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Comments
Besides, the typical Focus customer isn't going to spend the money Ford would need to introduce a new model. Instead, the Mazda buyer will.
Ford won't regret this decision because they will be able to get enough sales (even if they are lower) to cover their costs and maybe make some money.
What they *will* regret was losing the biggest opportunity EVER to lure import buyers. Those who gave the Focus a shot in the 00-02 model years will most likely not make the same mistake twice.
Materials-wise, I like the top of the dash in the 3 better (textured), but the rest of the dash is VERY similar in quality to the PRO ES (as shown in Bruno's pic). And this is not a bad thing at all.
Dinu
That being said, I can't help but think that if you get struck by an SUV from the side, having it's bumper colliding with a greater percentage of sheet metal than glass can only be a good thing for protection.
How a higher dash helps for safety, if at all, I wouldn't hazard a guess.
http://groups.msn.com/BrunoLuong/safety.msnw
Sounds like a 1st generation product of limited usefulness. Eh, I'm perfectly happy checking the tire pressures myself. It's suppose to be checked only when cold anyway.
Thanks for the info Bruno. It's been said before, but I'll say it again, Mazda should pay you, dinu and wongpres (and probably a couple others) for all you guys have done to help promote the 3.
re: Aussie 'neo', 'maxx' and 'SP23' models. Heheh. No offense, but those are funny model names. Maybe they could've called them neo, trinity and morpheus? :-)
:-)
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brunoluong/vwp?.dir=/Album+02&am- p;.dnm=black_sedan_2.jpg&.view=t
It does seem odd that Mazda would name a "world car" differently in various regions. Why not the same model names everywhere?
As for the difference between the Protegé's dash and the 3's dash, manufacturers stopped putting padding on the dash tops when air bags came into use. The thin, foam-backed padding did little to protect passengers as well as the bags do. Now, it is mainly used to give a luxury feel to the dash and is a sprayed-on polyurathane -- thick, soft paint. The MB CLK320 dash has a similar treatment.
The higher dash was probably required to get the center stack looking neat and balanced and, to get the audio/havc display higher so the driver's sightlines are not far from the windshield.
Gaps between sections help to avoid dreaded squeeks when plastic parts rub together. Sometimes what looks like sloppy build quality was done intentionally for a reason. Only non-mobil objects can be built to extremely close tollerences -- such as furniture.
when the photos of the dash came out, the first thing I looked for was the gaps between the ends of the dash and the door panels. On the Protegé I thought Mazda could have done a better job. I was happy to see they did close those up some on the 3. Otherwise, it looks good.
fowler3
If the 3 has gotten here, it must be at a lot of dealers across the country by now.
“ take the TSX for example, which has a very high cowline. It's drag coefficient, or whatever the descriptive terminology is, is extremely low compared against the avg. car.
That being said, I can't help but think that if you get struck by an SUV from the side, having it's bumper colliding with a greater percentage of sheet metal than glass can only be a good thing for protection.
How a higher dash helps for safety, if at all, I wouldn't hazard a guess.”
You’re not gonna believe how many short drivers are complaining about the TSX that they can’t really see outward well, especially those that stepped up from Hondas are “shocked”. You call that safety? ;-) No wonder it needs more passive safety, 'cause the active safety is ruined.
“I wonder if the system is battery-less or not, if not how long the battery would last (probably pretty long)? Also I suspect there is no a problem when changing for after market rims.”
It’s probably just some cheap system comparing the rotational speed b/t tires, which means when the temporary spare is used, the light will stay on.
Huh? what? pardon???? Are we talking about measuring the tire pressure here?
The tire pressure monitoring system needs a the sensor (located somewhere on the inner side of the rim) which measures directly the air pressure surrounding it. The sensor then transmits the data to a fixed and remote chip using electromagnetic wave (like cell phone). Some sensor might have battery to operate, other generates its own energy from the wheel rotation.
If you have an idea on how to measure the tire pressure in a simpler way and cheaper than the above, it's worth to patent an make a lot of money out of it.
The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is based on the Delta platform, not Epsilon. I'm very much looking forward to the Cobalt's debut at the LA Autoshow (the illustrations I've seen look great).
creakid1
I've now driven all Mazda3 tire sizes (15, 16, and 17-inch). Even the high sidewalled 15-inchs felt nothing like the BMW (similar firmeness but much worse NVH & refinement). The Mazda3 ain't a BMW.
gromit45
The Mazda3 tire pressure monitoring system is only an idiot light. And as Bruno says, the system does not tell you which tire is down. If you want even more details about the Mazda TPMS, ask the RX-8 folks.
And thanks for the compliment, I'll use your post as a reference when I apply for a job at Mazda
comeback2morro
Check Mazda Australia for features on the Australian-spec Mazda3. Under Upcoming Models, their site has a good amount of info on Australian-specs.
fowler3
It makes perfect sense that Mazda names the various trims differently around the world. For example, how could Mazda have just i and s trims in Japan where the Axela has 4 engine choices. The most important thing is that it's called Mazda3 around the world (except for Japan).
Mazda3 high-cowl
Has nothing to do with drag co-efficient. The Mazda3 drag co-efficient is nothing to brag about.
Edit:
Bruno
Creakid's right, there's a cheaper way to measure tire pressures. It uses a car's ABS/traction control sensors and doesn't require anything inside the rim. This method is cheaper and less accurate. I believe the RX-8 has a sensor inside the rim though (but I'd check with the RX-8 folks to confirm).
The Protege felt like a 1989 car, with tinny doors. Time for it to go.
The built quality is as good as any Honda or Toyota and IMO even better. The interior is great in ES/P5 trims. It has amazing brakes, good torque and steering feel not found in many cars costing much more.
So why are you trashing the PRO?
Dinu
“Whereas for the C&D method can be viewed as some sort of max-hp/weight ratio, which IMHO, not so informative. It's not so surprising that the Accord came first: Honda engines always deliver power at very high rpm”
Honda Accord’s 2.4 is mainly more powerful than the Mazda 2.3 in the lower rpm range! Especially below 3000 rpm.
baggs32 Nov 21, 2003 7:15pm
“I'm not as concerned with the 0-60 as I am with low end torque due to the terrain I have to deal with. The 6i wasn't all that great on hills so I'm hoping and praying the 3s will be better I test drove an SVT 5-door Focus a couple of weeks ago and it's a really great car.”
I believe the regular-gas Mazda 2.3 got stronger low end than Focus SVT’s smaller-displacement premium-gas engine.
lmp180psu Nov 21, 2003 6:31pm
“ so in terms of 0-60 numbers, CR makes more sense IMO.”
That’s why C&D also publishes the 5-60mph street start.
newcar31 Nov 21, 2003 7:23pm
“‘What I want to know is a number that tell me how my car will perform during passing a long truck on the one lane farmer road, how easy I can make lane merging on the Hwy, etc...’
You want to know if the Mazda3 can effortlessly pass and merge on highways? No, it can't. You need to wring the 2.3L out to get the most out of it. Sounds like you need a V8.”
Even if you need to downshift the 4-cyl in order to achieve the V8-like passing power, you still don’t’ have to clutch dump or brake torque the way C&D measures the acceleration. All you need is to downshift your stick.
So sounds like that’s what CR is for. They do publish the “downshifting-the-manual for passing” figures, while C&D only publishes the passing figure WITHOUT down shifting manually!
“I have a 91 Maxima - in a straight line it's faster than my Protege 2.0, but it has no steering feel and in turns you really have to slow down. Not so in the PRO ”
Both my ’98 Corolla LE & ’93 Camry V6 SE are more powerful than my old ’90 Protégé LX, but I always ended up going slower in those Toyotas, even when driving in a straight line sometimes. This unsure-ness in steering, both input & output, really sucks & loses driver’s confidence, & fun as well
lavaorange3 Nov 21, 2003 4:48pm
“There's more to Mazda than just speed. My mom bought a G-35 coupe and while it's fast, almost everything else about the car is half-baked...it's not an integrated whole.”
Right on! Nissans are bunch of crudely designed vehicles. Like what I've been saying, “Brawn but no brain.”
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/- - - - - - - - 38029
“Precise, linear steering provides good road feel, is nicely weighted, though some may prefer lighter effort.”
Lighter effort, eh? So the electrohydraulic is heavy enough, then. I thought I might prefer the 1.6 w/ the heavier hydraulic steering & forget about the 2.3 power.
bluong1 Nov 24, 2003 10:50am
“They will stop the Focus SVT production. The 2004 Focus SVT is the last batch”
That’s right! The Mazda 3S is taking its place. Once again, the Mazda3 is a “European car”.
bluong1 Nov 22, 2003 6:29am
“Honestly, if I have a choice, I would chose the PZEV engine over the normal engine. After all, everyone is happy with the catalytic converter, which also doesn't do any good for the hp.”
That’s why that balance-shafted 2.3 PZEV Mazda engine used only in the recent Focus is so important, damn it! Who doesn’t want to breath in cleaner air!
All I'm saying is that the Mazda3 won't have effortless passing power on the freeway. If you have to downshift, it's not effortless. You don't even necessarily need a V8 for effortless passing power either. My 626 GT turbo flat out hauled butt in 5th gear on the freeway once the turbo was boostin'.
I personally think C&D's top-gear 30-50 mph passing time is ridiculous, 50-70 mph is alright. Except on my '90 Protege LX's short top gear, only idiots would drive the top gear from 30 mph. That's why I always check people's shifting habits before I lend my stick out.
Seriously. Does anyone know any performance upgrades that are coming down to the line for this car? The most I'd ever do would be to put in a superchip, performance intake/exhaust for a limited hp/tq boost on the highway.
“creakid1
I've now driven all Mazda3 tire sizes (15, 16, and 17-inch). Even the high sidewalled 15-inchs felt nothing like the BMW (similar firmeness but much worse NVH & refinement). The Mazda3 ain't a BMW.”
I guess all the compliment of "how the lowered-suspension Focus SVT rides as absorbent as the BMW 3-series" is about the lowered sport suspension std in the 325is coupe, which rides on 16" std.
I'd say, compare the 16"/17" Mazda3 w/ the sport-suspension 16"/17" BMW 3-series to see how they handle vs ride comfort. I know Mazda loses on noise suppression to just about everyone.
Let's face it, with 160 horses, the 3s beats out most other cars in it's class. Heck, with 148hp and amenities, the 3i presents a better overall package than most other cars out there. It's ironic tho that some are questioning this car's power.
Here's a story to read however: Study: Faster cars, higher speeds lead to more deaths.
There's probably little need to be worried about performance, but it sure is nice to think about the possibilities.
Now I'm waiting for my Mazda 3 sport GT lava orange manual with A/C and moonroof... The salesman told me this color was hard to find and it could take up to 2 months...
This car is just great... It's gonna be a killer !!!
Bare in mind that many of those who post on this forum are really into all aspects of performance, which includes the desire for great power. For the clear majority of the populace, the 2.3 engine is going to be plenty.
I'm mostly looking forward to having a manual again, if the 3s, like the Tribute-v6 came only with an automatic I would surely look the other way. I don't like automatics (just spent about $85 to get the transmission flushed) and am looking forward to having a manual again!
Your best bet - until more inventory is available - to actually get that color would be to order it.
Still deciding between Copper and Black.
Get what you want.
You meant the volcanos on mainland Hawaii?
I did some more digging last night and found out a few things (going by memory here)
-It comes out mid Jan in AUS
-Neo @ ~A$22500, Maxx @ ~A$27000, SP23 @ ~A$29000-30000
-Neo is obviously baseline,
-Dont have a clue what Maxx has or doesnt have. It appears to be a 2L (Im guessing it has the power pack and maybe better interior)
-SP23 includes everything it does in the states + Saftey package.
-I also think that option wise, we are pretty much the same as those in the states.. no traction, no rain sensing wipers, ect (except for hatch in 2L) .. middle arm and headrest would be nice though:)
------
Was expecting to pay about 25-26k for the car, but considering the SP23 includes everything id pretty much want ('cept mp3 alloy pedals and chrome exaust *dreaming*) and is ~29k, take 7-9% off if im lucky + anything I can get for trade in, I should end up being pretty close .. hopefully.
----------------
Two Questions
1)Does the S (SP23) model count as a *sports car* for insurance purposes?
2)Any photos of the black cloth trim\interior? (saw the one in the 3's brochure, and im now curious to see how it looks on the whole) and how it compares to the beige, and the black & blue or red?
----------------
One final note A$27000 (my max target price) = US$19000, and thats already a US$2 grand over what the US pays for the S hatch. Granted, i also wanna get the safety option (which the AU SP23 has). Still US$1000 over and above.
The SP23 is also AU$3k above my target price, so im curious to know where is that additional US$1000 + AU$3000\US$2000 = US$3000 going? (right hand drive conversion would be one thing)
Not sure if you are talking about the black/charcoal BP9 interior (same quality of cloth as the beige), but I have those two pics
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brunoluong/vwp?.dir=/Interior&am- p;am- p;am- p;am- p;am- p;.dnm=BP9_1.jpg&.view=t
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brunoluong/vwp?.dir=/Interior&am- p;am- p;am- p;am- p;am- p;.dnm=BP9.jpg&.view=t
About the price, after adding 8% of tax, plus the destination charge, the US 5-door s-trim costs 18767 USD. It's not very far from the 19000 that you have to pay there (doesn't it include tax, etc...). If not, don't bother to make sense out of it. The car prices are determined with respect to the local market and not to the manufacturer base cost. So does other consumer products, otherwise we would pay not more than $5 for all Microsoft products, LOL.
They have to! Remember of cool compact from Toyota where the engine is in the center of the car, how it's been called? MR2, right?
In french, the "MR2" is pronounced as "Em-Err-doe", which when saying fast becomes almost like "Me-Err-doe" i.e., the exact pronunciation of the french word MERDE, our national favorite word, which means more or less "P.O.S.", LOL!
What is this BP9, BP8 and other things like that I've been seeing references to? Link? (sorry for my ignorance).
You're right about the costs. If i had thought about it longer i might have worked it out it was all sitting right in front of me!
For example, the interior/exterior combos for the Mazda3in the US are available according to this chart.
This is so stupid! The low-volume i actually gives you the choice of beige or black interior for the dark blue & black exterior.
Why ain't the most popular Titanium S available w/ the choice of blue or red interior? & what is this "national flag" mismatch combo for U.S. & Canada? I'm on the south side of the border, so I want Mazda to reverse the red/blue interior for the Titanium exterior. ;-)
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Dinu