As numerous spy photos have indicated, Mazda announced that it is revamping its well-loved Mazda 3 economy sedan for the 2010 model year. The new model doesn't stray far from the successful formula of the current version, although it includes refreshed, more muscular styling and some tweaks to the powertrain and interior—including what could be one breakthrough tech feature.

Car and Driver reports that like the previous car, the new Mazda 3 will offer a navigation system option. However, via a smaller, 4-inch screen built into the existing dashboard pod, it's possible that it will only cost "a few hundred dollars" instead of the nearly $2,000 cost of the previous option. That would easily make it the cheapest factory-installed system available. (And it's about time—who hasn't looked at a $150 Garmin on Amazon and then wondered what they were paying $1,500 for at the car dealer?)

The report said that the system wouldn't be a touchscreen at that price; instead, the driver would control it via buttons on the steering wheel. Other options will include Bluetooth phone connectivity with streaming audio capability and iPod integration.