Looks like somebody in Mazda's interior design studio has a thing for Op Art. This form of art and fashion took place primarily in the 1960s -- no wonder considering its hallucinogenic vibe.
Though I generally like the MS3, I'm not a big fan of its styling nor the groovy upholstery. And no, there is no other option (such as leather). So if you don't dig it you either have to suck it up and accept the Age of Aquarius vibe or scratch the MS3 off your list of potential sport compacts.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 21, 340 miles
arcangelcesar says:
04:38 PM, 11/ 3/10
Yes I agree this pattern and the whole motif is just plain ugly and well lets just stop at ugly.
However once I get into my 2010 MS3 and start to drive you don't notice it at all, out of sight out of mind, kinda thing, I have gotten many compliments on the car even with the evil grill, the most colorful one is the Atomic strawberry..no one has ever said "DAM what happened to your seats!"
or "Are you sure that's right? no one! Now are they being nice? who knows.
Before I bought the MS3 yes I will admit I looked at GTI. and I cringed at those plaid seats, but once I sat in it, out of sight out of mind.
So really if the interior really matters to you then don't buy these cars.....
bc1960 says:
08:50 PM, 11/ 3/10
Having an educational background in physics and engineering mathematics, I find it interesting, like a wave tank interference pattern from multiple point sources. I probably wouldn't choose to live with it long-term, and it would definitely have to be another color. But props to Mazda for not going with depressing all-black or overcharging for low-grade leather.
I liked the the black alcantara with red discreetly showing through the perforations that could be had in the previous model.But the exterior of the car deters me a lot more than the interior.
herrstreet says:
10:36 PM, 11/ 3/10
Alcantara seems wear and blemish prone. Just do the whole interior in a decent leatherette and call it a day. But heat the seats!
ingram1225 says:
12:22 AM, 11/ 4/10
i like the red stitching in the leather... wish my 2010 mazda3 5dr had that stitching in the cloth seats. I don't like the op art. they could of done without that because it's also in the doors.
gotak says:
11:36 AM, 11/ 4/10
I never get why people are worked up about that. The interior doesn't feel ugly or cheap like the WRX and for me that's all I was looking for. My GF likes the dancing lights on the radio though. Seats, no one's ever seem to have looked at them closely though to make any comments.
m900mwk says:
07:29 AM, 11/ 7/10
Hey, when your ass is in the seat, guess what? NO ONE NOTICES OR CARES!!! Move on to journalism please.....
eldaino2 says:
07:15 AM, 11/10/10
Wow I wish the gti would get a freebie for its 'ugly', better bolstered seats.
eldaino2 says:
07:25 AM, 11/10/10
Wow I wish the gti would get a freebie for its 'ugly', better bolstered seats.