Inexpensive, fast and good. These three sought-after features are rarely achieved in a vehicle, yet they perfectly describe the driving force behind Mazda's recent success. Mazda is close to mastering the art of providing exactly what consumers need and don't need in a vehicle – as well as what consumers should and should not be expected to pay for when it comes to both safety and interior standards.
The Mazda 2010 lineup is a standout cluster of vehicles that have earned their stars and detailing stripes for taking thoughtful design beyond four tires and a steering wheel (and not charging for every extra horsepower or additional technology feature along the way). Here are eight vehicles from the 2010 Mazda Vehicle Lineup we like a lot:
View all 2010 Mazda Vehicles
The refreshed CX-7 crossover offers a more aggressive front grille and a bigger 161-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine than the previous 2.3-liter – but still with a reasonable starting price of $21,550. The CX-7 (view photos) is known for sports utility practicality and a banging Bose stereo; Bluetooth and a back-up camera are also available interior highlights. The normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine garners a steady 20/28-mpg, making this not just one of the most fuel-conservative cars in Mazda's 2010 lineup, but in the small to mid-size CUV market. Mazda is solving the world's blind spot issue with the industry-first Blind Spot Monitoring System. While the rest of the makers and models rely on backup cameras to detect objects, this feature flashing images of nearing cars in the side mirrors. Make note the rear window visibility is better than the Nissan Rogue, a main competitor.
The RX-8 (view photos) is the quintessential 4-door (and 4-seat) sports coupe for the fast car aficionado, offering a trifecta of immediate bonuses – aggressive exterior design, superior acceleration and track-like handling. The 1.3-liter lightweight RENESIS engine offers 232 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque with the manual 6-speed transmission or 212 horsepower with the automatic 6-speed (equipped with steering wheel mounted shift paddles). The suspension includes a limited slip differential and a very light carbon-fiber compost drive shaft. The R3 trim adds Blisten shocks, 19-inch alloy wheels and Recaro seats. The "freestyle" 4-door design features a unique rear-hinged door. Unlike most sporty coupes, the RX-8 begins at an affordable $26,495.
The MX-5 (view photos) is probably one of the most recognizable sports cars on the road. Seeing sales have amassed nearly 900,000 globally, the Miata is literally a one in a million vehicle. The model comes in a soft top that goes down in 12 seconds for a base price of $22,810. The high-end MX-5 PRHT Grand Touring starts at $28,250. The Miata has received many best-in-class awards, from the fuel economy at 22/28-mpg driving to more legroom. The drive is agile and responsive with a higher sense of gravity for excellent road grip. Also, Xenon headlights are available to cast a brighter, safer white light.
The redesigned 4-door and 5-door (hatchback) Mazda3 (view photos) offers more than just a generous injection of modern exterior style; the new model offers two improved engines. The 148-horsepower 2.0-liter claims a 10 percent reduction over gas estimates of the previous powertrain unit while a bigger 167-horsepower 2.5-liter replaces the previous 2.3-liter with a gain of 11 horsepower. The Mazda3 possesses light step into everything road-related with believable verve and stout. The Bose stereo sound system was a real high point. What makes this car a commuter's and first-time buyer's dream is even if you did try to spend a wad on the 3, you couldn't: A decked-out 2.5-liter Mazda3 with the s Grand Touring trim with all the works reaches a modest $25,460.
