The black and white interior of the Mazda 3 is a classy combination. 
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FAST FACTS
› Model: 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring› Exterior color: Eternal Blue Mica› Interior color: Parchment› Engine: 2.5-liter, four cylinder› Horsepower: 184 horsepower› Transmission: six-speed, manual› Fuel economy: 33 mpg highway, 25 mpg city› Local Dealer: Tim Short Mazda, 6015 International Drive› Price (as tested): $27,730
Some cars are made to be equipped with a manual transmission, and the Mazda3 Grand Touring five-door hatchback is one of them. The little compact is a joy to drive. Ticking through the gears while operating the clutch with your left foot is a sublime experience.
Unfortunately, some younger drivers in the Mazda3’s target audience may not know a stick sift from a joy stick. It’s not their fault, really; it’s just that pure manual transmissions have fallen out of fashion. Consequently, many young adults don’t grow up learning how to drive a stick. (I did hear of one Chattanooga family who purposely bought their child a car with manual transmission believing it would make texting and driving almost impossible. Good thinking. You just hope the kid doesn’t take it as a challenge.)
Whether equipped with a manual or an automatic transmission, the Mazda3s are exceptional cars that offer performance, durability and more than a little charm. Sharing some DNA with the Mazda Miata MX-5 is not a bad thing either. Little Mazdas tend to be a bit pricier than some of their competitors, but it’s money well spent. You get better build quality, thoughtful design and great durability.
Our well-equipped Mazda3 five-door is a handy little hatch that bases for $23,895. Our Grand Touring tester, with about $3,000 in upgrades, lists for $27,750 including a $835 delivery fee. You can expect fuel economy of about 33 miles per gallon highway and 25 miles per gallon city. The Mazda3 starts at $18,445 (four-door) and $18,545 (five-door).