Mazda 3, hands down. Corolla looks rather bland & boring.

 

I watched redlines review on the SE version. Having all the safety options upfront is awesome but I still much prefer the mazdas looks and its engine and auto transmission.

 

I agree. Ugly Corolla. Also, any Japanese cars I've driven (before the Mazda3) were just like appliances. Never broke down but oh so boring.

Test drove a Mazda3 back to back to a BMW 320. The Mazda3 had better steering and brakes. The Consumer Reports ratings are virtually identical for the BMW 3 series, Mazda3 and Mazda6 but steering and brakes are better on the Mazda3 at least.