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2010 Mazda3
June 18, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor
2010 Mazda MAZDA3
DriverSide Overview
Looking at the Mazda3 , you can’t help but smile. Not unlike the Volkswagen Beetle , its bug-eyed (no pun intended), wide mouthed front-end has a clandestine and undeniably infectious way of putting a smirk on your face without you even realizing what’s happened. Unlike Volkswagen’s aging Beetle, however, once behind the wheel of the Mazda3 that smile won’t fade into a scowl, as the Mazda3 is indeed an entertaining steer. The moment the sheet was yanked off the car at the 2008 LA Auto Show, it was apparent that the Mazda’s bestseller had been carefully evolved rather than taken back to the drawing board and reworked from square one. It’s a good thing too, because the previous generation Mazda3 was heralded as one of the most – if not the most – truly engaging economy cars. The new 2.5-liter unit offers more punch than the 2.3-liter it replaces, though Mazda has also kept the frugal 2.0-liter engine in service for those preferring efficiency to outright grunt. Inside the 3 puts the focus on the driver, with improved ergonomics and a new Multi-Information Display that sits atop the center stack. One thing’s quite clear – the Mazda3 is here to defend its reputation, and it’s not afraid to come out swinging.
What's to Like
A lineup including two engines across five trims – with “s” models including a hatchback model for seven separate model trims total – gives buyers a lot of options. Mazda has tuned the chassis to deliver a properly entertaining driving experience, something you rarely find at this price point and in front-wheel drive cars in general.
What's Not to Like
The small MID nav screen too severely limits functionality – we like the idea of simplifying the navigation system, but perhaps this is too much, especially considering many competitors offer full-size nav units. Five-door models are only available in pricier 2.5-liter s model trims.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
While some cars are seemingly built with the driver as an afterthought, the Mazda3 puts the focus on whoever is behind the wheel. At first the driving position feels a bit high, but you soon discover it fits the car well. The steering’s weight and balance at speed is bang on, and the gear change in the manual ‘box is light yet positive. What’s not so perfect is clutch feel, which could be a little clearer in communicating where exactly the biting point is. It’s somewhere in the middle of the pedal travel, but zeroing in on it is a bit of a guessing game. The 2.5-liter’s breadth of midrange power is impressive although you may find the run up to the redline a bit anticlimactic – the very top of the rev range is a bit short of breath.