Vehicle: 2010 Mazda3 Sport with moonroof, Luxury Pkg and GT-E Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$29230

Handling: Mazda3 has always been considered as the benchmark in the compact car segment. The original Mazda3 was a huge hit when it first came out in 2004, will the new version upped-the-ante in this competitive segment? We will find out after this test drive.

Just like the original Mazda3, the new version also based on European Ford Focus platform. That helps its level of rigidty and stiffness are right above-and-beyond anything in its price ladder. The base is solid and flex-free, its also strong enough for suspension systems to hang its heads. What is most impressive is the ruggedness and solidity that are only been found in many European sports sedans that cost twice as much as this Mazda3. Of my recent memory, only the Hyundai Elantra Touring has this level of chassis solidty and integrity that are able to match Mazda3.

When it comes to driving dynamics, Mazda3 continues to shine. While the outgoing car’s dynamic abilties are exceptional, the new one is wonderful. The electric power steering provides great feedback and precision, without feeling twitchy. The feedback is balanced without being overly sensitive. I always said Mazda engineered the best out of the electric power steering, Mazda3 makes no exception. Pushed through corners, Mazda3 hangs on confidently and without losing the fun factor. This hot hatch is able to dance on the corners, with minimal body rolls and well-controlled understeer. All have done without compromising anything, in terms of ride comfort. Thanks to its European roots, Mazda3 has a ride quality that is able to combined the best of German suppleness without losing any of its softness to occupy its passengers.

Performance: As usual with Mazda3, the base motor is a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder with 148hp and 135 lb/ft of torque. This engine is more than enough for most purpose. If you are in search for the most powerful Mazda3, you have to upgrade to its new 2.5 liter DOHC 4-cylinder 16-valve motor. This engine already served a much heavier Mazda6 impressively, even in its base form. Consider Mazda3 is a lighter vehicle, this 167hp 2.5 liter definitely brings performance and flexability to the party. With 168 lb/ft of torque arriving at 4000rpm. Mazda3 takes off the line with ease. Its not only it got a responsive throttle, the sweet 6-speed manual gearbox with excellent gear ratios have matched with it perfectly. The clutch also has a perfect blip point. The optional 5-speed manumatic works in similar fashion. As both gearboxs are willing partners to this willing motor. The only pet peeve is its fuel economy. Although the outgoing car’s 2.3 liter isn’t exactly considered great. The new one feels quite thirsty given its small car status. We average a 10 liters per 100km, as an average of 50% both highway and city during test drives

Brakes: Mazda3 Sport comes standard with 4-wheel discs and standard ABS. As expected, Mazda3’s brake pedal and modulation feel great. The modulation is easy thanks to a good biting point while pedal has a balanced feel to it. Not to mention its ABS only intervenes necessarily.

Interior: If you are in quest for a compact car with luxury car appointments, Mazda3 is definitely the one. On our tester with Luxury Package, it comes standard with excellent leather seats which have great side and thigh supports. The interior continues Mazda’s “Zoom..zoom” theme of sporty elements without losing any of its functionality. The auto climate control works flawlessly, so do all the necessary controls. Mazda3 also scores with the best use of interior materials in its segment.

When it comes to versatility, Mazda3 Sport doesn’t give up anything. Firstly, the hatch opens wide and tall for easy access. The liftover is low with wide side sills for loading large cargos. When you fold down the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, you can put anything into it without breaking a sweat. The most impressive thing is, the whole loading area has been designed with a box-like sharp. So that its perfect for loading and squeeze all the possible spaces.

Conclusion: The new Mazda3 is a giant leap forward over its predecessor, which already considered as a benchmark. The new one will set a very high standards that are very hard to surpassed in this class.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Mazda3 Sport
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5