New cars: 2010 MazdaSpeed 3

Automobile

The redesigned five-door MazdaSpeed is “the muscle car of the hot-hatch world.” Top speed on this turbocharged, 263-hp four-cylinder can hit an electronically limited 155 mph. What’s different this year? The, er, “styling.” Love it or hate it, the new version looks like “the happiest car on the planet.”

Motor Trend

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New fog lights now flank that smile on the grille, dual exhaust tips are bigger this year, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels are now standard. The refurbished interior comes in “mostly black with red accents,” and the seats are comfortable, though the navigation system’s screen may be too small for some. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-wheel anti-lock braking system offers traction control, dynamic stability control, and brake assist.

Car and Driver

The MazdaSpeed 3 has been on our 10 Best Cars list three years straight. What to do for an encore? “Not much.” The biggest visual update is the hood scoop to funnel air into the top-mounted engine. The suspension has been fine-tuned, Bluetooth connectivity is now available, and the ride quality is noticeably improved.