2010 Mazda 3

The 2010 Mazda 3 is an all-new car. The only exception is that the base engine and transmission will be brought forward from the 2009 model. This latest generation of the Mazda3 will debut as a four-door sedan; a new five-door hatchback will arrive later.

Styling of the new Mazda3 follows current Mazda trends with a smiling face, sculpted front fenders and LED taillights, and dual exhaust on top models. There is a decided forward slant to the window line that's doubled in the lower doors, the net effect being a small-scale version of the 2009 Mazda6. It's a little bit larger outside, with a roomier rear seat and trunk. The low-aero-drag bodywork should pay dividends in wind noise; Mazda claims best-in-class for that and road noise.

The 2010 Mazda 3 will be offered in five four-door variants: the 2.0-liter Mazda3i SV, Mazda3i Sport and Touring trim levels, plus the 2.5-liter Mazda3s Sport and Grand Touring models.

The 2.0-liter engine is expected to be rated at 148-horsepower with city/highway fuel economy expected to be about 25/33 miles per gallon. Mazda 3i models offer a choice of five-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic; the automatics allow manual selection in the racing format forward-to-downshift, back for upshift.

A new 167-horsepower 2.5-liter engine goes in the Mazda3s with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The 2.5-liter is expected to get fuel economy around 22/29 mpg city/highway. The 2.5-liter Mazda3s can be identified by its dual exhaust outlets.

The cabin is all new for 2010, with larger, more contoured seats, revamped control gear and a split-layout dashboard that provides engine data and road speed directly ahead of the driver and ancillary information in shaded brow along the top center of the dashboard. We've looked at it and found the materials and finishes to Mazda's contemporary and comfortable standards.

Suspension and steering systems have been refined for 2010 to deliver the agile handling characteristics the previous model was noted for while improving ride comfort and road isolation. Six airbags and active front head restraints are standard across the board.

All models use the same suspension and steering layout and come equipped with antilock disc brakes. All come with power windows and mirrors, split folding rear seat. All come with six airbags.

The base SV model will come with a black cloth interior and five-speed manual gearbox. Top models will come with heated leather seats, electronic stability control, alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, power driver seat with memory, and electroluminescent gauges. A moonroof and 6CD 242-watt Bose surround sound system will be offered on 2.0-liter Touring models, while 2.5-liter models also offer navigation, Sirius satellite radio, and keyless operation. No official word yet on the possibility of a new MazdaSpeed3 performance model.