Mazda evidently does not want buyers of its compact Mazda3 to feel as if they have to settle for features or function to reach a modest price point.
The truth is, there is plenty of bang for the buck.

Mazda3s are available as sedans or hatchbacks. We drove a sedan, a 3i Grand Touring, which is near the upper end of the trim list. Base prices start at $17,495 while our tester has a beginning MSRP of $23,650.

What can you get for that figure? The usual basics, sure, but there is plenty more, like a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, Bose surround sound, alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control and hands-free phone and audio. And that’s just for starters. The Grand Touring model adds a navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, HD radio and Pandora audio streaming, among other items.

That should certainly cover the playthings inside the five-passenger pod. What you will notice on the road is the mileage you can cover between fill-ups. Thanks to Mazda’s Sky-Activ-G engine that reduces weight and friction, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is rated at 40 MPG on the highway. At 155 horsepower compared to the Mazda3’s base 4-cylinder engine’s 148 horsepower, the difference in acceleration likely doesn’t seem to be that much, but up to an additional 20 percent of fuel economy should feel good. For those in need of bolder choices, the Mazda3 also can be outfitted with a 167-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 263 horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

A 6-speed automatic transmission was part of my driving experience. I found the Mazda3 to be a bit sportier than some of its competitors, probably because of a tighter suspension.

The car we drove did come with a few options, including a Technology Package with exterior lighting features, a spoiler, alarm system and rain-sensing wipers that tacked on about $2,000.

There won’t be any reason to feel as if you have been shortchanged on a purchase of a Mazda3. The almost all-inclusive nature of the car takes care of that.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.