2010 Mazda3 starting at $15,045

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mazda3 five-door
Mazda has put a price tag on the 2010 Mazda3, and for $15,045, you can roll away in an entry-level sedan equipped with a manual transmission. For those keeping track, that's a scant $355 more than the outgoing model, and it's a small price to pay for the additional features inside.
The Mazda3 i Touring sedan, equipped with the 2.0-liter four-pot and an automatic gearbox will set you back $18,350, and comes equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and Bluetooth integration. If you option up for the Mazda3 s Sport sedan with the 2.5-liter four and autobox, the price rises to $19,540, with the five-door version coming in at $20,030. Both models receive 17-inch wheels and a dash-mounted 4.1-inch multi-information screen that displays everything from MP3 tracks to trip data and maintenance alerts. The "s" models are also available with the Technology package, which includes keyless entry, push-button start, sat-nav, Sirius radio (with six months of service included) and a perimeter alarm, all of which can be yours for $1,195. A Moonroof/CD changer/BOSE Audio package is available at $1,395 and you can get all the details on each package in the press release below the fold.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda3 Hatchback
PRESS RELEASE
IRVINE, Calif., February 17, 2009 - In an economy where value-for-dollar is more important than ever, the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 proves that good things do come in small packages - and can be affordable too. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for its much-anticipated sport compact. Starting at just $15,045, the entry-level 2010 MAZDA3, equipped with manual transmission, is priced just $355 more than the outgoing model.
The 2.0-liter MAZDA3 i Touring 4-door with automatic transmission, which is expected to remain the volume-leader model, will be priced at $18,350 and includes key features such as standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone and audio capability and hands-free operation. And with fuel economy up to 25/33 mpg (city/highway) - a 10 percent improvement in highway fuel economy - the MAZDA3 i Touring costs less at the pump too.
Starting at just $19,540 for the 4-door and $20,030 for the 5-door, the 2.5-liter MAZDA3 s Sport with automatic transmission adds 17-inch alloy wheels and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with 4.1-inch monochromatic screen that conveys MP3 and i-Pod program information, trip data including fuel economy, plus various maintenance and alert messages. And, like all Mazdas, the new 2.5-liter engine has plenty of Zoom-Zoom - a must for an eco-conscious driving enthusiast. The 2.5-liter engine pushes out 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque - 13 more horsepower and 18 more lb.-ft. of torque than the 2.3-liter it replaces - yet maintains a competitive fuel economy of 22/29 (city/highway).
New packages for the 2010 model include a Technology package and the Moonroof/six CD changer/BOSE ® Audio package.
Available on both s models, the Technology package includes advanced keyless entry, push-button start, a compact full-color navigation system, Sirius satellite radio with six months of free service and a perimeter alarm - all for $1,195.
The Moonroof/six CD changer/ BOSE® Audio package is available on the MAZDA3 i Touring and both s models. In addition to a moonroof and six CD changer, the package adds BOSE® Centerpoint surround sound - a five-channel surround system engineered cooperatively with BOSE® that enhances the listening experience thanks to a digital amplifier, noise cancellation technology and 10, strategically placed, premium speakers. Priced at just $1,395, the Moonroof/six CD changer/ BOSE® Audio package is a must for audiophiles.
Offering more features, functionality, and power than a comparably equipped outgoing 2009 model, when it's all said and done, a fully loaded 2010 MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 4-door is $240 less.



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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
From My Cube 2:09PM (2/17/2009)
i cant wait for someone to wreck the front end of the car...think it will still be smiling then?
Reply
Dude 2:12PM (2/17/2009)
Depending on how they hit it, it could have an even bigger smile.
Smegley 3:48PM (2/17/2009)
I still say a front end head-to-head collision between this new Mazda3 and one of Subaru's flying vaginas will land the owners in jail for lewd conduct.
Gary Blomquist 3:51PM (2/17/2009)
Actually, that pictured 3, and it's large grill opening doesn't bother me stylewise. That license plate subdues the large opening somewhat, and makes it ok-looking to me.
The first 2010 mazda3 grill pics hit me with a bit of a shock, but they are starting to grow on me.
I've found that reaction to new car styles often invoke a quick yeah or nay response in people, but often after some time people who said "nay" will start to ease-up from their initial "quick" take/response.
I thought years ago when Honda did a major redesign on their accord where they shortened it's hindey, it looked pretty awful.
Nowadays, it doesn't bother me. People get used to style changes in increments.
The big old rear fins of the late 50's was a shocker and turned a lot of people off, but in time every car maker was puting fins on it's cars from the inexpensive to the luxury models.
Tal 4:48PM (2/17/2009)
I agree. Initially, I didn't like the styling of the new Mazda3, but it did grow on me - even though I'm not a fan of their designs. Same goes with the new Mazda6.
James 5:20PM (2/17/2009)
Mazda, the 3's "Joker grin" really has to go...
cara 8:21PM (2/17/2009)
the grill is growing on me as well. there was a good amount of time i thought it was hideous, but the car has so much to offer otherwise i think i'll get over the smiles. maybe it will make me happier in the morning before work
Dude 2:11PM (2/17/2009)
That sucks that you can't get the push-button start without being saddled with a pointless Nav system too.
Reply
Sea Urchin 2:15PM (2/17/2009)
Does it even matter?
Dude 2:26PM (2/17/2009)
Nevermind. I just saw the pics with the nav screen. Mazda has actually made the best implimentation I've ever seen. One that doesn't make your dash look like you have a giant TV screen jammed in it.
Kudos Mazda!
chconline 2:54PM (2/17/2009)
Personally, I actually like the idea of having a "large TV" stuck to your center dash. Beats the use of lots of hard plastic and a ton of cheap looking buttons seen on 95% of today's vehicles.
blotto 4:01PM (2/17/2009)
Having a big screen for nav is important in terms of usability.
Mazda made a mistake for going small on the 2010 3's nav screen.
Yeah, Mazda said they did that to make the thing more affordable, but man, the price differential couldn't have been that much to get a nav with a larger screen!
dallasward007 2:11PM (2/17/2009)
A base 3 hatchback now goes for 3 grand more than I paid for my 2007 when new. I also didn't have to pay extra for keyless entry.
The other stuff in the tech package is cool. Except push button start. Unless you don't need a key to start the car, it's rather pointless.
Either way, the new nose is not very attractive.
Reply
jstand6 5:02PM (2/17/2009)
"Keyless entry" in the Technology Package is a proximity key. The key is about the size of a credit card and sits in your pocket/wallet/purse. There's a little button on the exterior door handle that you press to unlock or lock the door(s)... if the "key" is within range of the sensor (2 or 3 feet). Once the key is inside the vehicle, pressing the push button start will start the car. In case of no power, there is an emergency key that slides out of the key card (to use for the door and trunk, and the regular ignition cylinder is still in the steering column under a pop-off plastic cover), and the card also has buttons on it if you want to use it the traditional way.
The keyless entry that you're thinking of (remote fob, in this case a switchblade style key/fob combination) comes standard on all Mazda3s with power door locks but without the Technology Package.
eightyd 2:12PM (2/17/2009)
How much of a premium do you have to pay to get it without the stupid smile off of its face, so that it can look like a car for adults?
Reply
thomas 2:15PM (2/17/2009)
so you want it... WITHOUT the stupid smile OFF its face?
hmmm....
for you? free.
eightyd 2:16PM (2/17/2009)
Whoops! "off of" = "on"
Dude 2:30PM (2/17/2009)
You want one with out a stupid grin?
Your choices are:
Volvo S40, C30, or V50
The next Ford Focus
Blacksabre 2:14PM (2/17/2009)
Sorry...I dun care if the Mazda 3 is the reincarnation of the RX-3, it ain't worth a base price of $16000.00. The bottom end 4 cyl and a manual box add almost nothing to my wish list, and my local Chevy dealer will sell me my choice of five different 2009 models (Aveo, Cobalt, Malibu, Impala, Trailblazer) for less than 17K . (See ads from Liberty Chevrolet, in Detroit.)
Mazda make some nice cars, but this ain't one of them, and it's no bargain, either.
Good luck wit dat.
Reply
futurama 2:24PM (2/17/2009)
oh yes, 17k also can buy me an used BMW 325i
apple to apple please. not apple to kiwi.