got to drive one today. Just caved in to my curiosity and me and the woman took one out. The reality is that my lease is about up on my MS6, and the buyout on it is out to lunch to even consider keeping it so if I stay with Mazda, there's one two cars to choose from. Mazda 6 GT V6 with the auto-tragic tranny, or the MS3
They had a black one here. Easily going to be the best color to get it in since it hides the hideous smile. It really irks me this car. To think how sexy it is from most angles, and then the go and **** up the front end that bad. It could have been THE CAR to get, and in this economy, why would a designer take such a risk knowing it is indeed a smiley face.
Anyways, the car was exactly what I thought it would be really. It's like a mini me MS6 without the AWD love. Car feels very solid, very well put together. While I hated the cheesy red inside, the overall feel of everything was top notch, typical Mazda interior. I really really would rather proper leather seats though as these seemed out of place.
Torque steer was something I was concerned with before driving it. Nice to see Mazda really dialed it down somehow. I never really drove the car hard, I just don't have it in me to beat on a new car, but as far as normal driving is concerned, anyone that complains of torque steer in this thing now needs to call the whaaaaambulance or learn how to drive. Winter will be the true test though, and I fear this car would not do well in our winters. High HP and FWD usually doesn't add up to good winter car, especially with it being so low.
The Wheels are SICK. Enough said.
Brakes felt good. I read somewhere that they are bigger this year.....wonder how that is going to effect winter rims?
Clutch is worlds better in the MS3 then mine. Almost honda like, but not as mushy. Anyone having issues with this one....I can't see why. Then again my MS6 clutch is horrendous to get used to so maybe I adjusted to the MS3 quicker then most.
Obviously going to compare it to my car. I really don't want to give up my car, it is just better in almost every way except one. Obviously, the MS3 handles quite a bit better, so sharp, so responsive, it reminded me of my MP3/MSP - yes, it darn close to those. Very fun to drive car, and that is almost the number one thing for me when looking to get a car.
This car is like 34,500 I think the sales guy said. Canadian remember Not worth it. YUp, that's right, not worth it. At the end of the day, it's just an econo hatch back. MY MS6 was 38 for the gt with full leather, heck of a lot more space, sunroof, and AWD and just an overall better car. Toss in a deal on my ms6 when I got it, and the MS3 just doesn't seem like a good buy in comparison.
Lets go back a bit. I can't quite remember the numbers, but I think my MP3 was 24k, and my msp was 28k, and while they are missing some of the things the new car has, they did come with REAL stereo's not crappy bose's. Yes, the MS3 has hids, oodles better engine, heated seats, keyless start and stuff, but that price is getting up to a range where there are a lot of other cars I can choose from.
At the end of it all, I did like the car. I'd get it if I got a deal on it, no way I'm paying that money for it. I want proper leather seats, a sunroof, better front grill, a usb connection for stereo, and then maybe I will pay 34k for it. All wheel Drive is the biggest drawback for me. This car just isn't going to be very good in our winters here.
sweet ride if you can get passed a few gripes....and those wheels......sick