2010 Mazda3

[TurDz]

What's up guys? Just had to share my thoughts. Hands down, Mazda's exterior designers are some of the best in the business. Such a NIIIICE looking commuter/economy car. Where's Nissan and Honda?

2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show - Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/2010-mazda3-unveiled-ahead-of-la-auto-show/)
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04112s.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04111s.jpg

Anyone see the facelifted Miata also?
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/08_mx-5_live.jpg
These things look so nice in person.


and the beautiful Mazda 6:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/turdz/Mazda-6_US-spec_2009_1024x768_wallp.jpg
Love the headlights so low like that...


Their direction is exactly what I'm into: Subtle, clean, and fresh. And they don't manage to f designs up like most auto mfgs... (ahem...bmw, honda, acura...)

Props to Mazda.

[lucky7]

i hate to say it, but all new cars look the same to me...

[innovation]

That car looks like crap imo. So does the new 08/09 Impreza STI's though, so whatever

[Gnnr]

Mazda's design turnaround reminds me of that of Nissan after Ghosn came in. Its really great to see them turn things around. BTW, I see a vette in the last pic?

[OptionZero]

Chris- the last link doesn't work for me; i think they dont allow hotlinking

Mazda, indeed, has some good looking cars. Not a HUGE fan of the new Mazda6, but the previous 6 was cool.

The 3 is shares lots of design elements, and I think pulls them off better.

The new facelift is a good improvement as well, but I'd like to see the headlights with some blacked out housings. Perhaps on some of the option packages, but i'm sure the aftermarket will handle it.

I want a Kabura.

[all show no go]

i hate to say it, but all new cars look the same to me...

I agree too.. :-/
Cars just seem to get bigger taller and rounder every year.
the 90's cars had such good styling, now if you want a nice looking car that has a lower profile and sleek bodylines you have to look at the more "expensive cars."

The miata up there looks lame.. The back end of the vehicle looks as it did 10 years ago. All it is, is really just a facelift. They should completely revamp the car and come up with something new.. Just as long as it doesnt come out like an RX-8. :dead:

[BustedS13]

car looks like crap. you're telling me that looks better than an altima? yeah right.

mazda is the Daewoo of Japan

[94cc0rd]

last picture shows a corvette..

[TurDz]

car looks like crap. you're telling me that looks better than an altima? yeah right.

mazda is the Daewoo of Japan

Nah, Mazda's look is put together very well. Lines flow well and there's nothing weird about its shape like the new Accord, the new TSX/TL, the BMW 3-series sedan....

Indeed, the front of the Mazda 3 looks a bit cheap with that plastic, but definately not Daewoo. It's going to be a guaranteed hot seller, just like the current 3.

[TurDz]

That car looks like crap imo. So does the new 08/09 Impreza STI's though, so whatever

The new Impreza's headlights are not ugly but the whole front fascia looks super narrow and bleh. Like something from the early 90's. Taillights are a joke, again, from the 90s. Clear/chrome tails? c'mon... It's unique style while unique will phase out quickly and just become completely undesireable. Don't see it growing on me ever.

[BustedS13]

that sti hatch thing looks like shit, i can't believe anybody would pay base model corvette money for that sack of dump

I AM NEGATIVE

[spikNspan]

wow, I'm definitely impressed, all the new mazdas look good.

[blitzkrgCT9A]

wow, I'm definitely impressed, all the new mazdas look good.

+1 they have their own unique styling.

[drift freaq]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would have to side with some of the other people here. It looks terribly similar to cars already on the market and does not really step out design wise. Of course Japanese car manufacturers have been biting off competitors designs for so long its silly at this point.
The current Miata is ugly and the face lifted one is not much better. Mazda had a good thing with the 2nd gen Miata and they went and fucked it up.
The 3 eh read what I wrote above that about sums it up. Nothing terribly new or different design wise.
Previous generation 3 looked more original IMO.
In a sense Mazda is going down the road of design fuck up that Nissan went with a lot of their designs in the last 10 years.
I.E. having some good designs and veering right off the map into strange land.

Oh and if you want to know the truth that 3 bites right off the Nissan 4 door body Design, which I have never been very much enamored with!. LOL if you can't see that you need your eyes checked.

Ya Option go ahead and do a double take because once again your wrong about me. LOL

So fuck you to the people who think I praise everything Nissan. LOL hahahhahha

[BustedS13]

+1 they have their own unique styling.
i think they call that "being the daewoo of japan"

[murda-c]

You can see a little of mazda's design concepts slipping through, but not alot.

I happen to love the design of all of these concepts, and hope to see more of them in future mazdas.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/01_live_kazamai_450op.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/furai_01_hr.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/hakaze4.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_mazda_kiyora_live.jpg

[usdm180sx]

rear quarter window on the mazda 3 looks like ass. otherwise it's a nice car

[VROOOM]

what does the hatchback look like??

[TurDz]

rear quarter window on the mazda 3 looks like ass. otherwise it's a nice car

I like it in the 1st picture, but in the 2nd, you're right. Reminds me of a Sentra.

[TurDz]

2010 Mazda 3 First Drive, Specs Confirmed | Mazda3Revolution.com (http://mazda3revolution.com/mazda3-guide/2010-mazda-3-first-drive-specs-confirmed/)

"Among the new Mazda 3’s merits, Caven remarks that the 2010 Mazda 3 has the refinement of a BMW 1-series and handling comparable (if not better) than an Audi A3. Mazda has also confirmed previously unknown details about the upcoming Mazda 3 noting that they had reduced the weight of the next generation Mazda 3 by 25 percent as compared to the first generation model. Mazda’s weight reduction goal was announced earlier this year when Mazda specified the first recipient of its waist tightening initiative would be the 2010 Mazda 3.

A 25 percent weight reduction equals about 743.5 lbs off top end PZEV based Mazda 3 models!"

Another check mark in my book. As I said in another thread...Mazda makes cars for driver enjoyment!

[ESmorz]

It's going to be a guaranteed hot seller, just like the current 3.

Yeah if people buy them with whats left of their 401k.

:keke:

[murda-c]

they probably mean it's frame is 25 percent lighter, without running gear.

otherewise it would weight around 2100lbs...

[Gnnr]

i think they call that "being the daewoo of japan"

The Daewoo of Japan would have to be either Daihatsu or Suzuki. :rolleyes:

[majuljo]

imo cars these days are trying to look curvier and slim but i like the big boxy looking cars like the evo9 or the 04 sti. those cars looked mean as hell but the new X and sti just look....uh gay to me.

[BustedS13]

The Daewoo of Japan would have to be either Daihatsu or Suzuki. :rolleyes:

or mazda

count it

[ESmorz]

imo cars these days are trying to look curvier and slim but i like the big boxy looking cars like the evo9 or the 04 sti. those cars looked mean as hell but the new X and sti just look....uh gay to me.

http://www.ananova.com/images/web/752659.jpg

[exitspeed]

I want a Kabura.

Bingo. I'm not getting excited about anything from Mazda until the Kabura comes out.

The new 3 does look nice as a daily though.

[lucky7]

the only mazda car ive ever liked, was the FD, and the NA. other than those 2, i'd never, ever buy a mazda. ive always thought that they were the cheapest cars to come out of japan.

if you ask me, this is the best looking sedan currently coming out of japan.
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2008/photos/2008/Honda/Accord/Sedan/2008_Honda_Accord_ext_1.jpg

i cant really explain it, but everytime i see one, i get mesmerized.

i also happen to like the new STi far better than the old sedans.

[LeftNutOfGowd]

I was never a fan of any Mazdas

[Future240]

i hate to say it, but all new cars look the same to me...

:werd: Yea this is not looking all that hot to me. Then again I didnt really care for the last versions of these cars

[jackjack]

BLEH......... personally i think the miata looks like ASS......... well...... at least the new ones

[beeracing s14]

my ex mazda car took more withdrawals in my account more than I personally did. those bitches are no way mechanically trusty. NEVER MAZDA!

[ronmcdon]

not the best looking car for sure, but it's certainly much better looking than it's immediate competitors. the hatch & tentative ms3 design should be interesting. aesthetically, i like mazda designs in general.

[jspeedm]

the only mazda car ive ever liked, was the FD, and the NA. other than those 2, i'd never, ever buy a mazda. ive always thought that they were the cheapest cars to come out of japan.

if you ask me, this is the best looking sedan currently coming out of japan.
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2008/photos/2008/Honda/Accord/Sedan/2008_Honda_Accord_ext_1.jpg

i cant really explain it, but everytime i see one, i get mesmerized.

i also happen to like the new STi far better than the old sedans.


at many angles that looks like a 5 year old saturn and a bad rip-off of a 5 series.

imo, it seems that the only companies that still have a unique look are lotus and mini.

[WanganRunner]

I really like the new 3, I'll be seriously considering one once they're available.

Even the bottom-end base model of the current 3 is a very enjoyable car to drive. Smooth engine response, fun transmission, quick steering, et cetera.

Mazda prioritizes "fun to drive" more than any other mainstream automaker right now, IMO. I'd say that Honda is probably a close second.

[RiversideS13]

I was never a fan of any Mazdas

you dont think FD RX-7 is a beauty? what's wrong with you?

[VROOOM]

here's a drawing i found of what the Mazda 3 hatch may look like.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/NEWMS3.jpg

if it look like this and they make a mazdaspeed version i might have to buy one.

[aznpoopy]

the furai is sick. they need to mass produce that car. i'd take it over a lotus, seriously.

as for their new car designs... they took the rx8 headlights and slapped on every car they have. and the rx8 headlights came from final gen FD3S FTP lenses. since the FD was pretty much the last really awesome sports car they made, i think that's pretty fitting.

[OptionZero]

mazda needs a 2 dr hatch

[VROOOM]

pictures of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 at the Ring

Spy shots: 2010 Mazda3 Mazdaspeed (MPS) hot-hatch - [2010 Mazda3 hatch] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots (http://www.motorauthority.com/spy-shots-2010-mazda3-mazdaspeed-mps-hot-hatch.html)

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3ne2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3neww.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3new.jpg

now i want to see it without all that crap. also not to sure about the hood scoop, although the car does have a heat soak problem due to the top mount intercooler.

[98s14inaz]

What's up guys? Just had to share my thoughts. Hands down, Mazda's exterior designers are some of the best in the business. Such a NIIIICE looking commuter/economy car. Where's Nissan and Honda?

2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show - Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/2010-mazda3-unveiled-ahead-of-la-auto-show/)
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04112s.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/p1j04111s.jpg

Anyone see the facelifted Miata also?
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/08_mx-5_live.jpg
These things look so nice in person.


and the beautiful Mazda 6:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/turdz/Mazda-6_US-spec_2009_1024x768_wallp.jpg
Love the headlights so low like that...


Their direction is exactly what I'm into: Subtle, clean, and fresh. And they don't manage to f designs up like most auto mfgs... (ahem...bmw, honda, acura...)

Props to Mazda.

Yes and no. I'm definitely not feeling the fender flares on everything they have. I am definitely not a fan of the RX8.

[VROOOM]

So they released pictures of the new Mazda3 hatch.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms399.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3234.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3111.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/10mazda3.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms300.jpg

[allntrlundrgrnd]

looks like the new STi, which I loath.

[VROOOM]

looks like the new STi, which I loath.

yeah, im glad i got an 08 they look way better. hopefully when they release the Mazdaspeed3 version it looks a bit better.

[S14DB]

Mazdaspeed3 gets horrible gas mileage. Wish they would fix that first...

[VROOOM]

Mazdaspeed3 gets horrible gas mileage. Wish they would fix that first...

i get 21 mpg all city driving(stop and go). no freeway. its not too bad, but the car wants you to drive it fast. thats the hard part.

[muddafakka]

i hate to say it, but all new cars look the same to me...
Pretty much.

I try to refrain from sounding too nostalgic all the time but I can't help it. 98% of these new cars just don't do it for me anymore. And I'm not basing that on looks alone either.

And as far as Mazdas go, I never cared for any of their vehicles except the FC/FD RX7 and the NA/NB Miatas.

[VROOOM]

I know this is an old thread but the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 pics have been released.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3245.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/10MS34.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/10MS35.jpg

the Subaru WRX and Mazda3 are looking more and more the same.

[!Zar!]

I was thinking the same thing about how it looks like a wrx to some extent.

But what annoys me is how they moved the shifter over a little to the drivers side but left the ebrake on the passenger side.

I would've rather them simply reverse the RHD interior than to simply redo some of it for eases sake.

[lflkajfj12123]

looks like a ford

[VROOOM]

looks like a ford

which one??

Ford sold most of thier Mazda stock they are not the #1 stockholder anymore.
i believe they only own 13% of Mazda now. they sold 20% in Nov 08

[!Zar!]

It's not the size that matters.

It's how they use it.

[origin_s135]

It's not the size that matters.

It's how they use it.

LOL. funny.

i heard a lady friend say that before, and i just busted out laughing at her.

[lucky7]

the reg one look like the old one to me. i dont pay attention to mazda's, so i cant tell the difference. the shots of the MS3 look decent. looks like the new STI, which i am in love with.
but its not... its a mazda. :keke: not my cup, oh wells.

[ranger240]

the only mazda car ive ever liked, was the FD, and the NA. other than those 2, i'd never, ever buy a mazda. ive always thought that they were the cheapest cars to come out of japan.

if you ask me, this is the best looking sedan currently coming out of japan.
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2008/photos/2008/Honda/Accord/Sedan/2008_Honda_Accord_ext_1.jpg

i cant really explain it, but everytime i see one, i get mesmerized...



that happens because the car is ungodly obese, no accord should ever dwarf a 5series, new civics and carollas hitting the scales harder than clk's and new c-class' is a big nono problem too... what happened to cars, they're all fatties now?

[ESmorz]

I know this is an old thread but the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 pics have been released.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3245.jpg

http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/articles/images01/celica_gt.jpg

[HalveBlue]

Zoom Zoom the fuck outta here.

Mazda, no thanks.

The only model I liked was the first gen Mazda6.

Other than that I find their models bland and forgettable.

But to each their own.

[ZilviaKid]

fwd still? bleh

[DisEpyon]

fwd still? bleh

no kidding, Be nice to see more rwd cars come out. such as the new hyundai genesis coupe

[Toast]

I think mazda should focus on their sports cars.

i miss a good RX

[ronmcdon]

Hood scoop off the new ms3 is hideous.
looks like one of those 90's camaro ss scoops.
come to think of it, the new ms3 is tacky in every way.
looks like cheap rip of the current wrx/sti.

prior ms3 was a lot more clean & mature looking.

[exitspeed]

As ugly as it is, I'd rather have a Cobalt SS.

[VROOOM]

As ugly as it is, I'd rather have a Cobalt SS.

ive been hearing of people buying 08 and 09 Cobalt SS's for under 20k.

Ron - im with you on the old MS3. i dont like the new one very much. if they took the hood scoop off i'd like it much more.

[ManoNegra]

Bumping an old thread, sorry
there seemed to be little love for the Mazda 3 judging by this thread
I'm wondering if over the years it's changed
seriously looking at one of the new 2012 5 door Skyactive models
test drove one this weekend and can't complain
performance is nothing to get excited about but the the car felt solid
anyone else's had a chance to test it? impressions?

http://media.caranddriver.com/images/11q1/386635/2012-mazda-3-5-door-photo-386734-s-986x603.jpg

[raz0rbladez909]

Bumping an old thread, sorry
there seemed to be little love for the Mazda 3 judging by this thread
I'm wondering if over the years it's changed
seriously looking at one of the new 2012 5 door Skyactive models
test drove one this weekend and can't complain
performance is nothing to get excited about but the the car felt solid
anyone else's had a chance to test it? impressions?

I'm a big fan of the RX8 and the MX-5, however I can't bring myself to really like the 3. To me it feels kind of minivan-esque and big but if you like it why not?

[ManoNegra]

I like the looks personally
but I never considered a 3 before because the gas mileage was pretty meh
I know the RX8 and MX5 would probably better more fun cars to drive
but I'm actually looking for a cheap commuter
and of the lot that it's offered, it's one of the least offensive
as far as how the interior and driving experience feels

if the WRX would get anything close to 30mpg combined
it would have been a no brainer for me

[ronmcdon]

I got to test drive the '11 or '10 model with 2.3l (not sure about actual disp size, but it was larger than a 2.0l) with an auto. The car was for my gf. I actually enjoyed the way it drove. most things from the steering, throttle, suspension, brakes, etc were set up to be quite responsive and on the sportier side. Seats weren't memorable, but weren't bad either. It's fun to drive for sure, also comfy. I think it would make a great daily driver.

Really like the skyactive engine. It's very good fuel economy without having to go hybrid or diesel, & the power sacrifice isn't huge. There's no reason to get any other engine imo.

I think it's not bad looking, it's just the mazdaspeed 3 that seems overdone, imo. If you're going to the mazda dealer, might as well give that (and the Mazda 2) a test drive too.
There's going to be a lot of fun cars that get 30mpg. I think the Mini S, the Civic Si, and the Mustang V6 already do that. Maybe the Fiat Abarth 500 & the next GC, the BRZ/Scion counterpart as well. I would wait if I were you, but if you had to get the 3, it is a solid choice imo. I would not mind having one myself.

[ManoNegra]

I got to test drive the '11 or '10 model with 2.3l (not sure about actual disp size, but it was larger than a 2.0l) with an auto. The car was for my gf. I actually enjoyed the way it drove. most things from the steering, throttle, suspension, brakes, etc were set up to be quite responsive and on the sportier side. Seats weren't memorable, but weren't bad either. It's fun to drive for sure, also comfy. I think it would make a great daily driver.


did she end up getting it?

Really like the skyactive engine. It's very good fuel economy without having to go hybrid or diesel, & the power sacrifice isn't huge. There's no reason to get any other engine imo.


Exactly my thinking,
I don't see how the other models besides maybe the Speed
are going to sell when the Skyactive one is available

I think it's not bad looking, it's just the mazdaspeed 3 that seems overdone, imo. If you're going to the mazda dealer, might as well give that (and the Mazda 2) a test drive too.

I actually like the speed but would never buy one
specially new
I already test drove the new Skyactive 3 this past weekend
solid chassis, good suspension, comfortable
was weird getting used to the pedals (very soft) and how quiet the car is
but once I did it was a breeze to drive
only thing I wasn't impressed with is the lack of torque
but that probably a bias coming from years of driving KAs

There's going to be a lot of fun cars that get 30mpg. I think the Mini S, the Civic Si, and the Mustang V6 already do that. Maybe the Fiat Abarth 500 & the next GC, the BRZ/Scion counterpart as well. I would wait if I were you, but if you had to get the 3, it is a solid choice imo. I would not mind having one myself.

not really considering a lot of those
since I have my mind made up on a 5 door hatch
contemplated the Focus, Fiesta, Mazda2, Fit, Yaris, and others
but never really liked any of them
interior on most of them feels cheap

[ronmcdon]

No the gf ended up moving back to the east coast in nj. We got a forester instead in-case the snow is bad. She likes it and it serves out purpose. Of all the cars we test drove I enjoyed the Mitsu Ralliart the most, but that's not the most practical. The forester isn't a bad car for her.

The 3 skyactive is a solid choice, can't really argue with it. It's just a really good balance between being fun to drive and practical. The focus is really the closest contender. Supposedly it feels much more upscale as per some reviews. The drawback is that it's not quite as responsive. Seems like a car tuned to appeal a more mainstream demographic, plus it might be a bit pricier.

I think the 3's a great choice personally. I'm sure there are attractive finance and lease specials from the manufacturer all the time. I like the 2 b/c it reminded me a lot of the fun smaller POS cars in europe and latin america, but it isn't as practical & does look cheap, lol.

[Jose1]

Props to Mazda.


Uh, no not ever the F again. Brittle plastics and shitty auto box. Trust me ask anyone with a automatic Mazda and their plastic components are the crap.

just when you need a new automatic transmission buy it new from the dealer.

[ManoNegra]

Uh, no not ever the F again. Brittle plastics and shitty auto box. Trust me ask anyone with a automatic Mazda and their plastic components are the crap.

just when you need a new automatic transmission buy it new from the dealer.

You own(ed) a 3? what year?
The interior or the new ones isn't something to get excited about
but as I have stated before, it is so much better than a lot of the cars in the class

[ronmcdon]

I actually think find the interior a lot more pleasing than many of it's competitors.
the plastic is softer & the ergonomics felt comfortable to me.
the seats were okay.
I wouldn't get the oem navi, the screen is ridiculously small.

[ManoNegra]

I'm interested in the base one not the Grand Touring
a few of the features would be nice (bi-xenon directional headlamps for one)
but for the most part it's stuff I can live without
I just need a plush ride, ~40mpg highway, heater, AC, radio/CD player, 4 passenger sitting and decent trunk/cargo space.

[axiomatik]

My brother-in-law has the previous 3 hatch, and loves it. He averages something like 33mpg with mostly highway driving and the larger engine (2.3L?) and manual. I've driven in it , and it's a fun car to drive. I can't really compare it to other modern small cars, but I liked driving it. I sat in the new 3 and think the interior is pretty nice. Just bought a CX-7 for the wife, so I spent a few hours hanging out at the Mazda dealer. I think Mazda has a pretty nice interior design. It doesn't feel cheap, and with the facelift, the 3 looks better now that they toned down the grill.

The Focus is pretty nice inside too, but felt a little gimmicky in comparison.