2008 Mazda 3 XR

The Mazda3 is a true world car. It's space-efficient and exciting to drive like a European car. It's practical and economical like a Japanese car. And like an American car, it's available with a surprising list of comfort and luxury features. , , The Mazda 3, or Mazda3, was developed on three continents, by various international subsidiaries of the Ford Motor Company, which owns 33.4 percent of Mazda Motor Corporation. Volvo developed the Mazda3's body. Ford itself contributed the suspension design and sophisticated electronics. And Mazda engineered the four-cylinder engines and then tuned the complete car at its test track in Japan. , , The result is a car that could change the way people think about compact cars. This is a premium automobile, exciting to drive, styled adventurously, and fully equipped with luxury features. There's nothing austere, basic or cheap about it. The seats are supportive and comfortable, good for long drives. , , Sedan and hatchback versions look quite different. The sedan has the traditional appearance of a four-door, five-passenger car. The five-door hatchback is like the high-fashion station wagons from European manufacturers, offering the practicality of the five-door configuration with an emphasis on a premium driving experience. The Mazda3 is a good choice for drivers who have friends or lots of stuff: The sedan and hatchback excel at back-seat roominess when compared with the Honda Civic and other competition, and the hatchback excels at cargo space. , , There's a high-performance version called Mazdaspeed3, motivated by 263 turbocharged horsepower. , , Launched as a 2004 model, the Mazda3 was extensively updated and upgraded for 2007, with a revised appearance inside and out. Reinforcements to the body shell improved overall chassis rigidity. Suspension damping was re-tuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist were made standard for all s-models and optional for the i-model. Traction control and stability control became available. And an auxiliary audio input with 12-volt power outlet made the Mazda3 iPod-friendly. For 2008, Mazda has added side-impact air bags and side air curtains to the premium s-models. , , All 2008 Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the United States and Canada.