2010 Mazda3, better than ever!

The current Mazda3 remains the manufacturer’s best selling model, accounting for 30% of its sales worldwide, and it is even more popular in Canada.  It would be an understatement to say that Yoshiyuki Maeda’s task as the person in charge of developing the 2010 Mazda3 was a huge challenge.

With “evolution, not revolution” as its mantra, Maeda’s whole team set out to design a car that combines the sportiness of the previous version with more comfort and fun, while lowering fuel consumption as much as possible.  Given how important this model is for the company’s financial well-being, failure simply was not an option.
The title already spoiled the ending, but Mazda has succeeded in producing a car that is superior to the 2009 model and easily keeps the Mazda3 at the top of the category.  Here’s why...

The Mazda6 approach

The new Mazda3 is more than stylish with a shape that combines the dynamic looks of a sports car with the slightly more formal personality of a sedan.  The back end is raised and almost vertical with a spoiler lodged on the top of the trunk.  The wraparound bumper has a  raised ledge that adds some character to the vehicle but it also unifies the back end with the rest of the body.  The rising waistline goes nicely with the raised lateral body panels. 

But the secret of this car’s elegance and dynamism is its slightly modified front end that is inspired by the Nagara concept car designed to interest young buyers.  There is no longer an air intake on the hood while the five-point front grille is now lower in order to maximize air flow to the engine and improve drag coefficient, which is now a category-best 0.29.  The air is also better directed in the fenders and around the brakes.  Panels placed under the platform ensure better air passage. 

Sure they are practical, but these improvements also make the vehicle look like a sports car.  I must also say that, like the new Mazda6, the bulging front wheel housings have a very positive effect on the shape.  In short, the team met its objectives.  This is a car that should be a real crowd pleaser.

Progressive mechanics

Like most German manufacturers do, the Mazda3 engineers in charge of the mechanicals elements  prefer to improve on the existing components rather than completely replace them.  This way, Mazda still offers engines and transmissions that measure up to the competition without having to try to fix snafus caused by trying to be too innovative or to make up for lost time after years of negligence.  That explains why the 2.0-litre engine has been brought back with a few small changes.  It now has a new air system and it is possible to order a five-speed automatic transmission.  It has 148 horses under the hood.  The 2.3-litre engine is replaced by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder derived from the first one.  Moreover, it has the same dimensions even though the displacement has been increased.  Its weight has been reduced, while it has 167 horsepower and can also be equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.  It also benefits from a 10% reduction in fuel consumption.

The platform is more or less unchanged, but the use of higher quality steel in specific places has helped make the body lighter and has made it more rigid.  The front suspension geometry has been revised while the rear suspension includes monotube shock absorbers.  The improved suspensions help reduce roll when cornering without stiffening the suspension.  Finally, the electric power steering and all-wheel disc brakes from the previous model will be back.

Tough and agile

Like the version it is replacing, the interior of the new Mazda3 makes it seem like a bigger, more luxurious model.  The dashboard is designed to better involve both the driver and the passenger.  The two indicator dials project toward the driver and their orange numbers on a black background are easy to read.  In the middle of the dashboard, a big central button is situated between an information screen on the upper part of the dash and the three climate control buttons.  The central button controls the different settings of the audio, information and navigation systems.  There are several controls on the sides of the steering wheel hub.  On the other hand, the information centre on top of the dash board is often impossible to see because under direct sunlight.

The driving position is good, the seats are comfortable and they offer good lateral support for the category.  The back seats are suitable for adults provided those in the front do not slide their seats as far back as they can.  The trunk is spacious and the loading height is reasonable.

The Mazda 3 has become the brand’s most popular car with more than two million units produced to date because of its fun ride, handling and comfort.  All of these features will be kept for the 2010 version.  Not only is the vehicle handling improved with better stability in turns, a more powerful engine and a more comfortable suspension, but it is even more fun to drive.  The raw emotions are not necessarily different, but it will feel like you are driving a car in a higher category.  What’s more, the rigidity of the body makes for a more comfortable suspension and less noise.  And there is less noise from the wind as well.

Sure, the assist of the power steering could be less powerful and the feedback from the road could be better, but this car is a worthy successor to the Mazda3 that has been so successful.  The new Mazda3 will be available in three versions: GX, GS and GT.  The GT comes standard with the 2.5-litre engine, while the two other versions are powered by the 2.0-litre engine that we did not test in this model, but that is renowned for its smoothness and reasonable fuel consumption. 

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