When the Mazda3 first debuted as a 2004 model it was arguably one of the best all-around economy-minded sport compacts on the market. Even after five years in production the first gen. 3 remained competitive, still capable of giving many of its newly redesigned competitors, i.e. the current versions of the Toyota Matrix and Honda Civic a run for their money. This being the case, Mazda had some big shoes to fill when redesigning the new 3.

For the 2010 model year the Mazda3 continues to be offered in two body style configurations: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. While the sedan competes against cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the hatchback body style battles it out with hatches like the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, VW Rabbit/Golf, and Subaru Impreza wagon. Trim level designations remain the same for 2010: the sedan can be had in either "i" or the "S" trim levels, whereas the hatchback version continues to be offered solely as an S trim. Opt for the i trim and you'll get a carryover 2-liter 4-cylinder that continues to make 148 horsepower, however the S trim level receives an all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making a more impressive 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft of torque- 11 more ponies and 18 more lb.-ft of torque than last year's 2.3-liter 4. Both trim levels can be optioned with a 5-speed automatic with sport shift, however the S trim gets a new standard 6-speed gearbox instead of the carryover 5-speed that continues to come standard for the i.

Styling- hatchback

Though the 2010 Mazda3 shares none of its sheetmetal with the outgoing models, the new 3 looks decidedly similar to the original. Mazda did pull out some new tricks with the 3's new styling though. The new 3 sports sharper character lines and receives more aggressively arched fender flares (ala RX-8). Mazda has also omitted those unsightly side moldings this year yielding a cleaner and more upscale profile. I also like what Mazda has done with the 3's posterior. Though I'm not completely in love with the 3's flashy clear tail light treatment, I do prefer the new clear tails to the old projector-style lenses. If there is any one definite controversy with the 3's new styling, it's its front fascia. The problem? The front grille is disproportionately large and uncannily similar to the shape of a grinning jack-o'-lantern. I have had a few weeks for the 3's front fascia to grow on me, but it still looks comical at best. According to Mazda, the 3's unique grille helps redirect air to the engine bay, however I'm certain Mazda could have utilized a more aesthetically pleasing method .

Performance Mazda3 S hatchback- 6-speed manual
 
Acceleration:

Although the Mazda3 S boasts a more powerful engine for 2010 and no dramatic increase in curb weight, acceleration feels about the same as it did last year. This isn't entirely a bad thing as the previous generation S trim was already a quick hatch, capable of making most cars in its price range feel anemic in comparison. Stab the Mazda3's throttle from a stop and its new 2.5-liter 4-cylnder provides excellent punch off-the-line with plenty of power right at idle: torque steer not included. The 3 also offers excellent power in the upper rev range, not running out of breath until you bang the rev limiter at 6,200 RPM. All said, the Mazda3 S is a quick car that should satisfy most consumers looking for a zippy hatchback. Those looking for head snapping acceleration, however, will likely want to wait for the new Mazdaspeed3 due out sometime this fall.

Engine Quality:

While the 3's new 2.5-liter motor won't win any awards for refinement, it is a fine engine with few shortcomings. I particularly like the soundtrack of this engine over many of the powerplants under the hoods of its competitors, i.e. the Matrix XRS's 2.4-liter. While the 3's engine can get a bit harsh when its pushed near redline, its soundtrack is generally pleasant with just enough race inspired acoustics to keep the driver's ears entertained. Idle quality is also good. Though I did experience some mild vibration at times while waiting at stoplights, idle quality is about on par with that of the Civic Si, Matrix XRS, and the previous generation Mazda3 S.


Transmission: 6-speed manual

For the most part the Mazda3 S's new standard 6-speed manual gearbox is a worthy successor to the 5-speed that it replaces. The 3's 6-speed is generally smooth, the shifter provides short enough throws for aggressive shifting, and the gear ratios are nearly perfectly spaced: save for a slightly moderately wide gap between 3rd and 4th gears. I also feel Mazda could have made the 3's 6th gear ratio a bit taller for reduced engine noise on the highway, but I imagine just as many consumers will appreciate the availability of power at speed that comes with a having a relatively short top gear.

Handling:

What undoubtedly made the original 3 so popular among enthusiasts was its brilliant chassis. For 2010 the 3 gets a reworked version of that same chassis and for the most part it works well for the new model. The new Mazda3 S's chassis feels incredibly balanced, exhibiting only minimal body roll when pushed hard through corners. Though the 3 does exhibit some mild understeer on sharp bends in the road it's not enough as to make my complaint list. The Mazda3 also provides even better stability this year with no noticeable wheel-hop while driving aggressively through turns riddled with road imperfections; the 3's large 17" wheels wrapped in sticky 205/50 HR All-season tires likely help here. Similar to last year's 3, the new version offers some of the best steering feel in its class. Where most small hatchbacks, i.e. the Matrix XRS provide vague uninspiring steering feel, the 3's electric steering remains precise with gobs of feedback.

Highway ride quality:

While most of the new Mazda3's driving dynamics equal or better those of the previous generation, this isn't quite the case with the 3's highway manners. Mazda has continued doing a great job keeping wind noise devoid from the 3's cabin, however engine and road noise are both audible at nearly any cruising speed. I suspect a taller gear 6th gear would help remedy the problem along with some quieter tires, but as it stands just about any Japanese or German competitor in this segment offers a less busy ride on the highway.

With a stiffer chassis for 2010 one might expect that the new Mazda3 would offer a more jarring ride: thankfully this isn't the case. While the Mazda3 is far from being a cushy cruiser, the new model absorbs bumps and road imperfections just as well as the softer sprung outgoing models: never did I find the ride too jarring or more harsh than its competitors from either Toyota or Honda.

Not only does the mazda3 offer excellent grunt off-the-line, but it also offers great passing power on the highway. Those who don't like to downshift into lower gears just to pass large semi trucks or keep a cruising speed up steep grades will appreciate the Mazda3's surplus of readily available power on the highway.

Fuel Economy:

The Mazda3 S boasts a larger engine and more power this year, however fuel economy hasn't been affected too much over the previous generation; the new model is down 1 MPG in the city with the 6-speed manual and up 1 MPG highway with the auto. According to the EPA the new Mazda3 S will get 21- MPG city and 29-MPG highway with the 6-speed manual and 22-MPG city and 29-MPG highway with the auto. While these numbers may seem bleak in a time where gas prices aren't exactly stable, these numbers aren't so bad when compared to its competitors, i.e. the Matrix XRS, Subaru Impreza, and VW Rabbit/Golf: which all land within 1-2 MPG overall of the 3 S's EPA numbers. If you have your mind set on a 3 but want better gas mileage (and are willing to sacrifice, say, 20 HP and the hatchback body style), the 3i Sedan receives a more impressive EPA rating of 25-city/ 33-highway with its standard 5-speed manual gearbox.

Interior:

Styling and ergonomics:

While the Mazda3's exterior shares obvious similarities to its predecessors, the new interior design bears little resemblance. I for one prefer the aesthetics of the old interior over the new. Though I like the overall shape of the 3's dash, the interior is far too busy for my taste. Mazda has also used too heavy of a hand with the 3's interior metal accents, and though these metal accents aren't the glaring type found in last year's model, I would have preferred Mazda just avoid the whole " soooo 2003" metal accent scheme altogether. Ergonomics are a mixed bag. Most of the operation controls are logically located for easy eyes-on-road use and the 3's analogue instrument cluster is logically positioned in front of the driver. However, some of Mazda's choices baffle me. The placement of the information display (also acts as a Navigation system in Grand Touring trim levels), for example, is too small and recessed atop the dash making it an eye straining experience to look at while driving: at least for those of us without 20/10 vision. While Mazda has hooded the information display to reduce glare, it's still hard to see the screen under normal lighting conditions. Mazda has also positioned the 3's HVAC controls too low center stack (again) and  has curiously recessed them away from the driver. These controls aren't terribly hard to reach, but I would have liked to have seen them located a bit higher-up and flush with the rest of the center stack.

Quality:
 
The old 3 never did feel cheap inside, but the new model has an even more upscale feel than its predecessors.  I especially appreciate the materials Mazda has used for the 3's dash and door paneling's, which get treated with soft-touch materials more reminiscent of those reserved for  higher-end vehicles. The  3's cabin continues to be completely devoid of exposed hardware such as screws and bolts and gaps between plastic panels are consistently minimal: another rarity in this class.

A slight rant that I did have with a couple of 3's that I drove from the previous generation was some slight but noticeable interior rattles over rough pavement. I am happy to report that nothing in the 2010 Mazda3's cabin rattles, even while driving over seriously flawed terrain. If I have any new rants with the quality of the 3's redesigned interior it would be the relatively rough cloth Mazda has used for the seats ( leather comes standard on with the Grand Touring package that may feel cozier). The 3's cloth seat fabric doesn't feel low-budget by any means, but a softer material like the velour fabric used for the Honda Civics' seats would have been appreciated.

Save for the slightly rough seat fabric, the Mazda3's front bucket seats are well executed with plenty of upper and lower body support. The one concern that I do have with these seats , however, is that larger adults may find the 3's firm thigh bolsters too narrow for comfort. I have not heard of any complaints as of yet, so hopefully my suspicions prove false. The 3's seats also offer great cushioning. It's rare for a vehicle in this class to offer both good body support and good comfort, so it was refreshing that Mazda not only has given the 3's seats good support but also enough padding for comfortable extended driving- Honda could learn a thing or two here. These seats also help make finding a good driving position a cinch. Though my S Sport only came with 6-way manual seat adjustments (Touring package gets 8-way power seats with memory) I was able to find a driving position to suit my frame within seconds: can't say the same about some of 3's competitors.

Creature Room:

Unlike  some of the Mazda's competitors that seem to grow an entire class size with each succeeding generation, the Mazda3 is virtually the same size as its predecessors: both inside and out. That said, the 3 continues to offer a roomy cabin more than enough space up front for most full size adults to stretch out in comfort. Head and leg room up front is especially generous, I imagine those succeeding the 6' mark will have no issues with either head or leg space. The Mazda3's rear unfortunately doesn't receive the same generous creature space. Although rear headroom is more than adequate, legroom is merely average for this class. The 3's lack of rear legroom is puzzling because while the 3 boasts superior legroom specs (on paper) than the Subaru Impreza Hatchback and virtually the same legroom specs as the Toyota Matrix, the 3 feels more claustrophobic than either car.

Storage space:

Though the Mazda3 won't win any awards for its relatively small amount of storage space, there should be enough space for most consumers on the market for a small hatchback. Inside the 3's cabin you'll find a few interior cubbies, including a small center console, a small (but deep) glove box, 1 backseat map pocket (only 1), and small door map pockets with built in cup holders. The trunk also is smaller than many of it competitors with a relatively measly 17' of cargo capacity. Though the 3's rear hatch is more than adequate for, say, a week's worth of groceries (with the rear seats in their upright position) and a few boxes with the seats down , those who need to haul larger items may be happier with the competing Japanese hatchbacks from Toyota or Subaru.


Amenities:

The S hatchback is available in two sub-trim levels this year (Sport and Grand Touring), and in either trim you're going to get a heavily loaded vehicle. The base Sport Hatchback comes with everything you'd expect to find in a car in the 20K price bracket, including notable features like power windows/mirrors/locks, an ice cold AC, a tilt and telescoping steering column with audio and cruise control mounted on the wheel, a 6-speaker sound system with single-disc CD and MP3 capabilities that provides acceptable sound quality (audiophiles with want the optional 6-disc 10-speaker Bose system), 8 cup holders,  an intuitive multi-functional trip computer with gas mileage read-outs and temp, etc. etc.  The new 3 also doesn't get any shortage of safety features. All 3s get a tire pressure monitoring system, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction/stability control, and front/side/curtain air bags. Opt for the S Grand Touring model (add around $2,250 for the Grand Touring) and Mazda ups the ante with automatic climate control, upgraded HID auto-traveling headlights, and heated front leather seats with 8-way power adjustments with 3-position memory. while I have named a few of the standard features for the S, I highly recommend visiting Mazda's website at Mazdausa.com for a complete list of standard and optional equipment.


Price/Warranty:

While the 2010 Mazda3 Sedan starts at around $15,000,  the hatchback body style starts at a more costly $19,230 (before destination) for the base S Sport and $21,500 for the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model. At $19,230 the S Sport represents an excellent value in this class. A comparably equipped Matrix XRS, for example, runs closer to $21,000- ditto that for a comparably equipped Subaru Impreza Hatchback. When it comes to warranty coverage the 3 doesn't exactly impress, however. Like most of its Japanese competitors the 3 offers a somewhat stingy 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-bumper warranty (with roadside assistance) and a 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty


Overall:

Though the Mazda3 has its fair share of shortcomings, i.e. its wonky front fascia, a thirsty 2.5-liter engine, a busy interior, a somewhat cramped back seat, etc. the 3's positives far outweigh its negatives. The 3 is fun to drive, offers plenty of power, comes with some of the best interior materials in its class, is comfortable, and its price tag is less than some of its less qualified hatchback competitors. If you are on the market for a new small sporty hatchback, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not checking out the new Mazda3 S. Recommended 100%

Thanks for reading!
Amount Paid (US$): 19,230
Condition: New
Model Year: 2009
Model and Options: Mazda3 S Sport Hatchback 6-speed manual