2010 MAZDA3

	Starting MSRP	Invoice
Mazda3 4dr Hatchback s Sport	$19,685	$18,441
Mazda3 4dr Hatchback s Grand Touring	$22,145	$20,734
Mazda3 4dr Sedan i SV	$15,345	$14,387
Mazda3 4dr Sedan i Sport	$16,255	$15,236
Mazda3 4dr Sedan i Touring	$17,925	$16,793
Mazda3 4dr Sedan s Sport	$19,185	$17,975
Mazda3 4dr Sedan s Grand Touring	$21,645	$20,268
Destination Charge: $750

The Mazda3 is a sporty compact-car that has been around since the 2004 model year. For 2010, the Mazda3 gets its first redesign.  It is still offered in both the sedan and four-door hatchback versions. The 2010 Mazda3 has all-new exterior and interior styling and is now available with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with more power than before.

The 2010 Mazda3 has a revised grille that seems to have a huge opening in the lower bumper that gives it a wicked-looking smile.  The styling for the rest of the Mazda3 is stylish and less over the top. 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.

The 2010 Mazda3 has several interior changes that make for a more contemporary cabin. The gauges have red illumination, and there's a dash-top screen that shows radio and air-conditioning settings. With the optional navigation system, the Mazda3 gets another screen for map information. The navigation system is operated by a cluster of buttons on the right side of the steering wheel.

Front bucket seats and a rear bench give the Mazda3 room for five people. Cloth-covered seats are standard, but heated leather seats are an option. The 60/40-split rear backrest in both the sedan and hatchback folds down to expand the cargo area, which measures 11.8 cubic feet in the sedan and 17 cubic feet in the hatchback.

Standard features include a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power windows. Air conditioning is standard on all but the base model. Cruise control and remote keyless entry are standard on all but the iSV and the iSport.

The Mazda3 i comes standard with a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that can team with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Mazda3 s models use a 167-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that works with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The automatic includes a clutchless-manual mode that lets the driver control gear changes by nudging the console gear selector up or down.

A Mazda3 i with a manual transmission gets the best EPA-estimated gas mileage, with its 25/33 mpg city/highway rating. Selecting the automatic lowers the city rating by only 1 mpg. The Mazda3 s, meanwhile, is rated at 21/29 mpg with the manual and 22/29 mpg with the automatic.

Standard features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. An electronic stability system is standard on the iTouring and all s models.