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For years, we’ve looked at Europe’s broad vehicle offerings with both jealousy and pure, unadulterated contempt.

Those funny talkin’, quirky dressin’, slow eatin’ Your-ah-pee-ins got all the cool stuff. But with automakers looking to streamline global product lineups in an effort to save a substantial amount of money, the times are changing.

Miles per year: 10.000

The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder remains unchanged in terms of power, but fuel economy has improved thanks to a new five-speed automatic transmission. While not quite at the gas-sipping level of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the new 3 can no longer be slagged for relatively gluttonous fuel consumption. The bigger four-cylinder gets pumped up to 2.5 liters and a healthy 167 horsepower, and its fuel economy improves by 1 mpg on the highway. These are two of the peppiest power plants found in the economy sedan class.

Miles per year: 10.000

The MAZDA6 is a mid-size sedan that doesn't behave like one. It offers all the standards in its class like four-doors, five-passenger seating, interior roominess, comfort and convenience features and lots of cargo space. However, the MAZDA6 goes one step further by adding style, performance, technology and passion. For the 2010 model year, MAZDA6 offers minor trim and package enhancements. To streamline the most popular options, a new Touring Plus model is added to both the i as s models, which adds power moonroof, ground illumination, Bluetooth, electroluminescent gauges, Blind Spot Monitoring System and anti-theft security alarm, in addition to Touring trim features. A new Technology Package is offered on Grand Touring models and a Multi Information Display (MID) for the audio and Bluetooth is standard on Grand Touring trims with Technology Package.

Miles per year: 10.000

The Mazda CX-7 is a five-passenger midsize crossover SUV. Although it has three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- there is no mechanical or performance difference among the three. All feature a turbocharged 2.3-liter four that makes an impressive 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is a six-speed automatic, and one may choose either front- or all-wheel drive. A naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is rumored to arrive for 2010.

Miles per year: 10.000

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat convertible powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 167 horsepower. Depending on trim level, you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic -- though with the automatic, hp drops to 158. The Miata is available in four trims: SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The lightly equipped SV is aimed at racing enthusiasts, with the similar Sport adding a few extra features. The Touring trim's added equipment makes the Miata more livable on a daily basis, while the Grand Touring can be downright luxurious.

Miles per year: 10.000

The Mazda CX-9 is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims, all of which are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 with 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims, while a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Safety features are well represented on the CX-9 with nearly every desirable technology standard, including antilock brakes, traction control, stability control and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. A rear back-up camera is included as part of the optional navigation system.

Miles per year: 10.000

The Mazda Tribute is a compact SUV known for its sporty handling, carlike ride, surprising V6 performance and rewarding value for the money. It's always been more of a car masquerading as a truck than vice-versa and feels nimble and sure-footed as long as you stick to the pavement. Debuting for 2001, Mazda marketed the Tribute as the Miata of SUVs -- and we found the claim not far off the mark. As with its mechanical twin, the Ford Escape, the Tribute featured the most powerful V6 engine in its class and could haul up to five passengers and their gear in a spacious, well-equipped cabin.

Miles per year: 10.000

Significantly updated for 2009 with a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and an R3 model for the ultimate driving enthusiast, RX-8 maintains the same great features for 2010, while refining a few simple touches. To better accommodate consumer demands, the 2010 RX-8 is available with two trim levels - Sport and Grand Touring - and the R3 model, specially designed with the enthusiast in mind. Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 - a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

Miles per year: 10.000

The MAZDA5 is a three-row, six-passenger multi-activity vehicle injected with sports car inspiration that efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV while demonstrating Mazda's infusion of stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. There is nothing like it on sale in North America at this time - it truly is in a class of one. The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine, producing 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. A flowing wedge-shaped body with solid proportions defines the exterior of the MAZDA5 as unmistakably Mazda, while inside the cabin, the MAZDA5 offers a flexible seating arrangement. The large sliding doors and low floor allow for fluid ingress and egress, and a one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats.