Can't speak for snow (and I hope I never can) but my 3 does great in rain. Onramp power - coming from a 3.5 Altima to a 2.0 3 took some getting used to, but it is pretty capable. I'd never own an automatic with an engine this small, but with a 5speed, it's satisfactory. You'll be a bit happier since you're getting a 2.3. I'm very happy with overall quality and styling - the chassis seems solid as a rock and the car handles really well for the class of cars it falls in - light years ahead of a Sentra or Civic. Exterior styling is excellent IMO, but I'm a sedan guy so that only helps you from the rear doors - forward. I was pleasantly surprised how rich looking the interior is (black) and how big and substantial the dash is with it's multiple textures and the overall layout. (The Altima made me really like having a deep dashboard). If a compact is what you're in the market for, I don't see anthing else that comes close. Mazda is blowing Toyota, Honda and Nissan away with this combination of performance and good looks. Owning a TT Corvette, you might be interested in what's probably going to be a huge aftermarket performance market for this car...a supercharger on this 2.0 would make it perfect, IMO.
