Between new engines and the model's hatchback and sedan body styles, the 2012 Mazda3 now comes in 11 versions. Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays put many of them to the test, including the 40-mpg SkyActiv engine variant and the zoom-zoom Mazdaspeed3.
Does the refreshed compact car have what it takes to beat strong sellers like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze?
The end of the year means dealers are trying to move old product to make room for next year’s new cars, trucks and SUVs; it also means more deals for new-car shoppers. According to Mazda, ‘Tis the Season of Saving. The automaker’s annual year-end sale program offers well-qualified shoppers 0% financing and no payments for 90 days on select 2011 and 2012 Mazda vehicles.
Model-year 2011 vehicles that qualify include the Mazda2, Mazda3 hatchback and sedan, Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9. Also eligible are 2012 versions of the Mazda2, Mazda5, Mazda6 and CX-9. For example, qualified shoppers can purchase the redesigned-for-2012 Mazda5 small minivan for $19,345 and get 0% financing for 60 months and forgo payments for 90 days.
The sale ends Jan. 3.
Mazda is recalling 103,300 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 sedans and hatchbacks from the 2008 and 2009 model years for faulty windshield wiper motors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the affected vehicles the ground terminal of the wiper motor may have been bent during assembly. The condition could worsen over time and lead to the motor not working, which could be dangerous during bad weather.
Cars included in the recall were manufactured between Jan. 7 and Nov. 28, 2008. You can find your vehicle’s manufacture date on a label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb.
Mazda will begin the recall on or before July 15 and will install an additional ground harness free of charge. Concerned owners can call Mazda at 800-222-5500 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.
2010|Mazda|Mazdaspeed3
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While the evaluation of performance cars like the Mazdaspeed3 comes primarily from driving the car, Joe Wiesenfelder walks us through what’s changed on the 2010 ‘Speed3. His verdict on the new styling? Well, he does mention a “big, big mistake” in his wrap-up.
Seeing a car like the Mazdaspeed3 up close doesn't really give a feel for what it's all about. It's about the turbocharged power and sport-tuned handling and braking, but until we get to drive it all I can really comment on is how it looks in person. Standing in its presence, it doesn't look as bad as it did in press photos. It looks worse.
Mazda already released images and information on the new Mazdaspeed3 for the European market, but it's just now handing out details about the U.S. model today at the 2009 New York auto show. The car is based on the next-generation Mazda3 hatchback, but it retains the same engine as the outgoing Mazdaspeed3. The company said it didn’t need to add more power because 263 horses going to the front wheels of a compact car is plenty.
After testing and generally fawning over the outgoing Mazdaspeed3, we’d have to agree. However, the company wasn’t going to just let the hot hatch go untouched elsewhere.
The new body of this generation is more rigid than before, which allowed Mazda to make the suspension firmer without sacrificing ride comfort. The tires are also wider with more grip; a set of 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sports is standard.
The hydraulic steering also adds electric assist to make low-speed steering lighter. The brakes have also been mildly updated, as has the transmission’s gearing.
There will be just one trim level of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, which comes with upgraded black cloth compared with the Mazda3. A Tech Package with navigation, keyless entry, push-button start and a 10-speaker Bose sound system will be available, but there won't be a Grand Touring trim with leather seats, as there was in the outgoing model lineup.
The company says it will still be the most powerful front-wheel-drive car under $25,000, but no firm price has yet been released. More photos of the European version are below. We'll have U.S. versions live later this morning.
We already got a glimpse of the new Mazda3 sedan and hatch a couple months back, and now Mazda has completed its lineup reveal with the most coveted model: the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, which will debut at the 2009 Geneva auto show.
Like the Mazda3, the Mazdaspeed3 appears to be an evolution of a car that’s already working well for the automaker.
The Mazdaspeed3 borrows styling cues from its big brother, the Mazda6. Judging from the available pictures, unique features include a giant hood scoop, larger rims and dual chrome tailpipes. The Mazdaspeed3 will only be available as a four-door hatchback.
Mazda hasn’t revealed much in terms of specs, but it did mention that the powertrain is a carryover from the 2009 model, which has a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder.
Mazda managed to drub out more power from its carryover engines in the Mazda3, so the Mazdaspeed3’s horsepower may also increase from the old application’s 263 hp.
No on-sale date was given. For now, check out a few more photos below and let us know what you think.
2009 Infiniti FX35: From its menacing grille to its seven-speed transmission, the sporty FX35 is really fun to drive, David Thomas says.
2008 Saab 9-3 convertible: This redesigned convertible, with its distinctive front grille, looks good, David says, but it doesn’t match up to its competition.
2008 MazdaSpeed3: There’s no need to compromise utility for performance with this lively hatchback, Mike Hanley says.
2008 Mercury Sable: The Sable is a sleek-looking, well-proportioned car with lots of passenger and cargo space, Mike says.
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid: Kelsey Mays takes a closer look at the Aspen Hybrid, which gets 19/20 mpg city/highway and can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Try doing that with a Prius.
2008 Kia Sportage: Even with its bargain-basement price, Kelsey says the Sportage no longer measures up to its competition.
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