Small packages big decisions: small cars * automatic or manual, sedan or hatchback? Perhaps the easiest choice is the Mazda3, our new top-ranked small car.(Buyers Guide)

This month's test of six small cars included sedans, hatchbacks, and a wagon that are new or redesigned for 2004. After reviewing our more-than-45 evaluations, the Mazda3 displaced the Ford Focus as our top-ranked small car. It is one of the quickest and most fuel-efficient small cars we've tested.

We also purchased each of the six tested models in two versions: with an automatic and manual transmission. We found that in most cars a manual transmission improved acceleration and fuel economy when compared with an automatic (see page 59).

With today's high gasoline prices, both findings should appeal to drivers who want to stretch their fuel dollars without sacrificing engine performance. (For more choices, see "The Most Bang for Your Gasoline Buck," on page 48.)

Small cars typically appeal to consumers who want to minimize their automotive expenses. They are the least expensive type; as-tested prices for the cars we bought for this issue ranged from $12,965 for a Scion xA with a manual transmission to about $17.950 for each Mazda3. In addition, their relative/y small engines and lightweight bodies help them deliver better gas mileage than larger vehicles. Small cars also appeal to people who want tight maneuverability and parking convenience.

Small doesn't have to mean pokey of cheap. The Mazda3 is an overall high-quality car with acceleration and interior quality that's on par with many midsized sedans. The Mazda3, available as a sedan or hatchback, replaces the Protege in Mazda's model line and shares its platform with the new Volvo S40 (both Mazda and Volvo are part of Ford Motor Company). The Mazda3 provides a relatively comfortable ride, sporty handling, and a fairly quiet cabin. The Mazda3 and both Scion models got 30 mpg overall gas mileage, which is the best we've seen in a conventional, gasoline powered car (not a hybrid or diesel) with an automatic transmission. We expect the Mazda3's reliability will be above average and we recommend it.

In addition to the Mazda, our group consisted of two other sedans, the Kia Spectra and Suzuki Forenza; two fourdoor hatchbacks, the Scion xA and Chevrolet Ayeo; and the boxlike Scion xB wagon.

The Kia Spectra, which was redesigned for 2004, is derived from the Hyundai Elantra (Hyundai owns Kia). The Spectra is available initially as a sedan, with a hatchback version coming soon. It is much improved compared with the previous version and has one of the most comfortable rides and quietest interiors in this class. However, acceleration, braking, handling, and fuel economy fall short. Because we don't have reliability data on this redesigned model, we can't recommend the Spectra.