2010 Mazda 3 Sport
What do you think of when you hear the term small car? Do you think of some tiny underpowered econo-box that can’t get out of it’s own way, or do think about all the money you’re saving because it only sips fuel. One thing that most people don’t equate to our small four wheeled friends is “fun”. You see most people buy small cars out of necessity and compromise. They either live in an urban area where parking is tight, they’re looking for better fuel economy or they simply just can’t afford anything more substantial. The big question here is, do you really have to compromise when purchasing a small car? The answer is simple… no.
The 2010 Mazda 3 is a premium car in a compact package. The
Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback, and offers comfort and luxury features we’re not used to seeing in a small car.
Introduced for the 2004 model year,…. Mazda calls the 2010
Mazda3 an evolution, not a revolution of the previous model. Built on a Volvo platform, the previous
Mazda3 was a sales and critical success for Mazda. Inside, the Mazda3 adds Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, a Bose Centerpoint surround system, and an available Multi-Information Display that adds a second level of information. The interior is first-class interior with lots of other available amenities. Higher line models get a Multi-Information Display below the windshield that houses readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and even the available navigation system. A unique cluster of buttons on the steering wheel controls these functions. The readouts are easy to see and the steering wheel controls work intuitively. It’s a pretty trick setup
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The
Mazda3 is practical, with useful small items storage up front, as well as plenty of room for the front passengers. The back seat will fit two adults fairly comfortably, provided the front occupants aren’t too tall. In both the sedan and hatchback, the rear seats fold 60/40 to create a mostly flat load floor. The 2010
Mazda3 benefits from several architectural enhancements designed to make the structure stiffer. The suspension deals well with most bumps, though large ruts can pound through with the available 17-inch wheels.
Two engines are offered. Fuel conscious buyers will want this engine, as it delivers EPA fuel economy as high as 25 mpg City/33 mpg Highway. Those who prefer a sportier driving experience will want the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which delivers 167 horsepower and is available with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift capability.
Mazda rightly points out that in many countries a compact car is a destination rather than starting point for car owners, and that’s partly due to fuel costs. The
Mazda 3 is an affordable car that offers a pleasant interior environment, sporty handling, and useful space
The 2010 Mazda 3 is a premium car in a compact package. The Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback, and offers comfort and luxury features we’re not used to seeing in a small car.
