2010 Mazdaspeed3: Tricked And Turbo

By Denis Flierl

Denis Flierl

Contributing Writer BIO

Denis Flierl is a Denver native and has a passion for automobiles. His extensive automotive background includes racing, 13 years in automotive... More

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1,059 views Jan 29, 2010

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 5dr HB Man s Grand Touring Angular Front Exterior View

The Mazda3 has been completely redesigned for 2010. It starts on the outside and works its way in. It comes with more powerful engines, new transmissions, and even more luxury and technology than the previous generation model.

Some things remain the same from 2009 like the same basic architecture, but with a few upgrades. Mazda has redesigned its most popular car that comes in a compact package, at an affordable price. The Mazda3 is available as a four-door hatchback or the four-door sedan. The Mazda3 offers options that you don't usually find on small cars.

I tested the hot Mazdaspeed3 four-door hatchback ($23,195) for the week. Inside, I noticed things like Bluetooth and a Bose Centerpoint surround system. The interior is first-class with lots of available amenities. Options include a Multi-Information Display below the windshield that houses readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and a navigation system. All of these functions are controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. The readouts are easy to see and the steering wheel controls are fairly easy to use.

The older I get, the harder it seems to figure out all this new technology. But it is because of this technology that this car will definitely appeal to younger buyers, and will think that it's a pretty trick setup. The Mazda3 is not only loaded with technology but it is also practical, with useful storage up front, as well as plenty of room for the front passengers. The back seat will seat two adults but will be very cramped if the adults up front have long legs. In the hatchback I tested, it has 17 cubic feet of space, and that can be expanded considerably with the seats down. Given the hatchback's sportier styling, better looks, and more useful interior space, it would be my choice between the two body styles.

Much of what makes the Mazda 3 so appealing to younger buyers is the interior. The Mazdaspeed3 gets sport seats, electroluminescent gauges, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, front center console, Mazda's new Multi-Information Display, an iPod adapter, fog lights, and P225/40R18 high performance tires.

Mazda has completely redesigned the interior for 2010, with the help from studies based on human-machine interface tests. They found that it works best to places controls and readouts in two key zones instead of just one. The controls that are most frequently used, including the radio and climate dials and buttons, are placed high on the center stack, where they can be easily read. Readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and the navigation system are found in a Multi-Information Display that is located just under the center of windshield. Mazda says it chose this location because it is very close to the driver's line of sight, making it easier and safer to check that information. I found everything easy to read once I got acclimated to the interior. The Mazdaspeed3 also comes with sport seats with special red and black cloth interior trim.

The real reason to buy the Mazdaspeed3, is the 263-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4, with 280 ft lbs of torque, coupled with the six-speed close ratio manual transmission, and limited-slip differential. This trick set-up is ready to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With the kind of horsepower that this powerplant delivers, in a small, lightweight package, it has throw-you-back-in-the-seat power when you put your foot into the pedal. The close ratio 6-speed manual transmission is easy to shift and allows you to find the right gear with minimal effort.