Mazda3

dinu01

Just wanted to know more packaging and pricing info, but I guess we'll wait patiently another month or so.

Dinu

qbrozen

It says there on the USA site that Navigation and Xenons will be options. There's even a closeup pic of the Nav. So I would think this will be the case and we can actually get Nav. You gotta figure, though, we'd be looking at maybe $22-$23K for a fully loaded model (hopefully can still get a manual with all the other goodies).

By the way, a blurb I like there is "a compact car truly tailored to the driving enthusiast." So does this hopefully put the tire discussion to rest? lol.

creakid1

"He even mentions side impact will be good. That's a good sign."

http://www.axela.mazda.co.jp/story1_6.html

Scroll down & see why.

creakid1

"Also love the look of the M3 exterior and the interior is gorgeous..."

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=95
The picture of that sedan's profile looks like a copy of the Altima/G35 but shrunkened. Actually looks tight & modern, & makes both the Altima & G35 dated looking!

"...the driver’s seat rake adjustment is by wheel so you can get it just right, while the passenger gets a seduction seat which can be INSTANTLY reclined."

How thoughtful! I thought I might need that when I take a hot date out! ;-)

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=92
"The audio system is expandable to incorporate future developments."

So we can easily upgrade it to XM, DVD, etc.?

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/100599/articl- - e.html?tid=edmunds.h..reviews..18.*
"The only downside is that road noise is up, too, so there's still some room for improvement."

Up? I can't believe it! The Protege's already behind the Corolla, Civic, & Jetta.

dinu01

VERY European!

I like it!

Dinu

bmc824

Someone on the protoge5.com forum sent Mazda USA an e-mail...they posted this response:

"Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

The new MAZDA3 is expected to be released to the Mazda dealerships in
December of this year. The cost of the vehicle will very comparable to
the current Protegé, which is approximately $15,000.

I hope this answers your questions. If you come up with any other
questions, please let me know.

If you would, take a quick moment to give us your opinion about our
e-mail service. The survey is only five questions, and your feedback
is important! Just click this link:
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi...GRDSLWVFE7RJ6R9

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to
assist you. If for any reason this response has not completely
satisfied you, please feel free to reply to this message. You may also
contact our Customer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-222-5500.

Regards,

Charlie Kim
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business"

This validates what my local dealer (Russel near Baltimore) told me - they are expecting the first 3s to show up in December. (I guess the Maple Shade Mazda guy I talked to several weeks back was off by a couple of months.) I am assuming that the ~$15k number will be for a base 3i...I hope that a fully loaded 3s will be less than 21k..much more than that and they'll be canibalizing 6 sales.

pzev

Are you referring to those thick pieces of metal running up and down the sides with the holes in them? Looks pretty strong. But doesn't a bumper hit you above that and is already inside your car before something touches that part? I'm not sure I understand.

pzev

MazdaUSA finally fixed those pictures in the gallery. So anyone wanting to see bigger versions of those pictures can see them now.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/images/gallery/mz3_gal- lery_big32.jpg

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/images/gallery/mz3_gal- lery_big26.jpg

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/images/gallery/mz3_gal- lery_big22.jpg

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/images/gallery/mz3_gal- lery_big21.jpg

There's a couple of other new ones in there as well I think.

creakid1

"Are you referring to those thick pieces of metal running up and down the sides with the holes in them?"

No, it's the 3 cross members(coded in red so you can notice them) below the exhaust pipe keeping the center exhaust tunnel wide open so won't get squeezed in & make the whole car narrower. Imagine that whole structure made of plastic, & you try to compress the car side way so the interior of the car keeps getting narrower.

creakid1

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/images/gallery/mz3_gal- - - - - - - lery_big21.jpg
I think this last picture is distorted to look like a longer car w/ longer front & rear end. & that doesn't necessarily look better.

I do find the dimpled 17" spokes more attractive. It's got the "edge & strength" feeling, & especially helpful on this tall chubby-looking car.

These 16" spokes w/ slight-angle like directional fan blades are not attractive. They should either be aggressively angled like sharp blades or not angled at all. Also looks like it's got a dirty flower on the center hub w/ the 5 lug nuts trying to squeeze in.

What the heck, I'll take the 17" Sports Package w/ the blue rings on my gauges & let the new-TL's owners no longer finding themself ahead of everyone in fashion. ;-)

If you want an accurate side view, check out:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=95
4th picture

pzev

I agree with you on the 16" wheels. It seems to have the thinnest spokes of the three styles of alloys and the flower thing you mention I noticed as well, I don't really like it. I kind of wish those supposed 15" alloy style we've seen was the 16" style, just bigger. I think because of how tall the car is it needs thicker spokes to look more substantial.

Also I think wongpres mentioned that sport package sedan on the MazdaUSA site was NA spec. It makes sense because the bumper looks unusually big and that's of course because Europe will have smaller bumpers than us, so it seems that car probably is NA spec. It's hard to judge the car in pictures so we'll just have to wait and see. I hope the 16" alloys look better in person.

fowler3

or in the sheet metal as it were. Pictures tend to focus your attention too much, where seeing the car in its entirety is a lot to grasp all at once.

That's why it is difficult to photograph, as HonestJohn found. A photo can't show all of the features, the styling concept as one sees it in real life.

Those cross-members on the platform probably perform the same function as a ladder frame on an SUV, only not as strong. It's better than not having them.

Too bad they are using Bridgestone tires again. The best time to change the tires is the day after you buy the car. Go to a tire store and ask if they will take your -- still new -- tires in trade on another brand. Usually they will give you a good allowance on the stock tires to get your business. Don't expect to trade even.

fowler3

alitrad

I'm not sure of this, but CanadianDriver is suposed to have it's First Drive review out by tomorrow...

 www.canadiandriver.com

 By the way it's always a pleasure reading your comments everyday...

 p.s. Sorry for my English, French is my first language. As long as you know what I mean...

 - Ali

dinu01

Thanks for letting us know. Ton anglais est excellent, je dirais meme parfait!

Dinu

alitrad

Car and Driver First Drive...

 http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article- _id=7173

 Merci Dinu ; I know it's off-topic, but what the meaning of your flag ???

 - Ali

dinu01

Thanks for the link!

Romanian.

Lived in Montreal for 3 years and learned French. Now I'm in Toronto.

Dinu

redkey1

Anyone notice that the side view (doors especially) looks like a 3 series BMW?

pzev

What's wrong with the Bridgestone tires? What tires would you recommend to replace them with?

pzev

"The interior has managed to depart from the plain-vanilla norm of the cheaper Japanese cars. Areas that you feel and touch have soft materials and finishes. Bright-rimmed instruments have interesting lighting. Surprisingly, the aluminized plastic that forms the center panel of the Mazda 6 is not used here. A more sober piano-black finish enhances the quality appearance, but the rotary climate controls feel flimsy."

Another fairly positive NA review for the interior. The Europeans must have higher standards for interior materials and quality. Although if I remember correctly, when the Mazda6 was first being reviewed by Europeans, they praised it for having good interior quality. The quality must not be as high as the Mazda6, but in pictures the Mazda3 looks to be better quality.

dinu01

RE92: Horrible in rain. Wear out EXTREMELLY quickly!

Dinu

wongpres

16-inch:

Bridgestone Turanza ER30. UTQG is a ridiculous 140. BMW 3-series also has this tire as OE.

I have also seen a Mazda3 16-inch model with Michelin Pilots (sorry, not sure which model of the Pilot series). But I think they'll most likely end up with the Bridgestones.

17-inch:

Bridgestone Potenza RE040. Mazda RX-8 also has this tire as OE.

dinu01

Those are HIGH performance, right? I heard they were pretty good but pricey. What's the speed rating?

Dinu

creakid1

'...the car had most of the sharp precision of a Focus without feeling quite as stiff over the bumps."

At least the handling sacrificed ended up w/ gain in ride comfort.

Take a look at my '98 Corolla's loser (typical)Japanese design. It's got worse steering feel & handling/road-holding than my '90 Protege LX, & yet the ride over large bumps/speed bumps/dips/driveways is way worse!

creakid1

"Another fairly positive NA review for the interior. The Europeans must have higher standards for interior materials and quality."

Yep, their made-in-Germany Focus got a higher interior quality than the N.A.-built. I've sampled one over sea in a dealer show room.

"Although if I remember correctly, when the Mazda6 was first being reviewed by Europeans, they praised it for having good interior quality. The quality must not be as high as the Mazda6, but in pictures the Mazda3 looks to be better quality."

The 6 they sampled isn't N.A.-built but made in Japan, just like the 3 we're getting. I wouldn't say the 3 got a lower interior quality than our 6.

pzev

Just curious, but have you or ever heard of anyone else being able to compare a Japan-built Mazda6 compared to a NA-built version? I was wondering if there was any noticeable differences in quality. I was assuming that they had identical interior quality which has surprised me about all the negative reviews the Europeans are having for the Mazda3 interior quality. They praise the Mazda6 interior quality but are bashing the Mazda3 interior quality. Comments like hard and cheap plastic and cheap carpeting seems odd since in pictures the Mazda3 interior looks great.

Also people have been complaining about the Mazda6 cloth in the NA versions. Maybe the Japanese ones use different cloth maybe?? Also there's a lot of concern right now about rust problems in the Mazda6, seems to be fairly widespread among NA versions. Even 2004 ones right off the truck have rust in certain spots! I haven't been able to figure out yet if the Japan-built ones have the same problem.

jmess

The RE040 is also the OEM tire on the IS300 with 17" performance tire package. They are good tires but they wear out way too fast (15-25K) and there are other tires on the market that last longer and perform as well or better than the 040 like the GoodYear GS-D3s and Bridgestone S-03s. Even with these tires you are probably looking at 25-30K.

rsparrow

Their review is now up!

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/rr/04mazda3.htm

creakid1

"Not only is the Mazda3 more stylish than the frumpy Proteg? but INFINITELY more fun to drive thanks to considerable work on the driving dynamics. Mazda has taken the high road on this one, pouring the costs saved by sharing architecture development into ensuring STEERING, BRAKING AND HANDLING are ALL a SIGNIFICANT step ABOVE the CURRENT car - and others in the class. After several hundred kilometres of rapid driving through the farm country near here in pre-production cars with European trim but North American drivetrains, we can attest this newcomer RIDES and HANDLES like NO PROTEG?before it, barring those wearing the MazdaSpeed logo. Steering is razor sharp, transient response in the sports car league and the chassis engineers did yeoman work in arriving at the ride/handling balance."

Ha Ha, I tocha - the magic is the Focus II suspension. Who sez the Protege ES got more handling fun?

boggse

My Miata has these. I expect to get about the same treadlife out of them as I got with my Dumflop SP Sport 5000m on my 2001 Protege ES which had a UTQR of 360. I don't think anyone with a realistic understanding of tire technology would expect a sports car like the Miata or RX-8 to come with 60,000 mile touring tires. If you buy a sports car, you are going to get sports car tires. Putting the Turanzas on the Mazda3 will likely get you about the same treadlife as the Dumflops. On the other hand, the Turanza ER30 is a summer tire, so watch out Dinu, Preston, Trad, Dale, etc. These are not for winter driving.

stickguy

Somebody seems to be impressed. If this thing has real comfy seats, sounds like a real good possibility to satisfy my "sports" car desires without letting too many of th emoths out of the old wallet.

Heck, I could get a 3, and my wife can have her new Sienna, all for barely more than the Volvo XC90 she was looking at.

bean3422

I highly doubt we will get these tires here in NA on the 3. Both the 16" and 17" tires are Summer tires, which sell very well in Europe, where the average consumer actually knows the difference.

Here in NA, they will substitute an all-season variant to avoid lawsuits caused by ignorant drivers who would try and drive them in the snow. The same thing happened to the 6.

This is the very thing I have ranted about on some of the 6 boards. Most American automobile consumers are very ignorant of cars in general, based on my experience. No wonder Mazda does so well in Europe, but not here.

pzev

"The Activematic automatic transmission is adapted from the Mazda6 and recalibrated for this lighter vehicle. It incorporates provision to manually change gears and “Slope control” giving smooth natural deceleration on downhill gradients and delaying shifts when climbing hills."

So the automatic is the same one as in the Mazda6? Is the Mazda6 4-speed auto the same as the Protege 4-speed auto? If not has the Mazda6 one been used in other vehicles and been proven reliable?

"Volvo’s presence on the project is evident. In addition to the significantly-stiffer, more crashworthy platform and up to six airbags, the Mazda3 will be available with ABS and Dynamic Stability control allowing it to avoid nasty incidents."

They make it sound like the Canadians are getting Dynamic Stability control and the side curtain airbags. I would find it strange if the Canadians didn't get side air bags, doesn't make sense. I have a feeling Americans won't get Dynamic Stability control. I would think they would have mentioned it on MazdaUSA by now. They mention the tire-pressure monitor, HIDs, navigation, etc. but no mention of stability control.

pzev

It's too early to say which tires we'll be getting for sure, but what is the best all-around 16" tire? I'm looking for a good balance between handling, tread life, less noise, etc. What does everyone recommend for 16" tires? I also want all-seasons, no summer tires.

wongpres

"Just curious, but have you or ever heard of anyone else being able to compare a Japan-built Mazda6 compared to a NA-built version?"

I have, first hand, and I did find significant differences, but I'm not the typical consumer. I don't want to get flammed by all the Mazda6 folks so don't ask me what these differences are (I do hold the Flat Rock Mazda6 in high regard though, and would get it over Camry/Accord/Altima/Legacy anyday).

"Also people have been complaining about the Mazda6 cloth in the NA versions. Maybe the Japanese ones use different cloth maybe??"

Japanese assembled Mazda6's have cloths of different look and feel (which one you get depends on trim). None of them are the same as the Flat Rock one (though there is one that looks similar but feels different).

fjm1

Anyone here see similarities between the 3 and the Opel Astra?

It's a sweet looking car and the spec sheet makes me think I need to get one. I hope the 5 door is WELL under $20K.

milo9

I don't know if this has been posted yet.

http://autos.canada.com/calgary/editorial/story.aspx?id=A7DC81D9-- D2FE-4E32-BCB6-9169E3BC3B6A

fowler3

I thought the Japanese-built Mazda6 seats would be covered with silk Kamona cloth like Gisha's wear?

fowler3

milo9

This is is good summary of current base MSRP.

http://www.wolfesauto.com/mazdanew/msrp.html

Perhaps a pool should be started to predict exactly where base sedan and hatch pricing will end up. A new Mazda 3 for the winner?

howkramer

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but have the exterior colours for Canada been decided?

With the "3," I'm finally coming home to Mazda. My second car was a 1987 "626" which got me to 250,000 km before giving up the ghost. Since that time, I've gone the typical Honda / Toyota route and regretted it both times.

creakid1

"However, the smaller engine will not be offered with the automatic -- at least not in Canada."

Yeah, besides being too slow for an athletic-suspension Mazda, that 2.0 w/o balance shaft would be too rough & sound too boomy when the auto tranny's frequent slipperage raises the rpm.

Maybe the U.S. isn't getting the 2.0 auto, either. So PZEV, are you getting a beige-interior 2.0 w/ stick if the U.S. if it's not available w/ auto?

wongpres

2.0l with auto:

The N. American-spec Mazda3 2.0l will have an auto as an option. That reviewer's just an idiot. Ditto the comment about stability control being available for Canada.

As an aside, I have the Mazda3 press pack that was given to the journalists in Chantilly, France (where all these reviews come from), and I can't believe how stupid (or lazy) some of these people are, so much mis-information. And before you ask, no I can't share the press pack, and it's too big anyways (just the document is like 70 pages, add in the images and it's a CD).

howkramer:

Bruno's website has the Canadian Mazda3 colour-codes. Scroll up about a hundred posts to get the URL.

alternator

Yes, that is exactly the right word to describe the 2004 Mazda3 sedan (bulging hood, mini SUV look), as opposed to the elegant, near-perfect proportions and shape of the 1999-2003 Protege sedan! IMO obviously.

dinu01

http://groups.msn.com/BrunoLuong/mazda3.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&amp- ;PhotoID=72

Then check the Canadian section.

And if you do buy a 3, welocme back! Driving fun is so... I don't know... fun!.

Dinu

fowler3

"Here's an interesting note on pricing. Remember Kia, the cheap little car company from Korea? It's not so cheap anymore. Kia's hot entry for 2004 is the 195-horsepower, V-6 Amanti sedan, with base prices ranging from $22,500 to $24,500." Washington-Post, Overdrive

Everything is going UP! The Mazda3 may be the bargain of the year in 2004. Overdrive says the 3 2.0l will base at $13,500.

fowler3

backy

There was a link earlier that showed the base price of the 3 2.0i to be $15,050. Also, the Amanti is fully loaded V6 near-luxury sedan, so it's apples/oranges to the 3. Comparing the 3 to the Spectra and Elantra would be more like it. But if the 3 does start at $13,500, it would be a bargain.

pzev

The cloth in the Japanese versions probably does feel like silk compared to the cheap junk they put in the NA Mazda6. The cloth in the Mazda6 is not up to standards compared to the rest of the interior. That's just my opinion though.

pzev

Please stop talking about how inferior the 2.0 is compared to the 2.3. I've convinced myself the 2.0 will be ok and that I won't be missing much with the 2.3, don't make me regret this decision! lol

And yes I'm sure the 2.0 auto will be slow as dirt compared to everyone else's cars, but I'm a very conservative driver so maybe I won't notice. And I need an auto, too much city driving for me.

pzev

The Amanti will be loaded with standard features, so that price isn't too bad. Basically it's similar to the Hyundai XG350. I think it has the same engine and platform as the XG350. The Kia though looks to have the better interior between the two, but I like the XG exterior better. Judging by XG sales, the Amanti won't be a hot seller, but overall it's a pretty good value. Not my type of car though even if I had the money.

pzev

Actually that $13,500 guess might just be accurate afterall. Keep in mind that's a guess for the stripper 2.0. It won't have A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, steel wheels, no cruise control, and who knows what else it'll be missing. They're just going for an attractive base price. Most reviews are saying expect a price similar to the current Protege, or slightly higher.

The 2.0 with A/C and power package can be compared to the LX Protege which runs around $15,400. So add in $850 A/C and my guess is the power package will run about $1,000 (since it will probably include 6 speaker stereo, power everything, cruise control, 16" alloys, etc.). So assuming it starts at $14,000, it'll put the price up to about $15,850. I don't think it'll go quite that high though.

My guess for starting price is $13,750!

audia8q

A some years back Mazda was thinking about a luxury division... I think the name was going to be Amanti.