Summary - 2010 Mazda3 s Grand Touring

Summary - 2010 Mazda3 s Grand Touring

the good :
The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-door features aggressive styling, strong performance, and a solid fit and finish. High-end features such as adaptive headlamps, Bluetooth audio streaming, and keyless entry/start contribute to a more refined driver experience.

The bad:

The 4.3-inch display is much smaller than most OEM navigation offerings. Entering destinations with the steering wheel-mounted rocker switch can be tedious. Dealer-installed iPod integration seems tacked on.

The bottom line:

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-door's cabin tech package is good, but not the best in the business. However, its performance and utility sit well above that of your average economy car.

The 2010 Mazda 3 DESIGN concept

The 2010 Mazda 3 DESIGN concept


The 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 ranks 4 out of 37 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda MAZDA3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The redesigned Mazda3's aggressively sporty performance is notable among affordable small cars, but its once-sleek exterior is now described as goofy-looking by some auto writers.
When it came time to redesign the popular Mazda3, most reviewers had the same opinion. In terms of the car's energetic engine power, solid handling and abundant sportiness -- don't mess too much with a good thing. According to our analysis, Mazda's engineers listened and delivered a 2010 model that enhances the best-loved attributes of the outgoing 3.
Still, not all of the 2010 Mazda3's new features are viewed favorably. The 3's now elongated exterior makes the sedan more aerodynamic, but most call the front grille's smiling appearance goofy-looking. In addition, the Mazda3 has more upscale amenities, including Bluetooth connectivity and heated front seats, but its optional new navigation system has a display screen that reviewers find too small to read easily.
Few affordable small cars or hatchbacks have the Mazda3's level of sportiness or fun driving experience, but reviewers say the Honda Civic compares well. Like the 3, the Civic is praised for its outstanding quality and perky performance. The Civic also has an optional navigation option -- in fact, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is one of the most accurate and intuitive in-dash devices in the segment.
The 2010 Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.

Mazda3 Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)
Reviewers find the new Mazda3 still has a strong powertrain following its redesign, and the minor enhancements made to the new model work well with the sedan's existing mechanics. AutoWeek says, "All the parts come together to make the Mazda3 better than its already good predecessor, with a direct and linear steering feel, rigid chassis and well-sorted suspension, and sufficient engine power for the car's size and weight."

Mazda3 Exterior - 5.6 (Mediocre)
While some critics are pleased with the 2010 Mazda3's smiling front fascia, most say the aerodynamically enhanced front end looks more like a smirk. According to Automobile Magazine, "From dead-on, the new 3 looks a bit silly -- like an anime gremlin wearing an I've-been-naughty grin."

Mazda3 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
For the interior, Mazda chose to concentrate its redesign efforts on supportive front-row seating and upscale materials and features. As a whole, reviewers say the manufacturer succeeded. The Austin American-Stateman says "the interior materials and attention to detail are a cut above, especially the padded, pebbled surface covering the dash." About.com says, "The new cabin is fantastic -- beautifully designed and built with nicer materials than the old car -- but it's the creature comforts that set the Mazda3 apart."

Mazda3 Safety - NA
The 2010 Mazda3 does well in federal government crash tests.

Mazda3 Reliability - NA
The Mazda3 has a three-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty, and transferable powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles.

Suzuki SX4-FCV - SPORT Hydrogen Car BASE

Suzuki SX4-FCV - SPORT Hydrogen Car BASE

Suzuki Motor Corp exhibited the SX4-FCV, a fuel cell vehicle based on its compact car "SX4," to the press and government officials at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit. Suzuki developed the Wagon R-FCV and the MR Wagon-FCV based on a compact car in 2003. In 2005, In 2005, the Suzuki Ionis hydrogen fuel cell vehicle was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show. Then in October 2007, the Suzuki Crosscage hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle was unveiled, also in Tokyo and the announcement was made that British company Intelligent Energy was supplying the FC. hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle was unveiled, also in Tokyo and the announcement was made that British company Intelligent Energy was supplying the FC.
But, this time, the company developed another fuel cell vehicle based on its compact car "SX4," which is equipped with either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter engine. The output of the fuel cell is increased from the Wagon R-FCV's 50 to 80kW, and the motor output is also boosted from 38 to 68kW. Two 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks are sandwiched between the rear wheels. Due to the small tanks, the SX4-FCV has a travel distance of only 250km. The distance is rather short compared with that of other recent fuel cell vehicles. The SX4-FCV mounts the fuel cell and the motor in a small engine room at the front, which is unusual for a compact car. The vehicle also mounts a high-capacity capacitor for regenerated energy in the trunk. The capacitor takes up almost half the capacity of the trunk. Hydrogen storage tanks is developed by scientists of Suzuki. excellence design of Suzuki SX4-FCV from its compact is more incidental . There are also capacitors able to get back the energy lost while braking the car. Then, Energy is used to help fuel cells to accelerate when the car accelerated "rapidly". As the standard version, SX4-FCV can still be filled by five passengers. One tank filled of hydrogen can be used for a distance of 250 km. The top speed can be reached at 150 km / hour. After the exhibition show, Suzuki SX4-FCV will be on public streets in Japan. For the development of hydrogen fuel, Suzuki cooperates with General Motors since 2001. Spokesman tell that Suzuki try to make Suzuki SX4-FCV production as soon as possible. The Suzuki SX4 series production is in cooperation between Suzuki and Fiat in 2006. This type of car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign studio. Suzuki SX4 was produced to replace the series of Aerio (for some place called Liana). In fact, the Suzuki SX4 is only in the series selling in Europe. But, in the development, the car is also sold in Japan, India, South America, Australia, South Africa, and North America. First car is introduced in the Geneva Motor Show 2008. For the SX4 series hatchback has produced at the first time since 2007. These series are introduced early in the New York Auto Show. This vehicle has been released in Japan, India, and several East European countries.