With major changes to the exterior, interior and engine, the 2011 Mazda3 is even more fun, sporty and exhilarating.

Available in sedan or hatchback forms, the new Mazda3 takes its design cues from Mazda?s Nagare concept vehicle by featuring a radical new 5-point grille with a gaping opening that immediately distinguishes it from the pack.  The Mazda3 comes in five trim levels ? i SV, i Sport, i Touring, s Sport and s Grand Touring ? and with a choice of two engines.  A 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder 148-horsepower engine cranks out 135 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.  A 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder, 167-horsepower engine yields 168 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.  Both automatic transmissions include a clutch less-manual mode that changes gears by simply tapping the console gear selector up or down.

Depending on the trim, the 2010 Mazda3 will receive average or excellent fuel economy with up to 21-25 mpg in the city and 29-33 on the highway.  Competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.  The Mazda3 seats five passengers and the 60/40-split rear backseat folds down to expand to the cargo area to 11.8 cubic feet in the sedan and 17 cubic feet in the hatchback.

Not only did the folks at Mazda pay close attention to the exterior, but the interior is revamped and showcases a futuristic and contemporary design.  An optional navigation screen displays turn-by-turn directions and audio and vehicle information and is placed at the top of the dash, which aligns with your line of sight so that you can stay focused on what?s ahead.  A CD player and auxiliary input jack are standard on all trims, while a Bose Center point Surround System with Audio Pilot and 10 speakers is optional.  A power sliding-glass moon roof, self-leveling Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry and Smart System with push-button start are optional.

When it comes to safety, the 2011 Mazda3 has you and your cargo covered.  Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, antilock brakes, active front headrests, collapsible steering column and a tire pressure monitoring system come standard, while Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System are standard on the i Touring and s models.

Offering sports car handling, sedan/hatchback versatility, impressive fuel economy and an all-new sleek and stylish design, the 2011 Mazda3 is so Zoom Zoom.