News Source: topspeed.com

Standing out in the world of compacts is no easy feat. The corner-cutting measures it takes to offer a product at a competitive price in this segment can quickly demote a car to drab background filler. Throw in the customer’s demand to “do it all,” from sporting fun to commuting practicality, and what you’re left with can often feel like too much of a compromise. That’s not the case with the Mazda3,  which combines standout styling, top-notch safety, cutting-edge interior appointment and fantastic driving dynamics into one cohesive package, all for an aggressive price. For 2016, Mazda kept all those characteristics, but upped the ante with a variety of new features, both standard and optional.

The 3 was originally introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Protégé, with a second generation unveiled five years later. Now in its third gen, the 3 continues to be one of the best compact cars on the market. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Automotive News reports annual U.S. sales of the Mazda3 have overtaken gains in the compact market as a whole, with growth of 5.2 percent compared to a 3.1 percent average for all other segment models.

So then – what makes it so good?

As in years past, Mazda  is once again offering the 3 in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. Standard exterior equipment includes not much more than the basics, such as steel 16-inch wheels and power folding side-view mirrors – not terribly impressive. However, the options list is long, with a variety of upscale features on offer, such as upgraded 18-inch alloys and adaptive HID headlights (for a complete breakdown of trim levels and options, check out the Prices section.)

A refreshed exterior is expected to arrive next year, but for now, the 2016 Mazda3 is aesthetically unchanged from the outgoing model, once again exhibiting Mazda’s “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design language. Introduced in 2010 at the Paris Motor Show,  the Kodo language first saw production expression with the CX-5  crossover and Mazda6 sedan. When the third-generation Mazda3 was introduced for the 2014 model year, it got the Kodo treatment as well.

The styling cues work well for both the sedan and hatch. Starting in the front, you’ll find a large, trapezoidal grille lined with chrome, visually narrowing the car’s front end with rounded edges that lead the eye downward. A slim lower grille is bookended by optional twin fog lights with chrome surrounds, while narrow headlights sit above, sweeping rearward to help form an X-style fascia.

The hood line is particularly lengthy, moving the cabin and windshield pillars towards the rear axle in what’s known as a “cab-back” design. Viewed from the side, the 3 looks sporty, thanks to a shoulder line and lower crease that suggest a raked stance. This is also enhanced with the fastback roofline.

The rear uses horizontal, oval shapes that lend a sense of width to the car’s stance, including another trapezoidal depression in the hatch’s fifth door. Like the headlights, the taillights are sharp and narrow, wrapping into the car’s profile as a continuation of the shoulder line.

All told, the 3 is a good looking car. The lines are flowing and attractive, tight and smooth, blending sporting intent with a sense of premium refinement. It’s modern and not overly complicated, with just the right amount tasteful flair. Compared to its competitors, the Mazda3 is miles away from the typical dowdy compact.

Inside, the Mazda3 is equipped with the usual gamut of standard features. The windows and door locks are power operated, with a one-touch up/down function for the driver-side window. The climate control includes A/C and a pollen air filter. The steering wheel is fully adjustable, tilting and telescoping for optimal positioning, and the rear seat folds in a 60/40 split.

However, for 2016, Mazda adds several new goodies. A rearview backup camera is now standard across the line, while a variety of premium features, like radar adaptive cruise control, are available as extras.

Infotainment services come courtesy of Mazda’s Connect system, which utilizes a 7-inch color touchscreen mounted centrally on top of the dash for display duties. In addition to tactile commands, this unit also accepts control via a rotary input located on the central tunnel.

Bluetooth connects the user’s smartphone. Automotive audio and electronic provider Harman (which owns the Harman Kardon brand) offers its Aha system to take care of all your apps. There’s text-to-voice software to receive e-mails and text messages without taking your eyes off the road, and voice recognition to respond while keeping your hands on the wheel. There’s also Twitter and Facebook integration to keep you connected no matter where you are. Speaking of which, navigation is an available option.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, you’ll find a large analog tachometer mounted directly behind the three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, flanked on either side by complementary digital readouts. There’s also an Active Driving heads-up display that projects onto the windshield to feed the driver quick info (such as speed or navigation) just outside her field of vision.