LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Mazda3 gets new look, powertrains
Kathy Jackson
Automotive News
November 19, 2008 - 12:00 pm ET
LOS ANGELES -- Mazda today unveiled the redesigned 2010 Mazda3 sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The compact, Mazda's U.S. best seller, sports a new look and big powertrain changes. Its size is about the same, and it still will be offered in two versions: the i and s.
Changing gearboxes
Horsepower and torque are unchanged on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the entry-level i. A five-speed manual transmission remains standard on the i, but a five-speed automatic now is available, replacing the four-speed automatic.
With the new five-speed automatic, the i version's fuel economy improves to 24 city/33 highway from 22/30 on the current i. With the manual transmission, fuel economy climbs to 25/33.
A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has been added to the s, replacing the 2.3-liter four. And a six-speed manual transmission now is standard on the s, replacing the five-speed manual. The five-speed automatic remains an option.
The 2.5-liter engine makes 167 hp, up from 148 hp for the 2.3 liter. Torque is 168 pounds-feet, up from 135 pounds-feet. Fuel economy is 21/29 for the manual and 22/29 for the automatic. For the current s version, fuel economy is 22/29 for the manual and 22/28 for the automatic.
"One of the biggest changes is the adoption of the five-speed automatic" for the i, says Ruben Archilla, group manager of r&d for Mazda North American Operations. "There is a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy."
Outside, the most dramatic change is the new five-point grille, which looks like a big, bright smile. The single grille replaces the upper and lower grille on the current model. The headlamps have been changed from horizontal to elongated, and the car has a wider stance.
An adaptive front lighting system, with automatic dual xenon headlamps, is new as standard equipment on the upscale Grand Touring s model.
Inside, the Mazda3 has better ergonomics. All controls are at steering-wheel level, and the gauges are closer to the driver.
The front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch, and the backrests are 1.4 inches taller. Cars with power seats have a three-position memory function.
Optional safety
On the safety side, the Mazda3 is stiffer, with 35 percent high-strength steel, up from 18 percent in the current car. But key safety features such as antilock brakes, stability control and traction control remain an option.
Other features, as standard or options, include a 10-speaker Bose surround sound system, eight-way power seats, rain sensing wipers, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones and leather and heated seats.
"Even with these economic conditions, we think the C segment is important," says David Matthew, Mazda3 vehicle line manager. He says the segment represents 20 percent of all sales in the United States.
The Mazda3 went on sale in the United States in 2003. The 2010 sedan and five-door hatchback go on sale in the first quarter of next year. Only the sedan, which represents 70 percent of all Mazda3 sales here, was displayed at the show.
The company did not discuss sales projections or pricing for the redesigned car. Through October, Mazda3 U.S. sales were 96,351, down 6.9 percent from the year-earlier period. Through October, the Mazda3 represented 41.6 percent of all Mazda U.S. sales.
