2010 Mazda3. Click image to enlarge

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2010 Mazda3 Sport

Montreal, Quebec – The Canadian premiere of the redesigned Mazda3, in both sedan and hatchback body styles, took place this morning at the Montreal International Auto Show. First introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, the Mazda3 is now in its second generation, and is one of the best-selling cars in Canada.

On sale in late January 2009, the 2010 Mazda3 will have a starting price of $15,995. Trim levels will be the same as before, in GX, GS and GT, but all with more standard and optional features that the company said have never before been seen in this segment.

The entry-level GX sedan and unique-to-Canada Sport (hatchback) GX use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 148 horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. For 2010, power mirrors, body-coloured door handles, power locks and windows, and 16-inch wheels will become standard. On the Sport GX, starting at $16,995, standard equipment also includes an anti-theft alarm, rear intermittent wiper, rear roof spoiler, and jackknife key fob with keyless entry.

The mid-range GS sedan starts at $18,995, using the 2.0-litre engine in the GX, while the Sport GS, with a starting price of $20,395, uses an all-new 167-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox, taken from the Mazda6.

The top-line GT, starting at $22,595 for the sedan and $23,595 for the Sport, offers even more premium features than the outgoing car, including the 2.5-litre four-cylinder, 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, bi-xenon headlamps, LED taillights, multi-information display and six-CD stereo. Optional packages will be available that include such features as leather seats, navigation system, keyless start, and adaptive headlamps.