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:

    Six-Speed Manual Transmission
    Both engines feature a manual six-speed transmission with a compact three-shaft design carried over from the original model. It has triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears, and ...

    Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico)
    Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions apply. - Repeated short-distance driving - Driving in dusty conditions - Driving with extended use of b ...

    Family Relations
    The Mazda2 is related to the Ford Fiesta, in which I've also spent time. My quick take, though, is this: The Fiesta has the flashier interior but, while it has more power than the Mazda2, I can't ...