I think I'm waiting for a 2010 speed

[6SpeedTA95]

I drove a 2010 hatchback yesterday and the improvements over the 2009 blew me away...the car was much quieter, much more refined and the improvements to the chassis could be felt and were significant...

The new 2.5L is a great motor too...


I went in wanting to hate on the 2010 but after driving it I found it very appealing and the interior materials are befitting a car costing thousands more...The 2010 speed is supposed to have some minor revisions along with firmer more controlled ride and that makes it worth the wait despite its shit eating grin.

[HOBDisease]

That shit-eating grin will come back to haunt you later. Settle for an 09.

[6SpeedTA95]

That shit-eating grin will come back to haunt you later. Settle for an 09.

No it wont, its not nearly as pronounced in person and the car is so much better overall I can take the awkward face...

[oaklandopen]

That shit-eating grin will come back to haunt you later. Settle for an 09.

not if youre driving ;)

[hugador]

No it wont, its not nearly as pronounced in person and the car is so much better overall I can take the awkward face...

True. Seen a couple 2010 mz3s on the road and they don't look as bad as they do in pictures. The grin don't really jump out on you like you would expect.

[Nismothecat]

my das has a 2010 hatch. its not nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

[H3br3w_Ham3r]

I drove a 2010 hatchback yesterday and the improvements over the 2009 blew me away...the car was much quieter, much more refined and the improvements to the chassis could be felt and were significant...

The new 2.5L is a great motor too...


I went in wanting to hate on the 2010 but after driving it I found it very appealing and the interior materials are befitting a car costing thousands more...The 2010 speed is supposed to have some minor revisions along with firmer more controlled ride and that makes it worth the wait despite its shit eating grin.

2010 speed has the same 2.3 engine as the current car. It is not a variant of the 2.5 N/A motor.

Haha the Mazdaspeed3 2010 forum is going to be a boring place.

[6SpeedTA95]

2010 speed has the same 2.3 engine as the current car. It is not a variant of the 2.5 N/A motor.

Haha the Mazdaspeed3 2010 forum is going to be a boring place.

Yeah I knjow its got a carryover 2.3, doesn't bother me the 2.3 is a great motor too, but for obvious reasons not as quiet/refined as the 2.5.

[Silver Ecstasy]

I have to vote with the OP and recommend sticking with the 2010.

All bullshit smiley face front bumper jokes aside, the car is incredibly refined, feels like a million bucks inside, and would be a very enjoyable car to own over the long run.

As you mod the 07-09 platform, it loses a little of it's docile-ness and turns slightly raw, where as the 2010+ platform feels SO upscale, to the point where you could quietly make it an incredibly enjoyable car to own, and it's incredibly modern.

I think it's a great example of how Japanese cars have always been ahead of their times in the current car segments, in comparison to the US market, and the 2010 speed really feels like that. Why settle with the old platform? Because of the aftermarket? That's when people's priorities are different.

[TRDMS3]

ur one of the only few people I heard so far actually liking the the new model.

[Tyrdstorm]

I wish I could have waited for the '10. I needed a new car back in February and couldn't justify waiting until the new Speed3 was available. I'm happy with my '09, but I'm sure once I see a bunch of the '10s driving around I'll start to wish I could have waited.

[240ka]

I like the raw "sportcar" feeling of our cars. When I want something plusher it will not be a mazda. It will be an Infiniti

Enjoy your purchase OP. I can see how the 2010 3's make our current cars look a bit dated but car enthus. Liking the ms3 for what it is I can't see coming around to the 10 MS3.

I still think They should have brought out the 10 MSMX5 or MS6. Both would look a lot better than the 10 MS3.

[8.5MS3]

I like the sleeper looks of the first gen. 2010 looks a little too boy racer for me with the massive hood scoop

[bjjer]

looks are subjective ( I like the looks of the new MS3) and the new car IS an improvement over the 07-09. Mazda is not going backwards but forward with this platform. The old model had a lot of issues that im sure Mazda addressed which will make the 2010+ an overall superior car. If I was in the market for one right now I would definitly wait for reviews of the new MS3 as well as waiting for one for a test drive before Id purchase an 07-09.

[leadf00t]

Haha the Mazdaspeed3 2010 forum is going to be a boring place.

Insert crickett noise here......

[SDSpeed3]

I like the sleeper looks of the first gen. 2010 looks a little too boy racer for me with the massive hood scoop

This!

The new scoop screams "Look at me, I'm trying to go fast!" or "I wanna be like a Suby or Mitsu"

Plus the '10 MS3 is about 100 pounds heavier

[judman13]

Plus the '10 MS3 is about 100 pounds heavier

ZOMG!!! 100 whole pounds!!!!! Wheels and a racing seat....problem solved....or just take the spare out.

Go ahead and just try to find every little freakin thing wrong with it because you dont want to admit it might be better than your car.

[Antonio DiMarco]

I have to vote with the OP and recommend sticking with the 2010.

All bullshit smiley face front bumper jokes aside, the car is incredibly refined, feels like a million bucks inside, and would be a very enjoyable car to own over the long run.

As you mod the 07-09 platform, it loses a little of it's docile-ness and turns slightly raw, where as the 2010+ platform feels SO upscale, to the point where you could quietly make it an incredibly enjoyable car to own, and it's incredibly modern.

I think it's a great example of how Japanese cars have always been ahead of their times in the current car segments, in comparison to the US market, and the 2010 speed really feels like that. Why settle with the old platform? Because of the aftermarket? That's when people's priorities are different.

Count me as another guy who likes the new model. I like my 08 too but the improvements with the new version are apparent.

[eg6motion]

I like the new interior (minus the tiny GPS screen) but don't care for the matrix-y looks of the hatch. The sedan is ok...but the looks are still over the top in person for me. I do like the scoop though. Perhaps the 2011-2012 will refine the front grill slightly.

[8.5MS3]

ZOMG!!! 100 whole pounds!!!!! Wheels and a racing seat....problem solved....or just take the spare out.

Go ahead and just try to find every little freakin thing wrong with it because you dont want to admit it might be better than your car.

wow someones lookin for a fight...lol

a racing seat & wheels/tires could run you a ton of money btw. And i personally dont think its a better car. I look at all aspects of it, but its a personal choice. I dont like the exterior or the new interior, that dash reminds me of the civic space ship console, but to each his own.

It really depends on the individual and what the expectations are. I know for me its performance, and yes 100 lb weight gain with no added power would be a concern

[judman13]

wow someones lookin for a fight...lol

a racing seat & wheels/tires could run you a ton of money btw. And i personally dont think its a better car. I look at all aspects of it, but its a personal choice. I dont like the exterior or the new interior, that dash reminds me of the civic space ship console, but to each his own.

It really depends on the individual and what the expectations are. I know for me its performance, and yes 100 lb weight gain with no added power would be a concern

Sorry It just really ticks me off when people bash and nitpick and crap just because its not their taste. It really alienates people that have different styles for no reason. Sure it might weigh 100 more pounds, but its meant to be a street legal DD with more punch than your average wagon not a purpose built racecar where every ounce is cut.

If you do plan on racing it then all the extra 100 lbs of plush is going to be scrapped anyways so whats the big deal. Don't hate the car just ignore it and be happy with the one you have.

[240ka]

1st Gen > 2nd Gen even though 2nd gen makes 1st gen look dated

but like the new wheels mazda is throwing on these cars. i want the charcoal colored Rx8 R3 wheels for my MGM MS3.

FTMFW

[ViPeR689]

When I first saw the 2010 MS3, I fell in love, but the more I looked at the smile, the less I liked it compared to the current MS3s. However, I find that the 2010 MS3 interior and technology upgrades are a great improvement.

But here's my dilemma: I also love the 2009 Impreza STi and could find a used one for $31k. Should I save $5-6k and get the new MS3 (power downgrade), or get the current gen MS3 for $20 (power and technology downgrade), or save up for an STi...

GRRRR... Damn dilemmas...

[6SpeedTA95]

wow someones lookin for a fight...lol

a racing seat & wheels/tires could run you a ton of money btw. And i personally dont think its a better car. I look at all aspects of it, but its a personal choice. I dont like the exterior or the new interior, that dash reminds me of the civic space ship console, but to each his own.

It really depends on the individual and what the expectations are. I know for me its performance, and yes 100 lb weight gain with no added power would be a concern
From purely a looks perspective the look inside and out on the older model is better, but the gauges on the new model are a lot better (I juts wish it had a full set), its the quality of materials that really jump up in the new model. It's pretty impressive the size of leap this car took forward from a quality standpoint.

I guess its possible that it turns into a rattle trap in 10k miles but that seems unlikely the car just feels much more precise from the doors to the way the wheel feels when you telescope it, the car is much improved.

I do think the new steering at least on the regular hatches is a tiny bit overboosted on center, but once off center mid corner adjustments are every bit as sharp as the old car. Unfortunately I didn't get to really push the car but now that I know I'm getting a 2010 the dealer offered me a take home car for a couple days and/or for a weekend.


edit: I'd also like to add I could see the new interior growign on me and maintaining a more modern look into the future...the outside...I think the outside while looking modern now wont age as well as the Gen1.

[6SpeedTA95]

When I first saw the 2010 MS3, I fell in love, but the more I looked at the smile, the less I liked it compared to the current MS3s. However, I find that the 2010 MS3 interior and technology upgrades are a great improvement.

But here's my dilemma: I also love the 2009 Impreza STi and could find a used one for $31k. Should I save $5-6k and get the new MS3 (power downgrade), or get the current gen MS3 for $20 (power and technology downgrade), or save up for an STi...

GRRRR... Damn dilemmas...

Couple things bro...

1) the STI is hands down the better performance car, its not really even close in my opinion, so if performance is all that its about save for the STI and call it a day...

2) The mazda3 interior (especially the new models) is so much better than the STI's that its just silly. The Mazda3 makes a better daily driver/weekend toy for me than would the STI...If I were going to drop 30k on a car it would be a G35/37 or a 328i...but thats just my opinion...

I think you should take an extensive drive in both cars to help make up your mind...the STI is awesome and they're damn near bullet proof, its easy to make 400+ hp...with the mazda they're pretty solid in stage1 form but beyond that there's been a few issues with the 2.3L. Weigh the pro's/con's and make a decision thats best for you and your needs, not what I or anyone else on the internet says.

[8.5MS3]

From purely a looks perspective the look inside and out on the older model is better, but the gauges on the new model are a lot better (I juts wish it had a full set), its the quality of materials that really jump up in the new model. It's pretty impressive the size of leap this car took forward from a quality standpoint.

I guess its possible that it turns into a rattle trap in 10k miles but that seems unlikely the car just feels much more precise from the doors to the way the wheel feels when you telescope it, the car is much improved.

I do think the new steering at least on the regular hatches is a tiny bit overboosted on center, but once off center mid corner adjustments are every bit as sharp as the old car. Unfortunately I didn't get to really push the car but now that I know I'm getting a 2010 the dealer offered me a take home car for a couple days and/or for a weekend.


edit: I'd also like to add I could see the new interior growign on me and maintaining a more modern look into the future...the outside...I think the outside while looking modern now wont age as well as the Gen1.

Thats awesome that the dealer is letting you take it home for a few days to rip on it. I just dont see the new MS3 being as mod friendly as 1st gen either. so for the guys who like the big stereos or gauges its gonna be tough. I agree with the exterior being a big leap, but i think its too out there compared to the competition. if you compare the 3 to the new gen of 6's n RX-8 its much more "bold" and i think that could sway some people

[ViPeR689]

Couple things bro...

1) the STI is hands down the better performance car, its not really even close in my opinion, so if performance is all that its about save for the STI and call it a day...

2) The mazda3 interior (especially the new models) is so much better than the STI's that its just silly. The Mazda3 makes a better daily driver/weekend toy for me than would the STI...If I were going to drop 30k on a car it would be a G35/37 or a 328i...but thats just my opinion...

I think you should take an extensive drive in both cars to help make up your mind...the STI is awesome and they're damn near bullet proof, its easy to make 400+ hp...with the mazda they're pretty solid in stage1 form but beyond that there's been a few issues with the 2.3L. Weigh the pro's/con's and make a decision thats best for you and your needs, not what I or anyone else on the internet says.

Thanks for the feedback bro, but that's exactly what my dilemma is lol. Should I go for the comfort of the Speed3 or the performance of the STi. I've ruled out the G37, 3 series type cars because they don't have nearly as big an aftermarket as the Speed3 or STi, which is what I want.

[240ka]

if you are willing to spend money they do.

the GTM TT kit for the G37/370z put out 542whp and 502wtq on 6 lbs of boost

[SDSpeed3]

ZOMG!!! 100 whole pounds!!!!! Wheels and a racing seat....problem solved....or just take the spare out.

Go ahead and just try to find every little freakin thing wrong with it because you dont want to admit it might be better than your car.


Sorry It just really ticks me off when people bash and nitpick and crap just because its not their taste. It really alienates people that have different styles for no reason. Sure it might weigh 100 more pounds, but its meant to be a street legal DD with more punch than your average wagon not a purpose built racecar where every ounce is cut.

If you do plan on racing it then all the extra 100 lbs of plush is going to be scrapped anyways so whats the big deal. Don't hate the car just ignore it and be happy with the one you have.

Thanks for giving me a laugh today.
I appreciate it.
Never thought a statement of fact (100 pounds heavier) would be considered "bashing and nitpicking and crap".
Also, please show me in my verbose post where I said I "hated the car".
All i did was agree on the sleeper fact of the first generation and my dissapproval of the way the hood scoop looks.

[ViPeR689]

if you are willing to spend money they do.

the GTM TT kit for the G37/370z put out 542whp and 502wtq on 6 lbs of boost

But that's a ton of money on top of an already expensive car. Not worth it IMO.

Plus, I'm not a big fan of the G37/370Z.

[stageup]

get whatever you think will make you happier
i considered trading in my 08 for a 10
but then the pics came out lol. i'm sure it will
grow on those of us who can't stand the way
it looks right now.i wish they kept the weight the
same or at least tweaked the motor a bit to compensate.

but it's just like the s2000 i guess, 2000-2009
no diff in hp, just a bit more torque.

[8.5MS3]

But that's a ton of money on top of an already expensive car. Not worth it IMO.

Plus, I'm not a big fan of the G37/370Z.

If you really want to go balls to the wall, get an older sti and bring it to a tuner here in NY. hes got one running on 45psi making 755awhp

[pdqgp]

despite its shit eating grin.

IMO, I just couldn't live with the front end. They have several 5 door 2.5l's at the dealer near me and every time I look at the front of them, I just about puke.

Nice refinements, but I'm pretty selfish. I love my wife, but if she had a fucked up smile, I'd be flipping a hefty dental bill or seeing a divorce lawyer.

[leadf00t]

I would just like to take a few pieces of the interior, and drop them in our cars, and I'd be perfectly happy. The outside of the car is.... Well we've said it all before, so theres no point beating a dead neomatrix, oops I mean horse.

[jaxmazda5]

STI-higher insurance, costlier maintenance. not sure what exactly a routine oil change, tire rotation costs on an STI but it's more than the average turbo car. (considering always synthetic in all turbo cars).

Outside of that, heck yeah it's an awesome car.

[Darth Vader]

The only car I'd look at right now is the Focus RS...assuming they bring it or its '10 new generation to Canada. So, oh well, I just have to be satisfied with the hottest hatch available right now, (lol2)

[leadf00t]

The only car I'd look at right now is the Focus RS...assuming they bring it or its '10 new generation to Canada. So, oh well, I just have to be satisfied with the hottest hatch available right now, (lol2)

I could roll around in one of those for sure.

[aaronc7]

to the OP. 2010 ms3??? you could have made the thread title "I think I like men" and it would have been less gay.

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

I haven`t read the whole thread, but all I can think of when I see that front end is the ad campaign for the original Neon.
"The car that says "hi"."

[GoFast]

i cant believe that month and months after the first pictures of the car were ever released, we are still talking about how the front end looks like a smiley face.

[240ka]

to the OP. 2010 ms3??? you could have made the thread title "I think I like men" and it would have been less gay.

bwahahaha


and to who ever said they can deal with the front end of the 2010 MS3. look at it next to the white MS3. not sure how someone could deal with this cars design. i love the Anime "Guyver" but i dont want a car that looks like Guyver
http://www.christography.ca/images/0715carMeet/59.jpg

[aaronc7]

that white ms3 is pretty hot

[CornerCarver]

I thought about waiting for the 2010 MS3, but went ahead and bought a 2009 model. I figured I didn't want a first model year car like the 2010. I remember reading about lots of issues with the 2007 MS3's so the 2010's will probably have their issues as well. Came real close to buying a 370Z as well, but the first model year scared me.

[Circle9]

Just go back to the post, choose the "edit post", then click on the "delete post" option.

Hehe, the post was funny though.

[MaikuMS3]

bwahahaha


and to who ever said they can deal with the front end of the 2010 MS3. look at it next to the white MS3. not sure how someone could deal with this cars design. i love the Anime "Guyver" but i dont want a car that looks like Guyver
http://www.christography.ca/images/0715carMeet/59.jpg

i would take the white one next to 2010. hot ride.

[240ka]

I thought about waiting for the 2010 MS3, but went ahead and bought a 2009 model. I figured I didn't want a first model year car like the 2010. I remember reading about lots of issues with the 2007 MS3's so the 2010's will probably have their issues as well. Came real close to buying a 370Z as well, but the first model year scared me.

being that the 10 is using the same motor. doubt it will have alot of first model bugs like most first models

[TRDMS3]

I'd pick the 2nd car in that pic without even thinking

far more agressive sleeper look vs the scooby version...

[kvndoom]

The 2010 looks sweet from certain angles. The 2009 looks sweet from any angle. For me that's the difference. I do like the '10 wheels better. Mine look like a damn alarm clock. :P

[RC08MS3]

is it just me or does the new MS3 front end look like something you would find swimming around in the water.....

[oaklandopen]

is it just me or does the new MS3 front end look like something you would find swimming around in the water.....

it's mr. bighead from rocco's modern life

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0470/200px-RML_Char_Ed_Bighead.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0470/200px-RML_Char_Ed_Bighead)

[meicalnissyen]

2010 speed has the same 2.3 engine as the current car. It is not a variant of the 2.5 N/A motor.

Haha the Mazdaspeed3 2010 forum is going to be a boring place.

would love to get those ratios though
thats huge on a day to day basis

[SDSpeed3]

Seriously, look how much better the first generation is:


http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss284/TieNN89/MPS%20Drive%20Day/IMG_7607.jpg

And that's a black '10 so the "smile" isn't even that obvious and it still kills the look of the car!

It'll never "grow" on me!

Looks worse every time I see it.

[Ajburr]

Exterior asthetics as far as I'm concerned:

Headlights: 2010
Hood: 2010
Grill: 09 and older
wheels: 09 and older
side panels: 09 and older
taillights: 09 and older

Pretty much I hate the smilie face, and the entire rear half of the car. Just looking at it from the back end is a complete turnoff, even the exhaust although it's dual exhaust, looks weak in comparison, especially when it's obviously not needed. If I could have back half of mine, and combine it with a 2010 front half, slap that smile off it's face, we'd be in business. Although I admit, when I see a new 2010 mazda 3 driving down the road in the opposite direction I still turn my head, I think mostly because I do like the new headlights, and the smile is a little less noticable behind a license plate. That's about as far as my attraction goes.

[RC08MS3]

lol the front facia/grill looks like gills

[boosted1]

I'm waiting to see, if the 2011 MS3 is improved over the 2010 MS3. If Ford is bringing the Euro Focus next year, maybe we will see the 2.5L Turbo 4 with the Revo Knuckle(300 hp). Also, Bi-Xenon HID's and LED tails would be nice.

[Sport6]

I'm waiting to see, if the 2011 MS3 is improved over the 2010 MS3. If Ford is bringing the Euro Focus next year, maybe we will see the 2.5L Turbo 4 with the Revo Knuckle(300 hp). Also, Bi-Xenon HID's and LED tails would be nice.

We have the LED Tails and the Focus is a 2.5L Turbo I5 (volvo based). But If that comes over here, I won't be keeping the speed3 as long as I had hoped...

[stageup]

they should have at least kept the rectangular foglights
altho i can see why they changed it to round
since the rest of the front end is curvy and smiley

[tiagotiago]

The 2010 looks sweet from certain angles. The 2009 looks sweet from any angle. For me that's the difference.

+1.

I took my car for it's scheduled service last week and there was a 2010 2.5 hatchback. The view from 3/4 rear is very nice in person, I really liked the car from that angle, and even on the "regular" hatch, the quality of the interior materials felt superior to the 1st gen ms3, IMO you're going to be spending most of the time inside, so the outside should be secondary, even more so if they can fix some of the small problems that exist on the 1st gen ms3.

That said, I still don't like the front end; but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so to the OP, I'd suggest you look at both if they are available, and choose the one that YOU like the most.

[Nismothecat]

would love to get those ratios though
thats huge on a day to day basis

found this on the Mazda website

1st - 3.21
2nd - 1.91
3rd - 1.37
4th - 1.03
5th - 0.79
6th - 3.46
final drive 1st-4th - 4.19
final drive 5th-6th - 3.53

[squidmotion]

fire the designers... no beat, strip, and then fire the designers.


why would they do that? i'm a designers (web, print, graphic design) and i'm still scratching my head on this one.

i saw what the 2010s were going to look like and i immediately started looking for an '09.... i've seen them in person, and i still think they really messed up on this one. and it isn't just the grill ..... the rear looks awkward, i don't like those high wheel arches, and it looks too tall and thin, not wide and low.....

but who makes the ugliest cars around? the title has been stripped from xxxxxx and xxxxxxx for the last few years...(names x'd for flame protection)...hands down, mitsubishi.

other than the higher end lancers and evos (which are great looking!).... the rest of the line LOOKS LIKE GARBAGE. the fugliest headlight, tail light, and grill treatments i have ever seen on a car. the last few year models are actually PAINFUL to look at.... aren't these guys doing focus groups? what the hell is going on?

that new galant looks like a 5 year old nissan, the eclipse looks like a girl with too small up top and a huuuuuuuge booty. wearing itty bitty shoes.

where the evo snarls, the rest of the pack looks like it needs to wipe it's nose... yeah, you got a 'hanger' there, bro...

once again... just my opinion...

[Tyrdstorm]

Well I'll say it again... I love the way the new one looks. If I could have waited 5 months I would have got a 2010 instead of my '09. I do love my MGM color though!

[Stoßtrupp]

The gear ratios are barely taller than the current GEN, I've driving it and couldn't even tell a difference really. 90% sure a shift to 3rd will be required for a fast 0-60 run and a shift to 5th for a fast 1/4 like before.

[Nuffflavor]

Love everything about 2010 except the "Shit Eating Grin". If the hood did not have that air vent on it, I would take it out to the pasteur and shoot it. The older models, like mine 2008, looks sophisticated, dominant, and luxury/stylish from the front.

My first impression was "Wow...cool...WTF??!?!?"

[8.5MS3]

autoexe attempted to fix it

[leadf00t]

autoexe attempted to fix it

I could drive that.

[TRDMS3]

autoexe attempted to fix it

it did very little to hide it, you need to a completely redesign the front bumper grill, say like make it rectangular like on an older one as opposed to triangle (mouth) (hand)

[MrDouble]

Test drove the 2010 before picking up a 09 so I won't have regrets.

Styling is personal, but I think it's just hideous, especially the front, side profile is the best. Interior materials are better, but design is worse. Only thing I like is the boost gauge and tach is now same size as speedo. The gray exterior color is great though, wish 09s came in that color.

Biggest turn-off was how it drives. It's 'refined'. It has greatly reduced the 'man to machine' connection factor, the root of MS3's attraction. It's not a Camry, but it's just not as fun to drive. Felt lot like the 09 WRX I drive minutes earlier.

I'm disappointed with Mazda's decision to go more mass-market with the 10s. Subaru tried that with 07-08 WRXs and it really pissed off the WRX community.

So it was easy decision to get the 1st gen.

[Silver Ecstasy]

As long as that refinement doesn't mean more bounciness on the freeway, I think i'd like it.

[ElGaspo]

....Biggest turn-off was how it drives. It's 'refined'. It has greatly reduced the 'man to machine' connection factor, the root of MS3's attraction. It's not a Camry, but it's just not as fun to drive. Felt lot like the 09 WRX I drive minutes earlier.

That's what I'm starting to read in most car mags road tests...Mazda zigged when it should have zagged. What sports-car driver would want LESS involvement and LESS road feel ?!? (uhm)

[Silver Ecstasy]

Because the car doesn't need to be raw and rough for it to perform well. I think refined is hardly a bad thing.

[tiagotiago]

Because the car doesn't need to be raw and rough for it to perform well. I think refined is hardly a bad thing.

+10!!!

Just because it's smoother riding doesn't mean it's gonna be slower; that said, I'd like to drive a 2010 around the roads I know, to see if they just got the suspension nicely tuned or gotten too close to camry-ness.

[LiquidSilver]

+10!!!

Just because it's smoother riding doesn't mean it's gonna be slower; that said, I'd like to drive a 2010 around the roads I know, to see if they just got the suspension nicely tuned or gotten too close to camry-ness.


Hi, Everyone. This is my first post on the board, but I had to say something about the 2010 Speed3.

I've had my Speed for over a week now, and I can say that tactile feedback is definitely there. What isn't there is the pain I used to experience in my 1994 Honda Civic hatch while driving down city streets. That car would just about beat you to death.


Has anyone that's complaining actually driven a 2010 on more than a quick test drive?

[Nuffflavor]

As long as that refinement doesn't mean more bounciness on the freeway, I think i'd like it.

Grand Tour... love the Navigation package. Good directions, and / or show off component ;-).

[Silver Ecstasy]

I can't wait to test drive a 2010. It's not like i'll be getting one but still, it'd be nice.

[Stoßtrupp]

I can't wait to test drive a 2010. It's not like i'll be getting one but still, it'd be nice.

Same as 1gen but smoother and has a lighter clutch.

[SDSpeed3]

The gray exterior color is great though, wish 09s came in that color.



You like the Liquid Silver better than the Metropolitan Gray?

The Liquid Silver looks like every other silver color out there, whereas the Metropolitan Gray is definitely unique.

[8.5MS3]

You like the Liquid Silver better than the Metropolitan Gray?

The Liquid Silver looks like every other silver color out there, whereas the Metropolitan Gray is definitely unique.

so unique i cant find a single aftermarket wheel i like

[Tyrdstorm]

so unique i cant find a single aftermarket wheel i like

You could be like LOL WUT and I and get some MB Interlines. I think they look really good with our color... I am biased however. :)

Mine:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123749396

LOL WUT
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123748416

[Captain GJ]

No offense to anyone who's picked up a '10 speed, but in person the front of the car is pretty awful. I spent a good hour at the dealership while my car was getting serviced checking them out (there were probably 10 or so at the dealer). I was really hoping seeing one in person would warm me over, but it did the opposite. The other thing that bothered me a lot more than I thought it would was the interior and the cheap looking door/seat inserts with the red pattern. I really feel that it detracts from an otherwise clean and purposeful looking interior.

My sister, who knows nothing about cars, even commented on how ugly the front was out of the blue without me even saying anything. Not only does it have the smile, but it appears to sit fairly high from a dead on front view. Doesn't look nearly as aggressive as the 1st gen except for the hood. I will say, the side profile does look pretty great and I really, really like the new wheels. It's just, looks wise, there is nothing that wants to make me trade in my '07.