Happy that I got a 2008.5 (2010 drive)

[LostViper]

So I drove a 2010 MS3 on Saturday. (I'm sad to say the car's looks are starting to grow on me.)
The seats are not as comfortable as the 2007-2009 and I felt like I was sitting like I was in a school bus (really high up). Then, as I was looking around, I felt somewhat like I was in a Prius with that information panel in the middle of the dashboard. On the drive, it just didn't seem to have the punch as the previous generation. I floored it in 2nd on an on-ramp and waited for that slam-you-to-your-seat feeling, and it wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, it's still a quick car, just not the same. Also, all the electronics they put in to help you shift/keep you from damaging the engine really hold you back.
I still think it's a great car, but to me Mazda took something away from the rawness and power of the previous MS3. I really think they did some thing that makes you feel disconnected from the road. I'm sure it handles well, but there just isn't the connected to the road feeling. If I didn't own a 2008.5, it would probably still seem worth the price to me, but having the older generation, the new one just doesn't stack up.
Anyone on here that has the 2010, I think you got a great car (don't take my review as I didn't like it --- and it doesn't really matter what I think, if you like it then that's awesome).

Just wanted to put in a new review even though there were some reviews on here of the 2010 already.

...that hot hatch just went lukewarm.

 

[kvndoom]

I value the opinions of current owners who actually test drive the gen 2's and don't just post how ugly it is. 4 or 5 years from now, I have no clue what I might want. I mean, it could be a GTI, R20, or even another MS3.

Of course I'll be in my 40's by then so a G37 coupe may well fit the bill too. Us old guys gotta have some luxury.

 

[GSXkiller]

I would have to agree with you. Last time I was getting my service I spent a great deal of time looking over the 2010 and from the pictures I saw before it was out, I thought it looked absolutly ugly. Now I have seen it in person, I don't think it looks that bad. I really like the hood and wish I could swap it over. Soon as I sat in the car I did not like it any more. It feels like Mazda tried to make it more "high class" all the leather and buttons. What ever happened to a nice sparco wheel and some bucket seats.

 

[stageup]

yea i want one in white, looks are growing on me also
but i'm not gonna replace an 08 with a 10, it's the same car
i'd upgrade to a diff car entirely if i was going to get rid of
my ms3

 

[MikeHTally]

My "upgrade" will to a Nissan 400Z or an Infiniti G40R, I think.

 

[Stotrupp]

I have to agree with the OP's review of the 10' MS3 because I test drove it and felt the same way. Defiantely wouldn't really consider it a "upgrade" if you already have a 07-09 but still a great car none the less. Oh and it does look a lot better in person.

 

[Doc-1]

I am sorry........ it is ******* UGLY end of story

 

[SubieKiller3]

I took a look at one the other day while I was at the dealership. have to agree that it does look a little bit better in person but still fugly. the only improvement really imo is the fact that they "tried" to add a cool looking boost gauge for the 2010.

 

[MSMS3]

Here's what it looks like. It appears that it only goes to +1.0 bar (kilopascal to bar conversion), which is 14.7 pounds of pressure (approximately). Actually that should be 2.0 bar absolute, since normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7.

So, anyone wanting to run boost above 14.7 pounds will need something else to monitor pressure, IMHO. Maybe this is Mazda's way to discourage mods?

 

[08cosmic3]

Here's what it looks like. It appears that it only goes to +1.0 bar (kilopascal to bar conversion), which is 14.7 pounds of pressure (approximately). Actually that should be 2.0 bar absolute, since normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7.

So, anyone wanting to run boost above 14.7 pounds will need something else to monitor pressure, IMHO. Maybe this is Mazda's way to discourage mods?

Totally lame.

 

[Design]

One thing I REALLY like about the new MS3 is that the engineers got the suspension right. The Gen 1 rear shocks are horribly underdampened.

 

[Stotrupp]

One thing I REALLY like about the new MS3 is that the engineers got the suspension right. The Gen 1 rear shocks are horribly underdampened.

True but at least this can be fixed relatively easy and for not much $$

 

[MrDouble]

Agree w most comments here. I would get a 09 WRX before a 10 ms3.

 

[coololddude]

If someone has a 07-09 MS3 getting a 2010 would be a waste of money. At least Mazda did not go backwards like Subaru did a couple of years ago. The 2010 MS3 is a great choice for people getting their first MS3.

 

[SomnoSpeed3]

I wonder if same motor = same smoke issues and same BOOM issues? I'm actually considering a 2010 even though I once thought it ugly. An in person peek changed my mind.
Also considering a new WRX though.

 

[Stotrupp]

I wonder if same motor = same smoke issues and same BOOM issues? I'm actually considering a 2010 even though I once thought it ugly. An in person peek changed my mind.
Also considering a new WRX though.

I would get the 09' WRX if I had more confidence in the tranny holding up.

 

[Sport6]

I would get the 09' WRX if I had more confidence in the tranny holding up.

Or the motor, have seen a lot of blow up threads over there, but I guess that can be said here too.. Still would consider it.

 

[SomnoSpeed3]

Well the fact that Mazda would likely tell me to get f$&@ed if I blow my motor (due to their flaw, ironically) has me leaning towards the WRX. Maybe Subaru wouldn't ask for oil change records as a means of avoiding responsibility if that tranny goes.

 

[Claysan]

Hmmmm...

So I drove a 2010 MS3 on Saturday. (I'm sad to say the car's looks are starting to grow on me.)
The seats are not as comfortable as the 2007-2009 and I felt like I was sitting like I was in a school bus (really high up). Then, as I was looking around, I felt somewhat like I was in a Prius with that information panel in the middle of the dashboard. On the drive, it just didn't seem to have the punch as the previous generation. I floored it in 2nd on an on-ramp and waited for that slam-you-to-your-seat feeling, and it wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, it's still a quick car, just not the same. Also, all the electronics they put in to help you shift/keep you from damaging the engine really hold you back.
I still think it's a great car, but to me Mazda took something away from the rawness and power of the previous MS3. I really think they did some thing that makes you feel disconnected from the road. I'm sure it handles well, but there just isn't the connected to the road feeling. If I didn't own a 2008.5, it would probably still seem worth the price to me, but having the older generation, the new one just doesn't stack up.
Anyone on here that has the 2010, I think you got a great car (don't take my review as I didn't like it --- and it doesn't really matter what I think, if you like it then that's awesome).

Just wanted to put in a new review even though there were some reviews on here of the 2010 already.

...that hot hatch just went lukewarm.

+1 As a 2008.5 owner I cannot agree more with your review. The 2010 MS3 is still a great car for the money.

 

[MSMS3]

The real problem is not looks. It's that the new car is a porker - about a 200 pound weight gain.

Even with a better suspension and wider tires, this does not compensate for the increase in weight. That's why the older version with the lesser suspension typically laps road courses a bit quicker and is usually a tick quicker on the strip.

Refinement comes with a cost.

But both cars are very, very good value for the hard earned dollar.