Mazda 3 – The Affordable Small Car

Posted by admin on April 29th, 2010 filed in Mazda Model Cars

The 2010 Mazda 3 has been highly rated by some of the country’s top motoring publications and journalists.

The latest Mazda 3 is proving to be as popular as previous models, and Mazda has had the wisdom to enhance the features that have been praised in past models. The new elongated exterior, which improves the aerodynamics of the car, has been favorably received, but the front grill has been described as “goofy” and “grinning” in some reviews.

Part of the Mazda 3′s appeal has been its extreme sportiness and all-round fun driving experience, and Mazda has been able to retain the performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect. The Mazda 3 proves that a small car doesn’t have to be boring or plain; that small can be sporty and powerful.

Upmarket amenities have been included in the 2010 model, like Bluetooth and heated front seats. There is an optional navigation system, which some reviewers noted was too small to be effective. The materials used in the interior have been scaled up, and the newly designed supportive front seating is sure to make long distance travel very comfortable.

Available in a four-door model and a five-door hatch, the 2010 Mazda 3 comes in a narrower range of colors than previous models. It has a three year/36, 000 mile warranty with a transferable powertrain warranty for five years/60, 000 miles.

The 2010 Mazda 3 is powered by either the base 2. 0 liter engine, with 148 horsepower and 135 pound/foot of torque, or a new 2. 5 liter engine with 167 horsepower and 168 pound/foot of torque. It features a new six speed manual transmission or the five speed automatic which has a manual shift mode. Fuel economy is expected to at least match the previous model of around 22/30 mpg.

Those who have rated the Mazda 3 on performance claim that the enhancements to the body seem to work well with the mechanics of the car. The steering is direct and responsive, the braking is sharp, the suspension is fine tuned and the engine has enough power to drive the weight of the vehicle with ease. Some claim that the new model drives better than the already good previous model. None of the 3′s reputation for aggressive performance has been lost in the redesign.

Safety is an important consideration these days, and again the Mazda 3 comes up trumps, scoring 5 stars for front end collisions for both driver and passenger, and on side impacts, 5 stars for driver and 4 stars for passenger. It received a 4 star roll-over rating. This has been achieved with two front and side air bags and side curtain air bags. It features an anti-lock braking system and brake assist as standard.

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