The
2010 Mazda MAZDA3 is available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, offering a wide array of trim levels: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Touring, and s Grand Touring. Powered by 2.0-liter or a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the MAZDA3 offers a manual or automatic transmission.
The MAZDA3 features great responsiveness, an exhilarating drive, ten percent more fuel efficiency than previously, and generous passenger room. It also boasts an exceptionally large number of luxury features, including an AM, FM, CD stereo, bucket front seats, four speakers, a three spoke steering wheel, and power windows. Earning a decent safety record, the MAZDA3 is also middle-of-the-road for gas mileage, with 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway in EPA ratings.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Mazda MAZDA3 is practically brand new. While it retains its chassis, the MAZDA3 received revised exterior styling, improved fuel economy, an upgraded interior, and new luxury features. The MAZDA3 S trims received body colored mirrors, a lip spoiler, and dual exhaust. The MAZDA3 GT trims added adaptive bi-xenon headlamps. The upper-level trims also received Bluetooth, automatic locks, dual climate control, and a multi-information display.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.5L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Body Styles: Sedan, hatchback
Trims: I SV Sedan, I Sport Sedan, I Touring Sedan, S Sport Sedan, S Touring Sedan, S Grand Touring Sedan, S Sport Hatchback, S Grand Touring Hatchback
On the Outside
With the new upgrades, the 2010 MAZDA3 attempted to convey the "soul of a sports car" with chiseled, swooping lines that shout "speed." Not only do these lines bolster the new modern appearance, they also contribute to improved aerodynamic efficiency.
From the Inside
Simple, comfortable, and loaded with features, the MAZDA3 interior boasts plenty of storage bins, two 12-volt outlets, rear heater ducts, a multi-function three-spoke wheel, power windows, 60/40 splitting rear seats, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary jack.
Driving Performance
Both of the four-cylinder engines, the 2.0-liter with 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque and the 2.5-liter with 167 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, come with variable valve timing and a two-mode composite intake manifold. Regardless of engine choice, the sporty chassis features higher tensile steel, thicker gauge metals, and extra gussets.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Mazda MAZDA3 include a collapsible brake pedal assembly, dual front and side airbags, side impact airbag curtains, active front headrests, and anti-lock brakes. Also standard, except for the i SV and i Sport trims, are traction control and dynamic stability control.
Gas Mileage
Mazda3i: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway (automatic)
Mazda3s: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway (manual); 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway (automatic)
Plusses
- Powerful performance
- Athletic handling
- Lots of luxury features
Minuses
- Small navigation screen
- Firm ride
Rating
Peppy, athletic little car with lots of luxury touches
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