2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Mazda3
- Competes with: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Fusion
- Looks like: Mazda will maintain its supremacy as the fun-to-drive economy car
- Drivetrain: 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed manual or automatic; 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic
- Hits dealerships: 2009
Mazda’s compact car has been a grand slam for the company since it debuted in 2004. It's Mazda’s most popular car worldwide, and even the 2009 model holds up well against recently redesigned competition from Honda and Toyota.
The 2010 adds slightly more power and slightly better fuel economy, and it sports all-new looks inside and out. We really like the new shape of the front end, especially the flares on the front fenders, which resemble the new Mazda6 sedan. Even in profile and from the rear, the 2010 Mazda3 looks radically different while still being recognizable as a Mazda. That’s a tough task.
Inside, the Mazda3 looks to maintain its classy feel with a sloped center stack and a new scalloped gauge cluster that flows over the center stack and, on higher trim levels, also houses an integrated navigation screen.
Again, the Mazda3 is split into two trims, the Mazda3 i, with a smaller 148-hp four-cylinder, and the Mazda3 s, with a larger 167-hp engine. While power has been upped versus the 2009 model, so has fuel economy, but just slightly. The i gets 24/33 mpg city/highway with the automatic, and the s gets 22/29 mpg with the automatic. Neither engine beats the competition on the mileage front -- the 2009 Toyota Corolla gets 27/35 with an automatic -- but the Mazda3 has always been about the fun driving experience.
Unfortunately, base models will not come with standard stability control. It and ABS will be optional equipment. We’ll get more information on the features breakdown later this week.
We’re impressed with the looks, the interior and the power, if a bit concerned that the lower mileage numbers might turn off consumers.
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Love it Love it Love it!!!!
I am the happiest car ever...see I'm grinning from headlight to headlight...and don't you think my dimples are so cute?
It reminds me of a happy and loyal dog.
that can just looks like it wants to have a bunch of fun
It’s outrageous for Mazda to make ABS and electronic stability optional in a 2010 model. Its standard in the 2009 Honda Civic – another vehicle that’s largely considered a ‘premium’ compact.
By 2012, all new vehicles will have standard electronic stability control. All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail cars and trucks will have standard electronic stability control by the end of 2009.
I guess Mazda’s more interested in sportiness than saving lives :(
This Mazda3 is very, very nice. Very beautiful. Thank goodness Mazda didn't mess it up like the Mazda6 re-design.
2010 Mazda 3 looks really cool but I am in the market for SUV and Lexus revealed 2010 RX today...http://www.lexus.com/fcv/RXandRXh.html
"It’s outrageous for Mazda to make ABS and electronic stability optional in a 2010 model."
1. They will claim that "3" is cheaper then Civic.
2. Civic doesn't have standard rear disc brakes on base models.
Go figure.
-I don't like the grin and huge overhang that it creates.
-Mileage not up to...2010 but car is fun.
-Looks like Civic is still the best compromise between sport, utility and fuel economy.
-I hope this time around 2L will make its way into the wagon.
who cares about a few mpg's when you are having fun? besides, people are getting used to the gas prices, and now it's even under $2 ... i think figures like 24/33 is perfect -- still efficient but not too miserly like the Corolla.
i know that the previous-gen Corolla refuses to downshift (the slushbox) and thus able to help with its mpg numbers. not worth it!
Great looking car! Definitely going to consider it, but the navigation looks kinda too small and I don't think it's touchscreen... But otherwise, great car!
Very nice job styling. They need something more powerful that keeps the mileage of their smaller motor. A smaller turbo would be perfect. The great thing, well one of the great things, about a turbo, is you can keep your foot out of it for 'normal' driving and get great mileage. When you need good power, say to pass, it's there, and sure, your mileage will suffer, but you have excellent power that is normally associated with a car that offer terrible mileage. Turbos rule, especially at altitude, where non-turbos just die on Colorado's 11,000 foot passes.
Great looking car. Can't wait to see it in person. One thing that I don't understand. The Mazda 6i gets 30mpg on the highway with the same configuration as the Mazda 3s. Why is the Mazda 3s only topping out at 29mpg? It's a lighter car!! I'm a self shifter man myself, but I hope the 6th gear can be made extra low for highway cruising. I used to have a 2005 Mazda 6i 5speed and it had plenty of punch on the highway, especially for Atlanta traffic.
I love the exterior very much, very, very much. The interior's handsome looking. Although the nav's kinda small. Still great though. I kinda like the grinning grille, reminds me of a very happy loyal dog, as said before in previous comments. Good job Mazda, always know how to make a fun car!
has the hatchback been nixed for 2010?
The hatchback actually won't be released until the Bologna auto show, from what I understand.
2 words:
Mr. Sardonicus
The car is simply gorgeous. I love the big grin on the front, as if the car is saying “yea, i’m hot.” I was looking into getting a VW GTI but i’m not so sure now.. can’t wait for a test drive.
ABS optional? Its been standard on the Civic since 2006!!
WTH are they thinking?
The red gauges are immediate turn off.
Without ABS, you don't have EBD.
No ABS is completely moronic.
Zoom Zoom lives on!
To the no ABS comments, actually it does come standard on all trims... that and a lot more.
According to Mazda's own website:Safety features on the new 2010 MAZDA3 are top-of-the-line. On every trim you'll find advanced dual front air bags, side air bags and side air curtains††, as well as a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. New standard active front headrests tilt forward to protect your head during rear impact.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayUpcomingMazda3_4Door.action
To the no ABS comments, actually it does come standard on all trims... that and a lot more.
According to Mazda's own website:Safety features on the new 2010 MAZDA3 are top-of-the-line. On every trim you'll find advanced dual front air bags, side air bags and side air curtains††, as well as a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. New standard active front headrests tilt forward to protect your head during rear impact.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayUpcomingMazda3_4Door.action
What an ugly little car. All it needs are some teeth drawn in the grill.
I don't like the new design, the old look is much better imho. The rims remind me of deer antlers, the grill looks silly compared to the original design. They should have focused on performance and left everything else alone.