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2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Features Review

February 23, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A fully loaded 3s Grand Touring offering class-exclusive swiveling bi-xenon headlights
Automotive.com

Options for 2010 include dual-zone climate control, a Bose 10-speaker premium surround sound system
AutoWeek

More equipment available than anything else in the segment
Motor Trend

Mazda has built quite a reputation lately for offering high-end features in price ranges that typically don't see many luxury items. The 2010 Mazda3 carries on that tradition with a wide selection of standard and optional features spread across the trims that should appease almost any sport compact customer, though some options aren't available on all trims.

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 comes with an impressive list of standard features, even in its most basic trim level. Car and Driver reports that the 2010 Mazda3 offers "gadgets galore," including the Multi-Information Display that Jalopnik reviewers say "is positioned high on the center portion of the instrument panel" and shows "navigation, audio, and trip computer information." AutoWeek points out that, for the 2010 Mazda3, the "already sharp interior lighting goes interactive," and that "upon opening the door, foot well and door handle lamps illuminate, followed by the instrument cluster, center stack, audio and climate controls."

Based on TheCarConnection.com's research, base models of the Mazda3 2010 should start in the $17,000 range, but checking the numerous options boxes can move that price north in a hurry. Automobile Magazine deems the Mazda3 2010 "a compact car that offers many of the features available only in larger, more expensive cars," including "a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power driver's seat." Jalopnik adds that "connectivity for cell phones and portable media players," featuring a Bluetooth hookup, is available, while the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 "options list also includes rain-sensing wipers [and] heated side mirrors." The only major downside to all the available features, at least based on research conducted by TheCarConnection.com, is that they aren't universally available across the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 lineup. Automobile Magazine, for instance, states that "many of these options are available only with the top-spec Grand Touring trim level, which is available only with the larger 2.5-liter engine"; thus, "if you want the small motor, you can't have the heated leather seats, power driver's seat with memory, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers," or other features such as the navigation system on your 2010 Mazda3.

Conclusion

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3, at least in Grand Touring garb, is a high-end model selling for a serious discount.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:A fully loaded 3s Grand Touring offering class-exclusive swiveling bi-xenon headlightsAutomotive.comOptions for 2010 include dual-zone climate control, a Bose 10-speaker premium surround sound systemAutoWeekMore equipment available than anything else in the segmentMotor Trend Mazda has built quite a reputation lately for offering high-end features in price ranges that typically don't see many luxury items. The 2010 Mazda3 carries on that tradition with a wide selection of standard and optional features spread across the trims that should appease almost any sport compact customer, though some options aren't available on all trims. The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 comes with an impressive list of standard features, even in its most basic trim level. Car and Driver reports that the 2010 Mazda3 offers "gadgets galore," including the Multi-Information Display that Jalopnik reviewers say "is positioned high on the center portion of the instrument panel" and shows "navigation, audio, and trip computer information." AutoWeek points out that, for the 2010 Mazda3, the "already sharp interior lighting goes interactive," and that "upon opening the door, foot well and door handle lamps illuminate, followed by the instrument cluster, center stack, audio and climate controls." Based on TheCarConnection.com's research, base models of the Mazda3 2010 should start in the $17,000 range, but checking the numerous options boxes can move that price north in a hurry. Automobile Magazine deems the Mazda3 2010 "a compact car that offers many of the features available only in larger, more expensive cars," including "a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power driver's seat." Jalopnik adds that "connectivity for cell phones and portable media players," featuring a Bluetooth hookup, is available, while the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 "options list also includes rain-sensing wipers [and] heated side mirrors." The only major downside to all the available features, at least based on research conducted by TheCarConnection.com, is that they aren't universally available across the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 lineup. Automobile Magazine, for instance, states that "many of these options are available only with the top-spec Grand Touring trim level, which is available only with the larger 2.5-liter engine"; thus, "if you want the small motor, you can't have the heated leather seats, power driver's seat with memory, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers," or other features such as the navigation system on your 2010 Mazda3. ConclusionThe 2010 Mazda Mazda3, at least in Grand Touring garb, is a high-end model selling for a serious discount. 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3 STYLING | [9 out of 10] Cars.com: "All-new looks inside and out" Jalopnik: "The new Mazda3 is a looker by any standard" AutoWeek: "Mazda3's side view features distinctive character lines that tie together the high rear deck and the front fascia" The completely ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Mazda3 has plenty of competition, but the editors from TheCarConnection.com chose these based on size, refinement, and sportiness. Ford’s Focus is a solid choice but doesn’t offer the refinement of the Mazda3 or the availability of high-end options. It beats the Mazda3 in fuel economy and for the convenience of a Ford dealer in every town. The Honda Civic is likely to be the most cross-shopped with the Mazda3, and if you want a coupe, it will win out, as Mazda doesn’t offer one. The Toyota Corolla was all-new for 2009, and while it is available in a sporty XRS package, it doesn’t compare to the Mazda3 in styling or driving fun. If price and warranty are your primary concerns, the Hyundai Elantra continues to evolve into an attractive alternative, though it's less entertaining to drive.

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See the Mazda MAZDA3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (3 total)

  1. By Jordan #1, Posted: 7/25/2009

    Sweet. The MAZDA3 one of the strongest contenders in the highly-competitive subcompact category.
    Video review: http://tinyurl.com/knn94m

  2. By Cyndee #2, Posted: 7/26/2009

    I am glad I brought this car. My husband loves driving in manual and I love the automatic.

  3. By Stacey #3, Posted: 9/11/2009

    LOVE it. Wouldn't buy another car on the market right now!

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