These days, an automaker's most important product is its smallest car.  With that in mind, Mazda has begun rolling out the next version of its popular, sporty compact Mazda3 - and early impressions from the first reporters to drive the car say the 2010 3 is promising.

Edmunds Inside Line comments, "With numerous innovative options, class-leading dynamics, engaging driving character and a new look, the 2010 Mazda 3 seems set once again to claw its way to class leadership."  The new car is more powerful than the outgoing version, and more fuel-efficient.  "The Mazda 3 i is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine while the Mazda 3 s now receives the 2.5-liter inline-4 introduced by the 2009 Mazda 6."  A six-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic are available.  "But here's the really good news. Every combination of engine and transmission in the 2010 Mazda 3 earns the same or better city/highway fuel economy as the current car."

Motor Trend adds, "Mazda also released a few other interesting tidbits. On the mechanical side of things, the all-new Mazda3 will have adaptive, self-leveling, bi-Xenon headlights...and claimed class-leading noise levels in the cabin. Driver amenities will include keyless entry, push-button starting, Bluetooth cell-phone and portable audio player integration, a ‘strategically placed' driver information center, power seats with memory, and a 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound audio system."  Those are fairly upscale features for an economy car.  Dual-zone climate control has apparently also made its way into even Mazda's least-expensive model.

The car will come in both sedan and hatchback versions.  Autoblog calls it "a good looking car that Mazda says carries on its "family face" with stylish bulges and creases that attract the eyes." 

Canadian Driver says that, inside, "Headroom and legroom is about the same, which is to say that the rear seat is roomy enough for two adults if the front seats aren't pushed back too far."  A redesigned dash features more prominent cowls for the tachometer and speedometer.  "A larger digital display on top of the dash shows radio, time and heater functions, and on top-of-the-line GT models, fuel consumption information and optional navigation."

But what attracts many buyers to Mazda is the driving experience.  On that front, Inside Line reports, "There's a sense of tautness in all of the 3's responses. Every control - steering, throttle response and brakes - feels as if it has been tuned by someone who knows and cares about driving."

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