CX-7: The CX-7 gets a new base engine: A 161 horsepower version of the 2.5 liter four-cylinder found in the 2009 Mazda6 and 2010 Mazda3. The 244 horsepower 2.3 liter turbo engine will continue as an option. Other changes include tweaked styling, a stiffer body structure, and improvements in NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), with a particular emphasis on reducing wind noise.

CX-9: Mazda’s big crossover gets its three-year facelift in the form of a bigger, happier grille, larger side mirrors, and other detail changes. The interior sees similar tweaks intended to give the CX-9 a more upscale look.

• MAZDA3: (photos: sedan, hatchback) The Mazda3 is all new for 2010. Outside, the ’10-3 gets Mazda’s new corporate smiley-face grille; inside it gets a long list of standard and optional equipment of the sort traditionally found on larger cars — dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and push-button ignition. The 3 once again offers two engines; the 3i gets a 148 hp two-liter, while the 3s gets the 167 hp 2.5 from the mid-size Mazda6. Unchanged: The Mazda3′s fun-to-drive demeanor.

MAZDA5: Electronic stability control is now standard.

MAZDA6: A new Touring Plus trim level, available on both 4-cylinder (“i”) and six-cylinder (“s”) versions, fits in between the Touring and the Grand Touring; it includes a moonroof, Bluetooth phone connectivity, electroluminescent gauges, a blind spot warning system, and an alarm. The Grand Touring model gets a new Technology Package which bundles Bluetooth and a color multi-information display.

MAZDASPEED3: The new version of the Mazdaspeed3 will once again share its 5-door body with the Mazda3 hatchback, with a big hood scoop to differentiate it from the regular 3 (and perhaps to make it look a bit more like the Subaru WRX). The 263 horsepower 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is unchanged from the previous Mazdaspeed3, but the manual transmission’s gear ratios have been revised. Mazda promises improvements to suspension, steering and braking which should make the new car’s handling superior to the outgoing ‘Speed3.

MX-5 MIATA: The entry-level SV model has been dropped, leaving the Sport as the least-expensive Miata. And speaking of the Sport, it’s no longer available with the optional folding hard-top. The Grand Touring Premium Package now includes Bluetooth phone connectivity and SIRIUS satellite radio.

RX-8: The rotary-engine sports car gets new 10-spoke wheels with a rotary motif, and Grand Touring models now come with a moonroof and Sirius satellite radio as standard.

TRIBUTE: Mazda’s version of the Ford Escape/ Mercury Mariner gets some new standard equipment: An outside temperature gauge for all models, garage-door opener and auto-dimming rear view mirror on Grand Touring and HEV (hybrid) models, and a one-touch open/close moonroof for the HEV. Steel Blue and Ingot Silver join the paint palette.

BEYOND 2010:

MAZDA2: Mazda plans to enter the subcompact market by bringing the Mazda2 hatchback — already sold in other markets, including Europe and Japan — to the United States and Canada. Mazda will show the North American-bound version of the Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show; it is scheduled to go on sale in late 2010 as a 2011 model.

Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director, president and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation, will address the media at a press conference, scheduled to begin at 11:05 am, Wednesday, December 2.  In addition to a stock MAZDA2, a selection of unique MAZDA2 vehicles will be on display to showcase the car’s creative potential and versatility.

“Bringing MAZDA2 to North America completes the bookends in our lineup,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.  “With the seven-passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the subcompact MAZDA2 at the other, Mazda’s lineup now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered.  MAZDA2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value.  In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom.”

MAZDA2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning 48 awards and being recognized as Car of the Year in more than 20 countries.  Additionally, MAZDA2 was named “2008 World Car of the Year,” besting all other new cars around the world.

In addition to the North American debut of MAZDA2, Mazda will showcase its full 2010 lineup at the Los Angeles Auto Show, including the MAZDA3, MAZDA5, MAZDA6, MX-5, RX-8, CX-7 and CX-9.

Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary in the United States in 2010, Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Teaser Image of Mazda M2