Mazda 3

Although not really an all-new model, the Mazda 3 is set for a minor facelift within this year.  The decisively sporty compact car benefits from both mechanical and cosmetic changes.  From the outside, the quickest way to distinguish the new 3 from the old one is the revised grille, bumpers (now with rectangular fog lamps) and LED combination tail lamps.  The alloy wheel designs have also been changed.

In order to keep its corporate 'zoom-zoom' philosophy fresh, the new Mazda 3 is given sequential valve timing (S-VT).  In conjunction with the variable induction system (VICS) output has increased to 150 horsepower from 140 for the 2.0-liter model.  At the same time, a 5-speed automatic is mated with a paddle shifter for the range-topping models.  1.6-liter models don't receive any mechanical changes.  A 4WD variant is also added and can be had with the 2.0-liter engine.

Inside, it's a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  As such, only very minor changes make their way inside the revised 3.  In fact, things are just limited to improved dash plastics and slithers of aluminum trim here and there to uplift the otherwise dark motif.  For other markets (hopefully not ours), a beige/wood interior combination is made available.  The 2.0-liter models get a new instrumentation cluster with white day time letter which is reversed into a red with blue-lit hue at night.  For audiophiles, the Mazda3 is now made available with a Bose sound system.  A keyless engine start system is also available for that luxurious touch.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The newest and undoubtedly one of the most awaited is the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer.  Already being sold in countries like the US and Japan, the biggest change with the Lancer is its name.  In its home country, the Lancer is now being marketed as the "Galant Fortis".  While this piece of news has little to do with people outside the land of the rising sun, what this simply means is that the all-new Lancer is big.

With a wheelbase measuring in a 2,635 mm, the new Lancer can easily mix it up with some of the bigger boys (the Mazda 6 most notably).  It's just about right that Mitsubishi is giving the Lancer the heart of an athlete: an all-new, all-aluminum 2.0-liter DOHC inline-4 code named 4B11.  Featuring variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust, it pushes out 152 horsepower at 27 kilograms less than the old iron block.  There are 2 transmission options, a slick 5-speed manual (with triple synchronizer cones on the 1st and 2nd gears) or a fuel-efficient CVT.

Inside, Mitsubishi isn't messing around and provided a straight-forward easy-to-use interior with large dual pod guages and a large center stack.  What it lacks in design flair, it easily makes up for with impressive technical specs.  Safety is paramount so it has 7 airbags (including a driver's knee airbag), a Bluetooth enabled hands-free phone system, and an optional 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system

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