No other compact economy car outside of a Mini Cooper offers as much stick-and-rudder fun as the 3: The steering (hydraulic, with an electric pump) is tack-sharp and precise, with almost no torque steer and a gratifying heft that gathers as you turn the wheel.
WSJ: 2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring Review: It Really Moves the Needle (Not the Gas One) | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil