Las Vegas, NV– MY CARLADY TEST DRIVES 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback.
‘I like sharp-looking, responsive, 5-door compacts. As our culture moves towards fuel efficiency and conservation, the hatchback, box or baby SUV will become more important to the multi-dimension driver. While the administration redesigns the automotive industry, the think-tanks will figure out how our need for transportation will challenge the current travel infrastructure.
In the meantime, cars like the Mazda 3, Honda Insight, Toyota Corolla, Scion XA and Nissan Versa will help make our transportation transition easier.
Today I took the 2010 Mazda 3 5 door hatchback for a LOOONNNGG drive through the Nevada desert. Heat, hills and highway did not daunt this car. The base model 5 door (Sport) is serviced with a 5 speed automatic with auto-shift capability, served up in a DOHC 2.5L engine which features 167 HP and 168 HP torque. The cruise control kept up, with no hunting on the inclines or hesitation. It was no slouch off the start or on the passing side of I15. I watched my range on the info system, which gave me a strong 30 mpg for the 80% highway, 20% city/country back roads. Cutting around cars and corners, the suspension held the road with no body roll or slip. Bumps and potholes failed to penetrate the ride. The road feel in the steering wheel is crisp and responsive, reacting immediately to sharp maneuvers.
Inside the cabin, road noise did transfer a bit, but poor road surfaces are a fact of life in the US today. Cranking the radio volume marginalized the effect of rubber on road.. The aerodynamic styling eliminated any wind noise or pushback. The seats are firm, bolstered and comfortable, more so than the leather ones in the Mazda6. 
I found the dash styling simple, sporty and easy to navigate without eye-strain. At night the gauges light red and cool blue, a Mazda feature. Don’t mistake simple for cheap, there is no cheesy fake wood or carbon-fiber just a few aluminum touches define the cockpit without overkill. Car makers are finally getting the consumer message about dark floor covers. This one had black floor mats to hide the dirt, with a tan seat and side sash. While I could still mark-up the lower panel on the driver door, at least the carpet will show less wear. Critical features for our driving lifestyle are not ignored; dual rubber insert cup holders, extra charging power ports, iPod jack and Bluetooth are in the obvious places.
The back seat is roomy enough for a 3 hour haul, split to accommodate cargo up to four golf bags or miscellaneous family stuff. The one touch button release on the hatch-back liftgate, minimize fumbling with your arms full. Dropping the back seat from the rear is simple. A cargo light helps you find stuff in the back at night.
You can also find the Mazda 3 as a sedan, in the 3i (2.0l engine) or 3s (2.5L) manual or automatic. The Grand Touring loads it up with fog lamps and rear wing spoiler, 6 disc changer, leather and moon-roof. The TECH package adds satellite radio, navigation and push button start. Starting price is $17k, but the model I drove was a cool $20K with the alloy wheels, 2.5L engine.
Here’s what Edmunds had to say about the Mazda 3:
“Much has changed, but the 2010 Mazda 3 remains more entertaining and sophisticated than its price tag would suggest. If you’re shopping for a small, inexpensive sedan or hatchback, it should be at the top of your list. Pros:Athletic handling and performance, high-end interior, unparalleled available luxury features, available hatchback utility. Cons:Ride may be too firm for some, interior and trunk not as large as those of competitors.” Consumer Reports consistently ranks the Mazda 3 a great buy and solid used car performer. SO enjoy riding with me through the Nevada Mojave desert or get behind the wheel yourself. I know you won’t be disappointed. CLICK here for the MYCARLADY TEST DRIVE VIDEO: FOR OTHER CAR REVIEWS CLICK HERE: ACURA TL, ACURA TSX vs. AUDI A4 and the Hyundai Genesis 2009 Car of the Year.—————————————————————————————–
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Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com ]]>