First Drive: 2010 Mazda3
Chart Topper
Review and Photos by Gerry Frechette
Put yourself in Mazda’s shoes. You have one of the most popular compact sedans on the market in the first-generation Mazda3 sedan. Most of its owners wouldn’t think it needed to be replaced. But, after the usual five years of its life cycle, and even in these uncertain times for the auto industry, it is time to launch a new version. Can the old one be improved upon in any significant way? Can its sales success be continued?
The answer has to be an unequivocal “yes” on both counts. The new 3 is here, and those who considered the old one to be about as good as it can get will have plenty to be impressed with. As you might expect, Mazda has made an even more “Zoom-Zoom” compact car.
Newly available in the 3 is the big 2.5-litre four first seen in the 6 sedan, replacing the previous 2.3, and its 167 hp and 168 lb-ft are certainly plenty for a compact. Standard engine is still the 2.0-litre four, and in the lighter sedan, it proved to be more than adequate, especially with the five-speed manual. The 2.5 gets a six-speed, and both are available with five-speed automatic.
The suspension and braking systems are basically carry-over designs with improvements for strength and firm feel. Driving the 3 will certainly make you forget you are in what is, after all, an economy sedan, such is its sporty demeanour.
Also making you forget that is the 3’s interior, a strong point in the last generation that has been upgraded even more on the new one. For example, the front seats are larger in key areas, and more supportive than before. The Multi Information Display, including navigation if so equipped, is located higher up on the dashboard for easier viewing. The interior lighting system is creative and multi-dimensional.
Of course, the engineers never stop trying to improve their cars, and the 3 is more rigid for better crash-worthiness and handling, and more quiet for increased comfort. Changes to the intake and exhaust systems yield more pleasant engine sounds in both acceleration and deceleration.
As before, the Mazda3 is available in both Sedan and Sport (hatchback) body styles, and in GX, GS and GT models. Even the base GX sedan (for $15,995) is nicely equipped with power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt/tele wheel and auxiliary input (but not air conditioning) at that price. From there, of course, the choices are extensive, and a loaded Sport GT will set you back most of $30K, although with all the packages on it, it will have the likes of stability control, moonroof, leather seats, navigation, ten-speaker Bose audio with satellite radio, and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Quite a list…some economy car.
And, oh yes, we haven’t forgotten to comment on its “happy face” front end. Some might consider that big grin of a grille to be a bit overdone, but it is, after all, better than a “sourpuss” look, and suits the car. Someone in the aftermarket will offer a big set of plastic teeth to complete the look….
The Mazda3 builds on its previous success and should easily be able to hold its position at the top of the Canadian car sales charts.
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