CD Article: 2010 Mazda3

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:


The popular Mazda3 compact sedan has been given a complete makeover, including a new optional 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, improved handling and more luxury features.  Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson has CanadianDriver's first driving impressions.
 More:
Read the article | View the photos | All the First Drives

[2hondas1BMW]

That front end cracks me up... Its as if the designers at Mazda were watching the movie "Cars" when they were designing the front end.

The gauges look very BMW like.

[vdk]

 


Great car otherwise..

[Honda Owner]

Seems a very happy car. It looks like it smiling all the time.

[Kai]

It's great so far and I like the change.  Some people don't like the front as there's too much black, but it has design cues from Mazda's new concept cars!  With the additional nav system for $500 US (with a smaller screen to keep costs down), this car should be a steal once again.  Also comes with a push button starter or some keyless ignition system.

Just hope that the new Mazdaspeed comes in sedan as well or even better, coupe!

[TB]

Wow...they really screwed up the mazda 3 look....the old looks a lot better
It's almost like they tried to copy Audi's front grill and the top portion of the dashboard.

[Juke1]

That grille is terrible, the rest of the car does not look much diferrent that the previous.  The inside looks nice.

[MKII]

Nice  evolution, now the 3 looks up-to-date as well as very well equipped, and surprising options available.
Only weakness I see interior wise is the very cheap hand brake, and Electronic stability control is an option on the GS and standard on the GT, but not available on the base GX.
Not even offered on the GX IMO is absolutely ridiculous. Mazda Canada is deciding that GX customer are not worthy of having a safety feature.

Comment for the writer, I noticed you did not mention anything about the front seat cushions which Mazda press release states have been extended by nearly an inch, and the backrests are 1.4 inches taller.
An oversight or you did not notice any difference from the current Mazda3?

[Wetson]

Good to know I'm not imagining things about the front end.  It's cute and like it has a big grin!  Not bad though.  From the photo of the interior it looks like an improvement over the current generation.

[libraman]

Front ends of a lot of new models are becoming rather obtuse looking. New Accord is prime example. Must have soemthing to do with new bumper standards.

Where is the direct injection engine?

[carcrazy]

Although the front end is polarizing, I think it's still the best car overall in the segment. I hope it will sell as well as the outgoing model, but I have some doubts on that.

[ggweci]

I wasn't thrilled about the new grill at all either at first, but it is kind of growing on me.  I think it looks rather good here on the GT model:



It looks like a great overall package (again)... and I can't wait to see the hatch version.

[quadzilla]

I guess if the only thing people can find wrong with this car is it grill that that is great. Personally it doesn't bug me because I'll be inside driving the car. 

So far I like the looks (certain angles do look funny though) but its the hatch that I'm waiting for. I'm sure the interior will be the same and so far its quite nice.

Can't wait to see/drive it.

[footlong58]

I didn't think someone could come up with a worse grill than the new Acura's, but Mazda did it...

[BernardP]

Mazda has gone over the deep end with the "giant smiling mouth" grille. First the new 6, now this. It makes the car look like a Smurf. Ridiculous.

Regarless of the car's other styling elements and mechanical characterictics, the front end would be enough to keep me from even considering this car for myself.

Lots of little girls will like it though... It's so cuddly!

[TopGun]

Lots of little girls will like it though... It's so cuddly!

As I said many times with my Miata...Ya...why would a guy want a car that girls actually like?  Silly...

My guess is that all companies will be challenged as the hood height needs to be raised to meet pedestrian impact standards...and it's tough to hide that height in a shorter vehicle.

Styling is in the eye of the beholder...and it looks evenly split in the comments thus far.  Don't forget us Ontarians will have to stick a plate on this thing anyway...wish I could leave it off on the RX-8.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Good question, where will that plate go?

May get used to the gaping smile, but the front is just a bit bigger, bulkier, and wider than I'd like. Certainly doesn't offend me though, nice design. Rear tail lights will take some getting used to as well for me. Know I'll prefer the Sport hatch again.

It's friggin' well equipped though if you ask me. Cripers, very impressive!

[Wetson]

Every time I look at that picture I start to giggle.  The car looks like it is saying ' HI THERE!'

[safristi]

Don't the Japanese still put much stock...in having a "smiley" rather than a "scowly" car.....it is a little KIDDY.......but maybe it has purpose ...as has been said...lower mandated Euro Frontage! and Cooling intake.......gonna sell like Bailouts to Hank Paulson.....

[footlong58]

Every time I look at that picture I start to giggle.  The car looks like it is saying ' HI THERE!'

It's been done...



Hi!