Autocar drives 2010 Mazda3 prototype - "big improvement"
Autocar rendering
British mag Autocar just got through driving a 2010 Mazda3 prototype and the author seems to have come away impressed. The mag got the chance to sample the new 3 in gas and diesel variants while driving them around Iceland's coastline. They were very impressed with the new 2.2L diesel, but we'll likely just get the equally new and impressive 2.0L direct-injection gas engine here in the former colonies. They described that DI engine as "impressively smooth, refined and torquey" while routing its power through a "very slick" six-speed manual. Mazda has apparently also kept the spirit of Zoom-Zoom alive in the handling department, producing a car that is more "pointable... than is common in this class." Autocar went so far as to compare it to a
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Stumpy 4:02PM (10/08/2008)
It was already a very good car.
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geo.stewart 4:26PM (10/08/2008)
yeah, I am no fan of the 6's or presumably the new 3's outspoken front wheel arches. does not easily flow like the supposed Mazda design language.
Gary 4:02PM (10/08/2008)
I don't know exactly how to put this into words, but here goes: the next generation Mazda3 looks too, uhhhh... "feminine"...
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tand0g 4:04PM (10/08/2008)
Presumably you don't have to buy it in pastel.
JasonV 5:43PM (10/08/2008)
Mazda's whole line up is feminine.
Sean 6:26PM (10/08/2008)
It's an artist's rendering, not the final look.
apearlman 8:24PM (10/08/2008)
Ferraris look feminine too. But I wouldn't kick one out of my garage.
BoxerFanatic 4:06PM (10/08/2008)
If only Mazda had done something so attractive to the RX8 facelift.
The headlights here are much nicer shape.
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stevereportdotcom 4:09PM (10/08/2008)
Will it have an option to purchase a "flower holder"?
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zamafir 4:12PM (10/08/2008)
"Mk IV Golf. High praise indeed."
Odd. every review I've read of the MkV, especially the GTI, indicated the increase in chassis rigidity and general driving dynamics were a huge step forward, most going as far as to say the GTI spirit had finally returned [with the MkV]. Am I missing something here? Or is the MkV rabbit a step back while the MkV GTI a big leap forward and the true return of the GTI... seems odd.
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robotrock 4:29PM (10/08/2008)
You're correct...the Autoblog author mis-quoted the article.
"It has something of feel of the old Golf V5 – a relatively compact car with a satisfyingly punchy engine. "
zamafir 4:33PM (10/08/2008)
Ok, awesome, I was wondering mostly because the MS3 does a good job of warding off the MkV GTI and R32.
A.N.E. 4:53PM (10/08/2008)
Autoblog gaffe, this.
The source article was referring to the punchy V5 engine, not the MkIV Golf, which is a poor benchmark for chassis, suspension, and handling dynamics.
Kaptain75329 4:22PM (10/08/2008)
I'm curious to see how they improve upon an already great design.. I've owned 3 Mazda3 models, 2004, 2006, and currently 2008. I've noticed with each iteration it gets better; fit & finish improvements and the like.
For what I want in a compact, it's hands down the best car in the segment. I can't immediately see them doing a whole lot to improve considering the car is just so close to perfect as it is, so naturally I'm excited to see how Mazda upped the game with what is pretty much their bread & butter product.
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Rev 5:57PM (10/08/2008)
Exactly how good is a car that you're only willing to stick with for 2 years?
Would seem a bit more economical to actually try to get some life out of your economy car.
Kunikos 7:00PM (10/08/2008)
@Rev: Maybe he's leasing?
Kaptain75329 9:38PM (10/08/2008)
Rev,
I know in this day and age it's just easier to assume everyone is just plan stupid, but really now.
First one was destroyed by a teenage driver - she hit me on the driver side by the A pillar at over 50mph.. I was forced to get rid of the car because the insurance company just decided it would be easier to write it off and not deal with the repair hassle and guaranteed maintenance problems. I agreed with them.
The second one I got rid of because a friend of mine who works at the dealership from which I purchased the car really wanted the winning blue color since it was going out of production and they were not getting any more of them. As I'm totally anal, the car was like new. (Not hard after only 17 months.) He worked it out so that I could upgrade to a top-end Grand Touring model for $18K (car normally goes for around $23K) and it was about this time that I also decided it was a good idea to move to an automatic after 7+ years with a stick. Traffic in the DC area isn't pretty and it's total crap on a 32 mile commute with 20 of that in stop and go.
Great experiences with these cars.. I love 'em.
Kaptain75329 9:41PM (10/08/2008)
Oh, and one other thing.. concerning your cynical question:
"Exactly how good is a car that you're only willing to stick with for 2 years?"
Pretty damned good - if I'm going to spend my hard earned dollars on repeat business, it would have to be. Your question answers itself.
Kevin 4:29PM (10/08/2008)
wow, so, they compared the 2010 Mazda 3 to a 1999 Volkswagen? High praise, maybe fore the 20th century....
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alegro 4:32PM (10/08/2008)
Mk IV Golf? Low praise, indeed.
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