Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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Around The Web
new face has been described as happy-looking
new look is meant to echo some of the more popular Mazda concepts from the last few years
The faux futurism that pervades the interior design would make Sulu and Uhura feel right at home behind the wheel.
the Mazda3's side view features distinctive character lines that tie together the high rear deck and the front fascia
Open-mouth grille, like a fish, makes the front look so heavy you expect the car to tip on its snout.
STYLING | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
new face has been described as happy-looking
Edmunds
new look is meant to echo some of the more popular Mazda concepts from the last few years
Motor Trend
The faux futurism that pervades the interior design would make Sulu and Uhura feel right at home behind the wheel.
Car and Driver
the Mazda3's side view features distinctive character lines that tie together the high rear deck and the front fascia
AutoWeek
Open-mouth grille, like a fish, makes the front look so heavy you expect the car to tip on its snout.
USA Today
All Mazda3 models were completely redesigned last year and got an amped-up personality—with more expressive sheetmetal, a new front-end appearance, and a smoother, more upgraded interior feel.
The flared fenders and character lines of the 2011 Mazda3 altogether bring a more aggressive, distinctive look to the car, up close, but it was the front-end design that caught some criticism for looking a little too much like a wide-mouthed grin. That's the new five-point grille that is the new "global face" of Mazda. Otherwise there's a lot to like in the rest of the design, which is neat and tidy—it's a handsome, upscale look with some sportscar wedge to its profile.
Inside, the cockpit is more sophisticated and plusher than before, with refined curves and expansive pieces of black and toned plastic, some of which looks less pleasing than other bits. It's a common refrain: carmakers have to balance out look and feel with the cost of the cabin, and the Mazda3 balances the two better than most, but some color choices accent the grainier plastics. The new interior look that was introduced last year in the Mazda3 is also a little smoother and classier in shape than the previous layout—incorporating a sloped center stack and, atop the middle of the dash, one screen for a trip computer (or nav system on upper trims) and one for the climate control.
Conclusion
The 2011 Mazda3 is a very stylish car; and the hatchback is one of the more distinctive shapes in its class.
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