We’ve called the Mazda6 the everyman’s sport sedan. It’s proof of a revitalized Mazda, and a real choice for those looking for a mid-size family car that offers more. Now Mazda is trying the same approach for their all-new sub-compact Mazda3. Like its big brother, the Mazda3 is aimed at the sportier, more youthful side of the sedan ledger. Sounds like a great concept for sales success. But is the car as good as its marketing plan?

Well, let’s check it out! The 2004 Mazda3 is the latest in a long line of sporty little cars from Mazda. But this all-new subcompact is more than just a replacement for the Protege. Thanks to shared development programs, the Mazda3 is also a Volvo S40, and the European Ford Focus - or at least the 40% stiffer chassis is.

But the sharp, sporty body is pure Mazda, and is available as either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback. The look is cleaner, and much more aggressive than the Protege as well as high volume rivals like Civic and Corolla. The new ‘‘3’’ is also longer than the Protege, 8-inches for the sedan, and over 6-inches for the hatchback. The wheelbase grows 1.1-inches to 103.9, the longest of any import brand subcompact.

Power for the base i-grade sedan comes from a 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam 16-valver, that makes 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. Move up to the s-grade sedan or hatchback and power grows to 160 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque courtesy of the twin-cam 2.3-liter four used in the Mazda6. Transmissions are a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, the only one in its class.

We hit the track with our pure manual hatchback, and clocked 0 to 60 in 7.7-seconds. The quarter mile took 16.1 seconds at 90 miles-per-hour. Mighty impressive for an econobox. The 2.3’s variable valve timing and intake runners provide fine strength off the line. There’s plenty of midrange punch too, with power tapering off just before the 6,500 rpm redline. It feels more like a small V-6. The manual shifter is firm, but a bit on the rubbery side through the neutral zone. Gear ratios are well matched to the power band.

The Mazda3’s front MacPherson strut/rear multi-link suspension was developed by Ford. It gives the 3 an extremely tight, nimble feel. Turn-in is quick, grip impressive, and balance superb. There’s almost no front push or plow, and very little body roll. The power rack-and-pinion steering is very precise, delivering high levels of feedback. It’s an impressive performance, and well above the levels of the Protege and its competitors.

Braking is also top notch. Stops from 60 averaged 118 feet, with no lockup thanks to the optional anti-lock. Four wheel discs are standard. Stops were straight and solid, with a firm pedal and plenty of feel.

On public roads, the Mazda3 delivers a firm but relatively compliant ride, much like the Mazda6. Road and drivetrain noise are a little higher than we would like, however.

Inside the Mazda3, we find a thoroughly modern and upscale cockpit. Seats are well padded with deep bolsters, good back support, and driver’s height adjustment. Unlike many compacts, side and head curtain airbags are available as part of the ABS package. When combined with the reinforced center pillars, side sills and chassis cross members, the ‘‘3’’ promises to deliver high levels of side impact protection.

The dash design is clean and crisp, with high quality materials, excellent fit, and a comprehensive three-pod instrument cluster. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel with satellite radio controls is standard. An expensive touch. Our car’s optional 6-disc CD-changer resides in a tall, flowing center stack layout which is very sensible. Heat and ventilation controls are simple, straightforward dials. And unlike most competitors, a GPS navigation system can be ordered.

The rear seat is a standard 60/40 split bench. There’s plenty of head and shoulder room, though expectedly leg room is tight for 6-footers. The seat back does requires a little muscle to fold, but produces a wide flat load floor and expands the hatchback’s cargo bay to a sizable 31.2 cubic-feet.

And since the Mazda3 is in the economy car class, it does pretty well in mileage, too. EPA estimates for our 2.3 manual are 25 City and 32 Highway. In our test loop we managed a reasonable 27 miles per gallon.

Mazda3 prices start at $14,200 for the i-grade sedan with the 2.0-liter engine. The 2.3-liter s-grade sedan starts at $16,925. While an s-grade hatchback like our test car goes for $17,415. That’s little or no increase over Protege pricing, and a great price for an impressive little car. The 2004 Mazda3, like its big brother the Mazda6, is sporty, youthful, and affordable.

Sounds like the right plan for small car sales success, and we think the Mazda3 will definitely be a success!

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.3-Liter Twin-cam 4-Cylinder
  • Horsepower: 160
  • Torque: 150 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 7.7 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 16.1 Seconds @ 90 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 118 Feet
  • EPA Mileage: 25 MPG City 32 MPG Highway
  • Motorweek's Mileage Loop: 27 MPG Mixed City/highway