Man, the options they're giving this car should make it appeal to even the prospective Element purchaser! Fridges, First-Aid kits, storage under the rear deck for comforters and throw pillows ...
Meade I think you might be right about the radio. Next time I will bring a CD of music I typically listen to, and take the time to adjust it and base my descion on the radio off of that.
Dinu The glove box cooler looks interest, but makes the glove box look much smaller then I remeber. I could see myself needing some kind of organizer for the glove box as deep as it is. If I were to go with the cooler (availble in the US?) there are still plenty of storage compartments.
No, the optional glove box coller is not available in US. This pics is from Europe. Same for the LED taillight, N/A don't have those (and btw, even the center stop light is not LED). :-(
I hope you aren't holding your breath for the MZ3 to come out in a speed version for next year. Next summer is the speed version of the Miata, then the Mazda6 for the following year. Might as well enjoy one in the mean time!
The US-spec Mazda6 does NOT have daytime running lights. As an FYI, the Mazda6 uses the regular low-beam as daytime running lights in Canada. The Mazda3 is the same - low beam used.
New N. American Focus:
Yes it's bland and lacks content compared to the Mazda3, but it'll be cheap and this is what typical N. Americans want in this class. Cost in this class is huge and this is why Ford did not invest $$$ into tooling and all the other things associated with changing the N. American Focus to the Mazda3/Volvo S40/euro-Focus II platform (keeping the same platform will also avoid any quality issues arising from switching to a new platform).
Instead, aside from being roughly the same size, this new Focus doesn't really compare to the Mazda3 (cheaper and lower class than the Mazda3). This is a very intelligent strategy for Ford as a whole because they now have two very different vehicles in this class (a value vehicle in the Focus and a VW-like vehicle in the loaded Mazda3's). Even the US & Canadian Mazda3 packaging makes it so appealing to get loaded versions (just look at what Dinu's going through right now). Overall, this is a very intelligent strategy and makes perfect business sense - I wish Ford well. What I'm interested in now is to see how the euro-Focus II will look.
Mazda3 hatch & winter driving:
Even though I've already ordered my Mazda3 sedan, I got a 20min testdrive of a Mazda3 hatch by myself last night. I have now driven all the tire sizes, both engines, and both bodystyles. Some new thoughts:
- suspension/tire noises over bumps are more evident in the hatch when compared to the sedan, but it wasn't unacceptable to me or anything (just a bit more, many won't even notice) - those 17-inch tires are brutal in cold temps. It's been 2 weeks since I drove a Mazda3 and the temperatures here in Toronto have dropped more than 10 degrees celsius since then. In below freezing temperatures on dry winter roads (i.e. white from salt), I was spinning the front tires like crazy from stoplights. I truly recommend 17-inchers to get winter tires - I can't even imagine how bad the OE tires must be in snow conditions. - half of my testdrive was in traffic (I was simulating my daily commute!). As such, I had a lot of time to touch and feel the plastics (as well as play with the audio/climate controls). The plastics look fantastic but very hard and cheap. But at this price, with all the content we get, I'm fine with it.
Also, the Mazda3 brochures have finally arrived to Toronto dealerships (so Dinu, you may want to pick one up)
doying5:
Is the Mazdaspeed6 confirmed for N. America? All I know so far is that it's been confirmed for Europe, arriving in calendar year 2005.
Thanks, Bruno, about the HID. I don't understand your comment that it doesn't make sense to have HID on low-beam though. Oh wait, I think I see. You're saying that the HID low-beam's brightness will extend the illuminated area so far that it blinds drivers? Maybe the Sylvania SuperWhites recommended by Dinu would be a happy medium?
Creakid1: sorry to hear that you got rear ended. Glad that you're ok at least. And thanks for your review and comparison to the Prius. Some people may laugh, but I too had the Prius on my list, so that was helpful. (They're both small hatches. The Prius trades economy for the 3's sportiness, and costs thousands more.)
Xeider: thanks for your review too. Glad to hear that the C pillar did not interfere with rear visibility too much.
i'm looking to buy a Mazda3 next year. however, there's not a lot of color choices on mazda's canada website. Does any one know if there will be more color choices soon? like the winning blue and yellow.
I already am! It's called a 2000 Mazda Protege ES 5-speed. No hurry to get into debt since I already have an extremely fun driver's car which, at 68,000 miles, has never had one problem. (And I have the warranty extended out to 6 years/100K anyway.) So who's hurrying?
"Damn it! Why is it so hard to find a reliable fun car that's also comfortable?" They don't make cars like that any more. With all the safety and emmissions stuff the confort had been priced out of the new cars. They don't make interiors like my FX-16 anymore. All real thick padded velour with a 10 way adjustable drivers seat. The gaudy unreplacable stereo's, the 17" standard tires are very nice eye candy but I didn't see anything wrong when 185/60-14 was the order of the day. My 1991 MR2 Turbo made due to 150mph on 14's. Wait til these cars hit the used car lots. Those wheels are going to be a huge liability on an economy used car.
Yes Bluong I know it tilt telecope. But the wheel isn't front and center like I would expect it. It's a couple of inches off center. I'm 6'6' and like the wheel in my lap, I can't do that in this car.
"What, the Lexus? Now who's comparing sheepskin to latex?"
The Mazda3 is the cut-price reliable substitute for the new Volvo S40/V50. People are already saying the 2.3 Mazda3 isn't much cheaper than a 2.2 6-cyl 320i sold in Canada.
That next Toyota Altezza, excuse me, Lexus IS is also available w/ 2.5, at least outside of U.S.
wongpres stated: "..In below freezing temperatures on dry winter roads (i.e. white from salt), I was spinning the front tires like crazy from stoplights. I truly recommend 17-inchers to get winter tires - I can't even imagine how bad the OE tires must be in snow conditions."
I was driving my '92 Camry yesterday in rainy weather, and I couldn't get started quickly unless I applied gas pedal pressure very lightly, otherwise I was spinning, not going anywhere. Very frustrating! Especially when starting leisurely was NOT an option! Grrr. One of the things that has always annoyed me about this car.
This episode just reinforces my disappointment in not having traction control as an option for the 3 in the USA. It is one of a few reservations that may dissuade me from joining the ranks.
Keep in mind that a totally new car, compared to the previous models, will have things you don't like. And to say they need to change several of those things -- they did -- from the previous models. But, again, not necessarily the way you would like them. A car that has to fit so many different body sizes is not going to suit a few with special querks, health problems, and obstinate preferences.
Driving lights: Maybe Wongpres can tell us what the extra light bulb is in the 6's headlamps? I looked at one closely and there is a bulb off-center, at about 11:00 O'clock, on the reflector of the right headlight. Maybe Mazda puts it in but it isn't connected.
Maybe Wongpres can tell us what the extra light bulb is in the 6's headlamps? I looked at one closely and there is a bulb off-center, at about 11:00 O'clock, on the reflector of the right headlight. Maybe Mazda puts it in but it isn't connected.
I know there is indeed a fake bulb in the optical block, not sure that is what you are referred to.
As for the Mazda6, Bruno, when the image Jim sends to you is on your website please post the link. But without seeing the pic, by mentioning 11 o'clock, I'm pretty sure Jim's talking about the parking light on the Mazda6. This parking light is a small light within the upper part of the high-beam light. This parking light turns on when the parking or headlights are turned on. This parking light is on all Mazda6's worldwide.
I actually mentioned something similar to this about 2 weeks ago. In the euro-spec Mazda3, the high-beam also has this additional parking light. Unfortunately, it got decontented for the N. American-spec versions of the Mazda3.
"People are already saying the 2.3 Mazda3 isn't much cheaper than a 2.2 6-cyl 320i sold in Canada."
MSRP on the Beamer is over 10,000 more! How is the Mazda not that much less? Am I missing something here? Maybe I should start comparing the 3 to the WRX.
Yesterday after visiting the Prius hybrid riding as a passenger in the back seat, I found the ride loose & unsteady almost like an old Previa minivan & the rear headroom for the rather high seats sucks, especially the middle seating. The rear head room improves dramatically only if you nod forward. Steering wheel is pretty far away, but the functions on it even include "A/C" & "REC", cool!
Then I was rear ended by an Avalon when I drove my '90 Protege home. Fortunately I had stuffed paddings on the driver's headrest to match my neck contour, so I was ok. So Mazda3 rules, 'cause it's got Volvo's flexible front-seat back that extends the crash zone when being rear ended. Just remember the airbags do no extend the crash zone! Good-braking-distance cars like my '90 Protege LX & the Mazda3 are more likely to be rear ended by other cars.
So today's Mazda3 visit reveals the lower rear seats than the Prius w/ superb rear head room, even the middle seat, for the hatch, while the sedan's nearly as bad as the Prius & doesn't improve much by nodding the head forward. The not-so-high rear seat cushion has longer thigh length for the outboard passengers, like the TSX. & like the Mazda6, 3 passenger can fit 'cause the outboard passengers can remain in the corners w/o falling toward the center, especially in the super-headroom hatch. The TSX will make the outboard passengers' butt badly lopsided when seating 3. I'm 5'11" & the hatch w/o moonroof has enough room for 5 of me! Yes, it's also got more leg room than the TSX, & not much less overall room then the 6, either! Rear door arm rests are high enough for my elbows. By the way, Mazda's careful about making all 4 door arm rests very cushy right at your elbows points! The front seating position feels great as you won't complain about not enough chair height since your feet rest on the diagonal pedals/kick panel rather than leveled floor. It doesn't have the magical low-slung driving position of the 6, though, & is more up right. I adjusted the steering wheel all the way out & also up in order to read the instruments. Still I don't find the center stack rubbing or rubbing excessively on my right leg, as I like to sit all the way high so the door arm rest is a little too low & needs to be modified. So there's not enough head room for me to take the moonroof, & therefore, also the 6-CD, HID option, etc. Oh well, the stereo sucks anyway, even w/ the mid range tuned down w/ max treble/bass(the bass is best left at medium) & fader adjusted at different settings. Thank God, the lack of cushion tilt still retains high thigh ratio, but the thigh length is much shorter than the rear seats!
I find the car PERFECTLY roomy & fits me like a glove. The too-low door arm rest for the driver can be modified myself by adding some paddings. Except the rear vision, visibility is great since I sit high. Hatch's center hood bulge doesn't help, as you need the fender bulge to judge the front corner locations. Not sure if the right-side mirror covers enough range. The Passat/G35-like rear glass is not as horribly narrow in the viewing width due to its shorter distance from the front, but I'd still remove the right rear head rest at the viewing corner. The hatch's rear tunnel vision is nearly as bad as the Prius double-deck rear glass, but the Prius views low down behind you pretty well.
Driving: Bottom line -- the steering sucks, eventhough the feedback is not as bad as TSX's "zero feel", the electrohydraulic must have ruined the Mazda std – It’s too light to feel satisfying to begin with. Bruno's French test is the hydraulic 1.6 model, but it's N/A for N.A. Even the so-so Mazda6's elastic steering I test drove back in April seemed to have a little bit more feel. I swear, just chip out a few more bucks & get the LSD Miata LS! The 17" Mazda3 has especially hight level of handling, but not exciting doing so as the steering feeling is quite washed out, not too different from the more refined/upscale TSX.
Since this is an incomplete test drive that doesn't include bumpy roads, all I could tell was that the tight ride isn't so absorbent when riding in the back, w/ the 17"s feel harsher over the expansion joints. At first I thought the road surfaces weren't coarse enough to induce road noise when I first tried the 3i w/ 16"s. But later I could hear the obvious road rumble in the 17" hatch, all over the car, not particularly from the rear.
The 2.0 engine sounds gritty by TSX std. The 2.3 doesn't, but louder than Honda's smooth units.
I haven't driven the Focus SVT, but I'll bet it's Euro-tuned hydraulic steering should be more satisfying.
Mazda3's steering is still way above average, but...
The 3 has finally arrived!. I passed by Mazda 112 this afternoon during this nor'easter we're in and spotted the tail lights. I could only check the front lot. They had a silver sedan and three hatches (white, black and titanium). The doors were open so I brushed off the snow on the driver door on the sedan and got in. I really like this car. I'm 6'1" and 215 lbs and I fit comfortably. The center stack looks great. I wish Mazda would sell the 6 cd changer by itself instead of being packaged with the sunroof. My current vehicle, a Tribute, has the 6 cd changer and I love the convenience of it but the sunroof is so small on the 3 I couldn't see spending $890 for that option just to have the changer. I'll pass on that one. Has anyone checked out the HID's yet? Anyway, once the snow melts I'll go back and drive it and give another opinion. Until then I'll just keep reading these threads!
When I click that URL I get a message: "The document contains no image. Check with the administrator."
OK, I know what Preston means now, yes, it's in the upper part of the headlight with the large reflector. I thought it was a driving light. Doesn't a parking light have to be amber like the turn signal (blinker); or is there an alternate that is white?
That is not really a parking light if you go by the definition of a parking light. In fact that light is so dim it has no functional purpose - it's there for cosmetics. When that light is on, it just illuminates the entire headlight unit a bit more because the Mazda6 headlight is very wide and the low-beam is on the outer edge. Anyone who has seen a Canadian Mazda6 during the daytime (when only the DRL on) will understand why this little light gives a better appearance.
"I haven't driven the Focus SVT, but I'll bet it's Euro-tuned hydraulic steering should be more satisfying"
last friday I took out both an SVT and new MZ3. The SVT maybe had more sharply tuned reflexes and controlled ride. BUT the MZ3 was 95% of it. A little bit softer, felt less limber and more substantial. At the same time steering feel was real good. Ride fairly taut and well controlled. Felt like a small grand touring automobile. Brakes were good too.
The SVT is a car that is very balanced, athletic, taut, open feeling, like a very toned athlete that isn't all bulked up. Sweet car BTW. The Focus SVT is the perfect single person in the city kind of car.
The 3 i think was an i, felt like a mini luxury car. I should really get around to posting my full review!
If I was buying right now, i can get a LOADED SVT for a lil over 16. The Mazda will cost 2-3k more or more yet. The MZ is defintiely more sophisticated than the SVT but the SVT is so precise and polished.....I might choose to save the cash and go SVT and its 5/100 powertrain warranty.
It comes down to how you feel on a given day.
Screw the A4, buy an SVT and a Mazda3 for the same cash.!
Hey everyone, great forum! I've been lurking for a while..
Just a quick question on MSRP. Here in Ottawa, Canada, the MSRP for a GT with GFX Package is about 22,400$ (1st choice) and 2nd choice is a GS with all the packages (20,895$). From past experiences, how is mazda with dealing their MSRP's down? I'm looking for a 60 mth purchase financing, the 1st choice runs (from mazda.ca) website at about 520$/month while the 2nd is 480/month. Anyway, thought I'd ask all you wonderful people. I'm going shopping tomorrow but just thought I'd get ready tonight!
The Focus is suppose to be lower on the food chain yet it has optional traction control, and the Mazda3 doesn't. But at least we get the xenons and navigation system..
Canada doesn't even get side air bags. What's next, get rid of ABS and offer a new sport package with park bench spoiler and some 18" alloys? Oh and don't forget the standard moonroof.
At this point it may be difficult to go lower than MSRP, but certainly not impossible. If they have several on the lot you might be able to get a few hundred off.
That is not really a parking light if you go by the definition of a parking light. In fact that light is so dim it has no functional purpose - it's there for cosmetics.
Well, in France all cars are required to have parking light. The car, even without ignition, must use this light whenever they park in unlighted streets during the night. So it shouldn't draw too much the juice from the battery. That what they teach me in driving school long ago, but I never seen anyone actually does it. Stupid laws like that we have plenty.
"Unfortunately, ABS sales well and is an overrated safety equipment. DSC is still unknown for most people. N/A marketing folks know all that."
I disagree on both points.
First, at least where I live, moonroofs seem to be overrated. Not because I don't want one, but because when I go on the lot virtually every car (at least the models I'm somewhat interested in) have a moonroof on it. To make it worse, at lot of times there is no ABS with it. I don't recall ever seeing a Protege on the lot in person that had the side air bags/ABS package but no moonroof. I've seen a few with both moonroof and safety package, but a lot are strippers or have only the moonroof.
The same thing applies to other brands as well, not just the Protege. Also I recall audia8q mentioning people choose moonroofs and other stuff before safety items so that's why ABS, etc. is bundled with these things and not offered by themselves in most cases. I'm sure a lot of people don't know about stability control, but a lot probably do know but they don't opt for it. Mainly because stability control on affordable cars are usually bundled with almost every other option the car offers, thus if someone is on a budget stability control is not taken.
Finally, what's wrong with ABS? One of the only few negatives I ever heard are something along the lines of braking distances are increased in certain conditions (like snow) if you have ABS versus non-ABS. Also if someone is use to not having ABS and would prefer to pump the brakes themselves.
ABS may not be the greatest thing in the world but you never know when it may come in handy, just like stability control.
IMO, moonroof is not overrated, nor underrated, for the simple that people like it or not, period. If they think it's worth the money then they buy it.
As for ABS it's more difficult to judge. Sorry to say, but insurance companies, car makers, media, governments, or curious people have done many statistic studies too see if cars with ABS are less likely to be involved in an accident. You wouldn't believe the results but all studies have show none improvement with ABS! The reason is complex, and it doesn't necessary question the technical efficiency of such system. Many people buying cars think that they would be much safer with ABS, well, not according to the study, that's why it's overrated. It's a fact, not opinion, at least in a large scale.
That having said, I wouldn't tell everyone that they shouldn't buy ABS. It's just a question of personal preference. If the drivers knows how to use it, then they should buy it.
I must admit I don't know how to use ABS. I have a car with ABS, and every time the system kicks in, I always found it's annoying because it's exactly the time where I want to lock my wheels. I have yet to find a single road situation where the ABS is useful. But this is just me. I don't have anything again the system intrinsically, just I don't want to pay it as standard equipment, because it's not worth the money for me.
As for stability control, with my driving style, I think it will be useful. Sometime I push hard in a cornering and I'm experienced understeer (the front car couldn't follow and slide outward). Some other time in the I found myself in the car with a too happy rear, especially when the road surface is wet. The DSC would help me to avoid an obstacle with or - more importantly - without slowing down. ABS can't do that. That's why I like DSC.
Take a look at Edmunds top 10 safety tips, you'll see they put DSC somewhere on the top and ABS somewhere on the bottom. I think I heartily agree with them.
Comments
Man, the options they're giving this car should make it appeal to even the prospective Element purchaser! Fridges, First-Aid kits, storage under the rear deck for comforters and throw pillows ...
Meade
http://www.media.mazda.com/product_info/axela/images/gallery/intr- o/athumb3.jpg
Meade
I think you might be right about the radio. Next time I will bring a CD of music I typically listen to, and take the time to adjust it and base my descion on the radio off of that.
Dinu
The glove box cooler looks interest, but makes the glove box look much smaller then I remeber. I could see myself needing some kind of organizer for the glove box as deep as it is. If I were to go with the cooler (availble in the US?) there are still plenty of storage compartments.
http://www.media.mazda.com/product_info/axela/images/gallery/spec- /gthumb3.jpg
That's the one I really want!
Meade
http://www.media.mazda.com/product_info/axela/gallerypress.html
1davao
I hope you aren't holding your breath for the MZ3 to come out in a speed version for next year. Next summer is the speed version of the Miata, then the Mazda6 for the following year.
Might as well enjoy one in the mean time!
Thanks to all for the recent contributions.
The US-spec Mazda6 does NOT have daytime running lights. As an FYI, the Mazda6 uses the regular low-beam as daytime running lights in Canada. The Mazda3 is the same - low beam used.
New N. American Focus:
Yes it's bland and lacks content compared to the Mazda3, but it'll be cheap and this is what typical N. Americans want in this class. Cost in this class is huge and this is why Ford did not invest $$$ into tooling and all the other things associated with changing the N. American Focus to the Mazda3/Volvo S40/euro-Focus II platform (keeping the same platform will also avoid any quality issues arising from switching to a new platform).
Instead, aside from being roughly the same size, this new Focus doesn't really compare to the Mazda3 (cheaper and lower class than the Mazda3). This is a very intelligent strategy for Ford as a whole because they now have two very different vehicles in this class (a value vehicle in the Focus and a VW-like vehicle in the loaded Mazda3's). Even the US & Canadian Mazda3 packaging makes it so appealing to get loaded versions (just look at what Dinu's going through right now). Overall, this is a very intelligent strategy and makes perfect business sense - I wish Ford well. What I'm interested in now is to see how the euro-Focus II will look.
Mazda3 hatch & winter driving:
Even though I've already ordered my Mazda3 sedan, I got a 20min testdrive of a Mazda3 hatch by myself last night. I have now driven all the tire sizes, both engines, and both bodystyles. Some new thoughts:
- suspension/tire noises over bumps are more evident in the hatch when compared to the sedan, but it wasn't unacceptable to me or anything (just a bit more, many won't even notice)
- those 17-inch tires are brutal in cold temps. It's been 2 weeks since I drove a Mazda3 and the temperatures here in Toronto have dropped more than 10 degrees celsius since then. In below freezing temperatures on dry winter roads (i.e. white from salt), I was spinning the front tires like crazy from stoplights. I truly recommend 17-inchers to get winter tires - I can't even imagine how bad the OE tires must be in snow conditions.
- half of my testdrive was in traffic (I was simulating my daily commute!). As such, I had a lot of time to touch and feel the plastics (as well as play with the audio/climate controls). The plastics look fantastic but very hard and cheap. But at this price, with all the content we get, I'm fine with it.
Also, the Mazda3 brochures have finally arrived to Toronto dealerships (so Dinu, you may want to pick one up)
doying5:
Is the Mazdaspeed6 confirmed for N. America? All I know so far is that it's been confirmed for Europe, arriving in calendar year 2005.
I'll drop by sometime this weekend.
Dinu
Creakid1: sorry to hear that you got rear ended. Glad that you're ok at least. And thanks for your review and comparison to the Prius. Some people may laugh, but I too had the Prius on my list, so that was helpful. (They're both small hatches. The Prius trades economy for the 3's sportiness, and costs thousands more.)
Xeider: thanks for your review too. Glad to hear that the C pillar did not interfere with rear visibility too much.
I'm affraid this question belong to an impossible-to-answer category.
- we don't know if we are not from Mazda
- we don't want to tell if we are from Mazda and know.
I already am! It's called a 2000 Mazda Protege ES 5-speed. No hurry to get into debt since I already have an extremely fun driver's car which, at 68,000 miles, has never had one problem. (And I have the warranty extended out to 6 years/100K anyway.) So who's hurrying?
The only zooming I do is behind the wheel!
Meade
Meade
They don't make cars like that any more. With all the safety and emmissions stuff the confort had been priced out of the new cars. They don't make interiors like my FX-16 anymore. All real thick padded velour with a 10 way adjustable drivers seat. The gaudy unreplacable stereo's, the 17" standard tires are very nice eye candy but I didn't see anything wrong when 185/60-14 was the order of the day. My 1991 MR2 Turbo made due to 150mph on 14's.
Wait til these cars hit the used car lots. Those wheels are going to be a huge liability on an economy used car.
Yes Bluong I know it tilt telecope. But the wheel isn't front and center like I would expect it. It's a couple of inches off center. I'm 6'6' and like the wheel in my lap, I can't do that in this car.
http://media.ford.com/mazda/
1davao
Now who's comparing sheepskin to latex?"
The Mazda3 is the cut-price reliable substitute for the new Volvo S40/V50. People are already saying the 2.3 Mazda3 isn't much cheaper than a 2.2 6-cyl 320i sold in Canada.
That next Toyota Altezza, excuse me, Lexus IS is also available w/ 2.5, at least outside of U.S.
I was driving my '92 Camry yesterday in rainy weather, and I couldn't get started quickly unless I applied gas pedal pressure very lightly, otherwise I was spinning, not going anywhere. Very frustrating! Especially when starting leisurely was NOT an option! Grrr. One of the things that has always annoyed me about this car.
This episode just reinforces my disappointment in not having traction control as an option for the 3 in the USA. It is one of a few reservations that may dissuade me from joining the ranks.
Well ...
IT AIN'T A MAZDA!!!
Driving lights:
Maybe Wongpres can tell us what the extra light bulb is in the 6's headlamps? I looked at one closely and there is a bulb off-center, at about 11:00 O'clock, on the reflector of the right headlight. Maybe Mazda puts it in but it isn't connected.
fowler3
I know there is indeed a fake bulb in the optical block, not sure that is what you are referred to.
fowler3
One used for DRL+low beam
Other light (towards the centre of the car) used for high beams
When you have the high beams on, ALL lights are on.
Dinu
Dinu
even the blinker? ;-)
Dinu
As for the Mazda6, Bruno, when the image Jim sends to you is on your website please post the link. But without seeing the pic, by mentioning 11 o'clock, I'm pretty sure Jim's talking about the parking light on the Mazda6. This parking light is a small light within the upper part of the high-beam light. This parking light turns on when the parking or headlights are turned on. This parking light is on all Mazda6's worldwide.
I actually mentioned something similar to this about 2 weeks ago. In the euro-spec Mazda3, the high-beam also has this additional parking light. Unfortunately, it got decontented for the N. American-spec versions of the Mazda3.
MSRP on the Beamer is over 10,000 more! How is the Mazda not that much less? Am I missing something here? Maybe I should start comparing the 3 to the WRX.
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brunoluong/detail?.dir=/Mazda3&a- mp;a- mp;.dnm=parking_light.jpg
As per bmw.ca
320i w/16" steel wheels is $34,950
The most expensive 3 is the HB GT w/leather and moonroof for $24,085.
Make that $10,865 without 17" alloys+moonroof.
Dinu
Yesterday after visiting the Prius hybrid riding as a passenger in the back seat, I found the ride loose & unsteady almost like an old Previa minivan & the rear headroom for the rather high seats sucks, especially the middle seating. The rear head room improves dramatically only if you nod forward. Steering wheel is pretty far away, but the functions on it even include "A/C" & "REC", cool!
Then I was rear ended by an Avalon when I drove my '90 Protege home. Fortunately I had stuffed paddings on the driver's headrest to match my neck contour, so I was ok. So Mazda3 rules, 'cause it's got Volvo's flexible front-seat back that extends the crash zone when being rear ended. Just remember the airbags do no extend the crash zone! Good-braking-distance cars like my '90 Protege LX & the Mazda3 are more likely to be rear ended by other cars.
So today's Mazda3 visit reveals the lower rear seats than the Prius w/ superb rear head room, even the middle seat, for the hatch, while the sedan's nearly as bad as the Prius & doesn't improve much by nodding the head forward. The not-so-high rear seat cushion has longer thigh length for the outboard passengers, like the TSX. & like the Mazda6, 3 passenger can fit 'cause the outboard passengers can remain in the corners w/o falling toward the center, especially in the super-headroom hatch. The TSX will make the outboard passengers' butt badly lopsided when seating 3. I'm 5'11" & the hatch w/o moonroof has enough room for 5 of me! Yes, it's also got more leg room than the TSX, & not much less overall room then the 6, either! Rear door arm rests are high enough for my elbows. By the way, Mazda's careful about making all 4 door arm rests very cushy right at your elbows points! The front seating position feels great as you won't complain about not enough chair height since your feet rest on the diagonal pedals/kick panel rather than leveled floor. It doesn't have the magical low-slung driving position of the 6, though, & is more up right. I adjusted the steering wheel all the way out & also up in order to read the instruments. Still I don't find the center stack rubbing or rubbing excessively on my right leg, as I like to sit all the way high so the door arm rest is a little too low & needs to be modified. So there's not enough head room for me to take the moonroof, & therefore, also the 6-CD, HID option, etc. Oh well, the stereo sucks anyway, even w/ the mid range tuned down w/ max treble/bass(the bass is best left at medium) & fader adjusted at different settings. Thank God, the lack of cushion tilt still retains high thigh ratio, but the thigh length is much shorter than the rear seats!
I find the car PERFECTLY roomy & fits me like a glove. The too-low door arm rest for the driver can be modified myself by adding some paddings. Except the rear vision, visibility is great since I sit high. Hatch's center hood bulge doesn't help, as you need the fender bulge to judge the front corner locations. Not sure if the right-side mirror covers enough range. The Passat/G35-like rear glass is not as horribly narrow in the viewing width due to its shorter distance from the front, but I'd still remove the right rear head rest at the viewing corner. The hatch's rear tunnel vision is nearly as bad as the Prius double-deck rear glass, but the Prius views low down behind you pretty well.
Driving: Bottom line -- the steering sucks, eventhough the feedback is not as bad as TSX's "zero feel", the electrohydraulic must have ruined the Mazda std – It’s too light to feel satisfying to begin with. Bruno's French test is the hydraulic 1.6 model, but it's N/A for N.A. Even the so-so Mazda6's elastic steering I test drove back in April seemed to have a little bit more feel. I swear, just chip out a few more bucks & get the LSD Miata LS! The 17" Mazda3 has especially hight level of handling, but not exciting doing so as the steering feeling is quite washed out, not too different from the more refined/upscale TSX.
Since this is an incomplete test drive that doesn't include bumpy roads, all I could tell was that the tight ride isn't so absorbent when riding in the back, w/ the 17"s feel harsher over the expansion joints. At first I thought the road surfaces weren't coarse enough to induce road noise when I first tried the 3i w/ 16"s. But later I could hear the obvious road rumble in the 17" hatch, all over the car, not particularly from the rear.
The 2.0 engine sounds gritty by TSX std. The 2.3 doesn't, but louder than Honda's smooth units.
I haven't driven the Focus SVT, but I'll bet it's Euro-tuned hydraulic steering should be more satisfying.
Mazda3's steering is still way above average, but...
Hey, how about...
http://www.autofiend.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&a- mp;a- mp;sid=51
Damn it! Why is it so hard to find a reliable fun car that's also comfortable?
OK, I know what Preston means now, yes, it's in the upper part of the headlight with the large reflector. I thought it was a driving light. Doesn't a parking light have to be amber like the turn signal (blinker); or is there an alternate that is white?
fowler3
last friday I took out both an SVT and new MZ3. The SVT maybe had more sharply tuned reflexes and controlled ride. BUT the MZ3 was 95% of it. A little bit softer, felt less limber and more substantial. At the same time steering feel was real good. Ride fairly taut and well controlled. Felt like a small grand touring automobile. Brakes were good too.
The SVT is a car that is very balanced, athletic, taut, open feeling, like a very toned athlete that isn't all bulked up.
Sweet car BTW. The Focus SVT is the perfect single person in the city kind of car.
The 3 i think was an i, felt like a mini luxury car. I should really get around to posting my full review!
If I was buying right now, i can get a LOADED SVT for a lil over 16. The Mazda will cost 2-3k more or more yet. The MZ is defintiely more sophisticated than the SVT but the SVT is so precise and polished.....I might choose to save the cash and go SVT and its 5/100 powertrain warranty.
It comes down to how you feel on a given day.
Screw the A4, buy an SVT and a Mazda3 for the same cash.!
Just a quick question on MSRP. Here in Ottawa, Canada, the MSRP for a GT with GFX Package is about 22,400$ (1st choice) and 2nd choice is a GS with all the packages (20,895$). From past experiences, how is mazda with dealing their MSRP's down? I'm looking for a 60 mth purchase financing, the 1st choice runs (from mazda.ca) website at about 520$/month while the 2nd is 480/month. Anyway, thought I'd ask all you wonderful people. I'm going shopping tomorrow but just thought I'd get ready tonight!
JR.
Canada doesn't even get side air bags. What's next, get rid of ABS and offer a new sport package with park bench spoiler and some 18" alloys? Oh and don't forget the standard moonroof.
Unfortunately, ABS sales well and is an overrated safety equipment. DSC is still unknown for most people. N/A marketing folks know all that.
Well, in France all cars are required to have parking light. The car, even without ignition, must use this light whenever they park in unlighted streets during the night. So it shouldn't draw too much the juice from the battery. That what they teach me in driving school long ago, but I never seen anyone actually does it. Stupid laws like that we have plenty.
I disagree on both points.
First, at least where I live, moonroofs seem to be overrated. Not because I don't want one, but because when I go on the lot virtually every car (at least the models I'm somewhat interested in) have a moonroof on it. To make it worse, at lot of times there is no ABS with it. I don't recall ever seeing a Protege on the lot in person that had the side air bags/ABS package but no moonroof. I've seen a few with both moonroof and safety package, but a lot are strippers or have only the moonroof.
The same thing applies to other brands as well, not just the Protege. Also I recall audia8q mentioning people choose moonroofs and other stuff before safety items so that's why ABS, etc. is bundled with these things and not offered by themselves in most cases. I'm sure a lot of people don't know about stability control, but a lot probably do know but they don't opt for it. Mainly because stability control on affordable cars are usually bundled with almost every other option the car offers, thus if someone is on a budget stability control is not taken.
Finally, what's wrong with ABS? One of the only few negatives I ever heard are something along the lines of braking distances are increased in certain conditions (like snow) if you have ABS versus non-ABS. Also if someone is use to not having ABS and would prefer to pump the brakes themselves.
ABS may not be the greatest thing in the world but you never know when it may come in handy, just like stability control.
As for ABS it's more difficult to judge. Sorry to say, but insurance companies, car makers, media, governments, or curious people have done many statistic studies too see if cars with ABS are less likely to be involved in an accident. You wouldn't believe the results but all studies have show none improvement with ABS! The reason is complex, and it doesn't necessary question the technical efficiency of such system. Many people buying cars think that they would be much safer with ABS, well, not according to the study, that's why it's overrated. It's a fact, not opinion, at least in a large scale.
That having said, I wouldn't tell everyone that they shouldn't buy ABS. It's just a question of personal preference. If the drivers knows how to use it, then they should buy it.
I must admit I don't know how to use ABS. I have a car with ABS, and every time the system kicks in, I always found it's annoying because it's exactly the time where I want to lock my wheels. I have yet to find a single road situation where the ABS is useful. But this is just me. I don't have anything again the system intrinsically, just I don't want to pay it as standard equipment, because it's not worth the money for me.
As for stability control, with my driving style, I think it will be useful. Sometime I push hard in a cornering and I'm experienced understeer (the front car couldn't follow and slide outward). Some other time in the I found myself in the car with a too happy rear, especially when the road surface is wet. The DSC would help me to avoid an obstacle with or - more importantly - without slowing down. ABS can't do that. That's why I like DSC.
Take a look at Edmunds top 10 safety tips, you'll see they put DSC somewhere on the top and ABS somewhere on the bottom. I think I heartily agree with them.
Bruno