If you like sporty driving, Mazda is one manufacturer you should not overlook. Even if driving is just boring for you, the Mazda 3 might just awaken some driving fun in your genetic profile. The Mazda 3 is all about fun driving.

This new car has no Protégé genes. It uses suspension, body and electronic technology from part owner Ford Motor Co. and sibling Volvo. The engine is all Mazda. For 2007, the chassis has been stiffened and the suspension dampers have all been retuned to quicken steering response. The car is made entirely in Japan.

The $19,795 Grand Touring's hatchback test car looks gorgeous in Mazda's True Red color. Standard equipment includes air, power windows and locks, CD player, ABS brakes, traction control, stability control and leather seats.

The 2007 Mazda 3

The “s” model hatchback is equipped with a 2.3 liter, 156 hp, 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and variable air intake and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual override. This combination gives a lot of sporty sounding, but real oomph to the car. The six variants of the model start at $17,090 and top at $19,795. The “i” Sport model starts at $13,795 and the touring at $16,155. The lower powered models come with a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, 148 hp engine and a five-speed manual transmission.

The ride is remarkably civilized for a car of this size and the handling on corners is superior. Rough road surfaces intrude on the otherwise quiet interior. Instruments are large and clear, and quite pretty at night.

The car is instantly responsive to any change of direction, including stopping. This one's for San Diego's back country roads where it shines.

Although the eye of the beholder is the best judge of styling, the car looks solid and competent with a hint of cute and a look of purpose. The interior is comfortable and roomy. The hatchback can swallow a lot of junk.

Living with this car will be easy. It looks inviting, waiting for some young driver to take it for a fast spin. Even though the car was designed for young people, older folks have been buying them too, maybe to recapture some of their lost youth, but more likely to have a ball driving.

For maximum safety, all Mazda 3's come with front airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution. A buyer should add the optional $395 side airbags and head protection side curtains if not standard on their model. The Mazda 3 has a NHTSA 4 star rating for frontal impact and rollover. It has a 3 star rating for side impacts.

EPA estimated fuel consumption for the “i” variants is 26 city/34 highway and 25 city/31 highway for the “s” models. These estimates are for optional $900 (four-speed for “i” models) or $950 (five-speed for “s” models) automatic transmission- equipped vehicles. The standard five-speed manual transmission improves these numbers by 1 to 2 mpg. The warranty is 36,000 miles or three years, and 60,000 miles or 60 months for the powertrain.

A moon roof with six-disc changer is available for $890 on all cars except the base “i” model. A Sirius radio costs $435 and is available on all models. A navigation system for $1,750 is offered for the “s” Grand Touring five-door hatchback only. Leather seats are $590. Power seats are not available on any variant of this car.

The 155 mph Mazda 3 with a turbocharged 263 hp, 2.3 liter, 4-cylinder engine is a classic pocket rocket. The car was not tested for this column but is highly rated by all the major auto magazines.

The Mazda 3 delivers a lot. It is useful, comfortable, space-efficient and economical. With a consumer rating of 9.5 out of 10 in the auto.msn.com Web site from a large sample of owners, it seems to beat the competition from Honda and Toyota both in terms of value for money and pleasure to drive and own.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.