Mazda3 Hatchback

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Comments

  • adrewadrew Member Posts: 5
    I've always heard that struts are cheaper and save space. And remember, BMW uses struts... ;)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Well the current PRO uses them and I think everyone will agree it handles pretty well.

    Dinu
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    I was driving to work the other day and ended up behind a "new" Chevy Malibu. How is it Mazda is building such a cool cars and Chevy is building such a bland, uninspiring piece of transportation?

    If you thought the Civic was boring wait till you see this on the road.

    I really like my Japanese cars but, deep inside I'd like to see America build something I can afford and want to buy.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    On the Malibu MAXX forum, but b/c my comments were not flattering I was sent 2 love letters by Edmunds staff - so now I keep it to myself.

    Oh yeah: Mazda3 Mazda3 Mazda3 - necessary on-topic comment :)

    Dinu
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    You mean there are people out there that actually like the new Malibu?! :)
  • zaimonzaimon Member Posts: 124
    Honda got rid of the double wishbone in favor of struts in the Civic to create the flat floor for the rear seats. I believe that the Mazda3 has a flat floor as well... Quite a shame, if you ask me, I'd take the wishbones anyday over the struts...

    Isn't the Malibu MAXX based of the Opel Vectra?
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    Isn't the Malibu MAXX based of the Opel Vectra?

    Yipper, they both are. And this is what Autoweek had to say about that:

    we had a tough time detecting its "pure" European handling characteristics.
  • wongpreswongpres Member Posts: 422
    zaimon:

    Honda got replaced the double-wishbone up front with MacPherson struts. The rear is still double-wishbone, so the MacPherson's have nothing to do with flat floors. Honda did it for cost, and more importantly, space-saving reasons.

    Similarily, Mazda did the same for the Mazda3 - MacPherson struts up front to save cost and space.

    The Mazda3 does have one major suspension advantage over the Civic though (and also over the current Pro/Pro5). With the Focus-inspired 'control-blade' rear suspension, the springs and dampers have been seperated, thereby allowing much more cargo space between the wheel wells. So even though the Mazda3 sport has less cargo volume than the Pro5, it is more usable and can hold larger things.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    http://macu.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/D016A953232FD2- A5CA256DA3002CDF9F
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    Three nice videos with a Velocity Red 1.6L Elegance (I recognize the car because it was reviewed by Auto Plus) in action in Paris and in a french farmer road. The third movie is a fun commercial taken with a Wining Blue.

    http://www.mazda.fi/mazda3/mazda3video/index.htm

    Enjoy!
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    So what's wrong with it? Is it going to be expensive? There must be something...
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    The most consistent complaint among those reviewers who have driven one, when they have a complaint, is that it is noisy. I want to drive one myself and see. I love sporty but I am also a quietness freak.

    (If I myself were quiet, I might be a quiet freak, but no one ever accused me of being quiet!)
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Just curious if anyone here has ordered the Mazda3 5-door or is considering one...? We'd love to hear the details! Compare notes here with other Mazda hatchback owners and shoppers.

    Also, if you know anyone that's is interested in discussing the Mazda3 hatchback, please send them here. Here's url to this discussion that you can copy/paste:

    /direct/view/.ef13089

    Thanks! ;-)

    Revka
    Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
  • pzevpzev Member Posts: 807
    I'm not in the market for a hatchback or wagon, but if I was the Mazda3 would be my first choice. At first I liked the non body kit with regular grille better but after looking at the one we'll be getting (sport grille + body kit) I think I may like that one better. The body kit and grille works really well on blue at least, not sure about the other colors though.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    The body kit and grille works really well on blue at least, not sure about the other colors though.

    I hear ya :)

    (owner of a Mazda 6i in Lapis Blue witht he 'Body Kit and Grille')
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    How about some photos other than the press release stuff? That's one thing I wish Edmunds would improve upon. The links always say photos/video but, there is never video and I've never seen anything but stock photos.

    Not a complaint, just a wish.
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    I'm used to engine and road noise in my Tercel. Wind noise does bother me a lot, but without the other two (when I drive someone else's car) I often forget what speed I'm going at. So this may be the perfect car for me. I love everything about it so far, especially the shape.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,565
    I have gotten interested lately in the 3 hatch. I have been looking for a qhile at all kinds of stuff (some sort of odd mental disorder according to my wife) without being able to decide what I want. Hey, how can you decide when there is always something new coming along to wait for?

    Anyway, my criteria for anything I get include fun to drive (ie sporty), and not too large. I also want something versitile, since I still miss my old 626 hatchback. I liked the RX-8, but it didn't quite have enough practicality for the family (of 4) and fell kinda short on the cargo carrying scale.

    So, I am anxious to see the 3, since it might be the one, and is cheap (relative to my other options). Of course, I do want some luxury (the TSX was real nice) to go with the fun, but as long as it has ABS and a moonroof (plus a stick shift), anything else is gravy.

    A fully loaded (roof, ABS/SAC, etc) 5 speed hatch for MSRP of $19,000 or so is looking might nice, especially with the inevitable discount down into the mid-17K range.

    I live near the NJ dealer that claims they will be in October, so I will drive one ASAP after they arrive.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Please post if you take a test drive!

    Dinu
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    I don't think there are going to be any major discounts for awhile. Mazda is a Ford subsidiary but, they aren't Ford. It took quite some time for Mazda to give in to the rebate bug on the 6. And I suspect they're going to try to avoid any rebates on the 3.

    I'd bet it'll be in the upper portion of 20 loaded.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    To Everyone - I deleted my previous post about Edmunds' First Drive, because I put in the wrong url. Sorry about that! And let's try this again: Edmunds' First Drive of the 2004 Mazda3.

    Photo of the Hatchback:

    image

    Thanks for your comments!

    Revka
    Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    icvci - Hopefully Edmunds will have more photos soon. I'll keep my eyes open. In the meantime, you can submit your feedback to our editorial staff with this form. Thanks. ;-)

    Stickguy - Nice to see you here! I second Dinu's request.

    And the same goes to anyone else that test drives this car, we look forward to your review. Btw, for those interested, here's an informative article from Edmunds about how to test drive a car. I found it to be pretty thorough. Perhaps use some the evaluation points, in the article, as a template for your review.

    Happy motoring!

    Revka
    Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    If I can find pics with the 3, can't Edmunds? Is it so difficult to get copyrights from the Mazda press realease? I can send you the link if you want to.

    Dinu
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,565
    someone on the sedans thread posted MSRP for a couple of cars at Maple Shade (that they had listed online). The hatch (5 speed, ABS/SAC) was about $19,050+/-. SO I guess HID and Navi and Leather would put it up about 22K, but I wouldn't get any of that stuff anyway.

    Even without rebates, 19K sticker is probably 17Kish invoice, so once the stock builds up (say, New Years eve), $500 over invoice gets you to the mid-17s w/o a rebate.

    Pro5 pricing would be a no brainer, if you could get one of these for 15 something, wrap it up and i'll take it home.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Went to a Mazda dealer last night, coincidentally. No 3 yet, but the salesman did seem excited about the sedan. I told him to make sure to tell prospective customers that it would share platforms with the next Volvo S40.

    If you think about it, the Focus and 3 really benefit from that, it's a platform meant to compete in the $28k arena.

    -juice
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    I like the numbers for this engine. It puts out almost as much power as the turbo charged unit on the Mazdaspeed Protege. The lack of power was always the biggest knock on the Protege and it sounds like the new 2.0L and 2.3L engines address this very nicely.

    I have been a fan of the Protege5 since it was introduced. I am looking forward to the debut of the Mazda3 hatchback. In another year and a half (when my lease is up on my current ride) they should have all the new model bugs worked out and the 3 will definitely be on my radar as a possible new vehicle.
  • according2meaccording2me Member Posts: 236
    they no longer offer any hatches (3door Civic SI is not an option) or wagons and I can't warm up to there current styling, so I'll skip this generation. The Mazda3 5 door and 6 hatch/wagon interest me, but I would have to break my number 1 rule of not purchasing a first year design.

    At least the 2.3L and 3.0L drivetrains will be 2nd year in either car. Was the 6 hatch/wagon available in the JDM last year? That would make it a 2nd year design.

    I could be in the market again as soon as December, so the timing is good, but I'm really in no hurry. I'll probably take a wait and see approach for 4-6 months and follow these forums.

    This is really tough, I like these designs but I'd hate to break Rule #1.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Yes, the 6 hatch/wagon were available both in Japan and Europe, in the former as the Atenza, in the latter as 6 hatch/estate! :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    See 545. These cars are available in Europe for some time now - see mazda.co.uk if you want to

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    but after this pic I want the HB. I wanted to get the HB originally but I didn't like the pics w/out sp. package...

    This pic may very well be responsible for me getting the HB.

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/rr/images/04m3_1.jpg

    Does anyone know what the price difference (if any) is b/w a fully loaded sedan and HB?

    Dinu
  • wongpreswongpres Member Posts: 422
    Dinu:

    In Canada, I'm pretty sure the hatch will cost a bit more (just like how a fully loaded Pro5 is a bit more than Pro ES GT).

    In Europe, it's flipped around, the sedan costs approx 500euro more than an equivalently equipped hatch.

    The reason for this price switcharoo is more due to market differences than anything else.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I want the HB b/c of its added utility, but didn't like its looks. It's growing on me though.

    Dinu
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Go for the HB, it's what you want! (trust me)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I didn't like the P5 when we got our Pro in 01 but I do now. Don't wanna make the same mistake again, so I'll wait until I see them, sit in both, drive both and obviously check the price tag.

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    The sedan look great with the GFX package, but it's less useful than a HB. So the HB should get the nod after all, but we'll see... :)

    Dinu
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    For me it's down to the Mazda6 hatchback of Mazda3 5-door.

    That's assuming that they get the rust problem on the Mazda6 fixed, otherwise I'll just go for the made-in-japan Mazda3.
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    Some of the pictures make it seem awfully big though.
  • boxfanboxfan Member Posts: 180
    Mazda6s: My thoughts exactly!

    Dinu: I like that picture, too. I like candadiandriver.com because they always take their own pictures of cars they review. They also have a steady stream of new reviews on their web site. They make a lot of other web sites/magazines look pretty lazy.

    Canadian reviews have been very positive, eh?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    So far so good - positive reviews. You also have to understand that the Civic, Corolla, Pro, Focus and Cav/Sunfire are the top 5 sellers here, so the 3 is VERY important to Canada - like the midsize market in the US.

    You will notice if you read a few reviews that the car is a step up from the PRO which I already like. More like a grown-up and more refined PRO that can still hold its own once you hit an apex.

    In a market where handling and driving fun are not imoortant, the 3 should shine. In other markets (UK) it looks to be a solid competitor to the Focus, Astra, Golf.

    One interesting thing about CanadianDriver: it's only web-based. They don't have a mag. If they did it would be pretty decent (especially if they were to emulate C+D, Car or Evo from the UK).

    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    "Until recently, the question "Why buy a Mazda when I can have essentially the same thing with a blue oval on the bonnet for less money?" has been unanswerable. Today, however, the answer is, "For the interior".

    As overlord Ford frantically yanks the cash out of its own cockpits in a bid to cut costs, Mazda is on something of a roll. Based on the forthcoming Focus platform, the Mazda3's interior echoes the superior detailing and design already established in 6- and 2-series models, with tactile quality tickling the fingertips at every turn despite a somewhat jarring, backlit red graphic to the knob surrounds."

    http://www.motoring.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fmo- toring%2F2003%2F09%2F19%2Femfshow320.xml

    Dinu
    PS: You might have to register
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    It sounds like there are a few of us that will be deciding between the Mazda3 5-door and the Mazda6 hatchback.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Hi mazda6s - Well let's hear what everyone has to say on that subject in this new discussion: Mazda3 5-door or Mazda6 Hatchback! Perhaps you can help get things started in there. Thanks for your participation! ;-)
     
    Revka
    Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Perfect!
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    The fabric looks too Mazda6ish (ie: rough)

    http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brunoluong/vwp?.dir=/PWong&.- dnm=RearCentreArmrest.jpg&.view=t

    Dinu
  • wongpreswongpres Member Posts: 422
    pzev asked me about the seats on the Mazda3 sedan thread. The Mazda3 seat fabric is much softer than the Mazda6 (yet they felt durable).

    The seats in the Mazda3 were very comfortable for me.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm curious, what rust problem on the 6? I wonder if they are sorting out the parts-sharing with Ford, LOL.

    -juice
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    If you want to know about the rust thing, go read the Mazda6 forum here on Edmunds...
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,769
    i subscribed to that board for a little while. WAYYY too many posts going up each day. I couldn't take it anymore and had to cancel subscription. lol.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Mazda threads seem to be the busiest. I used to follow the P5 threads and had the same problem, I couldn't keep up!

    Oddly, the Miata thread is quiet, that's the exception maybe.

    -juice
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Miata owners have their own web-forum which predates Edmunds Town Hall by several years.
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