Exterior

The 2010 Mazda3's exterior styling builds on its predecessor's athletic proportions by emphasizing design features. One of them is the front grille, but Mazda may have gone a bit too far with it, as the gaping opening in the lower bumper looks like a sinister smile. It's a little much on the front of this car. The rest of the Mazda3 is stylish but much more toned down than the front, with smooth body panels. Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED taillights are optional.


Standard steel wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, and 17-inch alloy wheels are available. Other options include a moonroof and a rear spoiler.

    See also:

    Installing a Child-Restraint System
    The passenger lap/shoulder belt can easily be converted into the automatic locking mode, which must be done to hold the child-restraint system. Some child-restraint systems also employ specially ...

    Performance
    When the Mazda6 debuted last year, I drove a powerful V-6 version called the ''s.'' That car handled like a true sport sedan, with relatively heavy steering and a pretty rough ride. It was fun, bu ...

    New Equipment Added to a Long List of Premium Features
    The facelifted Mazda CX-7 has an extensive standard equipment package: AM/FM radio and CD player with MP3 capability, one-touch power front and rear windows, remote central locking, cruise control ...