I tested out a 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring

[Silver Ecstasy]

where did you go to test one?

i went to sesi in ypsi.

any hatchbacks?

i do agree, they are very comfortable, and should be easy for anyone to to get comfortable with all of the adjustability.

it drives really well too!

i just know that whenever you get a new car, there will be things you miss about the old, and things you like about the new.

I test drove one at Suburban. It was a red sedan.

 

[Newf]

I seen them a few weeks ago. I can't say it's my taste at all. The front is just too much for a little car. it's too busy, the grill too open. It just all looks odd. even the back tail lights look like they belong on another car.

There is a nice car underneath it all though. And I think, with some minor revisions to the outside, maybe in a few years time if mazda does another minor refresh, that it would be really good looking. All they really need to do is fix that god aweful smiley grill, just change the lower bumper a bit, and I think you would have a better looking car.

As a Mazda fan for years, I can't say I'm impressed with this new design direction they are going in with the 3/6. I think they lost at least one customer so far, and I know my woman hates the 3 now as well.

 

[my3needsaname]

Alright, today I was picking my car up from service and parked it right next to a 2010 5-door in black and although I should've taken pictures, I stupidly didn't. But! Have no fear...mine is totally hotter. Looks way better than the new one when you compare them side by side, just more proportioned and sleeker.

 

[Raymo853]

There is a good chance I will be buying a 2010 3 Hatchback (GT, 6 speed, copper red, no nav, sunroof) but yes do agree that on looks it falls below the 2007-2009. The smalls changes in 2007 made the already nice 3 into one of the best looking small cars around. But looks are not the most important to me on how I pick a car.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

This review is great...I love the 2.5, the 6 speed, but I just can't stomach the grille. I've tried...I just...can't.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

thanks!

 

[derrick1623]

having owned three mazdas now, and considering myself an "expert" mazda maniac...i'd have to say that, yes...the interior seems superior, while flawed by button placement (on the nav model i assume)

i drive a 07 i touring now, and have to say without a doubt that i like my exterior design better than the upcoming model.

i really liked the pictures when i first saw them, but i personally don't think i could open the garage and see that grinning grill everyday.

my .02

 

[Rockin03mp5]

I wonder what painting of said grill would look like.

Painting it to match the rest of the car that is.

At least the top part.

Any photoshop masters here?

 

[robin2660]

This review is great...I love the 2.5, the 6 speed, but I just can't stomach the grille. I've tried...I just...can't.

You will never see the grill driving the car. Personally, I have NEVER bought a car because of looks or avoided buying one because of its style.

All my style is about me, not my car. (headbang)

 

[robin2660]

i really liked the pictures when i first saw them, but i personally don't think i could open the garage and see that grinning grill everyday.

my .02

Are you one of these people who back their cars into the driveway/garage? (never understood that ... quick getaway?). LOL

 

[derrick1623]

Are you one of these people who back their cars into the driveway/garage? (never understood that ... quick getaway?). LOL

not always, i usually pull in frontwards, but i was just saying i don't care for the styling.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

Are you one of these people who back their cars into the driveway/garage? (never understood that ... quick getaway?). LOL

I have to back into my garage.

Only way to fit both cars in. (both drivers doors facing middle)

The looks are growing on me. (sssh)

 

[my3needsaname]

There is a good chance I will be buying a 2010 3 Hatchback (GT, 6 speed, copper red, no nav, sunroof) but yes do agree that on looks it falls below the 2007-2009. The smalls changes in 2007 made the already nice 3 into one of the best looking small cars around. But looks are not the most important to me on how I pick a car.

Well...maybe it'll be nicer than the usual ones and you can throw some nice tint on the windows to give it a sleeker look. At least when I did that, it mine looked less "bubble" and more streamlined.
It is, looks wise, it's great! Couldn't be happier! I mean a few more minor tweaks to the front bumper and hood to make it look even better but that's about it.

I neglected to mention that my 3 seems to have more passenger legroom all around than the new one...thought that was interesting.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

Did anybody else notice this?

The placement of the front plate!

I'm so happy we dont need one here in MI.

Hmmm... seems familiar!

God those look awful.... this is all I see when I see the front end....

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Well i'm going tomorrow morning with a buddy of mine to test drive a GT 5-door tomorrow. I'll report back! The color selection seems pretty interesting, seems like they are offering that bright blue as an available color. That'll be extra rare!

 

[Rockin03mp5]

Sweet

I wanted to compair with a speed3, but didnt have the time.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Are you one of these people who back their cars into the driveway/garage? (never understood that ... quick getaway?). LOL

It's the only way to park!

 

[my3needsaname]

HAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!! (rofl) (rofl) (rofl)

 

[P2K]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I just want to put in my 2 cents. Being a Mazda loyalist, I can honestly say I didn't like the car from the beginning and the grill just made it even worse for me to look at. I don't agree with the interior layout, it just seems like it's too busy. Maybe if they consolidated everything in the center of the dash like the other Mazda vehicles with a touch screen like the new 6, 5, CX-7, and CX-9, that would've solved the small nav irritation everyone is having including myself. Why do for all the others and not one? I dont think the cost would've gone up much more than a fully loaded 3 is right now, but that's my opinion.

My only two gripes are the grill and busy interior. Other than that, it's starting to grow on me. Granted I would never buy one, but if I was in the market for a new car, I'd get the sedan. I think it's an awesome car and I'll congradulate anyone for buying one, but I don't feel it's any better than the outgoing model. Just different and has more options than it's predecessor. Either way, I like my MS3 more.

As said earlier, there's always people who will take to new designs and others won't. I applaud Mazda for trying something different, it's just not something I want. This was apparent on this forum when the 3 replaced the Protege. Everyone argued about the design, some liked it and some didn't. I didn't like it at first, it grew on me, bought a MS3, got rid of the Protege.

Here's some chopped pics of a sedan I found, which makes me like it even more. The grill is a little easier to look at, but the grin is still there. He also did one of the interior with a touchscreen from the new 6. Looks way better. He even did a MS3 sedan version. Sorry for jacking your thread Rockin03mp5 and flooding it with all these pics, I just found this subject interesting to talk about.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

The grill replacement, wheels and drop make a big difference. But I don't want to spend another $1500 just to make the car look like it should have in the first place...