2010 Mazda3
Mazda3 Gets More Zoom-Zoom
Mazda has earned a well-deserved reputation for building small cars that are fun to drive. Their latest offering, the 2010 Mazda3, is sure to enhance their status among compact car buyers. This car has new bodywork, a new interior, a more powerful engine and a number of enhancements.
The overall shape of the 2010 Mazda3 follows that of its predecessor, but the new model has a stronger presence. Sharper creases in the sheetmetal, broader front fenders and a smiley-face grille give it a muscular, yet playful look. At first, I thought the new grille was over the top, but the more I see it, the more I like it.
Mazda overhauled the interior as well, and did a bang-up job redesigning the dash. The speedometer and tachometer are housed in large nacelles right in front of the driver. A small screen for trip info and the optional navigation system, is located in a bin up by the windshield. Controls for these features are located on the steering wheel. The center control panel is attractively trimmed in brushed silver, and has easy to read switches for the audio and air conditioning.
The size of the cabin is the same size as before. Front passengers have well-contoured seats—heated and leather-clad on my Grand Touring test car. Adults in the rear are pinched for legroom, although small kids should find them okay. Cargo space in the hatchback model like the one I drove, is roomy at 17.1 cu.-ft., nearly half again as big as that of the sedan.
The Mazda3 gets a new engine this year. Mazda replaced the 2.3-liter four-banger on the “s” level models with a more powerful 2.5-liter mill from the Mazda6. It cranks out 167 hp—11 more than the old motor. (The base “i” models continue with the 2.0-liter four with 148 horses.) My test car had the 2.5, and it was quick off the line, and very refined.
Buyers get a choice of a six-speed manual (five-speed on “i” models) or an optional five-speed automatic, with a manual shift mode. My car had the latter. This tranny delivered smooth shifts, and was fun to use in the manual mode. Teamed with the 2.5 engine, this combo will speed you to 60 in 8.3 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 22-mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. I averaged 24 mpg.
Out on the road, the Mazda 3 delivers a nice balance of sporty handling and a comfortable ride. While it is not a true sport sedan like the Mazdaspeed3, it’s fun to drive. The quick steering makes it feel nimble. The suspension is tuned so that the car takes corners with confidence. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Yet, the Mazda3 is compliant over bumpy roads, and the ride is well-controlled.
Mazda pricing starts at $15,795 for the base “i” model sedan, and ranges up to $23,050 for the top-of-the-line Grand Touring “s” hatchback.
Snapshot Review:
Sporty Styling
Fun to Drive
Tight Backseat
