The car is a hatchback, pure and simple. In this price and size category, there are not many wagon options. I love to mountain bike, and like to just throw my bike in back, not having to worry about a roof rack, so a hatch is a must.
Having an independent rear suspension when many in this class still have a torsion beam rear suspension, the Mazda3 by far outshines the competition in handling. The gearbox is sweet shifing, and for a FWD vehicle there is little torque steer.
IRS, a hatchback, plus the standard Fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sway bars front and rear, four wheel disc brakes, and a manual transmission. Many of these features are unavailable (together or alone) on competitive vehicles.
Simply put, its hard to find a nicer interior for a vehicle costing anywhere near what the 3 costs. The whole car is put together very solidly.
Its not class leading (like the Civic), but its not bad and for the performance completely acceptable.
