The sedan and hatchback body styles are as dissimilar from one another as two cars sharing the same structure and components can be. The sedan looks very conservative and in some ways echoes the silhouette of the second-generation 3 that debuted for 2010. The hatchback borders on the radical; displaying taut unbroken surfaces that somehow manage to impart a sense of visual tension. The hatchback shares a direct design connection with the current MX-5.  The 3’s exterior dimensions are similar to those of the Honda Civic, but unlike the roomy Civic, the 3’s cabin space is tight, and the lack of rear seat legroom may be a deal breaker for some buyers. Size constraints aside, the 3’s cabin is a study in tasteful, conservative design and its cabin fixtures border on sumptuous. Power is produced by Mazda’s familiar normally-aspirated and turobcharged 2.5L fours. Two six-speed transmissions, a manual and a conventional automatic, are available. All-wheel drive is optional. Powered by a 2.5L, the 3 GT sedan is quick, quiet, and with precise steering, powerful brakes and a carefully-honed ride-handling balance, a delight to drive. The turbo engine in the 3 delivers strong, linear performance with no drama, but emits unpleasant sounds to the point some buyers may swerve it to enjoy the smoothness of the normally-aspirated 2.5L. The 3 is viable alternative to a small luxury-branded car like an Audi A3 and one that promises with a bonus of better reliability and long-term durability.

The hatchback body style, marketed as the “Sport” commands a $750 premium over the sedan. The base GX trim, with a complete active safety system, allow wheels, heated front seats and L.E.D. headlights, is nicely equipped. The GS trim adds dual-zone climate controls, a heated steering wheel and rain sense wipers. The GS Luxury package includes a sunroof, a power driver’s seat, wireless cellphone charging, a 360 degree camera system and rear auto braking. The GT trim ups the luxury quotient with leather seating, navigation and a head-up display system. Compared with the GT sedan, the Suna package looks expensive as it loses the GT’s leather seating. The normally-aspirated, front-wheel drive GT can be linked to a six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel is a $2000 option. The turbo engine is a $2400 option on all-wheel drive 3s.

Predicted reliability is above average. The 3’s larger capacity, non-turbo engines and a conventional automatic transmission augers well for powertrain durability. The unlimited mileage basic and powertrain warranty is a real plus for high-mileage drivers.