Mazda3
Welcome to the discussion about the 2004 Mazda3 sedan, the successor to the Mazda Protege. It is reported that this sedan (with a wagon added later) will have Mazda engine options, including the 2.3-liter four offered on the 2003 Mazda6i, as well as other options not available on the current Protege line. Look for news about this new model to appear later in 2003 after the hype over the release of the RX-8 dies down.
If you have any "spy photos," technical details or other information, please post them here!
You can find me hanging out on the Protege discussion when I'm not here ...
Meade
If you have any "spy photos," technical details or other information, please post them here!
You can find me hanging out on the Protege discussion when I'm not here ...
Meade
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most painless way to do it.... no HTML required!
A little while back, I indicated that Mazda reps would be dropping by soon with pictures of the new 2004 Mazda3.
They did.
I'm freakin' looking at it right now!!!!!!!! I have a front 3/4 and side shot of both the sedan and 5-foor.
I don't have a scanner, so I can't post anything tonight, (as a matter of fact, I haven't even decided if I will post it - I don't want to get myself or anyone else in trouble) but I will try and describe them to you.
First off, do I like it? Yes, although I now like the sedan more than 5-door.
What do they look like?
OK, here I go. First, the sedan.
I had been previously told to expext to see lots of RX-8 in the new M3. Well, I don't really see it. To me, the car looks more like a smaller, somewhat more agressive looking Mazda6.
The car I have pictured is obviously the top trim level. It is red, has what appears to be 16 inch gorgeous alloy wheels and a collor-keyed front grill (exactly like the optional sport grill on the M6).
Grill shape and headlights are very similar to the current M6, although they are smoked - like the current Protege. The headlights assembly has three projectors - there are relatively small rounded fog lights on the lower fascia.
The hood has very similar character lines to the M6, but there's more a power bulge to the hood.
Viewed from the side, the front half of the car is - again - very similar to the M6. The rear half - especially the C pillar - looks very much like the current Jetta. Door handles? Just like the M6. 4 wheels discs on this car.
Rear end. Very hard to tell with the shots I have. My guess is that it will - again - look very similar to the current M6. Small decklid "chin" spoiler on the car in this photo.
Oooh, oooh, oooh!!! The sedan is nice.
A word on the engine front. Protege lovers, your dreams have come true - the 160 HP 2.3 will be available in the M3.
OK (grin grin), now for the 5-door.
I'm not quite as enthusiastic about the this one. I currently have a P5, and in all honestly I think I kinda like the current one better.
Just about everything I said above applies, so I will concentrate on what's different.
The back end is less steeply raked than the current model - in other words it looks more hatchbacky and less wagony if you get my drift. It may just be the color of the cars, but the hatch also appears to have a much more prominent fenders and a character line that runs the length of the car.
It gives it a more high beltline kinda look. In that way it kinda looks like that silver hatch "spy photo" of the M3 that has been kicking around the net forever.
I'm going to leave my description at that for now, but I am more than happy to answer
Does the 3 benefit from other 6 innovations like the lack of shock towers in the trunk, and what kind of suspension does it have? Any word on proposed pricing in that announcement? I'd imagine they'd still try to keep it under $20K so it doesn't compete with the 6's pricing point ...
I hope!
Meade
P.S. Somebody post some pics! If that announcement says "confidential," I'll understand! If it doesn't, there's nothing against posting the pics, guys!
All Mazda3's worldwide will be assembled at Mazda's Ujina (Hiroshima) plant number II. This plant was shut down in Sep 2001 and will be re-opened sometime in 2003 almost exclusively for the Mazda3 (I hear the plant will make some Mazda2's as well since those are selling very well).
Engines for the Mazda3 are assembled at Mazda's Hiroshima engine plant.
And yeah, post the pics, I'm dying to see the car that I'm 90% sure I'll be getting.
Meade:
I can't answer the questions you're asking about size and mechanicals. Unfortunately, I do not have the info. Its very difficult to judge size with not point of reference (ie a person) in the photos I have.
With that said, I would be very surprided if Mazda downsized interior volume, although I would also be surprised if it was much bigger either. I think they got the previous generation just about perfect in terms of size and dimensions.
If the production schedule is true, I don't see how the Mazda3 can reach N. America in calendar year 2003.
It looks like the Mazda2 may have been greenlighted for North American - or at least Canadian - distribution. I don't have a clear idea about potential introduction dates, but I would guess Fall '03 to Winter '04 timeframe.
I may have some more info on this later in February, so I'll let you all know then. I think this would be a good move for Mazda Canada especially, since the Protege now starts at about $17,000 Canadian.
Let me ask you this: What's the difference b/w the 2 and Demio? Is there one or are they the same car?
Dinu
The cool thing about Mazda bringing over the 2 is that - like the M6 hatch and wagon - there won't really be any competition for the car, at least not at the price point they will likely sell it at.
http://www.mazda.com.au/articleZone1.asp?articleZoneID=1808
The front is pure Mazda. The rear has a bit of a Fiat (small Fiat - maybe the Cinquecento?), MPV and the Infinity G35.
BTW, saw my first 6 this Friday! It was the GS model in blue - very nice! I have to go when the dealer is open and take a look at it inside and maybe talk one for a spin.
Dinu
I would say no, considering that in Canada last year the Civic, Cavy and PRO were #1-3 in sales with 68.000/5x.000/48.000 units...
In the US the Civic is at 316.000 (I think), but it's outsold by the Camry/Accord, so unless a car can make in down south, it will be produced for the US and Canada. If it can't, then we won't have it either.
Dinu
I will finally get to see my first M6 on Monday or Tuesday when they arrive at our dealership. Quite looking forward to it.
The only reason why that car sold is that it had an Acura badge. We know NA buyers will pay more to be seen in a re-badged Civic or Camry. I guess it's that trendy thing why VW Jettas are bought by many b/c they're seen as a vehicle in b/w economy and luxury, but NOT a midsize. Then they're brought back to the dealer for rattles and failing power windows, but that's another story
Don't forget the 1.6EL is larger than the 2. Perhaps the 2 competes with the Aerio Wagon? It seems these are the only similar cars on the market now. Oops! I'm forgetting the Element and the Scion. SO maybe there is a mrket for weird-looking tall wagons. Personally I loved the Nissan Axxess. Maybe the 2 will be similar.
Dinu
While I would guess that Mazda will bring the 2 to all of North America, I could see a case for only bringing it to Canada - since our entry level Protege (soon to tbe the Mazda3) is about $17,000.
By the way, doesn't is amaze you to read about our American friends whining about having to pay $23,000 for a loaded V6 mid-size sedan like the Mazda6. That's clode to what we pay for a loaded Protege.
Well that's $23.000x1.55(exchange rate)=$35.650 CAD!!! That's not cheap by any means. Add tax and interest and you've got a luxury sports sedan!
Don't forget the PRO retails for $16.000 US or so- meaning $24.000 CAD, not factoring in taxes and interest. My ES was $24.100 with A/C, spoiler and auto (yes my PRO is AT - other people need to drive it too) --- (car - $19.xxx; taxes $3000 at 15%; interest 2.9% - $1300), so they do pay more for cars than we do here. Of course they pay lower taxes but I'm not sure what salaries are like in the US compared to Canada. Anyways, we shouldn't complain. Life's not bad on either side of the border.
Dinu
You coming down with a cold or something there Jamie?
It would be un-american to not complain about the price...
You didnt really expect anything they call a looney to be worth anything do you?
The conversion to US dollars is sort of irrelevant. You and I are neither paid in US dollars or make 1.55 times as much as the average US worker.
Face it, stuff is just way more expensive here.
Boggse - Enough of your "its cold in Canada sarcasm" pal. I happen to dwell on the mild Left Coast where we have not had a hard frost yet this year. I have spring flowers blooming in my garden.
Its paradise....
Dinu
I've heard the rumours about the Mazda2 coming to Canada and I'm not surprised - it doesn't make sense for the US though.
So what does this mean for the Mazda3? I think it means that they can put more content into the Mazda3 and make it more upscale - with the Mazda2 being the price leader. If so, the Mazda3 will literally be a mini-Mazda6, sweet!!!
(vs Fiat Multipla vs Citroën Picasso)
4CAR did not like it one bit! Sloppy handling! Said it was the car w/most safety features (ABS w/EBD, airbags everywhere, maybe TC???). But they did not like its handling!!!
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/special/videozone/main.jsp?pg- =2&make=Mazda&model=Premacy
Dinu
Even if it were a road test of the Demio, it wouldn't tell us anything about the 2. That's like saying that a test drive of the 626 tells us what the Mazda6 is all about.
The MAzda2 has not been introduced in Europe yet. It won't be until this spring. At this time, the new 2 is only available in Japan.
Dinu
http://www.editorial.discountnewcars.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/sto- ry2/D37CF2E9D87498A5CA256CB6007C3918
Meade
http://www.autobild.de/projektor/projektor.php?artikel_id=3489&am- p;pos=1
http://www.autobild.de/projektor/projektor.php?artikel_id=3489&am- p;pos=2
http://www.matrasport.dk/Cars/Prototypes/Gallery1/Avantime/Galler- y1/Medium/avantime.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That's it pal. That's the car.
I think people will be surprised at how different the sedan loks from the 5-door.
You agree malt?
The only one I see on the near term horizon is the Toyota ist/aka Scion XA. I've checked out this car while visiting Japan, but would prefer something a little larger.
The Golf is a looker!
This Czech site confirms this is indeed the HB 3.
Could not find any other pics and no mention of the sedan whatsoever.
Dinu
Blue 3: http://www.amh.ru/news/2003/jan/29/mazda3.phtml
Silver 3: http://www.vezess.hu/hirvilag/autobemutatok/previewfull.php?idx=2- 992
Could this also be it?: http://www.autoonline.hr/topsecret/mazda3/3-detaljnije.html
Note the similarities with the 2: http://www.wawawoum.com/images/japon/mazda/2002_demio_index.htm
Dinu
http://www.autobild.de/projektor/projektor.php?artikel_id=3489&am- p;am- p;am- p;pos=1
IS an authentic picture of the Mazda3 5-door. I have seen photos of the car. The North American model looks a little different because it has fog lights and a somewhat sportier appearance (like the current P5), but this is the car.
The lines are identical to the picture I have seen. Lucky me though, I have also seen the sedan which looks quite different from the 5-door.
One question though, you both mention the rear of the sedan is different, how about the front, are the hatch and sedan the same at the front?
Oh yeah, there is an article associated with those pics:
http://www.autobild.de/aktuell/neuheiten/artikel.php?artikel_id=3- 489
If someone can read German, please give us the highlights.
Amusingly, a word-for-word translation of that text from the German site is as follows:
"That becomes out of the Mazda 323 a little Alfa (design), very much Ford (basis) – is finished the new MAZDA3. CAR PICTURE shows how the 323 successor will look. And betrays, what it can.
30.01.2003 - Mazdas success balance the last months can see let itself: into the black encountered has the team out of Hiroshima with the new MAZDA6, and also the MAZDA2 has the thing to the success model. In October 2003 the third stroke follows with the MAZDA3.
The successor of the 323 is the first car on the new C platform compact class series) – the Ford focus and the second levy of the Volvo S40/V40 are not on the other hand 2004 series ripe before end. Martin Leach knows exactly, what approaches on it: "much load dynamics for relatively little money – we become us exert must."
The MAZDA3 comes four weeks after the world premiere on the IAA at the same time as an oblique stern and as a saloon car on the market. Follow a fünftüriger Hochdachkombi as a Wachablöse for the Premacy and a not yet officially confirmed viersitziges Cabriolet whose Dachmimik loans should take in the Ford focus and in the Volvo C50. Also a three door sporting, that is conceivable becomes already today a second career as a bargain basis model for the wide sport before statements – in connection with all wheel drive and Turbopower.
To the start, there are three motors: • 1,4-Liter-16V, gasoline, 80 HP • 1,6-Liter-16V, gasoline, 100 HP • 1,6-Liter-16V, diesel, 110 HP. Middle 2004 starts then the 140 HP of strong 2,0-Liter-Benziner. Firm engagements on the program possess also two new gasoline Direkteinspritzer.
You learn all further details to the MAZDA3 in the new CARS PICTURE, notebook 5/2003. as of Friday, 31 January 2003, at the newsstand, at gasoline station booths and in the periodicals trade".
Congratulations if you can make much from that! German teachers to the rescue here please?
http://www.autoonline.hr/topsecret/mazda3/3-detaljnije.html
Dinu