2010 Mazda3 News

[sanblaster]

I would not go for the 1st production batch anyway, those are usually the ones that come up with all the TSBs and even recalls (rant)

Yeah, everyone is telling me that.

 

[mikeyb]

I still can not get over the front...

 

[sanblaster]

Mikey find me a black or white new 3 picture in your car vault.

 

[altspace]

I would not go for the 1st production batch anyway, those are usually the ones that come up with all the TSBs and even recalls (rant)

This is true for an entire new car, but this version still uses many of the same parts.

 

[slug420]

i usually like the final year of a generation...not sure i could ever go for the first even if it does use a lot of the same parts.

It always seems to me that car makers allow their models to evolve throughout a generation's run and they typically do not arrive at the best looking product until the final year of production. They tweak and tune little things each year often making very subtle cosmetic changes from year to year that make the final product look the best. If you buy a decent looking car early in the lifespan of a specific design chances are within a year or two they will tweak something subtle on it to make it look that much better and you will be wishing you had the new one.

mazdaspeed protege/mp3 were good examples of this IMO. the nissan altima was redesigned in 2002....never was a big fan of it though every once in a while i would see one that was equipped in a way that made it look nice...as the years went by they tweaked little things with the appearances and then finally arrived at the SE-R which I thought looked excellent. The 97-03 F150 got a new grill and bumper in 2001 and then in 2002/2003 (before the 2004 redesign) the FX4 package was introduced with 17" wheels that made the truck look muuuch better than any of the previous 17s. All minor things but if you park a 1998 next to a 2003 FX4 you would see how much of an impact a generation of tweaks have.

just my .02

 

[coolmazda5]

This is true for an entire new car, but this version still uses many of the same parts.

The non-shared parts are the ones to worry about

Just experience and by looking at the dudes here in the forum. I pulled the triggered on my 2006 mazda5 in July 2005 (first batch of a 2nd gen car, fresh out of the boat I believe) mostly because a) it was the only 5MT in the area and wife wanted it and b) it shares a lot of Mazda3 parts (yay!)...

But the parts unique to the Mazda5 were mostly the ones that have had the TSBs and recalls (i.e. exhaust, sliding door latches, hatch strut)...

Nothing deal breaking, but annoying and time wasting none the least...

Now, as per my 08, zero issues so far (2thumbs)

 

[dmitrik4]

i usually like the final year of a generation...not sure i could ever go for the first even if it does use a lot of the same parts.

It always seems to me that car makers allow their models to evolve throughout a generation's run and they typically do not arrive at the best looking product until the final year of production. They tweak and tune little things each year often making very subtle cosmetic changes from year to year that make the final product look the best. If you buy a decent looking car early in the lifespan of a specific design chances are within a year or two they will tweak something subtle on it to make it look that much better and you will be wishing you had the new one.

sometimes. but sometimes it goes the other way. the 6 is one example of a car that got less appealing (mechanically and visually) through the course of the first gen.

 

[Donas64]

sometimes. but sometimes it goes the other way. the 6 is one example of a car that got less appealing (mechanically and visually) through the course of the first gen.

I get that it got less powerful but I actually think it got better looking especially with sport package. How do you think it got worse mechanically and visually?

 

[sanblaster]

it got brutal.... looks like an effin camry. I hate it.

 

[Mazda3]

I like the latest technology in my vehicles too much to buy an out going model. It would drive me nuts to be driving around in a 2009 Mazda 3, when the higher powered more luxurious 2010 model is out. I bought an early production 2007 CX-7 and it's been fine. Yeah, there was a few TSB's, but nothing serious. I had them done with my oil changes. There's something satisfying about being one of the first one's in town to have a new redesign. The CX-7 got alot of looks the first year I had it. I had one of the first Mazda 6's back in 2003 and no problems there either. It's a personal choice, I like the new stuff. If I waited for all the bugs to be worked out I be board of the vehicle before I bought it.

 

[sanblaster]

I like the latest technology in my vehicles too much to buy an out going model. It would drive me nuts to be driving around in a 2009 Mazda 3, when the higher powered more luxurious 2010 model is out.

11 more hp, style wise looks meh for a 2010 vehicle, and you can save a few g with an 09'. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

[p5sundevil]

hatchback photos officially released...

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008/11/2010_mazda3_hatchback_unveiled.html#more

 

[Mazda3]

11 more hp, style wise looks meh for a 2010 vehicle, and you can save a few g with an 09'. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Definately different strokes for different folks. The 18 ft-lbs increase in torque at a lower rpm makes for a much improved and more aggressive power band. There are also substancial improvements to the throttle response and transmission. So with only a 30lbs weight increase there will be a very noticable performance increase. Take a 09 4cyl mazda 6 for a test drive. The 6-spd manual and 5-speed automatic are great transmissions. Combine that with the dynamics in the lighter weight 3. I expect acceleration will now be very close to the outgoing 3.0L V6 08 Mazda 6. Definately value there for someone who loves to drive.

The interior quality and features are substancially upgraded. The interior looks like a $40k car. This all appeals to me very much.

 

[coolmazda5]

The interior looks like a $40k car

I agree with all your points except for this one. After seeing the more mundane CanadianDriver pictures (i.e. the GS with no pic enhancements) I think it still looks with the same "finish" as the current Mazda3 (and Mazda5 for that matter). Still, much better than other cars on the price range I should say.

 

[sanblaster]

I really love the headlights and interior. Not so much the micro navi.

 

[Mazda3]

I agree with all your points except for this one. After seeing the more mundane CanadianDriver pictures (i.e. the GS with no pic enhancements) I think it still looks with the same "finish" as the current Mazda3 (and Mazda5 for that matter). Still, much better than other cars on the price range I should say.

The $40k reference is aimed at the top GT leather model, but I still think the GS interior is improved as well. Although it is hard to tell in some of those pics. Have another look at the side profile with the front door open. The materials and seat handles on the side of the seat and dash look higher quality than the out going model. The levers look more solid and look as though they would function smoother. Obviously can't say for sure until I see one in person, but thats the impression I get from that pic. There is one pic showing the front seat of the GS from the back that gives off a cheaper impression, but I think it is just a bad pic. We'll know in a few months I guess.

 

[Mazda3]

I really love the headlights and interior. Not so much the micro navi.

Yeah, a full Navi would be more desirable. But I think they were aiming for price point there. It's only a $500 option in the US instead of $2000 like most. The Nav system probably won't be the best on the market, but still good value for an economy class car.

 

[dmitrik4]

I get that it got less powerful but I actually think it got better looking especially with sport package. How do you think it got worse mechanically and visually?

besides discontinuing the manual-transmission V6 (hello, GM product positioning!), other "detail improvements," such as the taillights and headlights, got really ugly. in the effort to "style" the car a bit more, they overdid it. it didn't get less powerful; it just went throught the same re-rating process that every other car did.

 

[coolmazda5]

Through Ian's Lens: 2010 Mazda Mazda3 (cars.com)

A good slideshow with nice full-screen "able" pics (interior and exterior).

As I left the 2009 Los Angeles auto show early last Friday morning, I couldnt get the completely redesigned 2010 Mazda3 out of my head. Mazda is at the top of its game with redesigns of both the Mazda6 and the Mazda3 blazing a trail for their entire lineup to look uniform and sophisticated, without being almost identical and boring (sorry Porsche). The radical new look Mazda is putting into the headlights, front grilles, taillights and rear ends of their new Mazda6 and Mazda3 has taken the full-size and midsize sedans on a much needed turn in terms of design direction.

The use of similar lines along the hood, similar headlight assemblies and similar fender contours give the Mazda3 a look of upscale nobility, while retaining an individual appearance when looking at the car in its entirety.

Please leave your remarks in the comments section; a full set of photos is below. Feel free to use the full-screen mode on the photo browser.

Slideshow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10728020@N02/sets/72157609917258175/show/with/3055732355/

Note: high bandwidth required

Source
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/11/through-ians--1.html

 

[Bullit67]

The new 3 is the most gawd awful car I have ever seen I WILL NOT BUY ONE. I was looking forward to the the new model as my 02 protege is getting a little tired But I can tell you I would rather spend the money on fixing up my protege then buy this ugly thing. Take a close look at the front end it looks like a smiling clown.

MAZDA WHAT HAVE YOU DONE :wtf: