Mazda calls the optional automatic transmission Activematic. That's a fancy name, but it is a fancy transmission. You can just put it in Drive and go, but it also features a manual mode programmed for quick shifting. Put it in Drive and it's smart, maintaining its gear going downhill for engine braking or uphill to reduce hunting.
Handling is quick and nimble, making the Mazda3 fun to drive. It's a blast on winding country roads. It's also sharp, true and steady in emergency lane-change maneuvers. The Ford group in England designed the suspension, but it was tuned by Mazda at its long, rolling test track at Hiroshima.
Mazda3s models with the 2.3-liter engine come with slighter larger brakes than those on the 2.0-liter 3i. We found the brakes to be quite effective and sensitive; a mere light touch on the brake pedal around town is nice. Next Page