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Comments
All world-wide Mazda3's have mechanical seats. And for those who want leather, no heated seats either.
2.0l Pro vs. 2.0l Mazda3:
I'm not going to get into the technical answer (cause that'll take a few pages), but the 2.0l Pro engine has a history of over 10 years whereas the 2.0l Mazda3 engine has a history of 2 years. Therefore, the Mazda3 2.0l has all the modernized advantages (e.g. timing chain, all-aluminium, emissions, power, cost to manufacture, etc...)
Auto light control & Rain-sensing wipers:
Yes, I too noticed that both these features are missing from US-spec, and they are definitely included in Canadian-spec. Maybe a MazdaUSA error, maybe not, will have to wait and see.
Focus C-MAX:
Yes, both Mazda3 and the Focus C-MAX use the same platform.
1SP - Sport Package $490
Availability: s 4-Door
fowler3
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?previews/previews_story.php?id=4108- - 6
“The chassis does things that have never been done in a Volvo before. None of its models has ever steered as crisply, keenly and fluidly as this one Volvo engineers knew the steering has been a past weakness of their cars, and at last they have done something about it This is more fun to drive than the S60 ”
http://www.channel4.co.uk/apps26/4car/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=231_2&- - reviewid=833
“ enjoyable steering and handling .Perhaps it's the shock of having such a good time in a Volvo that has skewed our mental calibration The anaesthetised, stodgy feel of past Volvo steering systems is entirely banished here.”
But the Mazda3 isn't using the Focus II's steering rack.
Best seat I ever had was actually my 1986 323. It tilted up at the front (2 positions I believe), but in the up slot, absolutely perfect for me, because I like my legs elevated and thighs supported. Always hated older Hondas with low seating positions.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
ALL 2.3 sedans, regardless if it has the sport package or not, get the sport front/rear bumpers, sport grille, smoked taillights, and red/blue gauges. These things are standard on ALL 2.3 s trim sedans.
The lip spoiler is not listed standard or part of the sport package, so this leads me to believe that it can be installed as an accessory and won't be forced on any s trim sedans.
Again EVERY 2.3 s trim sedan has the sport front/rear bumpers, sport grille, smoked taillights, and red/blue gauges forced on it. Those things are standard.
Dinu
Looks like there’s gonna be a problem as this Mazda3 ratchet height adjustment is not a thigh-height-only adjustment. You might have to add spacers in the front seat mount to solve the problem.
“I can never find the right position with 8+ way power seats.”
To make long-leg drivers uncomfortable, the best example is the Hitler-Beetle-derived Jetta driving position, even w/ pwr seat & tilt/telescopic steering!
The only excuse for getting the pwr seat is for the memory feature.
From: Defy
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2003 12:31 PM
To: 'GM Interchange E-News'
Subject: RE: The latest from GM Interchange E-News
To whom it may concern,
Well, at one point I would have been interested in a GM product. Since then however I have had a change of heart. I am finding, more and more, that GM builds really “crappy” products and as such I have decided to stick to Japanese & European brands.
However if the quality of your products ever gets to “equal or better” the product quality of your direct competition than I might be inclined to actually walk in your Dealerships. I have heard way too many complaints from friends/acquaintances who happen to own your products and seriously cannot get myself to justify purchasing any of your particular brands. Your lack of inspiration, designs and overall fit & finish require a major “shake-up”. I cannot help but to think how you have been able to retain the customers you have but these people must really not know anything about vehicles.
So I would appreciate it very much if you could “please” remove me from your files.
Sincerely,
Defy
To: Defy@shaw.ca
Subject: The latest from GM Interchange E-News
Hello Mr. Defy, your new vehicle purchase is right around the corner. Here is some information we hope you'll find useful.
You've indicated that you're interested in THE HUMMER H2 and THE SATURN VUE. If you haven't already done so, we invite you to visit the HUMMER Section and the Saturn Section and the Saturn VUE page at gmcanada.com to find out more.
Why not book your test drive online through your preferred Dealer/Retailer 's individual Web site? It's fast and easy.
Would you like to get pre-approved credit before you see your preferred Dealer/Retailer? Visit GMAC Express Credit Application , it's fast and easy.
THE LATEST NEWS FROM GM CANADA
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These guys just do not know when to stop sending me this stuff. Hope that they can understand what I have written.
Defy
Matrix/Vibe “family wagons”. Bunch of (incompetent)wives demand it. Or they might want to divorce if the husband can’t afford it.
The 17’ w/ lower profile tires may be just slightly larger in diameter, but not significantly enough so no need to recalibrate the speedometer setting.
What is the difference now b/w the DX/LX and ES PRO?
Dinu
PS: Trying to see if $30/mth is worth it. When I look at the mthly cost I'm not too sure, but when I think that it's only $360/yr, it's nothing. Ah, choices...
Incidently, the Mazda3 s (MT) has a slighty higher overall final drive ratio and slightly tire size than the Mazda6 i (MT). The overal difference is approximately 8%, which means the engine in the Mazda3 s will have slightly higher rpms at any given speed. And, since the Mazda3 s is about 200lbs lighter than the Mazda6 i, this means the Mazda3 s should be a little quicker than the Mazda6 i as well.
I have to agree with this statement. Maybe I'm biased since I don't want a navigation system, but if someone buying a car in this class is willing to shell out $1,750 for the navigation system, what would stop them for shelling out for a power seat, stability control, auto light control, rain-sensing wipers, etc.
You could probably get all those things under $1,750 easily. Add in leather and you would be right around $1,750.
"It may cause a problem on the speedometer though since it was set up for 17-inch wheels right?"
The 17’ w/ lower profile tires may be just slightly larger in diameter, but not significantly enough so no need to recalibrate the speedometer setting.
"
The 17s are only 0.19in larger in diameter 25.07in vs. 24.88in) which is only 0.764%, or a change of less than 1mph at highway speeds.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
- The MZR is all aluminum, where as the FS-DE is iron-cast/aluminum: MZR is 10% lighter, but the Iron should be stronger. However there is a slight variation of thermal expansion coefficients between Iron and Alumimum, this could cause the FS-DE to be noisy while the engine is still cold.
- MZR: shorter bore (87.5 vs 92mm), thus it has less lower-end torque but better rev. MZR is more powerful from 5000 rpm, bellow that, the FS-DE is slightly better (only slightly).
- MZR has timing chain, FS-DE has belt (chain is more reliable, and belt is quieter).
- FS-DE is non-interferent engine (engine doesn't break with the belt). I don't know this aspect for the MZR
- MZR has exhaust at the rear, FS-DE has exhaust in front.
- I don't recall FS-DE has EGR system (control Nox by feeding back the exhaust gas into the intake).
Bruno
Thanks!
I'm in the process of deleating the Pwr package - for $795 CAD it's not worth to have pwr windows and mirrors.I can deal w/the mirrors when I get the car (one-time setup) and will have to get a little exercise for the windows. Don't care for cruise ctrl.
Dinu
PS: Watch me end up with the GT w/leather by the end of it all
Same here! I never use mine.
The Mazda3 GS sedan sport package requires the power package.
That's way to much for a compact car regardless of the options. An MZ6 can be bought for US$20,070 with most of the 3's options standard, e.g. AT Sport shift, A/C, power windows, mirrors, locks and keyless entry. Alloys extra.
How I priced it out: 2.3L option on the i model; power package w/16 alloys; AT; AC; Locking lugs; $520 delivery; 3% sales tax, and $85 TT. Oh yes, the dealer adds a $425 fee for the lady upstairs to type up the bill of sale, which is nonsense.
Comparing the base i model price to the sticker price for the 2001 Protege LX 2.0l, which was $15,695; the base MZ3 i is higher to begin with. The LX came with: power windows, mirrors, locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, mats, and AT. I added a cassette player at $240 installed. No cassette player on the 3, they didn't include a place for it on the center stack.
Insurance will be higher,too, a LOT higher. I pay $740 a year now.
"And, since the Mazda3 s is about 200lbs lighter than the Mazda6 i, this means the Mazda3 s should be a little quicker than the Mazda6 i as well."
How can that be if the s model is loaded with "standard options"?
pzev, I thought the 2.3L engine would be optional on the i model with the red taillamps and no GFX? That's what reviews have been saying.
I don't know why I am writing this. The 3rd gen is the best model year to buy and when I will probably be ready, if still alive.
fowler3
With long legs, the only thing a driver can do is move the seat back, rake the backrest a little and adjust the seat upward. This gives an Italian-style of driving with the arms extended. I'm 5'-11" and use this position to some extent and find it very comfortable. It places me away from the windshield, and the glare, because there is no blue tint in the glass. I did have to add a small pillow to prevent back pain since the Pro didn't have adjustable lumbar support. Home-made and inexpensive at $7.50.
Your driving position may be different due to other factors.
fowler3
2003 Mazda Protege LX $15,415
2004 Mazda3 2.0 i trim $15,720
Base price $13,680 + $850 AC + $1,190 Power Package
So as you can see, we're only talking about a $305 price increase.
For $305 you get in addition to what the LX Protege has:
6 speaker sound system
16" alloys
"better" 2.0 engine (more HP, timing chain, etc.)
4-wheel disc brakes
"better" interior
telescoping steering wheel
improved crash safety
engine immobilizer
improved fuel mileage
There's probably some other minor stuff I missed. Basically the i trim with power package and AC is at minimum on par with the LX as far as value is concerned, and in my opinion for what you get for the extra $305 it's worth it. Things like the "better" engine and interior may be subjective, but the car is offering equal or better value than the LX Protege, at least in my opinion.
Yes a cassette player can be added. I've even seen a picture of one with it in the dash, but can't remember where I saw it. It also states in the specs that an "In-dash, full-logic auto-reverse cassette player" can be added as an accessory.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/images/gallery/mz3_gal- lery_big29.jpg
See where it says "Multi Function Audio System"? That's where the cassette player, MP3 player, etc. goes.
As far as insurance goes, I don't see why a 2.0 Mazda3 would be more expensive to insure than an LX Protege except maybe the added horsepower. Maybe the engine immobilizer and improved crash test scores will help.
http://www.axela.mazda.co.jp/loption/B32HV119094.JPG
The 3 is like a tall Corolla, taller than the 6, so you don't have to worry about lowering the seat very far to get enough head room.
'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
In reality, I probably won't get this car, but I do LOVE how it looks. I guess all that is left is to try it out. Who knows, I might be really impressed by it. I'd still most likely wait for the new S40. Yeah, I know, really different price range. But that's the key for me. I might even have to step up to a $30K+ car. But if I COULD find something for $22K that met my needs and wants, then I'd be more than happy to keep that extra money.
'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
qbrozen: You drive an ALFA?? It's got to be about 13 years old! They're coming back to the US for 2005 by the way.
warning! non-mazda content to follow!
don't count on Alfa ever coming back. The first rumors several years ago were for 2005, then it got bumped to 2007, now GM is looking for loopholes in their commitment to Fiat SPA and rumor this time is that they may have found the loophole. If that happens and they get out of their commitment, you won't see Alfa here at all unless Fiat comes into big money and expands their reach into our country.
My Alfa is actually 18 years old. As a matter of fact, its in the shop right now getting all body and paint work done. Been there for 6 weeks and I just got word this morning that the man in charge did not like the way the paint was coming out so he has now decided to strip the whole thing down to metal and start from scratch. Yikes!! Anyway, that's my toy car. My primary is my Volvo.
'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
Where shall I start the bidding?
Meade
I'll be true to my word and not share specifics, but I'll be happy to report that the MSRP on the top model -- the Mazda3s 5-door -- comes in under $17K. Keep in mind that's the base price with a 5-speed manual tranny (er, the only way to go!) and no options. But that's very much in line with current Protege5 pricing, and you're getting a 2.3-liter engine here!
I am happy to see that finally, you don't have to buy a moonroof to get side-impact air bags -- they're now in different packages. (Now you need to get a 6-CD changer to get the moonroof.) Happy news for us tall guys who want the extra protection but can't stand butting their heads on the 2-inch-shorter headliner found in moonroof-equipped Proteges.
I'm also happy to see that leather and xenon headlights are available. If there's one thing lacking in my 2000 ES, it's enough light at night on dark country roads.
Interesting to see that the 2.0-liter engine is only available in the sedan; the 5-door only comes as an "s" model with the 2.3-liter engine.
I have information on all the various packages right here in front of me; rather than type it all out here, which would be lengthy, I'll wait and see if anyone has any specific questions. But I won't share dealer invoice prices.
Meade
P.S. My sales manager said that realistically speaking, we'll start seeing the new model on the lot here in Richmond, Virginia in early January -- Christmas if we're very lucky.
Wow.
And gimme a break please. I don't post here or visit very often. While I have decided that my next car will be a loaded 2005 Mazda3s 5-door, I'm still too busy over on the Protege discussion and running a couple of Protege Yahoo! groups to come here every day. In fact I visit here maybe once a week if I'm lucky. So please forgive me for restating what I didn't know was the obvious. At any rate, this looks like a very competitive price schedule for a very unique and exciting car!
Meade
Meade
P.S. Just noticed that the Xenon headlight package includes automatic tire pressure monitoring. Cool!
I'll definetly deal with the 2.0 engine. The red taillights are really nice and I like the regular bumper better as well. I also like the regular grille better as well so going with the 2.0 is a no brainer. At least hopefully my insurance will be slightly lower compared to a 2.3 and I'll have slightly better fuel mileage.
qbrozen: bummer about the Alfa! It's a shame we don't have access to nice european vehicles like Peugeot, Alfa, et al...
Notice also pictures of the Hatch in Sand Mica (24E.)
Bruno
I think they have basically trashed the old 2.0 liter and the new 2.0 liter is a completely new engine with the same displacement.
Thus, with either the 2.0 or the 2.3 you are still getting a relatively new engine.
If it was that easy to get 148 horsepower out of the old 2.0 engine, I think they would have done it a long time ago for the Protege.
The main difference (besides displacement) between the two engines is the 2.3 liter has variable valve timing. I have a feeling that without this, the HP advantage of the 2.3 would be all but gone, though the larger displacement would still give it a slight torque advantage.
Older is not always better from a reliability standpoint...besides, even GM/FORD/DC don't have major problems with their basic engines. It's all the other stuff connected to the engines that they have problems with. (Chevy Vega engines notwithstanding!)
For those who are interested in the auto-transmission, the 2.0L is definitively oriented comfort and mileage whereas the 2.3L is set up for performance.
If you want a rough estimate, on a car with a few options the total invoice will be around 91% to 92% of MSRP.
If anyone has questions about any other models I'd be happy to answer them.