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Story Published: Jul 16, 2004 at 4:17 AM PDT
Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:31 AM PDT
Consumer Reports has just picked the Mazda3 as its top-rated small car, bumping off the Ford Focus. The August issue of the magazine calls the new Mazda3 "one of he quickest and most fuel-efficient small cars we've ever tested."
David Champion, Senior Director of Auto Testing for Consumer Reports says the Mazda3 has a lot going for it. "Handling, acceleration, fuel economy, interior quality were all really good on this car and it has a sporty feel with a nice amount of room inside. It feels much more like a grown-up car than previous small sedans have."
Champion says the Mazda3 is relatively roomy for a small car, and it has a few features that make it feel more upscale, such as a telescoping steering wheel.
"The tilting, telescoping steering wheel," he says, "makes it very easy for anybody of different sizes to get a really comfortable driving position."
The only negatives, he says, are the trunk "which is on the small side" and road noise "which is quite high."
The Mazda3 is available as 4-door sedan and a hatchback. Base price about $13,680 to $16,895.