Introduction
If you are looking for a small car that provides you with all the trimmings of a premium vehicle, then look no further than the Mazda3. It is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatch. Offering maximum comfort, it is packed full of features not normally associated with smaller cars.
For 2010, engineers at Mazda have completely re-engineered the car. It gets improved styling, both inside and out and a bigger more powerful engine along with updated transmissions, latest technological amenities and a more luxurious feel. The 2010 Mazda3 continues to be built on a Volvo platform as with previous models, and Mazda calls it an evolution. With sales of the Mazda3 being a huge success in previous years, Mazda has generally stuck to its winning formula and instead has improved the car gradually.
In order to keep up with the times, the new Mazda3 incorporates Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, an available Multi-Information Display and a Bose Centerpoint surround system. The interiors offer a premium feel with lots of features. The Multi-Information Display, located below the windshield, houses vehicle information, radio presets, climate system and the navigation system. Easy access buttons are available on the steering wheel to control these functions, which work swiftly and accurately. The centre console is also located high on the dash and is easy to use and see.
The Mazda3 is sensible, with practical storage space in the front cabin without compromising on space for driver and passenger. The rear will comfortably fit in two passengers with sufficient leg-room and will also squeeze in three if required. Both types of vehicles; the sedan and hatchback offer rear 60:40 folding seats, which gives a relatively flat load floor. If it was up to me, the hatch with its sportier looks, better styling and more practical interior space, would be the one to choose.
The new Mazda3 has a host of architectural augmentations that are meant to stiffen up its entire structure. This results in a sporty vehicle that is firm and steady on the road. The steering is precise and quick, braking good and the suspension is setup to deal with most bumps although bigger pot-holes can cause the 17-inch wheels to jar.
Mazda fits the Mazda3 with two types of engines. The base one is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 148 horsepower and adequate power for everyday needs. This is the engine that those buyers who have one eye on fuel prices, will want as it gives EPA fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. For those of us who prefer a sportier drive, there is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering 167 horsepower and comes either as a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift capability.
In The Stable
The new range of Mazda3 comes in a four-door sedan and four-door hatchback style with a range of trim levels. The sedans are offered with 2.0 liter i and 2.5 liter s models while the hatchbacks come only with s models. The trim levels included in the sedan are Mazda 3i SV, i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, and s Grand Touring. Hatchbacks come in s Sport and s Grand Touring trim levels.
The Mazda3 i models are offered with the 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine giving 148 horses, while the Mazda3 s models get an upgrade from the 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 156 horsepower to the new 2.5-liter four cylinder engine producing 167 horsepower. Mazda3 i models come with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift capability, while the s models have either the five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
At the base level is the Mazda3 i SV costing $15,045 whose features include power windows and mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering column, cloth upholstery, auxiliary audio input jack, reclining front bucket seats, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, 60/40 split folding rear seat and P205/55R16 tires on steel wheels. This vehicle is only available with manual transmission, although the Mazda3 i Sport costing $15,975 is available with automatic transmission as well as air conditioning and outside temperature display.
The Mazda3 I Touring model available for $17,500 includes remote keyless entry, power door locks, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth controls, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, electronic stability control, traction control, two additional speakers, and alloy wheels.
On the Mazda3 s Sport sedan and hatchback which sell for $18,470 and 19,230 respectively, added features include sport seats, unique front fascia, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, electroluminescent gauges, an iPod adapter, front center console, fog lights, Mazda’s new Multi-Information Display, P205/50R17 tires and rear lip spoiler. Additions in the s Grand Touring, available for $21,500 in either body style, include heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat with memory, leather upholstery, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, , rain-sensing wipers, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and LED taillights.
The top of the range Mazdaspeed3 is has a 2.3 liter turbocharged inline-4, six-speed manual transmission which puts out 263 horsepower. It also comes with sport seats with special red and black cloth interior trim and limited-slip differential.
Options on the Speed3 include moon roof, pearl paint, 6CD and Bose package including a 10-speaker, 242-watt Bose Centerpoint surround sound system. It also includes a technology package with navigation system, Sirius satellite radio with a six-month subscription, full-color version of the Multi-Information Display, a perimeter alarm and keyless access and start.
The Mazda3 has exemplary safety feature which include active front head restraints, front side airbags, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution and tire-pressure monitor.
Birds-eye View
Although the new Mazda3 uses the same wheel-base as the last year, it is in fact three inches longer. The design and styling of the Mazda3 has always been edgy and the new Mazda3 does not fail with sharp lines.
The new front fascia comes alive with the new bold grille and is now missing the lower air intake that was seen on the last model. This allowed Mazda to make the grille bigger and lower set. The new look grille allows the car to move better through the air while also allowing for maximum air to enter and cool the engine. It also gives the car a smiley face of sorts, which some people may find odd looking.
The remaining features of the car are an evolution of previous years and are very attractive. Angled, sloping headlights flank the wide grille and fog lights are now found in prominent flared pods, making the front end look bigger and also aiding aerodynamics.
The Grand Touring as mentioned before, contain adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The adaptive headlights point into a turn in unison with the steering wheel proving added safety to both pedestrians and drivers on dark roads.
The headlights wrap around the front end where they meet shapely front quarter panels that themselves wrap around either 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. The basic model gets steel wheels although higher models come with the alloy wheels. The hatchback has triangular rear side windows and rear spoiler on the roof. It also has a five-pointed rear window in tune with the shape of the front grille. With the s Grand Touring trim, the tail lights have LED lighting. 3i models come with a single exhaust while s models come with dual exhaust and bright tips.
Sticking with the same Volvo platform that has worked so well for Mazda, engineers tweaked the new Mazda3 to make it stiffer and lighter using high-tensile thicker steel in key locations and adding gussets to the suspension mounting points. They also used a technique known as weld-bonding to strengthen areas such as the door apertures. This increases the body’s flex resistance resulting in better handling capabilities.
On the Inside
The main selling points of the Mazda are its interiors. The cockpit is a complete re-design and is based on human-machine interface, which examines positioning of controls to two key zones.
Controls like radio and climate control knobs, which are used most frequently are positioned high on the centre console for easy access. The Multi-Information Display, which spits out information for climate system, vehicle information, radio presets and sat-nav, is found just below the windshield. This position was chosen as it is in the direct line of sight of the driver and is safer to check readouts.
For further safety and ease of access, the buttons that control the Multi-Information Display are found on the right of the steering wheel and are within reach of the drivers right thumb allowing him to keep his eyes on the road.
The general look of the dashboard is consistent with smaller luxury cars and is made of grained soft material and the plastic used in the cabin is also strong and pleasing to look at. There are a number of features that the Mazda3 offers that are generally found in higher priced cars like the Bose Centerpoint surround sound system with 10 speakers and driver’s seat memory.
The front cabin has loads of leg room and the seats provide ample support while turning. The rear cabin is also spacious offering adequate space for two passengers while also being able to fit in three.
What it’s like to Drive
The tagline of Mazda used to be ‘zoom-zoom’, that was because they claimed every car had the soul of a sports vehicle. Although that may be pushing it, the Mazda3 handles like a charm. It has a firm, composed feel in turns with precise, sharp steering allowing the driver to really fell engaged with the car.
Best news for new owners are EPA ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway not to mention the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers the type of power that we are more accustomed to in hot hatches. It provides just the right amount of fun to drive either in the city or along winding roads.
Summary
The Mazda3 is a very attractive car offering superior functionality and high safety standards at affordable prices. Its sporty character and newer, more powerful engine is bound to attract the younger buyer as will the cool amenities it offers.
2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Specs
| Model Lineup | Mazda 3i SV sedan ($15,045); Mazda 3i Sport sedan ($15,975); Mazda 3i Touring sedan ($17,500); Mazda 3s Touring sedan ($18,740); Mazda 3s Grand Touring sedan ($21,500); Mazda 3s Sport hatchback ($19,230); Mazda 3s Grand Touring hatchback ($21,500) |
|---|---|
| Engines (standard) | 2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 148-hp 2.0-liter inline-4; 167-hp 2.5-liter inline-4; 263-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged inline4 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | Dual frontal airbags, curtain side airbags, front side airbags,; tire-pressure monitor, active front head restraints; anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Electronic stability control, traction control, adaptive headlights |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Base Price MSRP | 15045 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | Nil |
| Price as Tested | 24760 |
| Layout | Front-wheel drive |
| Torque | 168 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 25/33 |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 |
| Length/Width/Height | 177.4/69.1/57.9 |
| Turning Radius | 35.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.9/53.7/42.0 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.0/52.2/36.2 |
| Trunk Volume | 17.0 |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, multi-link |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 |
| Curb Weight | 3064 |
| Stock Tires | P205/50R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.9 |
