If your sis really wants the Mazda3, let her get the 3! I have a mazda 3 also and some of my friends are 3 owners also. We're not impressed with the new smiling look of the 2nd gen. 3. But the new 3 side view is better and I also like the two tiered instrument panel(Honda-like) new interiors.

The 3 which is already 6 years old(introduced way back 2004) can still stand-out in looks department in and out in its segment.

If fuel efficiency is also a consideration for your sister, she might as well
consider the 2 instead because of better FC in city driving based from latest car reviews.

I think the 2 and the current 1st gen 3 road handling capabilities are both fantastic.