2010 Mazda 3 Sedan Review
Price
from: RM103,500
to: RM123,000
Installment
from: RM987/mth
to: RM1,173/mth
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan at a glance
Years after its launch, the 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan still looks fresh and maintains the sporty handling that Mazda is known for. The downside is a slightly firm ride and some intrusive cabin noise. Overall, the 1.6-litre variant gets our vote.
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The Mazda3, along with the Honda Civic, remains one of the better-looking mid-size family sedans in Malaysia. But with the sheer number of Civics around, the Mazda3's styling is sure to attract attention of those seeking something different. The interior styling is one of simplicity and neatness, with red-coloured highlights on the dashboard and metre cluster to showcase the 2010 Mazda3's sporty intent.
Handling
Based on the same sporty chassis setup as the Ford Focus, the 2010 Mazda3 handles competently, providing for an engaging drive over demanding roads. Body control is excellent, with minimal body roll during cornering and agile responses through bends. Grip levels are good while the steering is accurate, but we prefer the 1.6's more responsive hydraulic steering to the 2.0's electric hydraulic steering.
Comfort
The ride is quite firm but not overly so. Refinement has improved with the new underbody cover and door seals, but some wind and road noise are still noticeable at highway speeds. Drivers should not have any problems getting comfortable with the tilt/telescopic steering column and height-adjustable driver's seat. Ergonomics are well thought out and controls are all easy to operate.
Quality + Reliability
The build quality has been paid much attention as can be seen from the high fit-and-finish standard, but material quality is disappointing with the use of some hard dashboard plastics. According to recent JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, Mazda has consistently taken the top few spots in terms of reliability. And we expect the 2010 Mazda3 to maintain that record.
Performance
Both the 104 bhp 1.6-litre and the 145 bhp 2.0-litre engines deliver lively performance on the roads. The 1.6-litre engine is refined and smooth, but while the 2.0-litre engine revs smoothly, it sounds rather coarse when worked hard, which can make long-distance cruising tiring. Both engines are paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox, which lags the five ratios some rivals have.
Roominess
The Mazda3 Sedan's sloping roofline affects the rear headroom, a problem not present on the Mazda3 Hatchback. Rear legroom is only slightly less than the Honda Civic's, and of course the front two enjoy no lack of room. The boot has an useful shape with class-competitive capacity, while the rear seats can 60/40 split-fold for additional space and versatility.
Running Costs
Fuel economy for the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines stands at 14.5 km/litre and 12.7 km/litre respectively. Mazda3 owners should however be prepared for higher servicing costs and steeper depreciation than for the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis.
Value for Money
The 2010 Mazda3 has no 1.8-litre engine option that the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis offer. But both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre variants are competitively priced, although the former makes more sense as a package. With its sharp styling, sporty handling and quality, spacious cabin, the 2010 Mazda3 is compelling and should really be stealing more sales from the Altis and the class-leading Civic.
Equipment
The 1.6-litre variant gets electric exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, radio/CD/MP3 player, four speakers, power windows, keyless entry, immobiliser, dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioner, whiplash-reducing front seats, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The 2.0-litre variant adds front fog lamps, side and rear spoilers, steering wheel mounted audio controls and fully-automatic air-conditioning among others.
Environment
Improved aerodynamics have helped reduce the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, enabling the 2010 Mazda3 to close the gap with the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis in the area of environmental responsibility.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Sharp styling
Sporty handling
Quality, spacious cabin
Slightly firm ride
Some wind and road noise
Coarse-sounding 2.0-litre engine
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