hard_charger

test drove the mazda3 yesterday. pretty nice machine. it won't blow any doors off, but the 160 hp iteration has some grunt. the automatic comes equipped with a manual mode -- a manu-matic, if you will. it allows you to pick and stay in any gear of your choosing. it's fairly nifty and a feature you usually find on more expensive cars. the turning radius is good. you lock the wheel into place and the 3 all but stays in the same place as you rotate. the 3's handling is fairly nimble and the ride, while sporty, is never punishing.

as for the interior, the seats are firm and supportive. there's more of a back seat than in some sentras i have ridden in (including my own). the hatchback, while not offering a tremendous amount of cargo space is perfect for what my fiancee does for a living (she is a school psychologist and hauls around several bulky test kits). everything in the cargo bay is easily accessible and it even has a shelf unit. the stock stereo is serviceable (there are controls for it on the steering wheel) and the HVAC controls are laid out intelligently. it is pleasant enough for the 60 or so miles she drives evey day.

there's much more to tell, but it i think the mazda3 is a healthy contender for that empty spot in our driveway.

__________________
This message brought to you by the Lunatic Fringe Department.