2010 Mazda3 i sedan
Mazda's compact 3 got more power and fresh styling for 2010.

Mazda redesigns its most popular model for 2010 while some others get styling tweaks, trim alterations, and in one case, an additional engine choice. Initially, at least, the lineup is devoid of the Ford Ranger-based B-Series compact pickup, but slow sales mean 2009 versions are probably still on dealer lots. Note that models not mentioned here see minor trim or otherwise no significant changes.

2010 Mazda 3: New from the ground up, the Mazda 3 is again offered in 4-door sedan and hatchback body styles. Wheelbase and overall length remain about the same, but the second generation of this sporty compact gets a little sportier with base i models receiving standard 16-inch wheels vs. 15s, while uplevel s versions have a larger, more powerful 167-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that replaces a 156-horsepower 2.3. The “tuner” MazdaSpeed model returns in the hatchback body style with the same turbocharged 263-horsepower 2.3-liter engine used previously.

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2010 Mazda 5: Newly standard is an antiskid system that wasn’t previously available; newly optional is a DVD entertainment system.

2010 Mazda CX-7: The compact sport-ute introduced for 2007 gains a new base i model with a new base engine: The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder from the Mazda 6 midsize sedan, here making 161 horsepower. It’s only available on front-wheel drive models. The previously standard turbocharged 2.3-liter 244-horsepower 4-cylinder returns as the only engine offered in higher-line s models. The i comes with 17-inch wheels while the s retains 18s. Interior trim is updated and styling is slightly altered with a new grille.

2010 Mazda CX-9: A revised front-end design, new taillights, and a freshened interior update Mazda’s otherwise-unchanged midsize SUV.

2010 Mazda RX-8: Mazda’s rotary-engine, four-passenger, 4-door sports car trims the Touring model from its lineup, but the Sport, Grand Touring, and enthusiast-oriented R3 models continue virtually unchanged.

09.28.2009