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.
