The last generation 3 shared a platform with the Ford Focus, and so now that the (European) Focus has upgraded its chassis, so will the 3. The new look of the 3 takes cues from the Mazda6, and continues what Mazda says will be the base of its future design language.

On the North American market, the new Mazda3 will be launched as a sedan only, with the hatchback version arriving at a later date.

2010 Mazda3 is offered with two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 148 hp at 6500 rpm and 135 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm; and Mazda3 s powered by a MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 167 hp at 6000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The i version gets a five-speed manual transmission while the s version gets a six-speed stick-shift transmission.

The Mazda3 i achieves 25 mpg in city driving with the manual transmission and 24 mpg with the automatic. The highway mileage with the 2.0-liter engine is 33 mpg with either transmission. The Mazda3 s also tops 20 mpg in all conditions. Equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, its city rating is 21 mpg, rising to 22 mpg with the 5-speed automatic. The highway rating is 29 mpg with either transmission.

Press release after the jump.

2010 Mazda3 Sedan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Mazda3 Sedan
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Developed in line with Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom philosophy of engineering vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying to own, and environmentally responsible, the all-new MAZDA3 is one of the most anticipated product launches at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The popular MAZDA3 - the company's best-selling vehicle worldwide - arrives as a fully reengineered, completely redesigned, second-generation compact sedan providing:

  • A richer looking, more dynamic exterior design
  • Added driving enjoyment with improved performance in all areas
  • Progressive environmental and safety features
  • A higher level of standard and optional equipment
  • A level of sophistication above that available from any other car in the segment


The new MAZDA3 is perfectly positioned for the rapidly changing auto market.  It offers a mix of quality, styling, power, dynamics and fit and finish that hits the bulls-eye for today's customers.  In typical Mazda fashion, MAZDA3 will offer standard and optional equipment simply not found on other cars in this class - exactly what buyers looking for more value and less bulk want.

This 2010 edition stands on tall shoulders: the first-generation MAZDA3 earned 90 major awards from expert critics and achieved a 1.8-million sales volume during its five years serving customers all over the world. One in three Mazdas sold is a MAZDA3. Even at the end of its build life, the first-generation MAZDA3 continued to earn accolades as a leading consumer magazine recently named this car as one of the most reliable compact sedans money can buy.

MAZDA3 Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda established ambitious goals for Mazda's most popular car line, "We were determined to advance the Zoom-Zoom driving experience to new heights because that unique feeling lies at the very heart of Mazda. On the heels of the original MAZDA3's success, we aimed to again exceed the expectations of customers all over the world by a wide margin. This meant providing drivers with a sense of exhilaration whether they were in motion, seated in the MAZDA3's cockpit, or enjoying its appearance from outside."

On what it takes to develop a true "world car," Maeda added, "The development process began with careful study and identification of what features and performance qualities would be needed.  That initial phase ended with my conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals. Mazda engineering and R&D departments in Japan, Europe, and the US all contributed to the MAZDA3's renewal effort and the development of the company's new world car."

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Exterior design


Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu's mission was to remain faithful to the MAZDA3's existing visual identity while evolving its appearance with richer, bolder design strokes. Infusing each subsequent new model with more emotional aesthetics is a longstanding Mazda tradition. The key MAZDA3 exterior design highlights are:

  • A move toward a more unified Mazda global "family face"
  • A reinforced frontal identity which integrates the lower air intake with a more emphatic and instantly recognizable five-point grille
  • To stress power and dynamism, major design elements focus on or flow toward the vehicle's central axis. At the front, fascia lines converge on the center-point at the bottom of the grille.  At the rear, the decklid's surface has a distinctive center crease
  • The compact cabin, high deck surfaces, and flowing C-pillar features were inspired by the classic coupe profile, as seen on the 2009 MAZDA6
  • Hood and side surfaces are shaped to reflect light and physical surroundings
  • Subtle wedge-shaped and curving side character lines shared with other Mazda models give the MAZDA3 a strong sense of impending motion-like a predator poised to strike
  • A new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps has been added as standard on Grand Touring models. The MAZDA3 is the first compact offered for sale in the US with such an advanced lighting system
  • Exterior design elements contribute to the car's function by minimizing aerodynamic drag and lift while providing the powertrain, chassis, and interior with adequate air flow for cooling and climate control
  • To supplement the four-door sedan introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, a five-door hatchback MAZDA3 will arrive later

 

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Interior Design


Inside, the new MAZDA3 offers a sporty yet highly refined cabin. As if taut muscles lie within, the dash sweeps dramatically from its center to the cabin's sidewalls. The large gauge cluster and center stack are positioned to tightly link the driver's limbs and senses to the car's instruments and controls.

The slant of the instrument panel optimizes operating efficiency while providing an attractive focal point. Range of motion studies helped position all controls at an ideal reach. Key knobs and switches are positioned at the same level as the steering wheel and the shifter.  The interior of the 2010 MAZDA3 is based on Mazda's Human Machine Interface concept.

All the information a driver needs is readily available in one concentrated area that minimizes lapses of concentration on the road ahead. A Multi-Information Display is positioned high on the center portion of the instrument panel to further minimize distraction. Navigation, audio, and trip computer information is provided in this handy and easy-to-view location.

Front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch compared to the outgoing car in order to provide improved thigh support. Backrests are 1.4-inches taller and recontoured for improved driving posture. For the higher grade models, the upper side bolsters have been canted inward for heightened torso restraint during aggressive cornering. A three-position memory function has been added to cars equipped with power seats - another first for the segment, and not offered at any price on any competitors' compact car. Upon approach to the car, the left-front seat automatically adjusts to the settings chosen by up to three different drivers by recognizing the code of the key fob.

To provide a top-quality cockpit appearance, the number of parting lines is minimized and soft-touch surfaces show an elegant grained texture. An interactive lighting system enhances the cabin's ambience and sense of tranquility. Upon entry, illumination rises in intensity in a programmed manner. Occupants are welcomed by foot-well and door-handle lamps. Next, instrument cluster, center stack, audio and climate controls brighten. When a driver or front seat occupant touches an audio or AC switch, a change in illumination acknowledges that the command has been received.

Dual-zone automatic air conditioning is an available MAZDA3 option. Other special features that distinguish this car from mundane compact sedans are: a Bose 10-speaker premium surround sound system, connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius satellite radio. An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. The MAZDA3 options list also includes rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats.

Overall, the details included in the new MAZDA3 all contribute to the sense of quality in the car.  This is a vehicle that offers equipment, fit and finish simply not found in other vehicles in this price range and class, and helps perfectly position MAZDA3 for buyers considering a way to spend less and get more in this new economic climate.

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Powertrain


The MAZDA3 i is powered by an MZR 2.0-liter four-in-line engine delivering 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm (PZEV = 144 @ 6500 rpm) and 135 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm (PZEV = 132 @ 4500 rpm). Aluminum block and head construction saves weight. In the interests of power and efficiency, four valves per cylinder are operated by dual overhead camshafts.

The new MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine fitted to the MAZDA3 s is borrowed from the larger all-new 2009 MAZDA6.  It shares the same construction features of the 2.0-liter engine while upping output to 167 horsepower at 6000 rpm (PZEV = 165 @ 6000 rpm) and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm (PZEV = 167 @ 4000 rpm). Both engines employ advanced electronic throttle actuation. Mazda's exclusive torque base control technology provides a highly linear acceleration response to every change of throttle pedal pressure.

A slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard in the MAZDA3 i, while the MAZDA3 s is equipped with a six-speed stick-shift transmission. A five-speed electronically controlled Sport-AT automatic transmission is available in both models.  Sport-AT offers enthusiastic drivers the control of manual gear engagement with the convenience and comfort of a conventional automatic.

Fuel economy is exemplary and was key to the vehicle's development. The MAZDA3 i achieves 25 mpg in city driving with the manual transmission and 24 mpg with the automatic. The highway mileage with the 2.0-liter engine is 33 mpg with either transmission. The MAZDA3 s also tops 20 mpg in all conditions.  Equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, its city rating is 21 mpg, rising to 22 mpg with the 5-speed automatic.  The highway rating is 29 mpg with either transmission.  As the new MAZDA3 is larger in every dimension - meeting the requests and needs of customers - Mazda engineers worked hard to deliver a vehicle that offers fuel economy on-par with the outgoing car.

To refine the acoustic qualities of the MAZDA3 powertrains, extra attention was paid to tuning each engine's intake and exhaust system. Resonance chambers were implemented to quiet certain sound frequencies while reinforcing others, achieving a well mannered yet sporty voice during acceleration. The MAZDA3 s 2.5-liter engine is equipped with dual tailpipes and specially tuned mufflers to reduce mid-range boom and objectionable high-frequency noise at high rpm.

MAZDA3s certified to U.S. Federal exhaust emission standards are equipped with catalytic converters employing advanced single nanotechnology. It is used to embed individual particles of precious metals, which are less than five nanometers in diameter, into the catalyst base material. This new development enables Mazda to reduce the amount of expensive precious metals such as platinum and palladium by 70 to 90 percent without impairing catalyst performance. The catalyst is an important part of Mazda's efforts to reduce reliance on limited resources.

Sound foundation


The 2009 MAZDA6 offers one of the stiffest unibody structures on any Mazda vehicle.  Lessons learned in developing that car provided major strides in structural stiffness in the new MAZDA3.  A stiff unibody provides a smoother ride, more confident handling, and improved agility with virtually no increase in unibody weight.

Reengineered unibody joints and increased metal gauges in key areas help diminish the transmission of road and powertrain noise into the passenger cabin. Suspension anchor points are more substantial to provide the solid foundation needed to absorb steering and suspension forces. In addition to welded attachments, suspension towers are bonded to the surrounding unibody areas with structural adhesives. A combination of welding and adhesives - also borrowed from the 2009 MAZDA6 - is also used to increase the rigidity and collision deformation resistance at door opening locations. The stiffer door design also improves the effectiveness of weather seals that block moisture and noise from the interior.

A Mazda engineering approach called Aero Flow Management was used to optimize the flow of air around and through MAZDA3 body openings.  Even though the front grille appears larger than before, it's actually 20-percent smaller to ingest only the amount of air needed for combustion and cooling. An air guide attached to the front bumper directs the flow through the radiator where it's most useful. At high speeds, a bypass flap opens to minimize cooling fan drag.

Air flow along the MAZDA3's body sides was improved during wind tunnel testing by placing deflectors near the tires and by carefully tuning the upper-forward corners of the cabin. Subtle refinements in the shape of the A-pillars, exterior mirrors, windshield wipers, and taillamps also contributed to the six-percent reduction in wind noise levels. The 0.29 drag coefficient (Cd) achieved by Mazda engineers is one of the lowest available in the compact class and highly beneficial to highway fuel economy.

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Class-leading chassis design


There was no need to reinvent the MAZDA3's chassis design because the first generation achieved distinction as the best available in the compact class in terms of driving enjoyment, handling, and all around poise. Subtle and tuning changes were the order of the day.

A rubber-isolated subframe in front supports the entire powertrain, the rack-and-pinion steering system, and the lower attachments of the coil spring MacPherson strut suspension. The independent multi-link rear suspension also uses coil springs with one trailing arm, two lateral links, and one toe-control link per side. Four-wheel power disc brakes with vented rotors in front and solid rotors in back are standard equipment. Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control are available on all MAZDA3s, standard on some trim levels.

To improve steering feel, the electro-hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion steering gear is now secured at three instead of two attachment locations. The additional mounting point allowed a reduction in the stiffness of the bushings that support the steering gear to diminish the vibration transmitted over rough pavement.

  Resistance to body roll has been increased by recalibrating the monotube rear dampers for tighter control and by switching to a new more substantial mounting arrangement for the front and rear anti-roll bars. At the front of the new MAZDA3, lower control arms, the subframe, and mount bushings are all stiffer to improve both steering response and cornering grip at the adhesion limit.  A redesigned rear suspension crossmember is both lighter and significantly stiffer, also for improved handling.

The most notable change to the braking system is a new vacuum booster that provides a more reassuring response to light pedal efforts without disturbing the highly direct and linear feel inherited from the first-generation MAZDA3. Adjustments to the electronic brake force distribution programming enhance vehicle stability during mixed braking and cornering maneuvers. Structural changes to the unibody mentioned above help improve not only the rigidity of the brakes but also their linearity during high-g stops.

The MAZDA3 i is equipped with 10.9-inch diameter front rotors and 10.4-inch diameter rear rotors while the more powerful MAZDA3 s is fitted with 11.8-inch front and 11.0-inch rear rotors.

Active and passive safety systems

Providing the MAZDA3 driver with improved ability to avoid a collision by steering or braking safely out of harm's way is a fundamental aspect of Mazda's product development.  Mazda's engineers strongly believe that the best way to help protect occupants in a crash is to engineer control systems in such a way that the crash is avoided in the first place.

Carefully tuned electro-hydraulic power steering, a highly agile suspension system, and powerful disc brakes are standard MAZDA3 features. ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, and traction control are offered as optional equipment.  Also, a new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps has been added as standard on Grand Touring models. The MAZDA3 is the first compact offered for sale in the US with such an advanced lighting system.

But in rare instances, a collision cannot be avoided. To cover these circumstances, all MAZDA3s are constructed with a Triple-H unibody design employing efficient H-shaped steel reinforcements in the floor, side structures, and roof. This approach to energy absorption provides crush zones that better protect occupants from the impact forces sustained during rollover, frontal, side, front-offset, angled, and rear collisions. Six airbags and active head restraints are standard equipment.

Environmental stewardship


Seemingly small changes can often deliver great gains. For example, the four-speed automatic transmission was switched to a five-speed in 2.0-liter MAZDA3 models, and subtle aerodynamic improvements were made.  The changes yielded a three-mpg improvement (10%) in highway fuel economy.

To reduce consumption of hazardous materials, the new MAZDA3 uses no lead in its fuel tank, wiring harness, or undercoating. Hexavalent chromium and cadmium have also been eliminated from the bill of materials. The toluene emissions from a new joint sealing compound is 90-percent lower than before. Mazda's manufacturing plants adhere to the strictest environmental standards.  These are the invisible parts of Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom initiatives.

Efforts are underway to increase the scope of recyclable materials from 80 to 90-percent when a MAZDA3 reaches the end of its useful life. Molded plastic parts are already labeled with ISO identification marks to facilitate sorting and recycling. Fascias, interior trim, and the instrument panel are made of polypropylene for easy reuse in those markets that offer it. Recycled material has been used to manufacture new plastic moldings for the past four years at Mazda.

 

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Specifications

Mazda3 i
SV Sport Touring

Mazda3 s
Sport Grand Touring

Engine

Engine type

2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT)

2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT)

Horsepower

148 hp @ 6,500 rpm (PZEV = 144 hp @ 6,500 rpm)

167 hp @ 6,000 rpm (PZEV = 165 hp @ 6,000 rpm)

Torque (lb-ft)

135 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (PZEV = 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm)

168 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (PZEV = 167 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm)

Redline

6,500 rpm

6,200 rpm

Displacement (cu in)

122

152

Bore x stroke (in)

3.44 x 3.27

3.50 x 3.94

Compression ratio

10.0:1

9.7:1

Fuel system

Multi-port electronic fuel injection

Multi-port electronic fuel injection

Recommended fuel

Regular unleaded

Regular unleaded

Valvetrain

4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT) with timing-chain-driven camshafts

Engine block

Aluminum alloy

Aluminum alloy

Cylinder head

Aluminum alloy

Aluminum alloy

Emission control type

Tier2 - BIN5-B (Federal) - Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV-B) (CA, MA, ME, NY, VT, PA, CT, WA, OR, NJ)

Ignition system

Distributorless

Distributorless

Fuel economy

Manual transmission (city/hwy)

25/33

21/29

Automatic transmission (city/hwy)

24/33

22/29

Drivetrain

Type

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Manual transmission

5-speed

6-speed

Automatic transmission

5-speed electronically-controlled Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode

5-speed electronically-controlled Sport with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode

Top speed (MPH) with speed limiter

117

117

Chassis

Brakes

Power-assist 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce

Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

Front

Vented rotor (10.9-inch diameter)

Vented rotor (11.8-inch diameter)

Rear

Solid rotor (10.4-inch diameter)

Solid rotor (11.0-inch diameter)

Parking brake

Mechanical, hand-operated on rear wheels

Mechanical, hand-operated on rear wheels

Steering type

Rack-and-pinion with variable power assist

Rack-and-pinion with variable power assist

Power assist

Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (EHPAS)

Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (EHPAS)

Overall steering ratio

16.2:1

16.2:1

Steering wheel turns-to-lock

2.9

2.9

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft)

34.2

34.2

Turning circle, wall-to-wall (ft)

35.8

35.8

Suspension

4-wheel independent

4-wheel independent

Front

Independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs and stabilizer bar

Independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs and stabilizer bar

Rear

Independent, multilink, coil springs and stabilizer bar

Independent, multilink, coil springs and stabilizer bar

Shock absorbers

Telescopic, double acting

Telescopic, double acting

Wheel size (in)

16 x6.5J

17 x 7.0J

Tire size

P205/55R16 H-rated steel-belted all-season radial

P205/50R17 V-rated steel-belted all-season radial

Spare tire type

T115/70D15 temporary

T115/70D15 temporary

Coefficient of drag (Cd)

0.29

0.29

Weights and capacities

Curb weight (lbs)

MT

2868 (2870 PZEV)

2963

AT

2928 (2932 PZEV)

3025

Weight distribution

60/40

60/40

Fuel capacity (gallons)

14.5

15.9


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Price

Trim

Specifications

MSRP

i SV MT

2.0L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

$15,045

i Sport MT

2.0L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

$15,975

i Sport AT

2.0L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

$16,825

i Touring MT

2.0L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

$17,500

i Touring AT

2.0L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

$18,350

s Sport MT

2.5L 4-DOOR WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

$18,740

s Sport AT

2.5L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

$19,540

s Grand Touring MT

2.5L 4-DOOR WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

$21,500

s Grand Touring AT

2.5L 4-DOOR WITH 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

$22,300


Packages

CODE

DESCRIPTION

AVAILABILITY

MSRP

2MC

Moonroof, 6-CD & Bose Audio Package

i Touring, s Sport, s Grand Touring

$1,395

1TE

Technology Package

s Sport & s Grand Touring (Requires 2MC)

$1,195

JCP

Pearl Paint Charge (Crystal White Pearl 34K)

ALL i and s (Not Available on SV)

$200


Accessories

CODE

DESCRIPTION

APPLICATION

MSRP

CDC

CD Changer w/ MP3, In-Dash 6-Disc

ALL (Not available w/ 2MC)

$500

CGM

Cargo Mat

ALL

$50

CGN

Cargo Net

ALL

$40

CGT

Cargo Tray

ALL

$60

FLA

Floor Mats, All-Weather

ALL

$80

FLD

Fuel-Filler Door, Chrome

ALL

$125

FOG

Fog Lights

ALL i

$325

MCR

Compass & Auto Dim Mirror

Grand Touring (Not available w/ MRC, MRH, MHR)

$200

MGB

Mud Guards, Front & Rear

ALL i

$150

MHR

Compass & Auto Dim Mirror w/ Homelink

Grand Touring (Not available w/ MRC, MRH, MCR)

$275

MRC

Compass & Auto Dim Mirror

ALL SV, Sport, Touring(Not available w/ MRH, MCR, MHR)

$200

MRH

Compass & Auto Dim Mirror w/ Homelink

ALL SV, Sport, Touring(Not available w/ MRC, MCR, MHR)

$275

RSE

Remote Engine Start

i Sport, i Touring, All s (Not available w/ 1TE or MT)

$350

RST

Remote Engine Start

ALL s (Requires AT and 1TE)

$350

RSW

Rear Wing Spoiler

ALL i

$425

SAT

SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 6-month subscription

ALL (Not available w/ 1TE)

$430

WLK

Wheel Locks

ALL (Not available with i SV, and i Sport)

$50


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Competition and press reviews

"Out on the road, everything we loved about the original 3 is present in spades. The steering is more communicative than some sports cars we've sampled, transmitting information directly from the road to your palms, yet the system avoids any sensation of on-edge skittishness. The brakes are both progressive and powerful, and after repeated threshold stops and ABS activations, they never faded and continued to offer a predictable pedal feel." (AutoBlog)

"The 2010 Mazda 3 is now more aerodynamic than any car in its class, featuring a 0.29 Cd. Though the new grille opening has been styled to look huge, it's actually smaller than on the current model. Look closely and you'll see that half the grille is just there for visual effect, not to admit air to the engine compartment. It's been carefully designed to meter in only enough air to accommodate cooling and combustion needs, while the rest of the air is routed over and around the body." (InsideLine)

"In my opinion, what makes the Mazda3 stand out from other compact sedans is its sportiness, a combination of its willing engine, responsive transmission, quick steering, and nimble handling. Its rack and pinion electro hydraulic power steering responds quickly to steering input without being too sensitive, and car tracks well at freeway speeds. Its fully independent suspension provides a comfortable ride over all but the roughest surfaces and body lean is minimal when cornering." (CarAndDriver)

Competitors

Toyota Corolla->ke1039

The 2010 Toyota Corolla went on sale at a price starting at $15,350. The base model is powered by a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve dual VVT-i 4-cylinder engine with 132 hp @ 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 128 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and has a fuel economy of 26/34 (city/highway). The car can be ordered with cruise control, touch-screen DVD navigation system or XM Satellite Radio.

Honda Civic->ke236

The 2010 Honda Civic, priced at $15,655, comes a standard with a 140-hp, 1.8-liter, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. It has a a fuel economy of 26 mpg (city) and 34 mph (highway). It can be ordered with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System that has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player, and a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash® cards.

Ford Focus Sedan->ke440

The 2010 Focus Sedan comes standard with a 2.0-liter Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) I-4 engine that delivers 140 hp and has a EPA-estimated of 24 city/35 hwy mpg, manual transmission. The car goes on sale at a price starting from $16,690 and can be ordered with SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Driver's Message Center, AM/FM/CD/MP3 capable audio system with input jack and speed-sensitive volume control and Premium Audio with 190 watts, eight speakers and separate 8-inch subwoofer.

Bottom line...

Why to buy the new 2010 Mazda3 sedan? Well first because you will always have a car that smile. But mostly because its athletic handling and performance, it features a high-end interior, you will get all the luxury you can dream of (for the money), and why not, because it drives better than any other car in its segment. Oh, did we mentioned it has the highest projected resale value in the Mid-Compact car segment?

Why not to buy? There are people out there who might considered it a rigid car and who will ask for a more interior space. But if you go to your dealer and you will ask for a test drive you will find out if the 2010 Mazda3 is the car for you or not.