Again, because of its luxury-ride intentions, the Cobalt LT has different suspension tuning and tires than the LS or S sedan. The chassis does a very good job taking the edge off potholes, but an extended stretch of bad pavement can bring on nervous body motions. And, of course, the "touring" tires show little interest in sharp turn-in. That's just as well, because the electro-hydraulic power steering is generally inert, although certainly improved from its disastrous initial tuning in the Cobalt's cousin, the Saturn Ion.
Remembering a fairly stiff ride in previous Mazda 3s, we were very surprised by our test car's nonplussed absorption of scary-looking potholes. Unlike Chevrolet, Mazda uses a single suspension setup for all versions of the 3, the only differences being lower-profile tires and seventeen-inch wheels with the Sport Package in place of sixteen-inch wheels and less aggressive rubber in our 3 sedan. Dropping down from the seventeen to the sixteen-inch wheels and tires does result in greater understeer, but the ride is far less brittle than the more hardcore setup. Like GM, Mazda uses electro-hydraulic power steering (which is spreading like a fungus throughout the auto industry), but the system in the 3 feels a bit more natural than that in the Cobalt.
Overall, the Cobalt is a credible effort from GM, but doesn't dislodge the Mazda 3 from its top spot in our pantheon of small cars. The Cobalt LT has an impressive standard equipment list and its interior will appeal to those not looking for a boy racer. We wish its seating positions were more comfortable and the Ecotec four were more refined. After switching from a five-speed manual to a four-sped automatic, our view of the Mazda 3 was somewhat diminished. We also prefer the practical and more dramatic-looking hatchback 3 to the sedan we drove this time. But for those who live where the pavement regularly crumbles, a lesser wheel and tire package might be preferable. Hatchback or sedan, the 3 is still a small car with a fun-to-drive character and real personality and that's why it remains our pick in this segment.