The long-awaited replacement for the compact Mazda Protégé offers distinctive styling in a large upscale interior. The upright style of the five door Mazda3 provides ample headroom and a spacious feeling interior. It is only offered in an S trim level which includes a 160hp, 2.3L I4 engine and a standard 5-speed manual tramission. Alloy wheels and 4 wheel disc brakes are also standard. Starting at around $16k, the Mazda3 is one of the more inexpenisve ways to get an economical, yet solid and upscale feeling compact car.

The all-new Mazda3 wagon replaces the Protege5 compact wagon in Mazdas lineup.