As entertaining to drive as it is visually appealing, the Mazda3 has a relatively low sticker price, is fuel efficient and chock full of standard features. Though the price is slightly higher than some other economy cars, it can be justified by its solid build, functionally designed and comfortable interior and impressive handling. The only changes for the 2008 model year are the addition of front seat side and full length side curtain airbags to the standard equipment list of the ’s’ trim models.

The compact Mazda3 sedan is available in the i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Touring and s Grand Touring trims. All models are front wheel drive and models with the ‘i’ prefix come standard with a 148 horsepower 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, while those with the ’s’ prefix are equipped with a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 153 horsepower. Both engines come standard with 5 speed manual transmission., but a 4 speed automatic with manual override is optional for ‘i’ models, while the ’s’ models can be equipped with an upgraded a 5-speed automatic with manual override. Gas mileage is admirable, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway for the 2.0 liter engine with 4 speed automatic transmission. The 2.3 liter mated to the 5 speed automatic is rated almost as well at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

All Mazda3 ‘i’ sedans come standard with a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with an auxiliary audio jack. The i Touring has 16 inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, an upgraded audio system, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver seat and power windows, door locks and mirrors. Mazda3 ’s’ models come with all of the features found in the ‘i’ Touring and adds distinctive interior and exterior styling cues including fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with built in audio system controls. The s Touring upgrades the wheels to 17 inch alloys and adds sporty side molding, while s Grand Touring adds heated leather seats, automatic climate control, xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a trip computer. Additional options include satellite radio, a moon roof, a navigation system and an in-dash CD changer.

Refined yet exceptionally entertaining, the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has a chic interior a sharp exterior style that definitely deserves favorable mention. For a small, affordably priced economy car with plenty of acceleration and luxury features, the Mazda3 Sedan is simply hard to beat.

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