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I'd like a loaded blue 6i stick please.
Another question why didn't Mazda make ABS standard for both level trims of Mazda 3? They finally made ABS standard all across the board for the MZ 6 for the 05 MY but not the 3? Why?
As for the Mazda 5 I hope it can avoid the first year bugs that the 3((A/c) and 6(staining/rust) had. I also hope the 5 can give the Honda Odessy and Toyota Sienna a run for its money. I doubt it will happen but its wishful thinking.
On the 3 are 05 models out yet? I still see some ads in the newspaper for the 04 3 hatch models. I see really no deals for the 3 sedan at all in the newspaper.
Apparently alot of people want a mini-van nowdays. Especially with rising gas prices these days. The 04 Toyota Sienna when it first came out was in heavy heavy demand and its a good seller. A new Honda Odessy just came out. The 99-04 Oddy was a great seller for Honda. I think one of the reasons the current MPV isn't selling well is because yes the size isn't there and Honda and Toyota just brought new redesigned mini-vans to the market. Factor in the Chrysler mini-vans as well which are great sellers. Mazda not only has alot of competition in the mini-van category but is behind the competition. Maybe this will change with the brand new Mazda 5. I don't know.
carguy...Rumor has it that the 6 will grow a little. I am speculating that it will be a 2007 model, no idea about launch time. Perhaps the Upcomming Lincoln Zypher is a clue since it shares a modified version of the 6 platform....I would say that cost is the reason for not making ABS standard on the MZ3. its an entry level car where price is a huge factor. Even A/C is an option on the 'i' version...it would be kinda odd to have ABS standard and A/C and option.
I ment to say who wants a "mini-mini van?"
Obviously lots of folks wan mini-vans....Im just not sure they want mini ones.
But, the 5 will have a different niche to shoot for, and will capture a different kind of buyer(s). It should do well on MPG (now a selling point), and offer a unique solution. Think PT Cruiser with 3 rows of seats (lots of room in a compact footprint).
If they are smart, there will be a sport option with a 5 speed. Might not sell many, but it will fit with the zoom zoom theme, and will make me happy!
Actually, how about a speed version? Lift the drivetrain right out of the speed6. I bet that baby would sell! OK, at least it would haul buttskie.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
'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
"I mean, isn't it basically the same size as the Matrix, only a bit higher and seating six in three rows?"
that was in fact a fairly good characterization of the MZ5...similar length to Matrix, slightly higher roof, and seats configured for a third row to seat six. It must have NO luggage space if you have six people in it.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Gas is still around $2.40 a gallon here in CA, many people want to bail out of their gashog SUVs and most of the larger V6 minivans (Sienna, for example) don't get much better mpg than a 4Runner or Highlander.
The Mazda 2.3 is 160hp but also has good low end torque and is just as smooth and quiet if not more so than many of the V6s currently on the market, and in my MZ3 it gets the best mpg of any car I've ever owned, and that includes a number of Corollas and a 1980 model Tercel 5 speed with only 1.5 liters.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
'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
My takes on other issues at Mazda:
-The new Mazda 5 concept looks promising. I think it fits in with Mazda's line-up well. There is nothing in Mazda's line-up right now that can compete with the 5 unlike the way the 3S can compete with Mazda 6i.
"The heart of the hot 3 will be the same turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four featured in the Mazdaspeed 6, but detuned from 260 to 220 horsepower to maintain distance between the two models. The powerplant is based on the normally-aspirated 2.3-liter unit with variable valve timing, found in the top-of-the-line Mazda3 and entry-level Mazda6 ... it's nearly certain that the tuned 3 will remain front-wheel drive. The powertrain configuration, most likely backed up by a six-speed manual gearbox, should result in 0 to 100 km/h times of around 6.5 seconds and a top speed of at least 250 km/h (155 mph), equaling that of its midsized sibling."
Actually, a Volvo T-5 has about the same HP, and does just fine.
The detuning sounds like a chip waiting to happen.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Lol, that's EXACTLY what I was thinking.
We'll see how the Mazda5 does. I can see it happening, as people are getting more used to "cross-over" vehicles.
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/483
they better work triple OT to get their factory in back online ASAP!
MNAO has just been advised that our first quarter production schedule will be reduced by about 7% due to a world-wide steel shortage caused by China's market expansion. Many other Japanese manufacturers have had to take similar production actions.
This production cut will affect only Japan-built products (Mazda3, RX8, MPV, and Miata). Some of January production will be push backed into February so it will be necessary to reduce February allocation volumes
You state it is the best you have ever gotten. And what kind of mileage are you getting & under what driving conditions?
Thanks!
I'm getting 20-22 mpg with my 3, and it still has under 3000 miles on it, might get better with higher mileage. For comparison my '80 model Toyota Tercel 5 speed (an 1800lb car with 1.5 liter engine) got less than 20 under the same conditions. My 98 Camry 4 cyl got about 17, my 01 Nissan Sentra SE got 18. My Mazda 3 is a manual trans model and is not driven conservatively. MPG actually started to improve after I quit consciously trying to get good mpg and just drove normally.
Watching the temp guage, the 3 warms up faster than any car I've owned.
I live in Minneapolis and get 24-26 mpg driving in the city, driving from a suburb to downtown everyday and using the HOV lanes for part of the way.
I've done a few highway trips and I get 30-33 mpg on the highway doing a constant 75-80 mph.
I'd expect the Mazda3 to get a little better mileage.
Mazda Motor Corp. is firing on almost all cylinders under CEO Hisakazu Imaki.
The automaker is solidly profitable, although debt levels remain high. Its sales are up in difficult markets in Japan and Europe. In the United States, though, Mazda is in third gear but not overdrive.
Imaki is keenly aware of the need to improve Mazda's U.S. performance.
In your letter to shareholders in Mazda's annual report, you said one of your four priority objectives is to "revitalize the Mazda brand in North America." You have talked a lot about increasing the number of exclusive Mazda dealerships, but what else can you do to revitalize Mazda in North America?
One is product. We are not necessarily participating in all the popular segments in the U.S. market. I think that the crossover is one important such segment.
It doesn't mean that we are going to do everything, but I firmly believe that we need to further strengthen our product line from that perspective.
Of course, it goes without saying that customer satisfaction is important. We are having programs developed and implemented for dealers to more effectively deal with customers.
Regarding the brand, another important fact is the value of used cars, how we can retain the residual value of used cars. These are very simple and basic things. We want to do them thoroughly and simply.
Your U.S. market share is about 1.6 percent. What is your target?
No specific target is set. I mentioned residual values. If I overemphasize sales, we will go in the wrong way in that regard. So I'm refraining from saying it too much.
Looked at from another way, I believe that if we build a strong brand, share will follow.
A few years ago, former Mazda President Jim Miller once mentioned a target of 3 percent for both the United States and Europe. I haven't heard much about that lately. Is that still in the back of your mind?
Ideally, yes. But once those words come out of my mouth, I'm afraid that it's going to destroy zoom-zoom and the brand building we've been doing, so I think it's wise to refrain.
It was when I interviewed you exactly a year ago that you announced Mazda would be the lead engineer for a new B-segment car for Ford of Europe, the size of the Fiesta and smaller than the Mazda3. Where does this project stand?
It is going extremely well. With you, I can be candid. I think I mentioned last time, too, that our relationship with Ford in North America is pretty long, so we have a pretty good understanding of each other. But when it comes to the B segment, then the relationship with Ford in Europe becomes key. Our relationship with Ford of Europe hasn't been as deep as with Ford in North America.
But since I talked about this at our last interview, there has been considerable effort made on both sides.
I'm the president of Mazda. Mr. (Lewis) Booth is chairman and past president of Ford of Europe. Quite recently, Mr. (John) Fleming became president. I'm a close friend of Mr. Fleming. My relation with him goes way back. As a result, at the top management level, we have an extremely close relationship.
When did you first meet Mr. Fleming?
So long ago, I've forgotten. I think when he was still doing vehicle operations in North America. If we meet in Germany, we can go to a local pub together. It's that kind of relationship.
It's not just Mr. Booth and Mr. Fleming alone. Generally speaking, the environment is conducive to close communications. On the r&d side, Mazda's Mr. (Joe) Bakaj, although he had to overcome some hardships, still has been able to get good communications with Ford of Europe and also we've seen good cooperation in the purchasing area. As a result, we've been able to see a product that's going to be a lot lighter and a lot less costly.
Have you had the design freeze?
I don't think we've gone that far. I can't give you the specifics. I'm afraid when you are CEO, you slowly become oblivious to the details. I apologize.
But you can consider that with Mr. Booth and other members from FoE and also with those people involved from Detroit, we've had good talks. We are convinced that this is going to be a good direction, and we have a good commitment amongst the parties. As part of the Ford enterprise, I think we will see a good result from this cooperation.
The B segment worldwide is a huge segment. Will this be the highest-volume project done jointly by Mazda and Ford?
Yes.
How many factories worldwide could end up building it?
If you include the KD(knockdown) operations, too, I can't even begin to tell. Also, it will not be limited to Europe.
Will there be a North American version?
With regard to the North American version, nothing has been decided yet. But outside North America, for example in Asia-Pacific, things have been decided.
The reason I ask is that starting about at the Geneva motor show, there has been increasing talk about small cars in North America. Toyota has been successful with the Scion. The BMW Mini has been very successful. Previously, people thought that cars in that segment were too small for America. Would Mazda be interested in having a B-segment car in North America?
Yes. I do have an interest. I have in the back of my mind maybe some trial case. But as I mentioned earlier, no firm decisions have been made yet.
Is Ford interested?
I'm not aware of the extent of Ford's interest in this regard. And maybe their thoughts in this regard are undergoing changes in light of the recent hike in oil prices and other changes.
I believe you've said you want to expand Flat Rock's capacity. Is that for additional models, say in the B segment?
Actually, I don't have an expansion of capacity at Flat Rock in mind. Right now, according to our plan, the Mustang will take more than 50 percent of the plant's capacity.
In light trucks, you plan three new SUVs specifically for North America, including a redesigned Tribute. How large will the largest one be?
I'm sorry, but I'll have to refrain from answering. Suffice it to say, it's a size that we haven't had up until now. And beyond the size, I want to emphasize that it is a zoom-zoom product.
How soon will the first one arrive? Will it be the first half of next year?
It's impossible to be early next year. For that, we'd already have to be in the pilot-production stage at this moment.
So are we talking about 2006?
Yes, 2006 or 2007 is the time frame. Styling is basically decided. I've been told not to respond to questions regarding products.
It's also true that you're the boss, and you can tell them not to give you orders.
Although I'm the president, I'm being trained and educated by everyone. And we don't stick too much to hierarchy or rank around here. We try to have a little fun in our business. As an aside, coming back from China, I sometimes get e-mails asking me if I brought back some Chinese rice wine to give as presents
I hope the zoom zoom is really there if they build it - that would be a vehicle broadly similar in size to their minivan, which has little to no zoom zoom!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
something like Mazda3/S40/2nd gen Focus will be perfect.
The market for the vehicle will be almost solely NA. I almost wonder why Mazda bothers.
But then take a look at those dealer profit margins for SUVs. The Mazda dealers want something to get a heady return.
In my opinion, this production cut shouldn't effect the Miata, RX 8, and MPV since the MPV and Miata are long in the tooth and also the RX 8 is not a mass market seller by any means. I think this production cut could affect MZ 3 sales. After all Japan has already been hit by earthquakes effecting production of the Mazda 3 already and now this production cut comes for January. To me the this is not good news in terms of supply and demand for the 3.
Mazda needs to open a closer dealership.
Meade
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
B-U-U-U-T, the roof I would want. $700 for a moonroof is just fine. Of course, since they will be built in limited numbers, I suspect that if you want one, you will just have to settle for whatever your local dealer gets in, and pay accordingly.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Stay tuned to Edmunds. With the exception of the Miata, every Mazdaspeed that has been introduced has ended up getting discounted after a while. Somewhere. If you don't mind doing a little driving I'm sure deals can be had. Give it a little time.
I remember a while back you were interested in the Mazdaspeed6 but the alleged ack of a moonroof turned you off.
I'm looking at the Mazdaspeed, TSX, and TL. They are all looking rather tempting right now. And all within range of each other too when you factor power, amenities, etc.
But that is partly because I am getting frustrated with having to put up with FWD in cars with any decent amount of power.
And then again, if you want the AWD and a powerful turbo, why not the Legacy GT which will also be right around that price (and to me is a little better looking). Boy are there ever a lot of models competing in that narrow piece of the price spectrum and midsize car segment. Mazda has its work cut out for it.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The TSX is not really "within range" in terms of power compared to the TL and Mazdaspeed6.
"And then again, if you want the AWD and a powerful turbo, why not the Legacy GT which will also be right around that price (and to me is a little better looking). Boy are there ever a lot of models competing in that narrow piece of the price spectrum and midsize car segment. Mazda has its work cut out for it."
I thought I read somewhere that Mazda is only making 5000 Mazdaspeed6s. They shouldn't have THAT much trouble selling 5000 of them.
That's why I added "amenities" to the sentence. The TSX comes with an arguably nicer interior and no options with a base price of $27k retail. It's within the range of comparison. Just as when comparing the Accord/6 it's gonna come down to preferences. Those are my choices.
True choices will add the C-class Benz, Saab, Subaru, G35 etc. All in different levels of trim.
I guess. IMO, the amenities don't outweigh the fact that the TSX is seriously outgunned as far as power is concerned. The prices are similar as are the amenities, the only huge difference is the difference in power. The TL is significantly more expensive than either the TSX or Mazdaspeed6.
"True choices will add the C-class Benz, Saab, Subaru, G35 etc. All in different levels of trim."
Yep, different levels of trim. The Mazda and Subaru and maybe the Saab will be loaded and the others will be base models if you're comparing by price.