Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Mazda
VIDEO: Mazda releases unrevealing teaser vid of 2010 Mazda3
Click above to view video after the jump
Mazda has already given us a sneak-peak at its long-awaited 2010 Mazda3, and while we like what we've seen so far, we want more. We know that team Zoom Zoom is adding a new 2.5L engine to replace the outgoing 2.3L engine, and that the full Monte will be shown at the LA Auto Show next month, but anything more would be great. We came across a short video clip of the Mazda3 in action, but it's 12 seconds long and shows the same three photos we've already seen with moving wheel animations. Needless to say, it's a little disappointing. Now is as good of a time as any to look at the high-resolution pics we do have in the gallery below, and if you need help imagining what Mazda's top-selling sedan looks like in motion, hit the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda3
[Source: eGMCarTech]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Adam 2:37AM (10/10/2008)
As a current 3 owner, I can't say I'm immediately thrilled by this new design. It feels like a very safe redesign, and after the tempered driving experience given the new 6, I'm afraid that same taming was applied to this car as well.
I'm sure it's superior to the current model in many ways, but I'm afraid it might lose some of the character that makes my 3 so much fun to own and drive.
On a sidenote, these images annoy me because they're deliberately at awkward angles. I have to reserve final judgment until we see more standard shots to get a feel for how the new lines and shapes work together.
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TJ 2:22PM (10/10/2008)
I like the 3, but these images scream Sentra to me... not a good thing. I am sincerely hoping the pictures do no justice.
Kaptain75329 4:29PM (10/10/2008)
"On a sidenote, these images annoy me because they're deliberately at awkward angles. I have to reserve final judgment until we see more standard shots to get a feel for how the new lines and shapes work together." - Adam
This was my immediate first thought as well - I'm glad someone else picked up on this. That said, it's enough for me to tell that Mazda didn't Honda this one up.
Concerning the 6, I recall being exceedingly disappointed to discover Mazda toning it down from the global version to meet "American tastes".. insulting. Even so, the design eventually grew on me and while I think you're basically right with regard to the driving dynamics, don't forget Mazda explicitly stated that engineering aspect was intentional. Makes sense given the family-oriented target market and competition from the camcordimas out there.
The big difference with the 3 is that we're getting the bonafide global version of the vehicle. While I suspect there will be the usual obligatory tweaks for specific markets, I imagine the range of those tweaks won't extend out to 6 territory without additional design changes. It's also clear that Mazda has kept in mind that the target market for the 3 is significantly different than that of the 6; tends to be a younger crowd with a preference to sporty handling over the smoother experience imparted by the more mature 6. I think we'll be OK.
Mazda had the incredibly difficult job of making the sequel better than the original; very tough to get all the original elements that worked so well to play nicely with the improvements desired. Verdict isn't final, but I'd say the polls are decidedly in the direction of mission accomplished.
-blank- 9:42AM (10/11/2008)
meh...everyone and their short memories.
the old P5 also was a stellar handler, felt peppier, and somewhat faster to the auto press when the m3 came out.
If by chance it's not feeling up to snuff for the loyalists...turn off your nostalgic glasses and allow yourself some time to tune in to the cars soul.
Rest easy, Mazda has never destroyed their compact car. Each iterneration improves little by little unlike their midsize 626/6..etc. They appear to have always been intouch with the smaller segment. This even holds true to the 6 prior to it's physical bulking up. As the smallest in the class, I certainly found it one of the more or most enjoyable ones.
Luis 2:06PM (10/10/2008)
I think this vehicle is going to turn out like a movie. Many are going to have their opinions about it, but I'll have to see for myself...and from what I see in the previews, it looks good.
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Martin 2:20PM (10/10/2008)
I'm a former 3 owner, and the big reason I got rid of the car was the same reason I don't like most Japanese compacts: despite having a wonderfully maneuverable chassis, it was just too light and flimsy for my taste. Nothing like German cars, though that is essentially Mazda's target. I was really looking forward to trying out the 2010, but was unable to wait that long before obtaining a new car, unfortunately. An article in AutoCar recently said that the ride quality and interior refinement of the prototype that they drove is very commendable, on par with the GTI, which is ironic because that's exactly what I bought in the 3's place. I don't regret the decision at all; the ride quality of the GTI is so much more substantial than the 3, and it's exactly this "substantive" shortcoming of the 3 which made me go German, so it's excellent to know that Mazda is taking that level of refinement to heart. Even though I won't be buying a new 3, it will definitely be on my radar and I look forward to testing one out to experience the chassis improvements.
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Elliott 2:33PM (10/10/2008)
Yes, you went German... and you probably paid $5,000 (or more) for the GTI vs. a 3. I agree that the GTI has better performance, but the cost delta kind of puts it in a different class of car and makes your comparison unfair.
The 3 is more comparable to the Focus, Civic, Corolla, and Cobalt and it blows the doors off all 3 in the handling department.
If AutoCar is saying that the 3 has GTI performance at Mazda prices, then I think many people will be blown away by the value.
jte 2:37PM (10/10/2008)
I prefer the greater reliability of the 3 over the slightly better ride and handling of a VW.
My last three VWs, Golf III (needed new transmission after 2 years), Jetta IV (terrible build quality), Jetta V (overheating and terrible transmission) all had problems. Luckily they were leases so I got a new one before the old one fell apart.
Kitko 3:29PM (10/10/2008)
So you're saying that you got rid off a light and nimble car.... Mind, GTI is a top Golf model, not a standard junk you get from VW. And there's quality... Current Mazda3 is the most reliable car ever sold in Europe, that's according to the German industrial quality audit body TUV.
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/3562/mazda2-and-mazda3-dominate-german-reliability-survey/
http://www.tuvam.com/tuvnews/hotnews/pressdetail.cfm?id=1391
JD 4:03PM (10/10/2008)
Uh, you know that the VW counterpart to the 3 is the rabbit, right? And Mazda's GTI eater is the MazdaSpeed 3? I chose one over the GTI for the savings, increased driving fun and excitement, and the motor in the MS3 is second to none in it's class, any many that are not in the class.
Also, how exactly is ride "substantial?" Don't you need to discuss ride in terms of firm, soft, etc? I have no idea what you are talking about when you say the ride is substantial.
spookiness 8:17PM (10/10/2008)
I know I'm not the first to say this, but the Golf/Jetta was in my sights when I bought my 3, but I learned the lessons of several of my peers and opted for the 3 instead. My Mazda3 has been utterly reliable and trouble free save for 1 CEL. Meanwhile, non of my friends that owned VWs own them anymore due to problems, except for one guy who comes from money, has multiple vehicles, and isn't a normal working stiff who needs a reliable ride to get to work everyday. A few VW fans will always scream that theirs is 100% perfect, or one model is better than the others, but sorry I just don't see it. EVERYONE I have ever known to own a VW in the modern era has had problems, and it didn't matter if the car was a Golf, Jetta, Passat, made in Mexico or made in Germany. "German engineering" is a crock, and I'll take US or Japanese anyday thanks.
-blank- 9:52AM (10/11/2008)
to add to all those bitching about VW reliability:
My co-worker desperately wants to convince his wife "to ditch their VW for anything else". He's told me it's just been in the shop too much. "It's a nice car...it's just raping us in the wallet with repair costs."
I don't own a vw or a m3/ms3 so I can't say anything to either's reliability.
Amien 2:21PM (10/10/2008)
I love this car more everytimei see it!
Would've been nice if the video was longer, I'll take what i can get though...
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Travis 2:28PM (10/10/2008)
Sweet, bigger, heavier, with a larger (thirstier?) engine just in time for people looking to downsize. Tested this in '04 and almost bought it, but if they're "Americanizing" it, I'll scratch it off my list of cars to even bother testing next time around...
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I3ziko 2:55PM (10/10/2008)
The most important thing is that this is a global car and it won’t be Americanized for NA market like the 09 mazda6 is. Expect larger interior/exterior but reduced weight. I like what is see so far after big disappointment with the new mazda6 that lost a lot of its edge.
The Joker 2:58PM (10/10/2008)
The new 3 is actually lighter and the 2.5 is more fuel efficient and can be backed with a 6-speed stick.
You fail at life :)
http://wot.motortrend.com/6295660/auto-shows/2010-mazda3-sedan-first-official-photos-car-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/index.html
Kitko 3:32PM (10/10/2008)
Couple of facts - 2.3 liter 2003 Mazda6 was lighter than a 1999 1.8 liter Protege.
2.5 liter 2008 Mazda6 Wagon (European version) is lighter than the aforementioned 2002 6.
With Mazda2 being the lightest car in its class, Mazda would be stupid not to continue the trend with the new Mazda3.
Seminole 2:29PM (10/10/2008)
Nothing really new. The design is growing on me, but I want to see shots of it that aren't angled and a unobstructed front shot to see how that new fascia looks. Its hard to tell if I like it when the picture is at an angle and there is a license plate blocking it.
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Cardude 3:05PM (10/10/2008)
I like it! Looks very futuristic, like a car you would see in a cyberpunk novel or a film, and the RX-8 cues in the front are cool!
First the new 6, then the restyled Miata, and now this. Mazda is on fire!
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fleecy 3:37PM (10/10/2008)
Yeah... That's not a real video.
Someone just took the recent pictures and made the wheels spin... The camera angles are identical to the pics.
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