What do you want changed on the 2010.5 MS3

After looking at the new one several times I'd say that the interior red dot treatment is the least appealing of the new design. Time to just have a jet black interior with maybe some gray or silver highlights. Red stiching on the seats and other leather bits would be all you need to differentiate it.

I also second the need for a real USB interface ala ford sync.

I also agree that the 08 interior's color choices are much classier and subdued and the seats and plastics feel richer and of higher quality. I saw an 08.5 and thought my gray fabric inserts looked nicer and felt of better quality than the alacantra. I also didn't care for piano black inserts, though I would consider changing out the titanium plastic inserts on the stereo stack with the base matte black samples. Maybe a junk yard has some. The only thing I would change on my 08 is that damned balnk space on the stereo that is used for the optional tape deck. I'd also like Bluetooth. Otherwise I think the new body work is risky but very different from most of the cookie cutter designs out there. And BTW the grille is a functional design, not some paste on.

I would buy the 10.5 if the interior was changed to what I said above.
or bring back the piano black trim with some chrome handles.
 
I agree with you. Other than that I would like to change the fog lights to a better looking one. 2010 Mazda 3 fog lights look more upscale than in MS3 (square-ish vs. circle), and 07-09 MS3 fog lights are far more advanced looking than in 2010 MS3.
Really? There wasn't much I didn't care for on the 1st gen Speed, but the fogs I never thought were that great-looking. I guess I prefer round fogs, and is one (more) thing I think looks nicer on the MS3 than the regular 2010 3.
 
new front bumper
hid
nicer looking rims
go back to regular seats or alcantera (that red s*** is ugly)
temp guage
pearl white
 
new front bumper
hid
nicer looking rims
go back to regular seats or alcantera (that red s*** is ugly)
temp guage
pearl white
Nicer looking rims? Really? I think this is the first time I've ever heard anyone complain about the 2010 MS3 rims. I think they look A LOT better than the 1st gen MS3 wheels. The other points I agree with.
 
yeah I love the RX-8 style wheels. When the new RX-8 came out, I was like, man I hope they do something similar to the MS3, and they did!
 
got to drive one today. Just caved in to my curiosity and me and the woman took one out. The reality is that my lease is about up on my MS6, and the buyout on it is out to lunch to even consider keeping it so if I stay with Mazda, there's one two cars to choose from. Mazda 6 GT V6 with the auto-tragic tranny, or the MS3

They had a black one here. Easily going to be the best color to get it in since it hides the hideous smile. It really irks me this car. To think how sexy it is from most angles, and then the go and **** up the front end that bad. It could have been THE CAR to get, and in this economy, why would a designer take such a risk knowing it is indeed a smiley face.

Anyways, the car was exactly what I thought it would be really. It's like a mini me MS6 without the AWD love. Car feels very solid, very well put together. While I hated the cheesy red inside, the overall feel of everything was top notch, typical Mazda interior. I really really would rather proper leather seats though as these seemed out of place.

Torque steer was something I was concerned with before driving it. Nice to see Mazda really dialed it down somehow. I never really drove the car hard, I just don't have it in me to beat on a new car, but as far as normal driving is concerned, anyone that complains of torque steer in this thing now needs to call the whaaaaambulance or learn how to drive. Winter will be the true test though, and I fear this car would not do well in our winters. High HP and FWD usually doesn't add up to good winter car, especially with it being so low.

The Wheels are SICK. Enough said.

Brakes felt good. I read somewhere that they are bigger this year.....wonder how that is going to effect winter rims?

Clutch is worlds better in the MS3 then mine. Almost honda like, but not as mushy. Anyone having issues with this one....I can't see why. Then again my MS6 clutch is horrendous to get used to so maybe I adjusted to the MS3 quicker then most.

Obviously going to compare it to my car. I really don't want to give up my car, it is just better in almost every way except one. Obviously, the MS3 handles quite a bit better, so sharp, so responsive, it reminded me of my MP3/MSP - yes, it darn close to those. Very fun to drive car, and that is almost the number one thing for me when looking to get a car.

This car is like 34,500 I think the sales guy said. Canadian remember Not worth it. YUp, that's right, not worth it. At the end of the day, it's just an econo hatch back. MY MS6 was 38 for the gt with full leather, heck of a lot more space, sunroof, and AWD and just an overall better car. Toss in a deal on my ms6 when I got it, and the MS3 just doesn't seem like a good buy in comparison.

Lets go back a bit. I can't quite remember the numbers, but I think my MP3 was 24k, and my msp was 28k, and while they are missing some of the things the new car has, they did come with REAL stereo's not crappy bose's. Yes, the MS3 has hids, oodles better engine, heated seats, keyless start and stuff, but that price is getting up to a range where there are a lot of other cars I can choose from.

At the end of it all, I did like the car. I'd get it if I got a deal on it, no way I'm paying that money for it. I want proper leather seats, a sunroof, better front grill, a usb connection for stereo, and then maybe I will pay 34k for it. All wheel Drive is the biggest drawback for me. This car just isn't going to be very good in our winters here.

sweet ride if you can get passed a few gripes....and those wheels......sick
 
Nice laundry list.

top things I wanna see changed on the MS3 for 2010.5 model or 2011

no particular order

1. all wheel drive. I know it'll never happen, but come on, grow some balls and do it already.
2. Obviously change the front grill....Mazda has now become the joke of the industry thanks to this new smiley face. I'm not a fan of driving a car people laugh at.
3. Change the interior. I don't like this red nonsense throughout, way cheesy. Plain black leather would do just fine thanks.
4. Change the steering wheel with a less buck toothed look. Not a big deal but hey since I'm complaining..
5. Can you say moonroof? I could care less about bluetooth, and a gps that's too small, give me a sunroof and keep the "it effects handling " nonsense to yourselves because plenty of sports cars manage a sunroof just fine.....or can't your chasis handle it?
6. Bose again....really? and no standard MP3 via usb support in a car of this price range? WTF?
7. The alteeeeezzzaaa tail lights need to go.

Better yet, forget all of that and make a Mazdaspeed 6

Honestly, I don't hate the car, but it does need some serious changes or face the smiley jokes forever.

Didn't you look at the car before purchase?

As for the "smile," would you prefer mean eyes like on so many vehicles, or a menacing look like on the new Camaro?

I want a six foot tall wing on the back.
 
4. (Just noticed that one). The steering wheel SHOULD be changed, but I have a different reason than you. It's got that super shiny mazda symbol right in the middle of the steering wheel. It has nearly blinded me on a few occasions when the sun shines off it just right. They should have either made it black, or brushed aluminum so it wouldn't reflect so much.

Safety concern, Mazda...hellloooooooo.

Sn0wbird, where in upstate NY? I'm from Saranac Lake. Most of my family lives in the Brushton/Moira/Malone area.
 
Didn't you look at the car before purchase?

As for the "smile," would you prefer mean eyes like on so many vehicles, or a menacing look like on the new Camaro?

I want a six foot tall wing on the back.

ummmm, I never bought one?!

and, mean look is better...for some reason
 
after driving the car, the steering wheel look and buttons were the least of my concerns. The red nonsense inside needs to go asap though. One other issue I had, the shifter is physically too tall. But that is just preference, as I like shorter shifters like the ms6 has.
 
maybe if somebody puts a set of eyelids on theirs it'll look more like an evil grin, than a happy smile?
 
My suggestions since performance part was already taken care of:

1) Use regular Mazda 3 front bumper which looks pretty good actually.
2) Soften hood scoop lines, too linear for the rest of the body which has mostly curvy lines or just put it back in the grill with no hood scoop.
3) Use standard black interior with red stitching similar to 07-09 Speed 3 Sport versions.
4) Add some black diffuser type look to the rear as in 07-09 Speed 3 models or something similar like 370Z or Genesis coupe.


EX-Mazda_Mazdaspeed3_2010_lfq-590.jpg


Jesus Christ, that Thing looks so horrible, How could Mazda Designers have done such of thing, its incredible how they have killed this car. To be They have killed this car in an overall point of view Previous version is infinite better looking at least.
 
i'm actually okay with Mazda ruining the '10 MS3 because now when i'm ready to upgrade to an ms3 i can buy the first gen for a cheaper price since some people are all about the having the newest model no matter how ugly it is.
 
For all of the haters, there is at least one person out there who has been newly drawn to the 3 (MS or otherwise). Just look at all the new people in this subforum.
 
For all of the haters, there is at least one person out there who has been newly drawn to the 3 (MS or otherwise). Just look at all the new people in this subforum.


This is not about Hating, is about common sense, this car looks like s*** no doubt about it. It is so obvious we the people that dont like it are not Haters I actually dont envy this car at all and i bet the current 1st and 2nd Gen MS3 owners dont as well, its a complete mess what theyve done to this car, Its simple different strokes for different folks but in no sense Hating !!!
 
One other issue I had, the shifter is physically too tall

I've driven manual tranny cars all my life, and the Mazda5 (yes, a people mover) is one of the best I ever driven (ergonomically speaking), so that is good news to my ears at least :)

But I agree, at first it took me some time to get used to it
 
There is nothing about the 2010 MS3 that would keep me from buying one. Except I already have an 2008 MS3. ( 300HP-300FTlbs. Now we are talking trade-in!!!)
 
its certainly not about hating, it's about disappointment for me. Look at my sig, I've owned nothing but Mazdaspeeds for the better part of a decade. I'd have no issue getting another if there was something I liked. But for me to spend 34k on a car I have issues with, I just can't see it happening.

DO a search, and you'll even find me complaining about several things about the old ms3 too. I have no use for a hatch, I wanted AWD back then too and got the ms6 instead because of it. I also wanted a sunroof....hence MS6. Here we are several years laer, and not only are those few things still not available, they made the car worse in other ways. It's puzzling , and disappointing, but I never hate on another Mazda.
 
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