Nothing new where the sun don't shine
GX and GS models are still powered by Mazda's 2.0-litre, 16-valve engine that develops 148 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Our test car is also equipped with the optional 5-speed automatic, up one gear from the previous generation and an improvement on the highway; engine speed at 100 km/h drops to 2,200 rpm.
Zero to 100 km/h takes 9.3 seconds, which isn't rocketship-quick but is fine for the daily commute. We're averaging 9.0 L/100 km, which is okay but unspectacular.
Handling remains among the best of the compact-car segment, with a precise steering rack and a suspension setup that allows minimal body roll and sporty driving characteristics.
Competition
The Mazda3 starts out at $15,995, while our GS test car costs $19,395. Options include the automatic transmission ($1,200) and the Comfort Package ($1,595) that adds a sunroof as well as traction and stability control systems, for a total of $22,190. The car was $500 cheaper before an April 1st price hike, however; it wasn't a prank.
Rival compact sedans are numerous. With automatic transmissions and similar levels of equipment, they include:
Chevrolet Cobalt LT with options, $21,155
Ford Focus SE with options, $19,649
Honda Civic DX-G, $20,680
Hyundai Elantra GLS, $20,595
Kia Forte EX, $20,995 (est.)
Mitsubishi Lancer SE with options, $21,198
Nissan Sentra 2.0 S with options, $21,248
Pontiac G5 SE with options, $21,555
Subaru Impreza 2.5i, $22,095
Suzuki SX4 Sport, $20,445
Toyota Corolla S with options, $21,945
Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Trendline with options, $23,825
Conclusion
The 2010 Mazda3 is an improvement over the previous generation; since the 2009 model was already a competent car, however, don't expect a revolution. The new 3 is worthwhile for the extra gear in the automatic transmission, the small gain in refinement and, of course, the happy face.
Mazda's savvy marketing team unabashedly claimed the 3 as being the bestselling car in 2009, an audacious move since we're only a quarter-way through the calendar year (as this is being written, of course). If the company wants their compact car to hold its title until Christmas, and the Mazda3 has what it takes to do so, it will have to keep its price at an affordable level.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
GX and GS models are still powered by Mazda's 2.0-litre, 16-valve engine that develops 148 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Our test car is also equipped with the optional 5-speed automatic, up one gear from the previous generation and an improvement on the highway; engine speed at 100 km/h drops to 2,200 rpm.
 |
| GX and GS models are still powered by Mazda's 2.0-litre engine that develops 148 hp. and 135 lb-ft of torque. |
Zero to 100 km/h takes 9.3 seconds, which isn't rocketship-quick but is fine for the daily commute. We're averaging 9.0 L/100 km, which is okay but unspectacular.
Handling remains among the best of the compact-car segment, with a precise steering rack and a suspension setup that allows minimal body roll and sporty driving characteristics.
Competition
The Mazda3 starts out at $15,995, while our GS test car costs $19,395. Options include the automatic transmission ($1,200) and the Comfort Package ($1,595) that adds a sunroof as well as traction and stability control systems, for a total of $22,190. The car was $500 cheaper before an April 1st price hike, however; it wasn't a prank.
Rival compact sedans are numerous. With automatic transmissions and similar levels of equipment, they include:
Chevrolet Cobalt LT with options, $21,155
Ford Focus SE with options, $19,649
Honda Civic DX-G, $20,680
Hyundai Elantra GLS, $20,595
Kia Forte EX, $20,995 (est.)
Mitsubishi Lancer SE with options, $21,198
Nissan Sentra 2.0 S with options, $21,248
Pontiac G5 SE with options, $21,555
Subaru Impreza 2.5i, $22,095
Suzuki SX4 Sport, $20,445
Toyota Corolla S with options, $21,945
Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Trendline with options, $23,825
Conclusion
The 2010 Mazda3 is an improvement over the previous generation; since the 2009 model was already a competent car, however, don't expect a revolution. The new 3 is worthwhile for the extra gear in the automatic transmission, the small gain in refinement and, of course, the happy face.
Mazda's savvy marketing team unabashedly claimed the 3 as being the bestselling car in 2009, an audacious move since we're only a quarter-way through the calendar year (as this is being written, of course). If the company wants their compact car to hold its title until Christmas, and the Mazda3 has what it takes to do so, it will have to keep its price at an affordable level.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Article Gallery