As for other upgrades, they’re basically limited to accessories like dual-zone climate control, a six-CD changer, sport fabric for the seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Spectacular interior!
Inside, you’ll find a new dashboard whose combination of prominent circular shapes and stretched lines creates an impression of movement and airiness. That’s a relief from the overabundance of black plastics.
Anyway, the upper section of the dashboard now features a narrow Climate/Audio display under a sweeping pod. That’s also where Mazda puts the optional navigation system that’s part of the GT-E Package. The GPS is accurate but the screen is not very large. Fortunately, it sits near the base of the windshield, thereby eliminating the usual distractions for the driver, who can keep a closer eye on the road.
The center stack is stylish and symmetrically laid out. However, the various controls and buttons all look and feel pretty similar, making them hard to differentiate using only your fingertips.
On the plus side, material selection is impressive considering the price range and it’s all finished with German-like attention to detail.
Pleasant fit and comfort
Like the Mazda3 sedan, the 3 Sport boasts a 60-40 split-folding rear seat that provides greater cargo versatility. Needless to say the rear liftgate of the hatchback is much more accommodating than the conventional trunk lid; the opening is tall and wide so you’re not constantly swearing while loading big items inside the car.
That being said, some flaws of the previous model have not been addressed upon developing the 2010 Mazda3 Sport. Above all, rearward visibility remains poor due to the delta-shaped beltline, wide D-pillars and ultra-narrow rear window. Moreover, rear-seat legroom and headroom has not been improved at all. That’s the price you have to pay for a racy-looking bodywork with a low roofline. The taller you are, the more contorted you’ll have to be to access the hind quarters.
The strange thing is that few rivals fare better in this regard… and that most buyers simply don’t mind. Therefore, expect the Mazda3 to remain one of the best-selling cars in Canada for years to come.
photo:Luc Gagné
Spectacular interior!
Inside, you’ll find a new dashboard whose combination of prominent circular shapes and stretched lines creates an impression of movement and airiness. That’s a relief from the overabundance of black plastics.
Anyway, the upper section of the dashboard now features a narrow Climate/Audio display under a sweeping pod. That’s also where Mazda puts the optional navigation system that’s part of the GT-E Package. The GPS is accurate but the screen is not very large. Fortunately, it sits near the base of the windshield, thereby eliminating the usual distractions for the driver, who can keep a closer eye on the road.
The center stack is stylish and symmetrically laid out. However, the various controls and buttons all look and feel pretty similar, making them hard to differentiate using only your fingertips.
On the plus side, material selection is impressive considering the price range and it’s all finished with German-like attention to detail.
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| The handy cargo area transforms in a flash and accommodates large items. |
Pleasant fit and comfort
Like the Mazda3 sedan, the 3 Sport boasts a 60-40 split-folding rear seat that provides greater cargo versatility. Needless to say the rear liftgate of the hatchback is much more accommodating than the conventional trunk lid; the opening is tall and wide so you’re not constantly swearing while loading big items inside the car.
That being said, some flaws of the previous model have not been addressed upon developing the 2010 Mazda3 Sport. Above all, rearward visibility remains poor due to the delta-shaped beltline, wide D-pillars and ultra-narrow rear window. Moreover, rear-seat legroom and headroom has not been improved at all. That’s the price you have to pay for a racy-looking bodywork with a low roofline. The taller you are, the more contorted you’ll have to be to access the hind quarters.
The strange thing is that few rivals fare better in this regard… and that most buyers simply don’t mind. Therefore, expect the Mazda3 to remain one of the best-selling cars in Canada for years to come.
photo:Luc Gagné
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