2010 Mazda 3: Road Test
2010 Mazda 3 ▼
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- MSRP: $15,045 - $23,195
- Invoice: $14,108 - $21,717
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Our road test for the 2010 Mazda 3 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Mazda 3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Mazda 3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Mazda 3 help you decide if a 2010 Mazda 3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4.5 |
Mazda 3 i models have acceptable power from a stop, with little difference between the manual and automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter engine strains in highway merging and passing. The s versions are stronger overall, with manual-transmission models feeling quicker than their automatic counterparts. Any s model has sufficient passing reserves. On non-turbo versions, the manual transmission has positive shift and clutch action, but to some testers, slightly long throws. The automatic is smooth and responsive.
The MazdaSpeed is very quick, the acceleration is blunted by turbo lag. The clutch is stiff on this model, and the shifter is tricky to modulate in heavy traffic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 3 i Tourings with automatic transmission averaged 29.2-30.7 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. Manual-transmission 3 s models averaged 28.1-28.8 mpg with more highway driving than city use. Another manual-transmission 3 s averaged 21.0 mpg in mostly city driving. A MazdaSpeed averaged 19.6 mpg in mostly city driving. Mazda 3 i and s models use regular-grade gas; the MazdaSpeed 3 requires premium.
RIDE QUALITY
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4.7 |
Non-MazdaSpeed versions are among the best in class. These 3s exhibit near-premium levels of comfort and composure. Base i models have 16-inch wheels, which exhibit the best overall ride. The s versions have 17-inch wheels that don't absorb bumps quite as well, but the difference is negligible. MazdaSpeed is much tauter, but is livable.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.4 |
The s models are also among the best in class, but i versions are no slouches either. Any 3 is confident, exhibiting little body lean, though i versions have more than s models. Steering feel is accurate and responsive, and the brakes have excellent pedal feel and control.
MazdaSpeed tries to minimize torque steer by modulating engine power and torque transfer, but some wander during full-throttle acceleration is noticeable.
QUIETNESS
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4.3 |
Engine noise under full-throttle acceleration and some coarse-surface tire thrum are the biggest sources of ruckus. Wind noise is well suppressed. The hatchback's open cargo area generates a bit more resonance than the sedan. MazdaSpeed's low-profile-tire racket and sporty exhaust note are tiring to some testers.
CONTROLS
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
Audio and climate controls are simple to decipher and logically arranged. They're also completely separate from the optional navigation system, a plus. In all models, the gauges have two backlight settings for the instrument panel and major controls, which are governed by a button in the gauge cluster. In low light and foggy conditions, the "day" mode renders the display too bright while the "night" mode is too dim. The navigation system display is placed close to the driver's line of sight atop the center of the dashboard. The screen is small, however, requiring just as long a look from the road as a display in the traditional location near the audio and climate controls. The navigation system is controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, which is less convenient than a touch screen. Models without navigation have a central dashtop display as well, but it's canted toward the driver, making it difficult for other passengers to read.
DETAILS
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.6 |
Textured and padded surfaces abound in most places where occupants are most likely to see and touch them. The cloth and leather upholstery look and feel high end. Hard molded plastics are found on lower panels, but they don't look cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Most adults should have sufficient headroom and legroom. Taller folks and those of generous girth will be a bit cramped. If the steering wheel is set high, it obscures the view of the odometer.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Legroom and knee clearance are adequate for a 5-foot-8 adult sitting behind another of the same height. The bench is also a bit too firm for ideal comfort. The rear roofline and rear-door shape squeeze entry and exit for adults.
CARGO ROOM
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
No different than the previous-generation 3. The sedan's trunk is a bit small but useful, with low liftover and sufficient height. More-versatile hatchbacks include a handy rear cargo organizer. The hatchback's liftgate rises high enough to clear the heads of taller folks. Its handle, though, is in an awkward location that makes it difficult to open without hands scraping across the top of the rear bumper. All 3s have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold almost flat. Interior storage is decent, with a decent-sized center console box, and average-sized glovebox and door pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5.6 |
Not wanting to mess with an already excellent product, Mazda has made only evolutionary changes to its most-popular car. The 3's improvements include a more stable ride and more upscale cabin appointments. All this comes with no sacrifice of the car's fun-to-drive character. The raucous and powerful MazdaSpeed can be rewarding to drive, but it requires more finesse and attention than rival factory-tuned compact cars. On all, the engines are on the loud side, and rear-seat room in all models fails to impress. Prices are high for the class, but 3 is available with several unexpected features, including steering-linked headlights and dual-zone automatic climate control. For everything they offer, Mazda 3 i and s models are tremendous values.
Total Score
| i Touring, automatic | s Sport sedan, automatic | s Grand Touring hatchback w/navigation, manual | MazdaSpeed | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 66 | 68 | 63 | 54.9 |
Total Score: 66
Scores for all Compact Cars
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