2010 Mazda 3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Mazda 3 is redesigned, gaining freshened styling and more available power. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles, all with front-wheel drive. The 3 will be available in "i" and "s" prefixes. Mazda 3s with the "i" prefix are sedans only and are available in SV, Sport, and Touring trims. Sport and Grand Touring trim levels are available on 3s with the "s" prefix. Each is offered as a sedan or hatchback. Due later in model-year 2010 is the high-performance MazdaSpeed 3 hatchback. All have a 4-cylinder engine. Mazda 3 i versions have a 148-hp 2.0-liter that carries over from previous models. The "s" versions have a new 167-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that replaces the previous models' 156-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. 2.0-liter models are paired with either a 5-speed manual or new 5-speed automatic transmission. 2.5-liter versions are mated to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The MazdaSpeed 3 reprises its turbocharged 263-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and 6-speed manual transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, keyless entry and starting, wireless cell-phone link, and satellite radio. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.