Dayton Daily News

Even people on a budget deserve options. Mazda is more than happy to oblige.

A compact offering from the Japanese automaker is known as the Mazda3 but it's a number that is not limited in shape or function. This front-wheel drive car is available as a sedan or hatchback for 2008 and comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. The base "i" Sport sedan starts as low as $13,895 retail. Hatchbacks carry the "s" moniker and start at $17,925.

We tested the midlevel s Touring hatchback that starts at $18,425.

While the "i" sedans use a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the "s" utilizes a 156-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. This engine, coupled with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, is capable under most circumstances. Because the hatchback weighs less than 1.5 tons, a 4-cylinder is tough enough to get the job done.

Mazda3 hatchbacks known as MazdaSpeed come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that produces 263 horsepower. These whippets have a starting price $22,340 but also come with 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, limited-slip differential and 6-speed manual transmission.

Even by compact standards the Mazda3 handles superbly. Whether conditions are sharp or undulating turns or frequent starts and stops, our tester stayed true on the road.

The cabin is purposeful with controls and gauges that get the job done without the driver or passenger needing a road map. Five passengers can ride in the hatchbacks, those up front will obviously be more comfortable and the back can be tight on space even for two adults. Still, that's the nature of the compact class.

The rear seat comes with a 60/40 split that enhances a cargo area that holds 43.8 cubic feet of stuff.

All Mazda3s come with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with radio controls, CD player, digital-media connection and tire-pressure monitor. Note, though, that the most basic Mazda3 does not come with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry or alloy wheels. Those features come at the second tier I Touring model.

All hatchbacks get a rear spoiler, 17-inch tires in lieu of base 15-inch tires or upgraded 16-inch tires, an intermittent rear wiper and cargo cover. The s versions also get many more safety features like front side airbags (new for 2008), curtain side airbags (also new), antilock brakes and brake assist. The Touring model that we drove also comes with an antiskid system and traction control. For $1,400 more, on the s Grand Touring cars, you get leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, trip computer and xenon headlights. Those additions still come in on a car that starts at less than $20,000.

The only options that came with the car were a package of a moonroof and in-dash 6-disc CD changer for $890 (a bargain considering most moonroofs cost that much) and satellite radio for $430. With destination charges the grand total was $20,340.

The Mazda3 can mean something different to different people. Some might prefer a sedan, but for those that want a hatchback, you're covered, too. As we can attest from a week in the s Touring five-door, it's a ride worth taking.