2010 Mazda 3 First Drive, Specs Confirmed
Posted on 07. Oct, 2008 by DeuxEx3 in Mazda3 Guide, What's Hot
The first test drive of the 2010 Mazda 3 is in by Bill Caven, automotive journalist for the Perthshire Advertiser in the U.K., who test drove one of two prototypes in Iceland. Both prototypes of the 2010 Mazda 3 were shipped to Iceland, each with a value of over 50,000 GBP ($88,000 U.S. dollars).
Among the new Mazda 3’s merits, Caven remarks that the 2010 Mazda 3 has the refinement of a BMW 1-series and handling comparable (if not better) than an Audi A3. Mazda has also confirmed previously unknown details about the upcoming Mazda 3 noting that they had reduced the weight of the next generation Mazda 3 by 25 percent as compared to the first generation model. Mazda’s weight reduction goal was announced earlier this year when Mazda specified the first recipient of its waist tightening initiative would be the 2010 Mazda 3.
A 25 percent weight reduction equals about 743.5 lbs off top end PZEV based Mazda 3 models!
Engine choices in the 2010 Mazda 3 have also been confirmed but it’s not known if these engine choices will be available stateside so take this info with a grain of salt. The first is a 2.0 liter engine rated at 150-hp and the next level up will be a 2.2 liter turbocharged motor making about 185 hp. This differs greatly from rumors that Mazda had planned to carry over their base 2.0L engine and replace the current top tier 2.3L engine with a larger 2.5L naturally aspirated motor for the U.S. based Mazda 3.
Keep an eye out for the latest 2010 Mazda 3 news by subscribing to our free news updates via RSS or by email.
You can also check out our forums to talk with other Mazda 3 drivers about the upcoming second generation.
For full impressions and more details check out the full first drive by visiting PerthshireAdvertiser.co.uk!
15 Comments
kostas
19. Oct, 2008
Is it true that New Mazda 3 is 25% lighter than current model?
DeuxEx3
19. Oct, 2008
Kostas – Yep, it’s true.
From the review: “With reasonable sales already in Uncle Sam land, Mazda believes it can cash in further with the next generation model which will weigh 25 per cent less than the current car.”
kostas
20. Oct, 2008
Yes but taking into consideration that current model is approximately 1300KG(I think is 1280KG),then the new model should weigh 975KG which is too small…It cannot weigh less than Mazda2,right?I can’t believe that…how much sure you are about that?
Thanks.
DeuxEx3
20. Oct, 2008
Kostas — Mazda hasn’t officially confirmed the 25 percent figure but its been openly discussed by Mazda that they would like to slim down the weight of their cars to increase fuel efficiency. The 2010 Mazda 3 is actually larger than the outgoing Mazda 3 (only by a little bit) so I don’t think its going to be an issue (size wise). I would think the next Mazda 2 would also be reduced in weight as well.
There are a lot of ways to slim down a car including using lighter metals in non-essential areas (i.e. trunk lid) and molded plastics as opposed to metal in other areas. Motors are notoriously refined until they are much lighter as well which tends to be where the bulk of a car’s weight comes from.
Feel free to subscribe to our free RSS feed or email updates and we’ll let you know once Mazda announces the official specs on the 2010 Mazda 3.
kostas
20. Oct, 2008
I have already subscribed to newsletter Deaus Ex.
However,it is very different when we say “Mazda would like to slim down the weight of their cars by 25%” from saying “Mazda managed to slim down the weight of their cars by 25%”.
So,we cannot take it for granted that Mazda managed to lighten the new mazda3 so much,right?
Thanks.
DeuxEx3
20. Oct, 2008
Kostas — You’re absolutely right. There were no specific numbers when news started circulating that Mazda had plans to lighten up their car lineup. I think the 25% reduction in weight on the Mazda 3 is significantly more than anyone had expected. We also have to take into account the Mazda 3 trim level Bill Caven was writing about when he said 25% weight reduction.
For example, say he was in a top end Mazda 3s GT sedan that weighed almost 3,000 lbs or more. A 744 lbs. weight reduction on the top end Mazda 3 is impressive but does it also mean that the most inexpensive and stripped down Mazda 3 will also be 25% lighter? Only Mazda knows for now.
kostas
20. Oct, 2008
Ok..Now it is clear and I understood..We have to wait until November to know more details about it…
Thanks for your quick and “clean” answers.
Andy48
24. Oct, 2008
If the 2010 mazda3 is having a weight reduction, then I HOPE the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 will also have a weight reduction. If the rumors are true about a more powerful 2.5L 2010 ms3, add to it the weight reduction, then the new 2010 ms3 will FLY. MUST HOPE!
karl
05. Dec, 2008
it is the 25% more rigid frame , new 3 will be heavier than current car!
no mirracles like that do not happed
Karl
05. Dec, 2008
new 3 needed few more tweeks to completely win over it's class
1. direct fuel injection on 2.0l and 6 speed ATX = around 160hp and 28/36mpg – best in class COMBO!!!
2. 2.5l trim should have a GT Sport package and 2.5l light turbo engine with around 210hp , slightly lower and firmer suspension, quicker sttering and 18" wheels along with optional 6 speed ATX
Both would sell like hot cakes…
Manetheren
08. Dec, 2008
Ex, what happened to the forums??
marichelle
08. Dec, 2008
when will the new mazda3 be available in the philippines?thanks.
DeuxEx3
08. Dec, 2008
No word on international launch yet though Mazda is expected to begin selling the 2010 Mazda 3 in Europe in the Spring of 2009.
DeuxEx3
10. Dec, 2008
By the way, the 2.2L turbodiesel is only for the European market. U.S. market will get the 2.0L and 2.5L gas based engines.
2010 MS3 Info - Mazdaspeed Forums
18. Feb, 2009
[...] Originally Posted by Crossbow Mazda car’s get heavier over time. This is mainly due to a variety of factors, most of which include additional features coming standard. Because the 2010 Mazda3 has additional safety features the 09’s do not, just the safety features alone are going to add some weight. (look at 2010 Mazda3’s for more info) Then you’ve got that new rear exhaust, that’s going to add at least 20 lbs if not more. Imma guessing +50 to +100 lbs and some stupid new ECU remap, that completely invalidates all the flashes and accessports and requires the aftermarket to sit down and start over again. (Worse case scenario, a mazda specialty) well i read in the rumor mill that the 2010 is suppose to be 25% lighter then the 09 … i have to see it to believe it because thats just not conceivable http://mazda3revolution.com/mazda3-g…ecs-confirmed/ [...]
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