Thoughts from the Curb

Nov 19, 2008 - 2010 Mazda 3: It Ain't Broke, So They Didn't Fix It

"They're replacing the Mazda 3? What for? It's still so good."

That was the general concensus when I mentioned I was attending the all-new 2010 Mazda 3 press event. Even though the current 3 dates back to 2003, it's still holding up remarkably well -- we editor types are still throwing awards at it and its sales figures have consistently gone up. The 3 always drove like a junior sport sedan and its interior did much to back that up.

I thought this new car looked good, but frankly, I was expecting the worst in terms of driving dynamics. Thankfully, the 2010 Mazda 3 takes all that was good about the outgoing 3 and makes it even better. As Ruben Archilla, Group Manager for Mazda R&D, said, "Our customers were happy. We didn't see the need to reinvent the wheel."

Most of the 3's platform is carried over, from its basic suspension set-up to essentially the exact same dimensions. The two four cylinder engines are now a bit more powerful, a bit more refined and a bit more fuel efficient. The base 3 i model benefits from a new five-speed automatic.

The many other changes and full driving impressions will be revealed in the future Inside Line first drive by Josh Jacquot, but here are a few of the latter based on my drive yesterday through the Santa Monica Mountains.

I first drove the 148-horsepower 3 i Touring with the five-speed manual. Starting this 2.0-liter four-cylinder up no longer sounds like revving up a circular saw, while power delivery feels a little smoother and a tad punchier. Even in this more basic form, the 3 carved through Topanga Canyon like a champ. I later drove a 2.5-liter 3 s Grand Touring with five-speed automatic transmission. Obviously there's a bit more oomph available, although like the outgoing car, it feels faster off the line than it actually is, running out of steam as revs rise. The steering has actually gotten a bit weightier and feelyer for 2010 in the s -- fancy that in this age of electric steering being slapped onto everything. With its smartly designed and beautifully crafted interior, I couldn't help but feel like I was driving a small Acura. In fact, I'd much rather drive the 3 than the TSX, which costs about 10 grand more.

After my experiences with this all-new 3, the king is definitely still the king. The 2010 Mazda 3 remains the car to buy in the compact hatch category, and in this weak economy, I'd even venture to say its worth a look for entry-level luxury shoppers -- it's that good.

-James Riswick

9:00 am | Categories: car reviews Permalink | Alert Administrator

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