Welcome to drive the debate

Generally well specced, handles very well, typical Japanese build quality and reliability, reasonable economy for a petrol, a fun drive and practical sized back seat and boot.

Some road noise in the back (better with current models), cruise control an option, 5th gear could be taller for highway cruise

I bought the Maxx Sport model when I returned to Aus early 2008. The Mazda 3 was the highest selling car in Australia (excluding fleet sales), and Mazda in general continues to perform very well against the more highly regarded (and in Aus, much more expensive) Euro brands. 2 litre engine is adequate, the 2.3 available in the SP23 is more of a goer, and of course there's the MPS rocket ships. I took an advanced drivers course in Melbourne at a local race track, and during the cone runs and other steering/reaction focused drills, the little Mazda ran circles around the Mercs and Beemers. I had a 2004 model, and it didn't miss a beat. Great fun, great car.