Mazda 3 SP 20 SDN Review: Sport Pack, Satisfying Package, Super Pup......

You know what? I could think of a ton of cars to compare it to, and the Mazda comes away clean every single time. Firstly, consider its list price of just under $65,000. How often do you get a 2 litre going for under that price?

The price of this car, coupled with its build standards, set it up to be extremely competitive. If I might add, I would think Mazda went all out to be hard-core competitive with European sedans such as Renault, Volkswagen and the likes.

The Honda Civic 2.0Si goes for nearly 9 Grand more than the Mazda. The interior of that car appears to have more gizmos, and so does the engine, but it's still a close call.

Then there's the Hyundai Tuscani - a less flexible car nonetheless, but priced higher than the Mazda 3. The Tuscani was another pleasant surprise this time round, with its impressive ride quality and handling, but that thing does guzzle petrol like it were fifty cents per litre of RON100.

Consider that the plastics do not feel cheap. Consider that the steering rack is reach adjustable just like many Euros out there. Also, consider its ride quality - it'll put a Seat or a Skoda to shame at any given day, perhaps even against a higher up marquee.

If this car could speak to all you Conti worshipping maniacs out there, it would tell you not mess with it. Really.

Credits: Amery Reuben