2010 Mazda3

Typically, when a car goes under the knife for updates, it ends up growing in size, gaining a few hundred pounds, and in some cases, losing a bit of performance along the way. We worried about the new Mazda3 for precisely these reasons. Not too long ago, in a four-way comparison, we crowned the 3 as the best in class, ahead of the Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, and, the assumed benchmark, Honda Civic. Suffice it to say, we really like the outgoing Mazda3.

As it turns out, our fears that the 2010 model would be a step back have turned out to be unfounded for the most part. Mazda went to great lengths to ensure the numerous changes to the new car wouldn't result in any decrease in performance, and it shows at the test track. Although 3.3 in. longer and 0.2 in. taller than the car it's replacing, the 2010 model's weight is roughly the same as an automatic-equipped previous-generation model. Mazda deserves kudos for putting the new platform on a diet while stiffening the chassis at the same time. Even the topline engine, which grows to 2.5L, weighs 25 lb less than the previous 2.3L. The 2.5L is more powerful, too, at 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque, and returns the same fuel economy at 22 city/29 highway when optioned with a six-speed. A 2.0L mill is also available for the new 3 and returns 25 city/33 highway mpg with a five-speed manual -- an increase of 1 mpg city and highway from last year's 2.0L trim.

Most impressive are the performance increases of the six-speed Grand Touring-trim Mazda3 we had in for testing. That newfound power helps to cut nearly half a second off of the 0-to-60 time of the outgoing Mazda3 with the same trim package, at 7.6 sec (versus 8.3). The trend continues with the 3 accelerating through the quarter mile at 15.8 sec @ 87.8 mph, more than 1 sec quicker and 2 mph faster than the previous-gen car. The new 2010 Mazda3 now accelerates faster than the 2009 Corolla XRS, which was the quickest vehicle in four-door compact car comparison mentioned above.