness that will make even a novice driver feel like an old pro.

We put the 3 through its paces on a twisty two-lane road climbing high into the California mountains. We found the 3s handling to be simply superb, with incredibly tight steering that responds instantaneously to steering input. As we joyfully wound our way over the serpentine road, we were instantly reminded of other great compacts that evoked the same emotional response. Names such as the BMW 2002ti, VW GTI and Honda CRX all came to mind.

Even though the 3 is a front-wheel drive car, it exhibits very little torque steer. You can push this car well past the limits of most in its class and still keep control. Of course, the big 17-inch tires make all the difference in the world, as does the newly designed E-link rear suspension. The E-link suspension separates the springs and dampeners, placing them at an angle that minimizes intrusion into the cargo area while providing tenacious road holding ability. The 3s stopping ability is also excellent, thanks to the four-wheel disc set up and optional ABS.

Beyond its amazing performance capabilities, the Mazda 3 has something else to lure customers into the showroom: its interior. Our test car was loaded to the gills, with leather seating, a killer audio system and one feature unheard of on an entry level car: a GPS navigation system. The firm seats feel great on sporty drives, providing good lateral and lower back support. The handsome dash is well-organized, providing an unobstructed view of the stalks and switchgear. The cool triple-pod instrument cluster recesses the tach, speedometer and gauges into their own individual tubes; they are constantly backlit in red lighting, as is the rest of the dash. Steering-wheel-mounted controls allow you to control the cruise and audio functions without having to remove your hands from the wheel.

Throughout the cabin, youll find clever little storage areas and thoughtful design elements. Take the parking brake, for example. It is positioned behind and to the right of the gearshift lever where shorter drivers who keep the seat forward can easily operate it. The 3s glove box is huge, capable of holding a laptop computer or up to 16 CD cases. There is even a dash-mounted compartment with a spring-loaded lid for storing change or cell phones (this space is lost to the pop-up LCD view screen when you order the navigation system).