The Mazda3 was redesigned for the first time in 2010, and it’s offered in sedan or four-door hatchback models. Its styling is even more curvy than the previous model, and it features a large grille that makes it appear as if the car is smiling. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.
New for 2011 An electronic stability system is now standard on all models. Beyond that, Mazda makes mostly minor changes to option packages after the 2010 redesign.
Exterior The 2010 Mazda3’s exterior styling builds on its predecessor’s athletic proportions by emphasizing design features. One of them is the front grille, but Mazda may have gone a bit too far with it, as the gaping opening in the lower bumper looks like a sinister smile. It’s a little much on the front of this car. The rest of the Mazda3 is stylish but much more toned down than the front, with smooth body panels. Exterior features include:
Hatchback or sedan body styles
Standard 16-inch wheels
Optional 17-inch wheels
Optional moonroof
Optional rear spoiler
Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED taillights
Interior The previous Mazda3’s cabin was starting to show its age, but the redesigned interior for 2010 features significant revisions that result in a contemporary cabin. The gauges have red illumination, and there’s a dash-top screen that shows radio and air-conditioning settings. With the optional navigation system, the Mazda3 gets another screen for map information. The navigation system is operated by a cluster of buttons on the right side of the steering wheel.
With front bucket seats and a rear bench, the Mazda3 has room for five people. Interior features include:
Standard cloth seats
Standard 60/40-split rear seat
Standard CD stereo with auxiliary input jack
Optional air conditioning
Optional cruise control
Optional remote keyless entry
Under the Hood Mazda3 models now offer a choice of engines:
Standard 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that teams with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission
Optional 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic
Automatic transmission models include a clutchless-manual mode that lets the driver control gear changes by nudging the console gear selector up or down.
Safety Standard features include:
Antilock brakes
Side-impact airbags for the front seats
Side curtain airbags and active front head restraints
