ALL 2010 Mazda3 Stuff Goes Here

[becks]

Looks like Mazda took note of all the M3/MS3 owners taking their side-moldings off. I guess I'm in the minority but I actually prefer the look of my car with them on.

The only MZ3's and MS3's that come with side moldings are North American ones (it's always been like that) and since this is a Euro model that's why you don't see any

[oaklandopen]

The only MZ3's and MS3's that come with side moldings are North American ones (it's always been like that) and since this is a Euro model that's why you don't see any

hahah...no one in america knows how to open their car doors

[Donas64]

hahah...no one in america knows how to open their car doors

truer words have never been spoken. Also the door molding protect you from the SUV armada and their 5ft long doors.

[daonly1around]

man, if i actually thought they were gonna come out with a second generation ms3 i may waited for this one... it's really starting to grow on me... maybe in two years or so i'll trade in mine

[smakdown61]

man, if i actually thought they were gonna come out with a second generation ms3 i may waited for this one... it's really starting to grow on me... maybe in two years or so i'll trade in mine

Why? Its literally the exact same car with different body panels and upgraded interior.

[daonly1around]

Why? Its literally the exact same car with different body panels and upgraded interior.

I like it.. thats why... but who knows what i'll be looking for in two or three years...

[Hank3]

The seat fabric really looks cheesy - it may just be the pics though. Along with that colored dash piece. Looks like the shift boot could be leather this time around.

[Je5ter]

Ugly

[CHICO2003]

Why? Its literally the exact same car with different body panels and upgraded interior.

I'll be curious to see what, if anything, the scoop does for performance.

[CHICO2003]

along the same lines... any chance this dual exhaust will do anything?

[boosted1]

along the same lines... any chance this dual exhaust will do anything?The dual exhaust is just a traverse muffler with 2 exhaust exits. The new "dual" exhaust will do nothing for performance. The setup is more for looks, than anything else.

[boosted1]

No news on the 2010 Mazda MPS yet?

[mazdaspeed32007]

my cousin has a '08 wrx and his temps are lower than mine because of the hood scoop. our designs with the hidden ducting work pretty well in regards to cooling....but the scoop will always prevail because its a direct flow of air. i on the other hand would prefer the hidden ducting to have a normal hood without the fancy scoop and deal with a few degrees. i dont mind the new mps. not sure i like the back head rests but thats petty complaining. the car doesnt look to bad its just a little to much for what it is. i own an '07 and the styling is sporty but sleek, you all know this already. this is starting to fit into the "i own a super fast car look at me" crowd. (sti, evo) and unfortunately this car cant keep up with those cars because of a couple small setbacks. once this car becomes AWD and they can get another 30 hp out of the motor without having the technical problems we all face now then theyll be set. this car would be a beast without competition. though the AWD will set the price about 5000 higher. which i would pay for. any other thoughts?

[Olestra]

my cousin has a '08 wrx and his temps are lower than mine because of the hood scoop. our designs with the hidden ducting work pretty well in regards to cooling....but the scoop will always prevail because its a direct flow of air. i on the other hand would prefer the hidden ducting to have a normal hood without the fancy scoop and deal with a few degrees. i dont mind the new mps. not sure i like the back head rests but thats petty complaining. the car doesnt look to bad its just a little to much for what it is. i own an '07 and the styling is sporty but sleek, you all know this already. this is starting to fit into the "i own a super fast car look at me" crowd. (sti, evo) and unfortunately this car cant keep up with those cars because of a couple small setbacks. once this car becomes AWD and they can get another 30 hp out of the motor without having the technical problems we all face now then theyll be set. this car would be a beast without competition. though the AWD will set the price about 5000 higher. which i would pay for. any other thoughts?

My thoughts are you are talking about MS6.

[Sport6]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/niz55/2010_mazda3_mazdaspeed_mps_008-0301.jpg
Man those taillights stick out!

Not sure if I like the seats, yea they might look classier but I would rather be kept in the seat around corner.

They say theres a good chance it will have the revoknuckles in it.


Also the talk about the hoodscoop, the car has to be aerodynamically designed for one. Probably the man reason our car does not have one is the fact the nose on our car is pretty blunt and air floors over the hood to the windshield and would miss the hood scoop (unless it was really really tall). I also do not believe there will ever be a AWD MS3 just because of the price point.

[AWDthis]

According to motor trend, everything its staying the same under the hood, so needless to say I will not be trading in my speed3 for the new one. Too bad.

[happy and angry]

I'm willing to bet that if the RevoKnuckle suspension Ford is using in the RS makes it into the Speed3, they'll be able to nearly eliminate boost cut in first and second, which could cut a few tenths from a well run 1/4. You don't always need to add more power to make a car faster.

[Olestra]

I'm willing to bet that if the RevoKnuckle suspension Ford is using in the RS makes it into the Speed3, they'll be able to nearly eliminate boost cut in first and second, which could cut a few tenths from a well run 1/4. You don't always need to add more power to make a car faster.

Unfortunately, HP numbers are the first and last thing people look at when looking at a car's specs.

I was looking at a Lotus at the auto show this past weekend and some kid walks up to it, goes straight to the specification platter and see's that it "only" has 212 hp. He goes "212 hp, that's it! What the f***!". I looked at him, shook my head and walked away.
He obviously had no idea what a Lotus was.

[becks]

Here's a couple of details:

Earlier today we showed you the first images of the European-spec 2010 Mazda3 MPS, known to us as the Mazdaspeed3, and there's no mistaking it for its predecessor. Yet, under the shiny new skin, the changes aren't quite as pronounced -- not that we'd say that's a bad thing.

That's because behind that smiling face is a familiar car, one that we've grown to love for its bargain performance. Mazda's 2.3L turbocharged and direct-injected engine still resides between the front tires and sends power to them via a six-speed manual transmission, whose ratios have been revised for smoother acceleration. Power in this European-spec car is unchanged from 2009, still sitting at a healthy 256 hp and 280 lb-ft. It's good for 0 to 62 mph sprints of 6.1 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph, just like the last Euro-spec car. It also wears the same 12.6-in front and 11.0-in rear brakes as the old car, though Mazda has now added electronic Brake Assist to the ABS and stability control systems to keep everything in check.

What's new then? Well, the Mazdaspeed3, known as the Mazda3 MPS in Europe, now meets the strict Euro-V emissions standards thanks to the world's first single-nanotechnology catalytic converter. It's also more efficient, returning 26 mpg combined on the Euro-cycle, an improvement of nearly two mpg over the old car despite a 0.01 increase in the drag coefficient from 0.31 to 0.32. Mazda has also beefed up the frame around the front cowl and rear suspension to stiffen the car up and improve the handling. They even took it out to the Nurburgring to sort out the suspension and make it more stable in turns and especially over broken or wavy pavement. Wider tires on new 18-in wheels no doubt help the cornering performance as well.

The biggest changes, though, are skin-deep. The new Mazdaspeed3's Nagare-style grinning grille remains largely the same up front, but features reworked air intakes that feed passing air to the brakes more efficiently. Also of note on the front clip is the deletion of lower ducts set below the fog lights. More aggressive side skirts continue the Mazdaspeed theme along the flanks and to the rear, the enhancements culminate with a blacked-out rear diffuser sporting a dual exhaust. A more pronounced wing also perches above the five-door's hatchback. Bolder fenders house the larger wheel and tire setup, while the bulging hood features a gaping scoop to feed the intercooler.

The Euro-spec and U.S.-spec Mazdaspeed3 aren't identical, but the Mazda3 MPS should give us a pretty good idea of what to expect from the U.S. model. Though the U.S. car is more powerful than the Euro model, turning out 263 hp and 280 lb-ft, it looks as though we may not see a power increase either. Mazda has also put to bed rumors of an AWD Mazdaspeed3, telling Motor Trend that the AWD system that would fit the car takes up too much space and wouldn't stand up to the power of the Mazdaspeed3's engine. We'll find out all the exact specs on the U.S. model when it debuts at the New York Auto Show in April 2009.

[Speed3ForMe]

http://i43.tinypic.com/2mnhb0l.jpg

OMFG that actually looks better than the way Mazda did it.

Mad props!

[CHICO2003]

my cousin has a '08 wrx and his temps are lower than mine because of the hood scoop. our designs with the hidden ducting work pretty well in regards to cooling....but the scoop will always prevail because its a direct flow of air. i on the other hand would prefer the hidden ducting to have a normal hood without the fancy scoop and deal with a few degrees. i dont mind the new mps. not sure i like the back head rests but thats petty complaining. the car doesnt look to bad its just a little to much for what it is. i own an '07 and the styling is sporty but sleek, you all know this already. this is starting to fit into the "i own a super fast car look at me" crowd. (sti, evo) and unfortunately this car cant keep up with those cars because of a couple small setbacks. once this car becomes AWD and they can get another 30 hp out of the motor without having the technical problems we all face now then theyll be set. this car would be a beast without competition. though the AWD will set the price about 5000 higher. which i would pay for. any other thoughts?


Sounds like you've fallen prey to the AWD PR machine. Don't get me wrong, AWD certainly has it's merits but it's no where near as valuable as most people think.

Take our car for example. Where might it be beneficial to have AWD? From a dig.. certainly. Driving through snow... absolutely. Twisties? This much is debateable. Stock vs stock, this car outhandles the awd WRX. While there are plenty of other factors involved, I think it stands to show that the lack of awd isn't dramatically hurting it in the curves. I mean hell... RWD is supposed to be the ideal setup and the MS3 owns a Mustang in the twisties... so let's keep things in perspective.

As for the other two points... I personally could care less about how fast a car can go from 0-60. 5-60 yes... but 0-60 implies I'm revvin the engine, dropping the clutch and burning up my ridiculously expensive tires. And for what? To beat the jerkoff in the riced out civic next to me? No thanks! As fast as this car might be... if THAT's what you're into, you definitely bought the wrong car. I never once spun the tires on my MSP and the same will definitely be said for this car. This is relevant because, from a roll, awd is virtually useless. Lastly.... traveling in shitty weather. Obviously it's better to have awd. But is it necessary? I've got snow tires on mine and have no problems driving through thick snow and ice. Is my car as capable of driving quickly through this type of weather as an awd car? nope... but then again, during conditions like that I'm not going to be driving like that anyway. My goal is to get where I need safely. Snow tires on a FWD car is more than good enough to accomplish this goal.

Last but not least... awd adds weight and $ to the equation. Put the awd system from the MS6 into the MS3 and not only will the car cost more but it'll be slower over all. Just look at the Mitsu Ralliart.

So I'm actually happy they stuck with the FWD setup. At first I was like you... blindly thinking AWD was better and we should have it for that reason alone. But after analyzing things I realized that this setup best fit our performance (and budget) needs.

[tiagotiago]

I'm willing to bet that if the RevoKnuckle suspension Ford is using in the RS makes it into the Speed3, they'll be able to nearly eliminate boost cut in first and second, which could cut a few tenths from a well run 1/4. You don't always need to add more power to make a car faster.

+1 And in a racetrack with slow corners dare I say it may be worth more (if there's enough traction).

Tough if they did include it the reduction, or elimination of torquesteer would be enough in my book. Torquesteer is damn irritating if you're trying to have a light grip on the steering wheel.

[boosted1]

Pics of the 2010 Mazda MPS from Geneva.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_48z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_49z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_46z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg

[Donas64]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_46z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg

Looking at this just made me hate it again. WTH Mazda!!!!! Not a flattering angle for this car.

[CHICO2003]

I too hat it

[Silver Ecstasy]

It's almost like it has gills in the front.

They seriously couldn't have made a worse mockery of that car.

[Babyface13]

I like it!!

[///M Compact]

Looking at this just made me hat it again. WTH Mazda!!!!! Not a flattering angle for this car.

I looks like it escaped from an Atari 2600
Space Invaders game...

[pjo113]

I think it's hideous....can't wait to see one in person.

[Hyun]

retarded looking car. It is kind of like special olympics. Even if you win races... your car still looks retarded :lol:

[TRDMS3]

I like it!!



You better be jokin...

This car is fucking nonsense

[CHICO2003]

You Discover Go Zoom Zoom??? LOL huh???

[diddiyo]

i liked the promo shots, but the geneva shots make it look like an suv/crossover imho?!

[Antonio DiMarco]

Here are some more shots of the '10 Speed 3. Of special note is the boost gauge in between the tach and speedo. Also, it looks like the red stitching is back and looks great. Love the front seats too.

http://mazda3revolution.com/mazda3-guide/32-new-2010-mazda-3-mpsmazdaspeed-3-photos/

Pictures 6 side quarter view) and 19 (bird's eye view of the hood and front fenders) really show off the sportiness of the new skin.

I would definitely look at one if I were in the market. In my opnion 09 and 10 have design elements that make them extremely sexy cars in their own right. They're just different.

Those of you who are poo-pooing the 2010 look would probably rather Mazda get derivative with their designs than take chances.

What derivative gets you are cars like the camry and accord. You want to see bad design? Just look at the new Acuras. That silver bottle opener beak is both awkward and cheezy. A textbook example of over design that has no redeeming qualities. It's not voluptuous, not sexy, not intriguing, just a bunch of poor design elements pasted together.

I think Mazda designers are anything but heavy handed with their designs. Mazda designs remind me of european designers like Pina Farina, who also did a lot of of work for Peugot.

Those of you who think it looks like a Matrix. I can see some similarities. The more glaring difference is that the Matrix is more angular and less intergrated.

Nissan also does a pretty good job with their new designs- not surprising since they are owned by a European company.

[boosted1]

For some reason, there is a lot of wheel gap. I believe this gives the 2010 Mazda MPS a crossover look. The current MS3, appears to have much less wheel gap than the 2010 MPS.

[essejkcamraw]

Pics of the 2010 Mazda MPS from Geneva.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_48z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_49z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/KeithGTP/112_2009_geneva_46z2010_mazdaspeed3.jpg

great good fuckin goo! our car got sooo ugly! its like, that girl back in high school who was REALLY hot and you see her years later and shes this sweat beast. sad day man. im glad i got my 09 now haha.

[Dparks7]

I saw a sedan yesterday in buffalo ny. it was the 2.5. the sedans are less girly now then previous models. i kinda like the sedans now. in person the grill/front clip dosent look too bad almost like a pregnant rx8

[Dparks7]

i would also like to place the bet that if the 2.3 disi wasent on the 10 best engines list last year and or the year before you would be seeing a 2.5 turbo, that could make 300+ hp

[ElGaspo]

the geneva shots make it look like an suv/crossover yeppers (iagree)

Great googly moogly, this car is very very oogly.

[CHICO2003]

I like the new Acuras. Bottle-opener grille ftw

[Donas64]

Pictures 6 side quarter view) and 19 (bird's eye view of the hood and front fenders) really show off the sportiness of the new skin.

I would definitely look at one if I were in the market. In my opnion 09 and 10 have design elements that make them extremely sexy cars in their own right. They're just different.

Those of you who are poo-pooing the 2010 look would probably rather Mazda get derivative with their designs than take chances.

What derivative gets you are cars like the camry and accord. You want to see bad design? Just look at the new Acuras. That silver bottle opener beak is both awkward and cheezy. A textbook example of over design that has no redeeming qualities. It's not voluptuous, not sexy, not intriguing, just a bunch of poor design elements pasted together.

I think Mazda designers are anything but heavy handed with their designs. Mazda designs remind me of european designers like Pina Farina, who also did a lot of of work for Peugot.

Those of you who think it looks like a Matrix. I can see some similarities. The more glaring difference is that the Matrix is more angular and less intergrated.

Nissan also does a pretty good job with their new designs- not surprising since they are owned by a European company.

I beg to differ. I don't mind new and refeshing designs, but ugly is ugly any way you slice it.

Chris Bangle BMW's were new and different........AND UGLY

Acuras New front End Philosophy is new and different.....AND UGLY


The new 370 Z is an evolution and a jarring one but not hideous.



I don't mind new, but I don't like ugly.

[CHICO2003]

Boo!! Looks are subjective. But yeah... Those bmws sucked balls

[sanblaster]

Again, ass ugly. I was so looking forward to purchasing this vehicle too. And the only good angle shot of this car is it, behind any wall.

[BlackCherry06]

This opinion isn't just among us on this forum either. While sitting in the service department yesterday, the service manager brought up the new 3 to me and I said "ugly front fascia" and she said that's been EVERYONE's reaction that she's spoken to so far.

They just got a truckload of them in yesterday (after I left). Wish I coulda seen them in person. I guess I'll cop a view whenever I go pick my car up.

[ReadS13]

theres a new post on autoblog that says the 2010 mazdaspeed3 has 256hp and 280 tq. To make that model less stealth with a hood scoop and a crazy air dam and put less power to the ground then the leaving model doesn't make sense to me. I am glad I bought this car when I did.

[happy and angry]

That's either the same power or slightly more than the current European MPS. It's a bit lower than the NA model because of emissions restrictions.

The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 we get in NA is supposed to have 268, which is a small bump.

You guys all expect the car to evolve significantly for some reason. Why would they do that? The car is still at the top of its segment, and significant dynamics/power train/drive train/suspension changes require a lot of time and money to R&D and to get them right - money that no one in the world has right now. The out-going Mazda3 was a winner, a class leader that faced very little competition, and they opted (wisely, I think) to leave it relatively unchanged but give it a bit of a facelift. It's hard to follow up a great car with a ground-up rebuild that is just as good or better, and it's also risky for companies to try this. That's not what this is. The core of the car remains the same. Same platform, same suspension and brakes more or less, same drivetrains more or less.

If you were expecting more, you need to revisit your expectations and understandings of car manufacturing.

[TRDMS3]

2010 mps not available in true red? The new model truly lost its appeal along with the hideous design...

[Peter B]

I kinda like it... got a bit of a mean look to it.... but it is kinda ugly. Kinda like an STI...ugly. My biggest regret about it is the smile, and some of the lines remind me of a 02 mercury cougar or a scion or something (can't quite put my finger on it.) But over all I like it. I like the rear of the car A lot.



Also the talk about the hood scoop, the car has to be aerodynamically designed for one. Probably the man reason our car does not have one is the fact the nose on our car is pretty blunt and air floors over the hood to the windshield and would miss the hood scoop (unless it was really really tall). I also do not believe there will ever be a AWD MS3 just because of the price point.

I would have to dispute this. I studied aerospace engineering in school (have a degree in it), and spent some time working with wind/water tunnels.

Look at the profile (side view) of the current and 2010 MS3. The curve over the front hood, from about 6 inches below the emblem to the mouth of the scoop can be approximated as 1/4 of a circle or sphere. In fact it is a little less than 1/4. You can use the model of airflow over a sphere or cylinder as an approximation for airflow over the hood.
Spheres/cylinders are horribly un aerodynamic. Not because the face pushing through the air is blunt, but because as the air moves around the sphere and curves around the back of it, you get bad separation effects, causing turbulent flow and hence drag. This separation occurs at a point before the top/bottom of the sphere (again if your looking at a side view/cross section of the sphere).
Where the MS3 differs from the aerodynamic profile of a sphere is in the fact that the hood rises as the air flows from the front edge towards the windshield. This keeps air pressure levels higher on the hood and helps reduce separation effects. The scoop is also placed far enough forward, and sticks up enough to not be effected by separation effects.

Further backing my claim is the salt lines on the hood of my car. I get white streaks from leading edge of the hood almost all the way up to the windshield. They indicate the way the air flows over the front of the car (as it does it pushes water and salt sprayed from the road up the hood). If it did indeed flow as you suggested these lines would cease to be straight after the point of airflow separation.

For an effect like what you talk about, you would need a condition creating a shock wave off the hood of the car. For that you you need near sonic/supersonic (Mach 1 ish) velocities. From there you start dealing with compressible flow issues etc etc etc. Sadly our little Mazdas just can't go that fast.

-Pete

[Hank3]

And yet more pics:

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-2010-mazdaspeed3-mps/1404857/

[oaklandopen]

even though delaware doesn't require front license plates, i might be willing to make an exception to help cover up some of that happy face

[Donas64]

Boo!! Looks are subjective. But yeah... Those bmws sucked balls

So true and the Pontiac Aztek was proof of that. There are people who think those things look good.

[Donas64]

That's either the same power or slightly more than the current European MPS. It's a bit lower than the NA model because of emissions restrictions.

The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 we get in NA is supposed to have 268, which is a small bump.

You guys all expect the car to evolve significantly for some reason. Why would they do that? The car is still at the top of its segment, and significant dynamics/power train/drive train/suspension changes require a lot of time and money to R&D and to get them right - money that no one in the world has right now. The out-going Mazda3 was a winner, a class leader that faced very little competition, and they opted (wisely, I think) to leave it relatively unchanged but give it a bit of a facelift. It's hard to follow up a great car with a ground-up rebuild that is just as good or better, and it's also risky for companies to try this. That's not what this is. The core of the car remains the same. Same platform, same suspension and brakes more or less, same drivetrains more or less.

If you were expecting more, you need to revisit your expectations and understandings of car manufacturing.

Power was never the MS3's problem. The same motor in a more refined package is fine by me.

[Sport6]

lol:

:(

|
|
v

http://i43.tinypic.com/2mnhb0l.jpg

Now it looks like an Evo X

[ReadS13]

^^^ bi-polar disorder

[CHICO2003]

I think the frown-faced version actually looks better. more... eeeville When making a judgement on a grille, I often think about what my first impression would be if I saw it in my rear-view mirror. The design mazda went with would probably just make me laugh whereas this Scream masked version... shit man... that dude looks pissed! better let him pass!

[CHICO2003]

It's too bad the grille couldn't be hooked up somehow to your mood. Days when you're feelin chipper... crazy smile face. Pissed and ready to fight? scream mask just mindin your own business... nuetral. I'm tellin you... animatronic grilles... hell yeah.

[ecniemann]

I kinda like it... got a bit of a mean look to it.... but it is kinda ugly. Kinda like an STI...ugly. My biggest regret about it is the smile, and some of the lines remind me of a 02 mercury cougar or a scion or something (can't quite put my finger on it.) But over all I like it. I like the rear of the car A lot.



I would have to dispute this. I studied aerospace engineering in school (have a degree in it), and spent some time working with wind/water tunnels.

Look at the profile (side view) of the current and 2010 MS3. The curve over the front hood, from about 6 inches below the emblem to the mouth of the scoop can be approximated as 1/4 of a circle or sphere. In fact it is a little less than 1/4. You can use the model of airflow over a sphere or cylinder as an approximation for airflow over the hood.
Spheres/cylinders are horribly un aerodynamic. Not because the face pushing through the air is blunt, but because as the air moves around the sphere and curves around the back of it, you get bad separation effects, causing turbulent flow and hence drag. This separation occurs at a point before the top/bottom of the sphere (again if your looking at a side view/cross section of the sphere).
Where the MS3 differs from the aerodynamic profile of a sphere is in the fact that the hood rises as the air flows from the front edge towards the windshield. This keeps air pressure levels higher on the hood and helps reduce separation effects. The scoop is also placed far enough forward, and sticks up enough to not be effected by separation effects.

Further backing my claim is the salt lines on the hood of my car. I get white streaks from leading edge of the hood almost all the way up to the windshield. They indicate the way the air flows over the front of the car (as it does it pushes water and salt sprayed from the road up the hood). If it did indeed flow as you suggested these lines would cease to be straight after the point of airflow separation.

For an effect like what you talk about, you would need a condition creating a shock wave off the hood of the car. For that you you need near sonic/supersonic (Mach 1 ish) velocities. From there you start dealing with compressible flow issues etc etc etc. Sadly our little Mazdas just can't go that fast.

-Pete

Come on! I expected the 2010's hp increase to be supersonic at minimum, at least Mach 1...........from a roll. :D


even though delaware doesn't require front license plates, i might be willing to make an exception to help cover up some of that happy face

That's what I said; the plate will cover most of this. Those gills are stupid though. Any reason for that, besides as a "design" point?

[ecniemann]

Eat it up kids!

[hawaii3]

can you say MATRIXSPEED! ugliest shet ever
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0010_____big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0015______big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0014________big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0012______big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0011______big.jpg

[SleepyMSP]

there are so many things that I just don't like about the new 3 and MS3...but that ram air hood....i'd rock it...

[ElGaspo]

It's too bad the grille couldn't be hooked up somehow to your mood. Days when you're feelin chipper... crazy smile face. Pissed and ready to fight? scream mask just mindin your own business... nuetral. I'm tellin you... animatronic grilles... hell yeah.

i think you're on to something...(rofl)

[Captain GJ]

I'm not even going to comment on the front, but what the hell is up with that wheel gap? Granted it will look different in person, but geez. After seeing the promo shots I was pumped about it, but after seeing the auto show shots, not so much. Also after seeing some images of the interior I'm not too sure about that fabric they are using on the door panels and seats. May be too much for my tastes.

[TRDMS3]

Can anyone confirm MPS from now on stands for the US mazdaspeed3? Or is it going to remain mazdaspeed3 in North America and MPS in Europe?

Looking at the shots I am sort of liking the new tail lights, I'd love to see them black out tho, about it... can't say it looks any different (back that is) from our current model (except dual exhaust).

Looks like they ripped the headlights off of the Mazda 5. My impression is MEH! Body style: very Matrix/'09 WRX.

Sleeper look gone with the wind, sadly people will definately know now what it is ur driving, I constantly get that's a "regular mazda 3 right?" After you tell them... "wow I didn't know Mazda put this one out!?"

[TRDMS3]

The new look is mysteriously haunting... every time I look at my car I can't help it but subcunciously apply the new smile on it. LOL Already looking forward to the 3rd generation curious how it's gonna fix its mess.

[pjo113]

I would rather settle for the taped up spy shot version from the Nurburgring than that car. It does look like a Matrix and quite frankly I prefer the '08-09 interior over the '10. It looks like I will be holding on to my '08.5 for some time.

[Ajburr]

I will uhh.....pass on the new design. I do not dig it at all.

[john blutarski]

I'm sorry but that just looks terrible. I can say that I won't even be able to get used to this like I usually do with model design changes.

[Peter B]

Design aside, I'm glad they didn't change too much about it. I like the fact that the car has kinda of has a wild and untamed feel to it. It seems often companies make something like the MS3, then in an attempt to make it better, or appeal to a larger crowd they fuck it up. The MS3 was is a great car. It is nice to see that the same performance and unrefined desire to tear up pavement will be present in the next gen, even if it ugly.

Examples: Windows XP vs Vista or the 2002 WRX vs 2008 wrx

Like I said though, im not that apposed to the looks.... maybe thats just cause its so shiny though.

[240ka]

can you say MATRIXSPEED! ugliest shet ever
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0010_____big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0015______big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0014________big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0012______big.jpg
http://www.salon-auto.ch/multimedia/images/img_traitees/2009/03/DSC_0011______big.jpg

this is the reason why i left my door moldings on.

i dont like our MS3's without moldings they look matrix's to me

[bani]

anyone else notice the pushbutton start? this means you never have to take your keys out of your pocket...

[Antonio DiMarco]

So true and the Pontiac Aztek was proof of that. There are people who think things look good.

The Aztek and a mess of angles and odd material choices that made no sense. Yes the Aztek was a unique kind of poorly executed ugly. A Parts bin baby if I ever saw one.

[ecniemann]

I'm not even going to comment on the front, but what the hell is up with that wheel gap? Granted it will look different in person, but geez. After seeing the promo shots I was pumped about it, but after seeing the auto show shots, not so much. Also after seeing some images of the interior I'm not too sure about that fabric they are using on the door panels and seats. May be too much for my tastes.

Suppose to have wider/larger rubber than current version. Not sure of the size though.

Edit: Apparently 225/40/18 rubber.

[pcpower]

I disagree w/ all the remarks about the ugliness of the car. I think it has a lot of potential. The car looks like it was made for the iPod generation, it's new and refreshing. There are a lot of things a person could do to customize their car and make it look very good: Throw some tinted windows on there, re-paint the grille, change the wheels/rims, etc.

Additionally I think the car is going to look awesome in white. The red isn't really my cup of tea but I will wait to see it in person.

Anyone know if there are confirmed NA release dates for the 2010 Mazda 3 and also the MS3 version?

[kinks45]

I waited to weigh in on the front grille until I could see more colors. Car and Driver has shots of it in gray and I really like it. Here:http://www.caranddriver.com/news/auto_shows/2009_geneva_auto_show_auto_shows/production_debuts/2010_mazdaspeed_3_auto_shows+view-photos.html
I would like to see a black one also. I'm likin it.

[Peter B]

Not bad in the gray

[240ka]

I disagree w/ all the remarks about the ugliness of the car. I think it has a lot of potential. The car looks like it was made for the iPod generation, it's new and refreshing. There are a lot of things a person could do to customize their car and make it look very good: Throw some tinted windows on there, re-paint the grille, change the wheels/rims, etc.

Additionally I think the car is going to look awesome in white. The red isn't really my cup of tea but I will wait to see it in person.

Anyone know if there are confirmed NA release dates for the 2010 Mazda 3 and also the MS3 version?
I think the wheels are the hottest. Part of the car. I want a set for my ms3

[boosted1]

Anyone know if there are confirmed NA release dates for the 2010 Mazda 3 and also the MS3 version? The on sale date appears to be Fall 2009(4th quarter). After the New York Auto Show next month, a more definitive date will be announced.

[jengajoe]

The Furai concept was awesome, but the design cues from it on the new MS3 don't carry over very well in my opinion. My 1st gen MS3 will be staying with me for a long time. Now THIS is style, nice and aggressive without the smiley factor! Not my pic btw.

[Silver Ecstasy]

Who's ever pic that is, it's amazing!

[jengajoe]

Who's ever pic that is, it's amazing!

I forgot who's it is, but it's been my desktop for a while. Now it's gonna have to be my desktop for a while longer...
(hah) :D

[NCZ13]

i saw a 3 sedan going on a test drive.

It was black. Definitely caught my eye, and the black of the paint makes the grille stand out less. Nonetheless its a nice progression from the old 3. The new MS3 is still going to have to grow on me.

[TRDMS3]

I am actually not seeing the evil grin fascia as much in it anymore but I am not starting to accept the new look either...
Saw a few sedans out on the street can't say I spotted a hatch yet

[NCZ13]

the hatch hasnt been released yet.

[Boostin McFly]

This thing looks absolutely TERRIBLE...I hope the next design is better so I can get another MS3 in a couple of years...otherwise seeeeeeee ya!

[ZoomZoomPSSH]

Personally I like the look of the 08-09 better.
That's why I went ahead and purchased mine!
For me performance and looks have to be balanced well in order for me to like it. (That goes with anything, my guitars, etc.)

Don't care if it has a little more horsepower if it looks that way.

[Maxx Mazda]

I saw a new onedriving on the road today... FUGLY!!!

[blackdragon0731]

i know i cant change anything.. i just did a mock up of what would have been a slightly better design. either way, i have my first gen speed3 and im happy with it :)

[BlackCherry06]

When I went to pick my car up from the dealer on thursday, I got to see a new hatch up close. They got a truckload in the day before. I was hoping that I'd like it better in person, but that's not the case. Fugly. I don't know if I'll ever get used to it. I did notice one other style element I don't like too...the taillights have a HUGE bulge, like 2 shelves at the back of the car. I swear you could sit a can of Redbull on each of them. Me no likey.

[Aaron23]

Not the best Pics but i didn't have much time to shoot before they told me i had to get out of the garage.

[VermZ06]

Not the best Pics but i didn't have much time to shoot before they told me i had to get out of the garage.

OMG even the back of the car is smiling! Jeez.

[Silver Ecstasy]

LOL! That is hilarious, looks like it is smiling!

I spoke to my salesguy who said the 2010's came in finally and he's actually got nothing but positive things to say about the car. Handling, braking, suspension is all better, power is better, and he said they also have spin-on oil filters!

[ZoomZoomPSSH]

LOL! That is hilarious, looks like it is smiling!

I spoke to my salesguy who said the 2010's came in finally and he's actually got nothing but positive things to say about the car. Handling, braking, suspension is all better, power is better, and he said they also have spin-on oil filters!

don't always take what salesmen say as truth...
I asked one at a local dealer in houston if he knew about the Aircheck Texas program and he said yeah. Got it confused with LoJack. No way are the two related in any way whatsoever. That's why I said screw those morons we're going to another dealer.

I dunno man. The 2010 just doesn't balance looks and performance for me. Looks really take away from the car. I'm sure that others, just as myself, require a good balance of performance and looks when it comes to cars or anything in general.

[montrealms3]

Went to the dealer yesterday and saw some 2010 hatches . . . YUCK!! Well, I mean, I hate the smiley face, but the interior is really nice.

I thought that it might not look too bad in person, but yeah, it kinda does. I can get used to the interior but I cannot get used to being seen in a car with a goofy look to it. It kinda reminds me of when the Neon first came out and there were billboards with a picture from the front of it and a caption that simply read "Hi". The 2010 3 reminds me too much of something like that for me to be able to even begin to consider it . . . that plus I will never own another mazda . . . you can thank my dealer experience for that.

[pcpower]

The on sale date appears to be Fall 2009(4th quarter). After the New York Auto Show next month, a more definitive date will be announced.

thx. I was thinking it would be ideal for it to release in time for the summer,, always fun driving a sporty car in the warm months. not always so much fun driving in the fall / winter (at least in new england). alas we will wait and see.

[amilliems6]

http://www.webridestv.com/photos/2010-mazdaspeed-3-167626

2010 mazdaspeed 3

some or most of you might disagree with me but no hard feelings guys butt


eww

sorry if this is a repostt

[Zimmer]

uhh did I miss something... That looks like a regular 3
where's the dual exhaust and the hood scoop?
engine pic has no intercooler unless they went front mount.
and it looks terrible IMO

[amilliems6]

dunno but headline says ms3?

[amilliems6]

http://mazda3revolution.com/mazda3-guide/32-new-2010-mazda-3-mpsmazdaspeed-3-photos/

[Antonio DiMarco]

uhh did I miss something... That looks like a regular 3
where's the dual exhaust and the hood scoop?
engine pic has no intercooler unless they went front mount.
and it looks terrible IMO

It's a regular 3 hatch not MS3

[Zimmer]

It's a regular 3 hatch not MS3

ya i know (crazy) I'll thread jack... planning on coming to any of the mazda meets in the NEPOC section? We got a spring clean/install meet coming up in April. There's only 2 MS3. One guy comes as far as fitchburg.

[amilliems6]

oops my baddd guyss

[oaklandopen]

there were some 2010 3s at a local dealer yesterday...i didn't think they'd be out yet and neither did the dealer. apparently they were supposed to be briefed on the 2010s this weekend but the cars got sent early

no gt's or hatches though...which is what i wanted to see. and the local mazdaspeed dealer has like 10 2009's on their lot

[mzdaspd3]

I think it is a speed 3. If you look at the last picture on the 5th row, i believe that is a side mount intercooler in there. look at all the piping! there is no way its all for the intake.


nevermind, it clearly says mazda 3 on the rear hatch. who knows, i could be wrong on either account!

[Maxx Mazda]

What I did was keep a bit of the "smiley face" but made the grill much MUCH smaller. Imagine it with a nice black mesh in there, just a quick 5 min photoshop, nothing special.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Maxx%20Mazda/MZ3.jpg

[Silver Ecstasy]

Actually....that looks worse! It emphasizes the smile. The stock front bumper is so large that you can't help but ignore it but it has some form of function to it. I just wish it wasn't a semi-circle grooved grille in the front.

[xboxlivemonkey]

mazda fucked up

[skylar2ups]

The "smile" on the GT trim looks better then the lower end trims it doesn't have the shiny metal it looks really good in person the inside is spot on my dealership only had tan or "dune" but the cloth and leather were both nice the GT was Red Mica and they had a black touring and a white touring (I don't know if they still call it touring) the GT had the turn signals on the mirrors the two lower ones didn't and the head lights on the GT are more clear... the lower end has more yellow (a-la turn signal) the rear window is so much smaller and the trunk is larger. I didn't test drive it though... I went test drive the Genisis Coupe down the road.

[CHICO2003]

Nooo.... that photoshopped one is definitely an improvement. even if it's only a mild one. Mazda already had a hell of a front end design to work from in the rx-8 by implementing that look into the new MS3 and essentially keeping everything else be... I think we'd all be singing a different tune. shame they missed that opportunity. hopefully they'll pull a subaru and redo it year 2

[Antonio DiMarco]

ya i know (crazy) I'll thread jack... planning on coming to any of the mazda meets in the NEPOC section? We got a spring clean/install meet coming up in April. There's only 2 MS3. One guy comes as far as fitchburg.

I got a lot of travelling in the next couple of months. If the stars line up...

[leadf00t]

What I did was keep a bit of the "smiley face" but made the grill much MUCH smaller. Imagine it with a nice black mesh in there, just a quick 5 min photoshop, nothing special.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Maxx%20Mazda/MZ3.jpg

I could drive this !!!

The regular way, not even if they gave me the car free !!!!

[Maxx Mazda]

I could drive this !!!

The regular way, not even if they gave me the car free !!!!

Ya I thought it looked MUCH better!

[Sport6]

What I did was keep a bit of the "smiley face" but made the grill much MUCH smaller. Imagine it with a nice black mesh in there, just a quick 5 min photoshop, nothing special.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Maxx%20Mazda/MZ3.jpg

Now it looks like a Celica wagon.

But yes it does look better.

[Antonio DiMarco]

mazda fucked up

And you kiss your mother with that mouth. :D

[GoFast]

Now it looks like a Celica wagon.



That's it!! I was looking at it thinking "damn what does that look like?(uhm)"

[CHICO2003]

What I did was keep a bit of the "smiley face" but made the grill much MUCH smaller. Imagine it with a nice black mesh in there, just a quick 5 min photoshop, nothing special.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Maxx%20Mazda/MZ3.jpg

http://www.msprotege.com/members/CHICO2003/mazda3mps3.jpg

[CHICO2003]

there may be hope just yet. if the insert is anything like the current gen... it'll just pop out. surely there will be plenty of replacements on the market... some of which replicating the 'celica wagon' look. goodbye mr happy

[Sport6]

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Maxx%20Mazda/MZ3.jpg
http://www.scorpiocars.net/images/Toyota/2002%20Toyota%20Celica%20GT-S.jpg

[oaklandopen]

^ "looks fast"




anyone remember that?

[skylar2ups]

^ "looks fast"




anyone remember that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7xu-LdnIe8

[wisniaPl]

looks gay...mazdaspeed3 will be they ugliest car of the year....

[Antonio DiMarco]

http://www.msprotege.com/members/CHICO2003/mazda3mps3.jpg

You guys really want a non-descript box on 4 wheels. (hand)

I've noted many older and newer Matrix/Vibes on the road and don't think the new 3 looks anything like them. Sure there maybe some design details that are reminiscent of those two cars but on the whole the 3 is a design all it's own.

I agree that the MS3 nose looks better than the naturally aspirated version.

[skylar2ups]

looks gay...mazdaspeed3 will be they ugliest car of the year....

It does look very HAPPY... thus why people are calling it the "smile"

[MSP-4-ME]

I think the hood scoop ruins the look. I know its functional but it looks like ass.

[BlackCherry06]

It probably could've been a little less W I D E and still worked as well. But its obnoxiousness still pales when compared to the grille.

[dizzin9]

the car looks smaller for some reason...

[oaklandopen]

^ i think the driver inside is making an optical illusion of how small the car is...he looks gigantic in there

[blackdragon0731]

seeing that shot of the car im really hating the new eclispse-esque a-pillar design... and those angles with the front fender flares look like ass in my opinion, might just be the angle, either way, im glad im first gen :)

[sanblaster]

Quick p-chop

http://www.msprotege.com/members/sanblaster1/IMG_1838%20copy.jpg

[mckraut]

Haven't posted in this thread in a while, but what the HELL is going on with that grill?!

Edit: It'll be hilarious when people starting buying these and posting on the board. Considering how hostile first gen MS3 owners are to eachother already, I can't wait until the new kids get here.

[sanblaster]

Engineering wise, very good i hear, aesthetically very, very bad.

[ecniemann]

Quick p-chop

http://www.msprotege.com/members/sanblaster1/IMG_1838%20copy.jpg

That looks like a jack-o-lantern mouth! The car is even orange! LOL!

[sanblaster]

I think someone else needs to take it and tweak it some more, continue, until we all say "that's it!" then send it to mazda.

[CHICO2003]

seeing that shot of the car im really hating the new eclispse-esque a-pillar design... and those angles with the front fender flares look like ass in my opinion, might just be the angle, either way, im glad im first gen :)

The Eclipse has hands down the worst A Pillar design of all time. (The Civic tried to unseat it but somehow pulls it off.) I don't buy the fact that the side mirrors would be renderered useless if put where they belong... Sit in an Eclipse and imagine them where they belong and they'd totally work.

So yeah... Mitsu dropped the ball hard on that one. Other than that, the overall look of the car is pretty cool. (once they finally fixed the catfish grille) But I could never get past the damn a-pillar/side mirror debacle.

THIS car on the other hand... I just don't see the connection. The a-pillars are the least of its probilems.


Having seen a new 6 the other day... I can imagine the absurdity of the rear lights/coffee tables... seriously mazda, wtf are you doing? Those lights suck balls... the tiny little tailpipes suck ass... and the ridiculously fugly grille sucks ass and balls at the same time. If Mazda fixed these (easily fixable) details... they'd have themselves one hell of a car.

[Silver Ecstasy]

This isn't a 2010 video but I died laughing at how retarded this video is..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dINH1JLluN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVGAHuVCeI8

[oaklandopen]

this seems appropriate...it says "top of the morning to you"

http://i44.tinypic.com/2ir7xcn.jpg

[sanblaster]

haha, i'm trying man, i'm trying.

[CHICO2003]

no offense to whoever created it but... that's the worst one yet! looks like the car's gonna freakin blow me!

hmm... second thought...

[bani]

remember kids, cars cannot be modded.

grilles cannot be replaced, even with aftermarket parts.

the way your car comes stock is the way it shall forever be.

[Sport6]

The only way the car can look aggressive again is if they add a Hannibal Mask Bra(TM)!
http://www.howardhallis.com/news/2005/hannibal.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3359960922_9f19ba7d20_o.jpg

[Kuro3]

What about a little something like this? with the body color grille? I think it takes the edge off of the smile and gives the front a nicer bulk to it....

[CHICO2003]

impressive

[Kuro3]

here's another one I pchopped....

[mazdaspeed32007]

looks like those stupid flame grills for the ford f-150's. lol.

i think the front sort of looks like the toyota celica. headlight design and wheel flare. also....looks like they went with the aftermarket front lip style that everyone was doing themselves. even still............

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

spotted in white, the rear looks good, but sadly i didnt see the front

[skylar2ups]

Someone bought a 5-door around here they already have tinted windows.

[Donas64]

spotted in white, the rear looks good, but sadly i didnt see the front

It's parked at McDonalds in preparation to stuff its face....I mean grill.

[Hank3]

spotted in white, the rear looks good, but sadly i didnt see the front

The back is bad enough...

[wtf lol]

i know this doesn't pertain to a Speed3 BUT it's what our car was based off of, so here it is.. for your viewing pleasure, the 2010 Mazda 3

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/illninophanatik/2010Mazda3-front.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/illninophanatik/2010Mazda3-rear.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/illninophanatik/2010Mazda3-taillight.jpg

-r

[SHaW]

The straight out of college engineers strike again.

[StealthWyvern]

it comes complete with a buck tooth for those states that require a front plate!

[LASERBLUE135]

it comes complete with a buck tooth for those states that require a front plate!

I was going to say, I saw one at the local auto show and this is the only car that looks BETTER with the front plate. Really wasn't that gross looking to me. they only had the sedan too. I say the wagon looks way better.

[oaklandopen]

soooo....is there a reason why the wiper rests on the other side of the rear window now? is that part of their "all-new" design definition?

[TRDMS3]

soooo....is there a reason why the wiper rests on the other side of the rear window now? is that part of their "all-new" design definition?

it's a feature you only get with a luxury package :rolleyes:

[Circle9]

I just finished watching Cars.com's review of the new Speed3, the guy had me laughing halfway through when he made a comment on the car's exterior design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8mb-3rxiX4

[TRDMS3]

I just finished watching Cars.com's review of the new Speed3, the guy had me laughing halfway through when he made a comment on the car's exterior design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8mb-3rxiX4

Yes! Finally someone had the guts to say, this thing IS ugly!

[GoFast]

Finally? the guts? have you not read the hundreds of pages on this forum stating the same thing? (lol)

With that said though, perhaps more mags and online review sites haven;t said it because they actually like it. There are some people that do. I am also willing to bet that this car will grow on more than half of the naysayers on these boards.

[Hyun]

Ok, so i went to the dealer to look at this car in person. To be honest, wasnt as bad as i thought but was still pretty bad. But it did change my opinion that it may grow on me. Then behold, i see one coming up from behind.. with that ugly grin. Jesus christ ugliest thing i have ever seen and had to move over and let it pass because i could not bear to look at it anymore.

Honestly, this is first car and only car that i know that looks worse when it is moving than when it is standing still.

PS. I got scared when it was coming up on me, not because it looks evil but because I always had a fear of clown.

[cjre1]

Yes! Finally someone had the guts to say, this thing IS ugly!

I think this car is awesome and looks good. The front grill is looking like that for a reason. Please see other post. More and more people like the look.

[skylar2ups]

PS. I got scared when it was coming up on me, not because it looks evil but because I always had a fear of clown.

Wow way to just play off of the stupid video, it is not that bad and no it does not look worse while in motion. Lots of people like the redesign over the 04-09 models! The 3's hadn't had a major change since it came out. And we all own the earlier models... so of course we like our cars but there are some people out there that dis like our cars and why can't we all find something else to talk about?

GET OVER IT!

[TRDMS3]

Finally? the guts? have you not read the hundreds of pages on this forum stating the same thing? (lol)

With that said though, perhaps more mags and online review sites haven;t said it because they actually like it. There are some people that do. I am also willing to bet that this car will grow on more than half of the naysayers on these boards.

Absolutely I read them all too but no car reviewer dared to be so openly critical of the new look!! I almost couldn't believe him but he did in fact trashed the clown look.

[cjre1]

Absolutely I read them all too but no car reviewer dared to be so openly critical of the new look!! I almost couldn't believe him but he did in fact trashed the clown look.

Most car reviewers can not comment on the looks too much even if they dislike something or like it a lot. My friend is a car reviewer. They simply point out the facts of the car, like for the front end, why does it look like that? The main reason is for the wind drag to get it down to .29 and .31 not because Mazda wants all of us to smile. (attn)

[tiagotiago]

Finally? the guts? have you not read the hundreds of pages on this forum stating the same thing? (lol)

With that said though, perhaps more mags and online review sites haven;t said it because they actually like it. There are some people that do. I am also willing to bet that this car will grow on more than half of the naysayers on these boards.

Yeah eventually people will grow used to it. From certain angles I do like the car; and the rear treatment of the hatchback is really nice!

That said, a few weeks ago a friend asked me about my car, because he was thinking of getting a regular 3. A few days later he said that he really didn't like the new design and wouldn't get one because of this; and this is someone who is not a car guy.

[cjre1]

Yeah eventually people will grow used to it. From certain angles I do like the car; and the rear treatment of the hatchback is really nice!

That said, a few weeks ago a friend asked me about my car, because he was thinking of getting a regular 3. A few days later he said that he really didn't like the new design and wouldn't get one because of this; and this is someone who is not a car guy.

Nice story, I am a car guy and would totally get a new 2010 3. I think the new design is cool and is functionable. Love the LED lights in the back. For the rest of the people, you can't see the smiley face when you are driving the car. Unless, you hanging onto it. (braindead (shocked)

[Hyun]

Wow way to just play off of the stupid video, it is not that bad and no it does not look worse while in motion. Lots of people like the redesign over the 04-09 models! The 3's hadn't had a major change since it came out. And we all own the earlier models... so of course we like our cars but there are some people out there that dis like our cars and why can't we all find something else to talk about?

GET OVER IT!

My work does not alow me to play videos. I described the way i saw it. Id rather walk then seen driving this thing. It was on I85 near spagetti junction and black guy driving. If your on here.. (shrug) sorry .. it is what it is

[gugarci]

The styling is subjective. I like it and I have seen them in person. Doesn't make one person right or wrong.

[gugarci]

PS. I got scared when it was coming up on me, not because it looks evil but because I always had a fear of clown.
It reminded you of the joker, Heath Ledger.

[DaleNixon]

Looks more like Jack Nicholson joker.

[cjre1]

And a rich joker too!!!

[Antonio DiMarco]

I just finished watching Cars.com's review of the new Speed3, the guy had me laughing halfway through when he made a comment on the car's exterior design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8mb-3rxiX4

The mark of a bad reviewer is one who needs to resort to name calling and get away from the facts. Other reviews have pointed out the reason for the grille design: aerodynamics and improved airflow to the engine. This guy's reviewing chops are pitiful. How about being professional? At least Edmund's had the decency to say it's hideous but balance their subjective opinion with objective facts as to WHY the grille was designed this way. This guy just keeps twisting the blade with nothing good to say. "Clown", "model glue"? c'mon. Can't you come up with something better?

This type of behavior reminds me of going to someone's house and ripping into them becasue their taste don't align with your taste or telling them that the dinner sucks. It's just rude.

Good reviewer are few and far between. This guy is pathetic. Journalism as a whole has gotten away from it's roots: i.e. reporting impartial facts opposed to rampant opinion.

[Circle9]

IMO the new Speed3 is ugly and where as I was going to get one, I now will be looking at different cars instead. Just because the front grin/ll is functional, doesn't mean people are going to love it.

The reviewer IS entitled to his own opinion, which closely matches mine as well. And I'm with him on the rear tail lights, seriously, its border line ricey to me.

[BlackCherry06]

That grille insert is obnoxious. Yes, he's an idiot and he should only be writing reviews, not talking on camera. I just think Mazda could've done a variation on the honeycomb theme and ended up with a better looking grille. It looks very out of place.

[john blutarski]

It makes me wonder why the manufacturers can't do some sort of owner poll on whether or not we like certain design features prior to building/releasing new cars or changes to existing. I guess then there would be the risk of other manufacturers copying designs??

[GoFast]

It makes me wonder why the manufacturers can't do some sort of owner poll on whether or not we like certain design features prior to building/releasing new cars or changes to existing. I guess then there would be the risk of other manufacturers copying designs??

I am 99% sure that they DO run focus groups. I think that they problem is that most of the focus groups are comprised of non-enthusiasts. However, I think that is probably a better representation of what most American's would like than our small percentage of potential customers.

[Antonio DiMarco]

IMO the new Speed3 is ugly and where as I was going to get one, I now will be looking at different cars instead. Just because the front grin/ll is functional, doesn't mean people are going to love it.

The reviewer IS entitled to his own opinion, which closely matches mine as well. And I'm with him on the rear tail lights, seriously, its border line ricey to me.

...I get annoyed at Reviewer Hacks like the one in the video. Reviewing is all about balancing the good with the bad in a tasteful and educated way. Why do people have to be so obnoxious? Do they feel they need to prove a point or are they simply unable to develop a well-thought out argument.

Most of the negative comments I've seen on this car border on childish. How come people have to say "Mazda fucked up" or "Mazda FAILED"?

Half the bone heads who react this way probably couldn't draw a straight line with a pencil, nevermind design a car. No doubt these same people are Monday morning QB's as well and think they could coach/play a football game better than the professional.

Ridiculous.

[Antonio DiMarco]

I am 99% sure that they DO run focus groups. I think that they problem is that most of the focus groups are comprised of non-enthusiasts. However, I think that is probably a better representation of what most American's would like than our small percentage of potential customers.

The problem with focus groups and design by committee is that the end result would be a Corolla or some other product devoid of personality and character. Look what focus groups have done to movies. In an effort to appease EVERYONE studios tailor films so that they appeal to a wider demographic, which will hopefully result in more tickets sold and higher profits. Problem is everyone has different tastes (which is apparent by the feedback on the 2010 3).

Great companies know their market and don't try to be everything to everyone. Mazda tried competing with the big Japanese automakers in the late 90's and failed. Once they found their niche they flourished.

Aksing Mazda not to create cars like the 2010 3 is essentially asking them to stop being creative and instead follow the leaders. Mazda would fail and then those who appreciate the cars they build would be shit out of luck.

And I for one wouldn't buy a Toyota, Honda etc if you paid me. Overrated, overpriced and underwhelming. I recently had to rent a RAV 4 and was amazed at how completely lacking in personality it was. It amazes me that those gray interiors still sell. Even funnier I accidentally lost the RAV 4 in a mall parking lot. Three other people had the same color combo in the same isle of cars in the lot.

[hyperpm]

Sorry but that front is ugly, functional or not.

[gugarci]

Sorry but that front is ugly, functional or not.
And you are right, but those that disagree are also right. We can't all have the same taste. I like the new look, and I also like the old look. But I actually like the new look a little better.

Those of you that that don't like the new look hold off till 2011. The 2011's will have a hood emblem with a trunk monkey giving people the finger. Here it is. (monkey) ,LOL (laugh)

[TieNN89]

When did these new gens hit the showroom over there??

These only came last week for the Australian Market

Attended a launch night last Wednesday

http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/TieNN89/Mazda%20150409/?start=all

[TieNN89]

looks to be our headlights are different to the ones that goes to the market over there

[cjre1]

Do any of you know if the 2011 model S GT will look and be different than the 2010?

[CHICO2003]

not sure... but the 2016 MS3 will definitely look different

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

off topic...
dude hte new 6's front bumper looks WAY better in australia... WTF?
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/TieNN89/Mazda%20150409/eac5b797.jpg

[AWmustang]

The Euro spec mazda 6 (which I believe is what the Aussies get) is MUCH different from the US spec 6. The US spec 6 is much larger. They are now 2 very different cars. If you can, find a pic of the Euro spec tail. I think the US one is better.

[CHICO2003]

Finally saw a new 3 (sedan) on the road. I was never much of a fan of the last gen model (too girly) but I'm not sure this one's any better. The rear has an odd boxiness to it and the front fenders create some awkward lines. It's not as fugly as the current Sentra but comes across in the same type of way. Of the cars it competes with... I still feel the Civic is the best 'looking' of the bunch.

[SKiZZ]

The mark of a bad reviewer is one who needs to resort to name calling and get away from the facts. Other reviews have pointed out the reason for the grille design: aerodynamics and improved airflow to the engine. This guy's reviewing chops are pitiful. How about being professional? At least Edmund's had the decency to say it's hideous but balance their subjective opinion with objective facts as to WHY the grille was designed this way. This guy just keeps twisting the blade with nothing good to say. "Clown", "model glue"? c'mon. Can't you come up with something better?

This type of behavior reminds me of going to someone's house and ripping into them becasue their taste don't align with your taste or telling them that the dinner sucks. It's just rude.

Good reviewer are few and far between. This guy is pathetic. Journalism as a whole has gotten away from it's roots: i.e. reporting impartial facts opposed to rampant opinion.

WOW, EPIC FAIL on the reviewer.

[cjre1]

No matter what review I read, I always look at the facts. Ok we mostly here agree that the grin looks aweful, however, it has a purpose. I don't see the grin much in the black or mica grey. It blends in, but on the white or red, watch out, it looks pretty bad. Once they come out with a front mask, I bet the grin will look kind of cool. What do you think?

[alvse]

Here's my new baby!



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3483182780_ccf8b68e05.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3482367145_42457c4848.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3482367527_5d583b78b0.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3483184168_76cef5d24b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3482368455_2fb5d152b4.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3483184852_e2a0f66659.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3483183868_f7e66a1592.jpg

Zoom Zoom

[Silver Ecstasy]

Nice shots!!!

[skylar2ups]

I think that looks AWESOME... hope you like your 3!

[CHICO2003]

Still not a fan but those are some pretty badass pics. Mazda should've hired you to take the photos!

[cjre1]

Awesome photos. WOW, they look like they were shot not only with a professional camera, but looks like a magazine ad. :)

[GoFast]

nice pics! now post up in the official 2010+ mazda 3 roll call thread!! (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123738436)

[ViPeR689]

I think the license plate frame helps hide the grille quite a bit, and that really improves the overall look of the car. If you get a chance, could you also post some interior pics??

[TRDMS3]

hmm I could almost smell the new car lol I remember mine off the lot thinking I had everything in life I wanted... then rims etc never ending. Cool shots indeed, great angles, you have a niche in photography man.
Just trying not to look below the headlight ;D

[cpmazda]

new speed3 looks like a retarded version of a wrx

[Mazda3]

new speed3 looks like a retarded version of a wrx

Thanks for sharing that.

[GoFast]

new speed3 looks like a retarded version of a wrx


Thanks for sharing that.

Yes thank you! I am now convinced that I am not going to buy it....(pow)

[cjre1]

I like the sedan vs the hatch. I think the front grill looks worst with the hatch than it does on the sedan. I am staying with a darker color color, so the grill won't stand out. Any ideas from you guys?

[CHICO2003]

Ideas for what? Sounds like you've already got it figured out.

[ViPeR689]

I would refuse to get the Mazda3 stock, but the MS3 looks just fine IMO.

[cjre1]

Ideas for what? Sounds like you've already got it figured out.

Always can learn more. I mean ideas by anyone adding or have added mods to their new car?

[mazdaspeed32007]

i saw a new 3 today on the nighway and gave it to good look over....the guy wasnt to pleased with me going in front in back in front in back lol. i kinda like it. with bigger rims and some noticable appearance upgrades the better versions have i dont mind it as much as i did in the pics. i think i still like my model better but i def dont hate it like before. i really want to test drive the new one to see how it rides compared to the 07-09 but im glad i own a model only made for 2 years.

[oaklandopen]

sat in a gt sedan at the dealer yesterday and got to check out all the accessories inside. i really like the interior and features, moreso than my 8.5

[cjre1]

+1

The new options and features are awesome. I like the new cabin lights.