I hear you. I also like the value-price Mazda offers, but the OEM HIDs/LED Tails would not break the bank. AWD would though...
They can keep selling the Sport, but add the Grand Touring as they have done in the past, I'm sure buyers will show up (Just see the 08-09 MS3 owners in the forum). Mazda USA does that a lot, look at my soccer mom cars, I would not have minded paying some extra bucks for HIDs, LEDs and sunroof (Grand Touring) but the Manual Transmission is only offered on the Sport trim (argh)
Oh and as for the Mazda5...manual only in Sports unless you found the manual Touring I bought. (dance)
I like the different color lower bumper too, but why gloss and why such a light gray? Imo, it should be a flat finish and darker (more like the 1st gen).Now they are visible. Looking good. It seems that the US got the short end of the stick with no LEDs nor HIDs. Canada and Mexico did get them then. I also like the under bumper diffuser in gray...
Anyway, welcome!
Hids definitely make a difference but as you said a conversion kit works just as goodOn my 2005 that I traded, it didn't come with hid's so I put in a Phillips slim line 10k and they were amazing!! For what I paid for my loaded 2.5 I definitely could have bought a speed 3, but I a a sedan guy and to make up for it, I probably got the only fully loaded 2.5GT with a 6-speed. Those are rare out here to find and lots of fun
![]()