I'm continuing to update my What's New for 2010 section, and today, for no particular reason, I've focused on "M" brands. Check 'em out:
I've also updated Toyota with information about the new 2010 4Runner, but I'm not making a big deal about that because it totally throws off my "M" theme.
Of course, I know a bunch of you are eager to hear more about a certain car that begins with P. My review needs a couple more days of work; with a car like this, I want to make sure I have all the words right. But I can give you the gist of it: It's unlike any 4-door car I've ever experienced, and for that reason -- well, that and the fact that it's faster than manure flung from a shovel -- I really like it. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
The Mazda brand is currently the only Japaneze make that I like across the board. The only dislike is that, save for a couple of exceptiions, EVERYTHING LOOKS EXACTLY ALIKE*&^%&I&!!!
I hate that!! Otherwise, they have one of the most appealing designs in the Japaneze market.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Mercury. Ford has spent a ton of money re-vamping the Ford and Lincoln lineups. Hopefully, Mercury will get some unique and interesting vehicles, instead of continuing their current trend of building what are simply re-badged/re-grilled upscale Fords.
Mini is a cool car!! I couldn’t live with one as a family car, but, the more they expand the lineup, the more diverse they should be. My only hope is that they don’t take their eye off the ball and make the same mistake that so many other makes are………trying to be everything to everyone!! If I see a Mini Minivan, Pickup, or mid-sized sedan in the future, I’ll have my answer.
I have to say that the new MAZDASPEED3 is ugly in person. The car just doesn’t look like its design connects from the front to the rear. With the previous model I liked the cleaner lines and stealth it provided by looking more like a normal Mazda3. You sat in the car and I felt it wrapped around you. When I sat in the 2010 it felt like i was sitting up higher and farther forward. That could be because of the rake of the windshield and side windows. I also didn’t feel that if I would have test drove it that I could feel the car around me as well as the 2008 I had(I really miss my 2008).
What I can’t knock about the 2010 is the quality of the materials. They’re top notch.
As for what’s new for Mini, I would love to see the final specs on the Crossover although I do doubt that it will be very affordable. The gas mileage could be appealing for an all weather capable vehicle if it has the right amount of performance. If Mini can improve the quality of their interior materials I’d consider getting one.
Gadzooks, the front of the Mazda 3 is the silliest, most cartoonish-looking thing I’ve seen since the last Pixar film. I’m no fan of Japanese styling, but this one really lays an egg.
Hey Jay…according to the just released Motor Trend Suv/Truck Buyers Guide Edition, the Mini Crossman/Crossman S is slated to go on sale at $22,500-$26,500. Considering this is a moderately larger car with AWD, I think that’s a darn reasonable price. Considering the extra girth+mechanicals=weight factor, I would definitely spring for the 2mpg less and higher price of the “S”.
Great opinion about new car 2010, Lexus RX350 is my favorite car.
Hawaiian Don…Thanks. Those specs for fuel economy and price are AWESOME! I just have to convince my wife to give up her 1997 Pontiac Sunfire now.
Just explain to your wife how hard it must have been to tell all of us motor heads that one of us actually has an immediate family member that owns a ‘97 Sunfire! Our sympathies are with you, my brother!!!
Came across another new car to be launched.. Manza..
Heres the teaser site ….
http://www.indulgeinmanza.com
Nothing at all about the new mazda engines just announced? Be nice to know when we’ll see them in the US.
I did have one other comment about the new Mazda 3. I had heard someone say it looks like the new for 2010 Dodge Neon and I have to agree.
Hawaiian Don…I traded my Speed3 for a Nissan Xterra for more room. We needed it with a baby on the way and my new job requires it sometimes too. My wife now drives the Xterra and guess what I got most of the time. The ‘97 Sunfire. Talk about sacrifice.
Crossman looks like a winner, if the price holds from one of the previous posts. Knowing Mini though there will be so many options it will be a $30K plus car easily. Had to go find a look though, found this site:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/paris-preview-2010-mini-crossover-concept/
I just cant get over that front end on the 3. I think it’s even worse than the horrible front ends on Lexus’.
Sorry, I meant Acura front ends.
Jay,
Until you finally sell that albatross tied around your neck, make sure to keep a suicide hotline number with you at all times when driving that car, or blogging on this site. We’d hate to lose a good guy!!! We feel your pain, Jay.