The Mazda3 sedan received a complete overhaul for the 2010 model year, representing what is perhaps the most daring example yet of the Japanese automaker's new design language. The new Mazda3 showcases a styling direction that will eventually spread to the entire Mazda lineup, Laurens van den Acker, Mazda's design chief has said.

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The car rides on an improved version of the global Ford Focus C1 platform and is longer than the current model. Overall length is now 180.9 inches (up 3.5 inches), while width is 69.1 inches, height is 57.9 inches, and wheelbase remains 103.9 inches. A rubber-isolated subframe up front supports the entire powertrain, the rack-and-pinion steering system, and the lower attachments of the coil spring MacPherson strut suspension. The independent multi-link rear suspension also uses coil springs with one trailing arm, two lateral links, and one toe-control link per side.

The braking system has been improved with a new vacuum booster that provides a more responsive feel to light pedal efforts.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 135 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Aluminum block and head construction saves weight, while dual overhead camshafts improve efficiency and performance.

The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is borrowed from the larger new Mazda6. It shares the same construction features of the 2.0-liter engine while upping output to 167 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Both engines employ advanced electronic throttle actuation. Mazda’s 'torque base control' technology provides a highly linear acceleration response to every change of throttle pedal pressure.

Five- and six-speed manual transmission are available, as is a five-speed automatic with an optional Sport-AT manual shift mode. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter is estimated a 25 mpg in the city for manual transmission and 24 mpg with the automatic. Highway mileage with the 2.0-liter engine is 33 mpg with either transmission. The 2.5-liter model delivers 21 mpg with the manual gearbox, and 22 mpg with the automatic. Highway consumption is rated at 29 mpg with either transmission.

Inside, like outside, the new Mazda3 is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. A wrap-around dash top, similar to that used on the Honda Civic, contains radio and climate control information, as well as a small optional navigation screen. The luxury quota is way up - Mazda says that it wanted to give buyers a reason to step out of larger, less efficient cars into the 3, so it upped content substantially. Class-first features like driver's seat memory, steering-linked Xenon headlamps and dual-zone automatic climate control are all optional on the 3.

Mazda has a lot riding on the new car - the automaker says that one in three Mazdas sold across the globe is a Mazda3 and, unlike the new Mazda6, the smaller car is almost identical in North American specification to the one sold elsewhere.