Market Segment:
Compact Car / Small Family Car
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza
Design Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, stylish and refined interior/exterior, good fuel economy
Target Audience:
Young professionals, small families, individuals seeking a practical and engaging driving experience
Brand Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to driving pleasure ('Zoom-Zoom')
Systems Covered:
Instrumentation, Controls, Audio System, Climate Control, Safety Restraint System (SRS), Lighting, Exterior Features, Interior Features, Driving Information, Vehicle Care, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Emergency Procedures, Specifications
Procedures Included:
Operating controls, adjusting seats/mirrors, using climate control, basic fluid checks, tire pressure adjustment, jump starting, changing wiper blades, fuse replacement, understanding warning lights, emergency tool usage
Technical Depth:
Basic operation, user-level maintenance, safety information, owner-level troubleshooting
Engine Code Usdm:
MZR 2.5L (LF-VE)
Engine Displacement Primary:
2.5 Liters (2488 cc)
Engine Configuration Primary:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower Primary:
167 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Primary:
168 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Variant 1:
MZR 2.0L (LF-V8) - standard on some trims/markets
Engine Displacement Variant 1:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower Variant 1:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Variant 1:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Emissions Certification:
Tier 2 Bin 5 (US EPA)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Activematic)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), Snow Mode
Manual Transmission Final Drive Ratio:
4.107:1 (typical for 2.5L)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Mazda part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mazda ATF-MV (JWS 3309 equivalent) (check manual for specific Mazda part number)
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches (2640 mm)
Overall Length Sedan:
176.8 inches (4491 mm)
Overall Length Hatchback:
168.3 inches (4275 mm)
Overall Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Overall Height Sedan:
57.7 inches (1466 mm)
Overall Height Hatchback:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches (140 mm) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
11.8 cubic feet (334 L)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
21.7 cubic feet (614 L) (seats up)
Curb Weight Min:
3140 lbs (1424 kg) (typical)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4255 lbs (1930 kg) (approx.)
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch steel or alloy
Optional Wheel Size:
17-inch alloy
Standard Tire Size:
205/55R16
Optional Tire Size:
205/50R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Crash Test Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models meeting specific criteria)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, front pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Infotainment System Availability:
Standard audio system with CD player, MP3 capability, and auxiliary input. Optional Bose premium audio system available on higher trims.
Display Type:
Central multi-information display (MID) for vehicle status and settings. Separate display for audio/climate (non-touchscreen).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control. Optional features may include HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming may be available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval Normal Driving:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Oil Change Interval Severe Driving:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (refer to manual for conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Iridium-tipped: 75,000 miles (120,000 km)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent (non-abrasive, de-ionized)
Common Issues Early Models:
Rust accumulation on subframes/suspension components, potential for ignition coil failure, minor electrical glitches (e.g., power window motors)
Maintenance Recommendations:
Regular inspection for rust, especially in winter climates. Monitor for any abnormal engine noises or warning lights.
Brand Heritage:
Mazda is a Japanese automaker with a long history of producing reliable and engaging vehicles, known for its innovative rotary engines and the popular 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy.
Model Evolution Predecessor:
First generation Mazda 3 (BK, 2003-2009)
Model Evolution Second Generation:
The 2010 model year marked the introduction of the second generation (BL) Mazda 3, featuring a redesigned exterior, updated interior, and improved chassis dynamics.
Model Evolution Successor:
Third generation Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2018)
Production Locations:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market)
Previous Generation Awards:
The first generation Mazda 3 received numerous accolades, including being named a Consumer Reports 'Recommended Buy' and often appearing on Car and Driver's '10Best' list.
Awards 2010 Model Year:
While specific awards for the 2010 model might be less prominent than the first generation, the BL chassis generally maintained positive reviews for its driving dynamics and value.
