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2010 Mazda 3 Pre-Show Rumor Round Up

Posted on 14. Nov, 2008 by DeuxEx3 in Mazda3 Guide, What's Hot

The Los Angeles Auto Show is almost upon us and come November 19th/20th there will be a huge list of announcements from Mazda about the 2010 Mazda 3 including new in-car options, engine output ratings, more official 2010 Mazda 3 photos and possibly even availability/pricing information.

Before the Los Angeles Auto Show begins we’re going to review what we already know about the 2010 Mazda 3 through leaked interior photos, the rumor mill and both spy and official photos of the new generation’s exterior.

The 360 on the 2010 Mazda 3’s Body

The 2010 Mazda 3 is Mazda’s top selling model with Mazda selling over 80,000 Mazda 3s from January to August 2008 alone. To say the 2010 Mazda 3’s redesign is crucial to Mazda’s future success would be a significant understatement.

Mazda played it a bit safe with the new Mazda 3 design by taking popular cues from the Mazda stable. Notice the flared wheel arches similar to the RX-8, the new headlamps (2009+ Mazda 6) and a more squared off rear end (2009+ Mazda 6).

New exterior options available on the next gen model include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry system with push button start. This system allows the driver (with the key in their pocket) to walk up to the door and the key will unlock the doors automatically.

The 2010 Mazda 3 will also showcase a new wheel design and may add another convenience option: remote trunk release. Remote trunk release debuted on the 2009 Mazda 3 and is only available on four door sedan models.

Inside the 2010 Mazda 3

With the introduction of the 2009 Mazda 6, Mazda has upped the ante on the level of luxury expected in the Mazda 6’s car class. Now the 2010 Mazda 3 will also raise the bar (again) on what compact “economy” cars are capable of by adding the new dashboard layout seen in the second generation Mazda 6. One obvious difference between the Mazda 6’s new layout and the 2010 Mazda 3’s layout is in the two-tier dashboard.

The purpose of the two-tier dash hasn’t been revealed by Mazda but based on spy shots (shown above) we can see that it will display in-car radio, trip computer and clock information. We will have to wait until the Los Angeles Auto Show to find out more about Mazda’s intent for the split dash layout.

Mazda is determined to turn the Mazda 3 name into a luxury nameplate by adding more high end amenities to the car including multiple stage heated seats, more steering wheel based controls and a rumored MP3 hard drive.

Features like the remote trunk release, power driver’s seat, manually adjustable headlights, BOSE premium sound system, auto rain sensing wipers and automatic on/off headlights are all expected to find their way from the first generation Mazda 3 onto the 2010 Mazda 3.

Engines and More…

Mazda has already confirmed that the 2010 Mazda 3 will offer a 2.0L and 2.5L four-cylinder powerplant. The 2.0L motor from the first gen Mazda 3 may be carried over for the Mazda 3 i trim level but with new technologies like Mazda’s Start Stop technology which are also expected on the new 2.5L motor for s-trim Mazda 3s. Output for the 2.5L is expected to be in the neighborhood of 175 hp to 185 hp.

The 2010 Mazda 3 will officially debut in person at the Los Angeles Auto Show which starts November 19th. Mazda will be broadcasting the U.S. debut of the 2010 Mazda 3 sedan live through a webcast that you can view at Mazda3Reveal.com.

Here are the live broadcast times by time zone for the November 19th reveal:

Central Standard Time: 2:20 pm
Eastern Standard Time: 3:20 pm
Mountain Standard Time: 1:20 pm
Pacific Standard Time: 12:20 pm

Around the World:

Sydney (EDT): Thursday November 20th at 7:20 am
London (GMT): Wednesday November 19th at 8:20 pm
Tokyo, Japan: Thursday November 20th at 5:20 am
Malaysia/China (Hong Kong): Thursday November 20th at 4:20 am

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