I'm diggin the look of the 2010 Mazda 3... once again, I prefer the hatchback version to the sedan (but I'm a little biased toward hatchbacks anyway).


How do you think it will compare to previous models? Are there any significant improvements in terms of performance?

 

In the past we have dealt with this 2010 subject, and the consenus is mazda dropped the ball in the design of this one.
From the side it is a bit different, and somewhat pleasing to the eye, but the front styling is hidious.
I said long ago, the front is bulging to the point where it looks like a pregnant fish, and that statement is further backed up by the "bulging fish eye" tailights.
No thanks, for me 2009 is the last of the good looking "3's".
Bob.

 

@Bob

Thanks for the info, I totally agree with you on the front end styling, its abysmal. And LMAO to the pregnant fish comment, too good.

 

IMO the sides of the car is just as much as a turn off as the front.
-The sides seem way to broad, there seems to be too much space and not enough distinction.
-Besides the hump at the bottom the rest seems "flat".

 

If I were to get a 2010 it'd be black... after seeing a black 2010 model I noticed the smile is a lot lot lot less noticeable. Also, I prefer the hatchback on this one. I saw the rear end of the sedan in downtown one day and was repulsed. Didn't really like the styling at all.

 

personally i would go with the sedan only because I don't like any of the hatchbacks, but that's just me. I also really like the white sedan, but I have only seen the white color. It seems like I am the only person in the worl that likes the look of the front end. I think it just gives the car/brand a more exotic look.

 

I don't like any part of it from the windshield forward. I was at the dealer getting my oil changed on Saturday. (I still don't know why they fight me about putting synthetic oil in it.) Anyway, I walked over to the showroom and walked around the new 3. Not only is it smiling but it has a pimple on its nose. The sales guy asked if he could help me. I said I was just taking a look at the new 3. He asked if I had any questions and I chuckled and said no, it's hidious. He just looked down and walked away. Wow. He looked like he got beat down. I don't think I was that mean to him.

Say, how would you put an aftermarket radio in them? The radio is built into the top of the dash and I didn't see anywhere on the console where you could put one.

 

I was thinking the same about the radio when I bought my current 3. If it's like the first gen, that whole panel and radio assembly come out and you get an adapter to replace that whole plastic panel with the new DIN hole for mounting the aftermarket radio. That would be my thoughts.

I'd be scared to see anyone change the radio on, say, a new Civic. Those things look like a nightmare

 

i guess mazda never got the concept of "if it aint broke dont fix it" and the 2010 mazda 3 including the speed 3 is a PERFECT example of the "WTF IS THIS S**T?" expression

 

I don't think you'd be able to fit an aftermarket radio up in the dash on the '10. Plus, unless it came with a remote, you'd have to reach almost to the windshield to change your channels.