2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring - First Test - Handling and Specs

The handling prowess of the previous model is largely unchanged, and the numbers reflect it. The 2010 model circled our figure-eight course in 27.6 sec at an average of 0.61 g and produced lateral acceleration of 0.85 g; those numbers are almost exactly the same as the 2008 model.

A minor irritation we have with the new 3 comes from the placement and size of the navigation screen, which is way too small, located high on the dash and squished next to the stereo display. It seems a gigantic step backward from the previous 3's flip screen, but this is only a niggling issue and one that can be avoided by not opting for the nav system. The rest of the interior feels more upmarket, thanks to several styling improvements and the leather trim on the Grand Touring model we tested.

The road feel hasn't changed noticeably, but the extra oomph from the engine is more apparent. Altogether, it's plain to see why the new model looks so happy - although some staffers aren't exactly enamored with its eternally grinning mug. Overall though, the new 3's multiple improvements and changes haven't compromised any of the characteristics we loved in the previous car. In the case of the 2010 Mazda3, if the components aren't the same they're better.

And that's something to smile about.