Quote Originally Posted by GTi View Post
As for the Mazda 3, I wouldn't be getting that. The FC sucks and the slushbox saps too much of its power. For your budget I'd propose you get an ES Civic 2.0 instead.
The ES Civic is a bit better in terms of pickup at low speeds because of the extra gear, but the midrange of the Mazda 2.0 is better. Fuel economy is about the same. Both horrid for the size of the car.

The Mazda3, though, drives much better.