Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback

he Mazda3 5-door hatchback, a quasi hatchback/wagon, features a roomy cargo area, tidy dimensions and sporting performance. Its combination of these virtues has earned it accolades from both the media and enthusiasts.

The hatchback Mazda3 (it's called the Mazda3 Sport in Canada) is only available with a 2.3 liter, four-cylinder engine. Sedans are also available with a less powerful 2.0 liter version of that motor. The 2.3 puts out 156 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque and it's available with either five-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The Mazda3 is based on the Ford C1 platform, which also serves as the basis for a number of Volvo models, including the S40, V50, C70 and C30. The international version of the Ford Focus - not sold in the United States or Canada - also use this platform. North American Ford Focuses use an older platform not to be confused with the modern C1. All Mazda3s are built in Japan.

The Mazda3 hatchback has nearly 44 cubic feet of cargo volume with the split-folding rear seats in the down position. The cargo area also includes a retractable cover.

Hatchbacks are available in three trims, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Sports come with 17 inch alloy wheels, six airbags, antilock brakes, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, a CD player with an auxiliary input, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver's seat. The Touring adds traction and stability control. Grand Tourings up the ante with leather, heated seats, Xenon headlamps, a trip computer, rain-sensing wipers and automatic climate control.

Optional on all is a Moonroof and 6-CD package, which, expectedly, adds a moonroof and and in-dash CD changer. Grand Tourings with this package also get Bose speakers.

Other options include a navigation system, leather seats for Tourings, the CD changer on its own and remote engine start.