I would say the Astina is a good looker but better than the current Mazda three? Not really.
Just as the Mazda 6 is way ahead of the 626 it replaces, so is the Mazda 3....a big improvement over the 323 it replaces. Maybe power-wise it is a let-down but the dynamics, ergronomics and handling are pretty addictive.
Power....nothing a little tuning & $$$ can't improve
First to get rid of that restrictive factory ECU or add piggyback, change the stock extractors and exhaust system...and there is a much liverlier Mazda 3
Afterall it shares the same platform as th Volvo S40 and the new ford focus. It feels very much continental to me. Build quality is also solid...while still behind Volvo, it is good by Jap standards.
