Mazda announced today that it will unveil the US-spec Mazda2 at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec 2.

“Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our line-up,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “With the seven- passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the sub-compact Mazda2 at the other, Mazda’s line-up now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered. Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom.”

Sales of the Mazda2 will start in the late part of 2010.

We’ll be live in LA starting Dec. 2 – so make sure you join us for live coverage.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Mazda2 (Thailand):

Press Release:

North American Mazda2 to Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

Hiroshima, Japan, 18 November 2009. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the Mazda2 at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The globally-acclaimed Mazda2 brings a level of style and driving dynamics to the North American sub-compact segment that no other competitor can offer. The vehicle will be sold in the U.S. and Canada beginning in late 2010. The LA Auto Show press days are 2-3 December; public days run from 4 through 13 December.

Mazda2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning 48 awards and being recognized as Car of the Year in more than 20 countries. Additionally, Mazda2 was named “2008 World Car of the Year,” besting all other new cars around the world.

Mazda’s press conference is scheduled to take place from 11:05 to 11:30 (local time) on Wednesday, 2 December 2009.
Main Exhibits

- By: Kap Shah

Over the years, Mazda’s vehicles have put on some weight. Well, the Japanese automaker is now setting a target to reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds starting 2011. Mazda will use a combination of lighter materials, smaller vehicle footprints and a better engineering process.

According to Robert Davis, Mazda North America’s senior vice president of product development and quality, the typical Mazda has put on at least 80 pounds with each successive redesign. For example, the 2003 Protege weighed in at 2,634 pounds; its successor, the 2010 Mazda, weighs in at 2,868 pounds.

Davis said that cutting weight by 220 pounds will improve fuel-economy by 3 to 5 percent. However, there are obstacles that must be faced including maintaining safety regulations while keeping Mazda’s zoom-zoom feel along with the cost of engineering involved in cutting excess weight.

Check out our review of the 2010 Mazda3.

Review: 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring:

- By: Kap Shah

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Source: AutoWeek

It was not even a year ago when Ford relinquished half of its stake in Mazda Motor Corp., and Seita Kanai, Mazda’s head of r&d, says that there will be fewer joint projects between the two companies such as the shared platforms and drivetrains that were developed over the course of the 30-year relationship.

“The Ford-Mazda partnership is cited often as an example of a successful international alliance of automakers. Ford first took an equity stake in Mazda in 1979 and brought Mazda under its control in 1996 as the Hiroshima carmaker struggled to survive. But by late last year the tables were turned, and a cash-strapped Ford sold a large part of its stake to raise capital,” Automotive News says of the two companies’ relationship.

Major elements of the de-integration include; Fords presence on the Mazda board being cut from 3 representatives to 1, separate drivetrain strategies, and Ford’s implementation of in-house developed platforms and phasing out of Mazda’s platforms.

- By: Stephen Calogera

According to Mazda’s head of research and development, Seita Kanai, Mazda is studying diesel engines for the U.S. market. Kanai said that Mazda is currently testing diesel prototypes on U.S. soil but Mazda would need a minimum annual volume of 10,000 U.S. sales to make a profitable retail case, reports Automotive News.

“As an engineer, ideally I would want to introduce diesels, but I am not sure if it makes a business case,” Kanai said. He did not say which diesel models Mazda is testing.

None of Mazda’s existing diesel models are mated to an automatic transmission, something that is seen as necessary for the U.S. market.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda unveiled its new SKY-D clean diesel engine that incorporates piezo injectors, a two-stage turbocharger and other technologies to get 20 percent better fuel-economy than the current Mazda 2.2L diesel. It allows Mazda2 like fuel-economy in a vehicle the size of the Mazda6.

- By: Kap Shah

It was reported earlier this year that Mazda will unveil the next-generation RX-7 concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, which opens to the press tomorrow. While nothing has been confirmed, Mazda’s new design boss Ikuo Maeda told AutoCar that the automaker is looking to produce a successor to the RX-7 coupe.

Speaking to the press on the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show, Maeda said that he has already done sketches of an RX-7 replacement and is working hard to push for a production model.

“We really want to have an RX-7 and if the market allows us to build it we will have it ready,” he said.

Maeda said that the new RX-7 would be a two seater and would likely be powered by a rotary engine like its predecessors.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Mazda announced that it has kicked off production of the Mazda2 at its new passenger car plant at AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd. The plant is part of a joint venture manufacturing facility with FoMoCo and will produce Mazda2 units that will be sold mainly in the ASEAN markets.

“The Thai-produced Mazda2 will be one of Mazda’s core products in the ASEAN region, with ASEAN sales targeted at approximately 20,000 units per year,” Mazda said in a statement.

It was confirmed last month that the Mazda2 will hit United States roads in fall of 2010. The U.S. based Mazda2 will be unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December with a minor facelift.

Will it look like the facelifted model seen here? We’ll find out in about 2 months.

2010 Mazda2 (Thailand):

- By: Kap Shah

Mazda has never really been a fan of hybrid technology. In fact, the only hybrid vehicle the company has ever offered to the market in the United States is the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, which is based on the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Japanese automaker today said that it is looking to raise up to $1.1 billion in a share sale to invest more funds into developing hybrid and other fuel-saving technologies – a move that analysts say was a long-overdue bid to close the gap with Mazda’s rivals.

Ever since FoMoCo reduced its shares in Mazda to 13 percent last year, the Japanese automaker has been slow in catching up with next-generation fuel-saving technologies.

“With the relationship weaker, there are certain things that Mazda now needs to do on its own, without Ford,” said Okasan Securities auto analyst Yasuaki Iwamoto.

Mazda said that it will raise up to 95.9 billion yen ($1.1 billion) by issuing 315.12 million new shares and selling 96.8 million treasury shares.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

Mazda is still celebrating its 20th Anniversary of the Mazda Roadster (known to us as the beloved Mazda MX-5). The Japanese automaker hosted a special commemorative event on Sept. 20 at Miyoshi Proving Ground with over 1,600 MX-5s and their owners as they made their way to the car’s birthplace.

“Approximately 2,600 owners and fans had journeyed from all over Japan and overseas to join in the celebration,” Mazda said. “The event was officially launched with a toast from a 20-year old Roadster owner, who had been born the same year as the iconic vehicle was launched.”

The event ended with all 1,600 MX-5s formed up to parade around the track before leaving the Miyoshi Proving Ground.

20th Anniversary of the Mazda MX5 at Miyoshi:

- By: Kap Shah

Introduced in 2004 as an answer to the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus, the Mazda3 has undergone a much needed design overhaul for the 2010 model year. The ultra-bland design of the 3 prompted Mazda to redesign their entry-level sedan and unveil the second-generation at the 2008 LA Auto Show. The new Mazda3 is all grown-up and this time around, may even trump the Ford Focus – with which it shares a chassis – if you don’t mind a front fascia reminiscent of Pixar’s CARS and a rear end that reminds you of an alien.

Review: 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring:

2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring  Specifications:

• Base Price: $23,050.
• Price as Tested: $24,835.
• Engine: 2.5L MZR DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT – 167-hp/168 lb-ft.
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode.
• Curb Weight: 2,868 lbs.
• 0 to 60 mph: 7.9 seconds.
• Fuel-Economy: 22/29 mpg (city/highway).

Click through to read more and view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the article).

Exterior:

The exterior styling of the Mazda3 offers a love it or hate it design, though it definitely offers a more dramatic design than the Corolla, Civic, or Focus. The car looks almost cartoonish with its big smiling front end grill, though this feature is not merely an aesthetic one, as it provides a large opening to keep air flowing to the engine.

The vehicle we tested was a 2010 Grand Touring edition that sported 17” alloy wheels, automatic on/off auto leveling bi-xenon headlights/fog lights, adaptive front-lighting system, and clear lens LED tail lights.

Despite the cartoonish exterior styling, the 3 is a far better looking vehicle than its counterparts.

Interior:

When trying to determine quality when purchasing a new car, most attention is naturally given to the interior, and the Mazda3 does not disappoint there. Our test-vehicle was outfitted with leather trimmed seats, and leather door panel inserts. While these features may add a bit to the price of the car, they combine to create a very luxurious look and feel inside the car.

As with any automaker today, Mazda offers enough options to make the car totally one’s own. Our test-vehicle came equipped with a few such options; an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat with 3-position memory, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, am/fm/cd/mp3 10-speaker Bose audio package with Bluetooth compatibility, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a rear arm rest with 2 cup holders, and a beautiful leather wrapped steering wheel outfitted with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls.

Mazda offers two options packages:

• The first package runs approximately $1,400 and offers a 242 watt Bose CenterPoint 10-speaker surround sound system, one-touch open moon roof, and in-dash 6-cd changer with mp3 compatibility.
• The Technology Package, which runs approximately $1,195 adds a full-color compact navigation (without which the screen displays climate control and other vehicle information on a screen reminiscent of MS-DOS), advanced keyless entry, push button start, perimeter alarm system, and SIRIUS satellite radio with 6-month subscription.

Performance:

Power on the base model comes courtesy of a peppy 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that puts out 148-hp and peaks at 135 lb-ft of torque, all while increasing fuel economy by 10% over the last generation with 33 mpg highway rating.

The Grand Touring model however, boasts a little more pep with its 2.5L MZR DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with VVT putting out 167-hp and a maximum torque of 168 lb-ft. Though larger and more powerful than its 2.3L predecessor, the Mazda3 Grand Touring manages an estimated fuel-economy of 22/29 mpg (city/highway).

Though the Mazda3 is hardly a high-performance compact car – it’s not the Speed3 after all – its still has decent pick-up, going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Throttle response and acceleration are also commendable considering the compact design of the car.

Both models come standard-equipped with automatic transmissions; 5-speed for the base model and 6-speed for the Grand Touring. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode is also available as standard equipment on the Grand Touring. The same is available on the base model but as optional-equipment.

The ’10 Mazda3 also handles outstandingly, handling corners at high-speeds sharply and quickly. This generation handles markedly better than its ancestor with a tighter steering column.

Overall:

So it looks good (depending on your taste), offers a lot of options, is well powered, and handles great, but how is it priced?

The base i SV with 5-speed manual starts at $15,295, compared to the:

• Civic DX with 5-speed manual, which starts at $15,655.
• Corolla with 5-speed manual, which starts at $15,350.
• Focus with 5-speed manual, which starts at $15,995

The Grand Touring edition with 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode starts at $23,050, compared to the:

• Civic EX-L with automatic transmission, which starts at $21.805.
• Corolla XLE with automatic transmission, which starts at $20,220.
• Focus SES with automatic transmission, which starts at $19,995.

The base model is a no brainer, hands-down winner compared to the rest of the class, especially considering its cheapest-in-class pricing. Despite its slightly higher price than the rest of the class, the Grand Touring edition still offers the most bang for the buck when compared to the rest.

Really, at the end of the day, the 2010 Mazda3 may be smiling at you because it’s happy you made a good choice when shopping in the compact sedan segment.

Review: 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Mazda has announced its lineup for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show next month. The Japanese automaker said that it will show two new engines, a new automatic transmission and a new concept car known as the Mazda Kiyora.

First up is the new Mazda SKY-G engine, a gasoline engine that improves fuel-economy and torque by approximately 15 percent when compared to Mazda’s current 2.0L gasoline engine. With the help of fuel-injectors and variable-valve timing, the SKY-G engine enables fuel-economy that is equivalent to the Mazda2 to be achieved in a larger vehicle in the size of a Mazda3.

The SKY-D is a clean diesel engine that incorporates piezo injectors, a two-stage turbocharger and other technologies to get 20 percent better fuel-economy than the current Mazda 2.2L diesel. It allows Mazda2 like fuel-economy in a vehicle the size of the Mazda6.

Mazda will also be showing the SKY-Drive automatic transmission, which improves fuel-economy with technologies such as minimal mechanical friction, a revised torque converter and clutch with minimized slip, and an optimized lock-up mechanism.

Last but not least is the Kiyora concept car. Mazda says that the compact car is an “eco-friendly and fun-to-drive due to the combination of a next-generation direct-injection Mazda SKY-G 1.3 engine and new compact and lightweight six-speed Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission.” It manages to return an estimated fuel-economy of 79 mpg and gets fuel-saving technologies including i-stop idling stop system, regenerative braking, and much more.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Mazda Kiyora Concept:

Press Release:

Mazda global premiere of eco-friendly and powerful next generation ‘SKY-G’ and ‘SKY-D’ Engines, and Sky-Drive automatic transmission at Tokyo Motor Show 2009.

* Mazda Kiyora concept car, which achieves 3.1 l/100 km fuel economy, to make its Japan debut

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its next-generation engine line-up and automatic transmissions at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, to be held from Saturday, October 24 through to Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Mazda will exhibit the ‘Mazda SKY-G’ direct-injection petrol engine, the ‘Mazda SKY-D’ clean diesel engine and the ‘Mazda SKY Drive’ high-efficiency automatic transmission. The Tokyo Motor Show, to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, will also mark the Japan debut of the Kiyora concept car as an exhibit of Mazda’s next-generation environmental and safety technologies.

Mazda’s theme for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is “The Mazda SKY concept- Providing driving pleasure and environmental and safety features for all customers!” Under the headings of “Today,” “Tomorrow” and “The Future,” Mazda will display advanced technologies designed to improve the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally by 30 percent before 2015 compared to 2008 levels. This is one of the goals of Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.

Mazda is committed to significantly improving the core aspects of its vehicles that affect performance – engines, transmissions, and lighter vehicle weight – in order to achieve elevated driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety features. The Mazda SKY concept defines Mazda’s approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda vehicles. The SKY concept embodies Mazda’s desire to ensure an “everlasting blue sky” under which drivers will always be able to enjoy the pleasure of driving afforded by owning a Mazda. The concept also reflects the “sky’s the limit” aspirations of Mazda’s engineers as they employ unconventional thinking to achieve optimal performance in every vehicle that bears the Mazda nameplate.

Based on the SKY concept, Mazda’s “Technologies for Tomorrow” display at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show will include the next-generation direct-injection petrol Mazda SKY-G engine and the Mazda SKY-D clean diesel engine. Both offer improved eco-friendliness and torque thanks to optimized combustion efficiency. Mazda will also reveal its first next-generation automatic transmission, the Mazda SKY-Drive, which offers first-rate fuel economy and a direct driving performance feel.

The Mazda Kiyora, a next-generation compact concept car imbued with Mazda’s fun-to-drive character, will make its Japanese debut at the Tokyo show. Featuring the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction, the Kiyora achieves outstanding fuel economy, estimated to be 3.1 l/100 km (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle).

Alongside the SKY concept exhibits, Mazda will also feature a “Today’s Technologies” exhibit that includes i-stop, a unique idling stop system that was introduced with the all-new Mazda3 (Axela in Japan). “Future Technologies” will showcase the advanced Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, with its hydrogen-powered rotary engine, and various vehicle technologies under development as part of Mazda’s drive to realize an accident-free and safe motorised society.

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show press days will be October 21-22, with a special invitation day on October 23. The show will be open to the public from Saturday, October 24 through to Wednesday, November 4. Mazda will hold its press conference at 12:30 p.m. (JST) on Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

List of major exhibits

* These are concept names for engines and transmissions that are scheduled to be introduced from 2011 onward.

Summary of major exhibits

Next-generation, direct-injection Mazda SKY-G petrol engine

Mazda SKY-G is a next-generation, direct-injection petrol engine with significantly improved fuel economy and output performance due to enhanced thermal efficiency. The engine block is newly designed to reduce mechanical friction and achieve an optimal air-fuel mix, and a direct fuel-injection system is employed for the wide variety of spray profiles that are possible, enabling the maximum expansion ratio to be achieved. Specifically, fuel economy and torque are improved by approximately 15 percent compared to Mazda’s current 2.0-litre engine. This was achieved by adopting next-generation fuel injectors and a highly functional variable-valve timing mechanism. The engine enables fuel economy equivalent to the current Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) to be achieved in a larger vehicle the size of a Mazda3 (Axela in Japan).

Next-generation, clean diesel Mazda SKY-D engine

Mazda’s new SKY-D clean diesel engine boasts high fuel economy and output performance as well as low emissions. The newly designed engine block reduces mechanical friction to the level of a petrol engine. By optimizing the pressure and temperature in the cylinders, the shape of combustion chambers, and the fuel injection rate, combustion begins at the best timing in terms of thermal efficiency. Specifically, by employing piezo injectors, a two-stage turbocharger and other technologies, fuel economy becomes approximately 20 percent better than the current 2.2-litre diesel engine. With this engine, Mazda has achieved fuel economy equivalent to the current Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) in a larger vehicle the size of a Mazda6 (Atenza in Japan).

Next-generation Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission

Mazda’s next-generation SKY-Drive automatic transmission is highly efficient, contributes to substantially improved fuel economy and delivers a more direct feel compared with the current unit. It improves fuel economy by approximately five percent, due to a complete redesign that significantly reduces mechanical friction, a revised torque converter and clutch with minimized slip, and an optimized lock-up mechanism. A rapid clutch action was achieved by identifying the minimum amount of fluid necessary. This also helped to realise a direct feel similar to a dual clutch transmission.

Mazda Kiyora

The Mazda Kiyora is a compact concept car that is both extremely eco-friendly and fun-to-drive due to the combination of a next-generation direct-injection Mazda SKY-G 1.3 engine and new compact and lightweight six-speed Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission. The Kiyora achieves excellent fuel economy figures, estimated to be 3.1 l/100 km (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle), aided by Mazda’s unique i-stop idling stop system, regenerative braking, and advanced aerodynamics around a compact body that is 100 kilograms lighter than Mazda’s current mass production model in the same segment.

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

In March 2009, Mazda began leasing the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Japanese government authorities and energy-related organisations. It features a unique series hybrid system, consisting of a hydrogen rotary engine connected to a generator that powers an electric motor. This advanced powertrain enables the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to achieve a hydrogen-fuelled driving range of 200 kilometres. The vehicle also employs Mazda’s plant-derived biotech materials*, reflecting initiatives to realise use of non-petroleum-based resources and reduce CO2 emissions.

* “Biotech materials” is the collective name for plant-based materials that Mazda is developing, including bioplastic and biofabric.

- By: Kap Shah

Mazda has confirmed that it will be bringing its popular Mazda2 to the United States in fall of 2010. Mazda told its dealers at a national meeting in Palm Spring, California that the U.S. based Mazda2 will be unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December with a minor facelift.

Sources told Automotive News that the U.S.-spec Mazda2 will also receive an interior upgrade from the Euro edition, which has been criticized for feel and look.

Based on the Ford Fiesta, the Mazda2 will compete with the Fiesta itself along with the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and the Chevrolet Aveo.

The current version of the Mazda2 was introduced in Europe and Japan in 2007 and received the 2008 World Car of the Year award. In Japan, the car is known as the Demio.

- By: Kap Shah

- Key Competitors: There are none.
- Engine: MZR 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making 126-hp/167 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual.
- Performance: 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds.
- Production Possibility: None. Apparently, Mazda was just having fun.

If Mazda has no plans to offer a production version of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, than what’s the purpose of showing it at a major auto show like Frankfurt? To showcase weight-saving and fuel-efficient technologies of course.

The main focus of Mazda’s European R&D when building the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept was to keep the total curb weight under 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs). Performance wise this drivable concept vehicle isn’t anything special. Power comes from a 1.8L 4-cylinder making 126-hp allowing you to go from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds.

However, Mazda says that fuel-economy of the MX-5 Superlight Concept is estimated at 37 mpg. Let’s move on…

2009 Frankfurt: Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

For 20 years, Mazda has been focused on reducing weight, which has become a tradition with the Mazda MX-5. At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next week, Mazda will build on that philosophy with the unveiling of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept.”

There are no plans to build this car, but it demonstrates how individual mobility can be maintained in a way that uses fewer natural resources,” said Mazda in a statement.

The fully-drivable concept was built by Mazda’s European R&D center in Oberursel. The project’s lead designer, Hasip Girgin, said that the focus was too keep the whole vehicle below 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) while offering better driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. His design team reduced the MX-5 down to its core attributes to create a pure roadster concept. “The lack of a windshield required an extension of the original aluminum bonnet into the cabin. The attached sheet here is made of lightweight carbon fiber and provides a hood for the dashboard frame.”

Power for the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept comes from a MZR 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making 126-hp. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. To get some exciting sound from the engine, Mazda added Mazdaspeed cold-air intake and a Mazdaspeed exhaust system.

Make the leap for the high-res image gallery.

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

While Honda, Nissan and Toyota all seem to be focusing aggressively on electric-vehicle development, Mazda is saying not to zero-emissions or range-extended vehicles.

Speaking to Wards Auto at a media event in Monterey, California, Senior Vice President of Research and Development Robert Davis said that Mazda will stay away from EVs until battery technology improves.

“Until battery technology can get there to meet a mass customer’s needs, and a customer in North America certainly drives further than the existing technology will allow, we don’t have the plans set in place yet for an electric vehicle,” said Davis.

Davis said that the “technology does not meet Mazda’s fun to drive criteria and the high cost of electric powertrain development makes such a project financially unattractive.”

He said that rather working on EV development, Mazda plans to focus on other fuel-saving methods to meet tighter CAFE regulations.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Wards Auto (via AllCarsElectric)

We’re wrapping up our test-drive of the 2010 Mazda3 and that means it’s finally time for some fun facts on Mazda’s new compact sedan.

- Starting MSRP is set at $16,045: Our 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring starts at $22,300 but with a Moonroof and the Bose sound system, the final price tag came in at $24,835 – which we think is a bit steep for a car in this segment.
- EPA estimated fuel-economy comes in at 22/29 mpg (city/highway): During our week long test drive we averaged 25.2 mpg.
- Key competitors: 2009 Honda Civic, 2009 Toyota Corolla, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Ford Focus and the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Compared to its rivals, we were very impressed with the 2010 Mazda3 and believe it deserves a lot more attention when shopping in this segment.
- Things you probably wouldn’t notice when checking it out in a dealership: At night time, the interior of the Mazda3 glows very bright with ambient blue lighting; push-button start is also available on some models; there is actually a navigation option but we wouldn’t go for it since it appears in that little tiny vehicle information display; there is no air/conditioning or climate control options on the i SV model, so if you’re like us and need your AC you’ll probably start by looking at the i Sport model, which starts at $16,955.

Look out for the full review coming out next week.

Click through for more pictures.

2010 Mazda3 (Weekly Test-Drive):

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Stephen Calogera – egmCarTech.

As you already know, I will be driving the 2010 Mazda3 this whole week. Today, I want to take you around the interior of the new 3 from Mazda. Sit inside and right away you notice superb build quality, especially for a car competing in the compact segment. Overall build quality and feel seems to be quite better than a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla – and I’m not talking about the leather seats and the leather gear-shift knob that came with our Grand Touring model. As I go along, I’ll make sure to take every single option, along with pricing, into account when comparing our fully-loaded Mazda3 to it’s rivals.

One thing I wasn’t too impressed with was the information display next to the climate control display on the center of the dashboard. It seems to basic – in fact, I’m going to go ahead and say I felt like I was looking at MS-DOS.

I’ve become a fan of the leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering-wheel mounted controls. It is standard on the i Touring ($18,625), s Sport ($19,790) and Grand Touring ($22,250) models. I’m also liking the Bose CenterPoint Surround System with AudioPilot, however, I am a bit disappointed about the lack of iPod connectivity (there is an AUX port).

I’m going to continue driving the Mazda3 for the rest of the week so do stay in touch and ask me as many questions as you want about the car through the site or on Twitter. (Twitter will get you a faster response since I’m glued to my BlackBerry most of the day).

2010 Mazda 3 Interior (Weekly Test-Drive):

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

It took a while to get here but the 2010 Mazda3 just rolled into our driveway for a full-review. First impressions? The front of the car reminds us of something out of the Disney/Pixar movie CARS while the back reminds us of an alien. It’s kind of a love it or hate it styling. So far, we like it.

Our 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring model is powered by a 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder making 167-hp with a maximum torque of 167 lb-ft. It has a bunch of options including leather heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise controls, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.

I will be test-driving the 2010 Mazda3 for the rest of the week so feel free to ask me questions and I will get them answered for you as soon as possible. Daily updates will be provided on the site and on Twitter. Stay in touch folks.

2010 Mazda3 (Weekly Test-Drive):

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Stephen Calogera – egmCarTech.

When the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 made its debut earlier this year in Geneva, we were pretty disappointed to see the same 260-hp 2.3L DISI Turbo 4-cylinder engine powering the “hot-hatch.” However, our depression came to rest when we learned that Mazda was working on a Mazdaspeed3 “Evolution,” a faster  and more powerful version.

To our disappointment, Mazda said today that it is no longer working on the much-anticipated 300-hp version of the Mazdaspeed3. According to sources, a 300-hp all-wheel-drive Mazdaspeed3 will increase the price and make it too competitive for the hatchback’s demographic.

Sources told Motor Trend that Mazda already had parts ready for the Mazdaspeed3 Evolution. We’re wondering if Mazda can make us one just to put it up against the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru WRX STI.

2010 Mazda3 MPS (2010 Mazdaspeed3):

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Motor Trend