I may be in the market for a Mazda3 down the road and any comments on the red dials and red interior lights?
I have been wondering about the dash lighting too, but not for aesthetic reasons. I’ve never been in a 2010, but have read that the gauge lighting is the same as the old model. I rented a 2007 last summer, and I found it virtually impossible to read the speedometer in most lighting conditions. The only time it was any good was a sunny day with the sun coming over my left shoulder and directly into the instrument pod. I didn’t drive the car in complete darkness, so that might be okay too.
But on a sunny day in any other direction, on cloudy days, or during dawn or dusk, it was hopeless! With the lighting off, it was just too dark at the back of the pod. With it on, the contrast between the gray dial face and the red backlighting was way too low.
I really liked the car otherwise, but this would be a complete deal breaker. Most of my driving is in heavily patrolled areas, and I have to know how fast I’m going at all times. Anyone with similar needs should check this out if they test drive a 2010.