As ever, the Mazda3 has got to be seen as almost the default compact car choice for any driver that a) cares about handling and good driving dynamics, or b) wants a sizeable hatchback that still offers great fuel economy.
You can still buy a Mazda3 i with the same old “MZR” 2.0-liter inline-four available in last year’s model, at the low price of $15,200. That motor will net you 148 horsepower, 135 pound-feet of torque, and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. You’ll also have to settle for an older transmission...
Mazda has embarked on a program of technological advancement that is pretty remarkable, and a bit exhausting to take in all in one sitting. The company is nearing the endpoint of a project it started some five years ago, one whose overarching goals were to make its vehicles cleaner and more...