2010 Mazda3 News

[Donas64]

Just for the record I wasn't including you in the haters group. There are alot of threads across the Internet right now full of them. I seem to remember similar stuff when the 1st gen 3 came out. Your opinions are usually well thought out and you are entitiled to them.

I would prefer that the grill was toned down a bit, but the rest of the car is fantastic. The interior and features are amazing for a car in the compact/economy class.

gotcha. Thanks. Because I certainly don't hate it. I agree the interior and most of the exterior (excluding the front fascia) looks great. The little details make it feel special too (such as the integrated taillight trunk lock button)

 

[coolmazda5]

No more sliding doors, Coolmazda5?....(cabpatch)

I love the Mazda5s as they have met my current needs pretty well, including their cool people mover tight driving/handling coupled with manual tranny, BUT my thought is: MAZDASPEED3 > Mazda3 Hatchback > Mazda5 (naughty)

I can wait patiently though

 

[MazdaMatt]

my thought is: MAZDASPEED3 > Mazda3 Hatchback > Mazda5 (naughty)

I can wait patiently though

go for new ms3!!!!!!!! (bowdown)

engine it' FuN-TA-STIC (burnout)

 

[Kona Bear]

The hatch is growing on me. I really hope that they improve the paint jobs this time around.

 

[Mazda3]

Ok, I just got back from viewing, drooling over and driving the 2010 Mazda 3. All I can say is WOW. The top of the line model is stunning in person. I don't care what any of the haters are whining about the grill, it's a great looking car.

I drove the 2.0L with the new 5spd auto first. Much more responsive than the 09 model. Throttle response is quicker and the extra gear definately seems to move it along quicker. Especially when passing. If you drop the hammer at 60-70 MPH it kicks down into 3rd gear and away you go. Acceleration feels the same as the 09 2.3L auto. Ride is quieter and smoother which you think would make you feel more isolated, but I thought the steering was even more responsive than the outgoing model. The seats are amazing in this car, its like sitting in a Porsche.

Then onto the 2.5L 6-spd manual. This car really goes for an economy class car. Never mind the Speed 3, I can't imagine driving this car and then buying a Civic Si. The torque is fantastic. The tranny is silky smooth and rock solid. You guys will love how this car drives. It is significantly quicker than the 09 2.3L.

The seats and interior are something you have to experience for yourself. They are well beyond this class of car.

 

[jbiird317]

I saw the new 3 at the philly auto show this past weekend, sat in it, took pictures, and lamented over whether or not I liked it. My conclusion is this: First glance, "oh wow, new 3! cool!" After staring at it for 5 minutes, "eh its alright, whats with the goofy smiley grill? oooh look the new rx8 is here too!"

Basicly, I think compared to the re-works that mazda did to the rx8 and the 6, the new 3 is completely sub-par design-wise. I can't judge them on drivability yet, but mazda never disappoints on that aspect.

 

[Mazda3]

I'm so tired of hearing about the smiley grill. Part of the reason for the grill is engineering. Airflow to the engine, brakes, and transmission is improved. The grill and other changes route the air to the desired places. The drag coefficent is .29, which is astounding for this class of car. The Canadian gas mileage rating went from 46 to 48 MPG because of these changes.

On top of that I really think the car looks great. Yeah, the grille could be a little different, but if it's part of the functional design I don't have a problem with it.

The interior is on a whole new level.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

tired of hearing about it or not, its still the first thing you see and the "engineering" behind it means nothing if you happen to think it looks like a stupid ass smiley face...

you might like it or not mind it but plenty of people (including myself) seem to think it looks a tad bit ridiculous...

 

[Mazda3]

tired of hearing about it or not, its still the first thing you see and the "engineering" behind it means nothing if you happen to think it looks like a stupid ass smiley face...

you might like it or not mind it but plenty of people (including myself) seem to think it looks a tad bit ridiculous...

Have you seen the car in person? The grille does look a little different in person than pics.

I tired of hearing about it because this is a great car and all some people can talk about is a 2 foot piece of plastic.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

well, what people like in a car differs between most...if you look for styling before anything else it will bother you more than it would for someone who didnt think styling was as important. I never said seeing it in person might make a difference but from what I've seen the smile is just dumb lol

Have you seen the car in person? The grille does look a little different in person than pics.

I tired of hearing about it because this is a great car and all some people can talk about is a 2 foot piece of plastic.

 

[Mazda3]

(moon)

 

[FrigginGLI]

well, what people like in a car differs between most...if you look for styling before anything else it will bother you more than it would for someone who didnt think styling was as important. I never said seeing it in person might make a difference but from what I've seen the smile is just dumb lol

It's still better than a caliber or cobolt. (wedge)

 

[jbiird317]

the interior didnt really stand out all that much for me. Maybe I'm spoiled by the ms3 interior, but the only interior part that thrilled me was the heated seats

I think if I were in the market for a new car, I would consider the new 3 despite the "certain design element to remain nameless" because of what I know about mazda engineering. But no matter what the car drives like, you still have to look at it occasionally.

 

[Newf]

I'm really surprised Mazda is going this direction with their new 3/6. The Styling is too odd and is going to turn off a lot of people. Mazda is at a turning point right now. They just regained some poplularity over the last few years, the Mazda 3 has done very well, it's just very risky for them to make such a drastic change to the front end.

I think we can safely blaim that Mazda Concept the Mazda Kiyora for this.

 

[Olestra]

I'm really surprised Mazda is going this direction with their new 3/6. The Styling is too odd and is going to turn off a lot of people. Mazda is at a turning point right now. They just regained some poplularity over the last few years, the Mazda 3 has done very well, it's just very risky for them to make such a drastic change to the front end.

I think we can safely blaim that Mazda Concept the Mazda Kiyora for this.

I disagree. Everyone that has driven and seen the Mazda3/6 in person has said it is just amazing. I've seen many posts that begin with WOW. The wow factor is definitely still there for the 3.

People love subaru even though many would agree they are fugly as hell. IMO they are a unique brand, as is Mazda.

 

[MazdaMatt]

People love subaru even though many would agree they are fugly as hell. IMO they are a unique brand, as is Mazda.

+1.

mazda brand it means :"special, "something different" cars"

Toyotas are "ordinary cars" or "domestic appliances on wheels"

Recentely in an interview about hybrid (and upcoming Prius&Insight) the R&D chief of Mazda said:

""the challenge will be the appeal of the car itself."

they'll NEVER do a Prius or Insight........(referring to design)

 

[mikeyb]

2010 Mazda3 starting at $15,045

PRESS RELEASE

IRVINE, Calif., February 17, 2009 - In an economy where value-for-dollar is more important than ever, the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 proves that good things do come in small packages - and can be affordable too. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for its much-anticipated sport compact. Starting at just $15,045, the entry-level 2010 MAZDA3, equipped with manual transmission, is priced just $355 more than the outgoing model.

The 2.0-liter MAZDA3 i Touring 4-door with automatic transmission, which is expected to remain the volume-leader model, will be priced at $18,350 and includes key features such as standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Bluetooth wireless mobile phone and audio capability and hands-free operation. And with fuel economy up to 25/33 mpg (city/highway) - a 10 percent improvement in highway fuel economy - the MAZDA3 i Touring costs less at the pump too.

Starting at just $19,540 for the 4-door and $20,030 for the 5-door, the 2.5-liter MAZDA3 s Sport with automatic transmission adds 17-inch alloy wheels and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with 4.1-inch monochromatic screen that conveys MP3 and i-Pod program information, trip data including fuel economy, plus various maintenance and alert messages. And, like all Mazdas, the new 2.5-liter engine has plenty of Zoom-Zoom - a must for an eco-conscious driving enthusiast. The 2.5-liter engine pushes out 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque - 13 more horsepower and 18 more lb.-ft. of torque than the 2.3-liter it replaces - yet maintains a competitive fuel economy of 22/29 (city/highway).

New packages for the 2010 model include a Technology package and the Moonroof/six CD changer/BOSE Audio package.

Available on both s models, the Technology package includes advanced keyless entry, push-button start, a compact full-color navigation system, Sirius satellite radio with six months of free service and a perimeter alarm - all for $1,195.

The Moonroof/six CD changer/ BOSE Audio package is available on the MAZDA3 i Touring and both s models. In addition to a moonroof and six CD changer, the package adds BOSE Centerpoint surround sound - a five-channel surround system engineered cooperatively with BOSE that enhances the listening experience thanks to a digital amplifier, noise cancellation technology and 10, strategically placed, premium speakers. Priced at just $1,395, the Moonroof/six CD changer/ BOSE Audio package is a must for audiophiles.

Offering more features, functionality, and power than a comparably equipped outgoing 2009 model, when it's all said and done, a fully loaded 2010 MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 4-door is $240 less.

 

[coolmazda5]

+1.
mazda brand it means :"special, "something different" cars"

From Dan Romano, President, Mazda Canada:

I don't ever see Mazda as being a mainstream company. We were [once] a mainstream company and we failed. We found our souls when we realized we weren't going to out-Toyota Toyota or out-Honda Honda; when we decided we were going to be our own company.

That part of our soul that we found back in 1999 to 2000 is going to lead us for the next 10 to 20 years, so that we continue to push ourselves [toward the] enthusiasts, the people who are emotionally connected to their cars [and who are] not just buying transportation. [This] will help differentiate us from other players that are going to enter the market that are not here today as well as those companies that are here but are trying to be everything to everybody. We are the brand choice for automotive enthusiasts. We're not trying to be the biggest.

http://www.nationalpost.com/cars/story.html?id=725951

 

[coolmazda5]

Offering more features, functionality, and power than a comparably equipped outgoing 2009 model, when it's all said and done, a fully loaded 2010 MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 4-door is $240 less.

MAZDASPEED3, I smell a good bang for the buck, yup

 

[my3needsaname]

Awww, crap. There goes the value of my car. I knew I should have sold it a few weeks ago. I got it appraised and Ford would give me 14K, Toyota: 15-16K straight up but now that's down the toilet. I guess if I'm going to sell, I have to sell a few months before that one hits the showrooms.