2008 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 mid year 'enhancements'

[Benfolio]

Found this while looking for 2009 RX-8 info. Don't know if it's been posted before as I rarely look in here being a former MZ5 and current CX-7 owner, but here ya go:

2008 M.Y. MAZDA3 MID-YEAR PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION

Mazda is pleased to announce a mid-year product enhancement for the Mazda3. The great news is that the exceptional
value proposition of the Mazda3 gets even stronger as the high volume i Touring model is replaced by a well equipped
i Touring Value model.
This all-new Touring Value model includes highly desirable features at a great price and will be our focus vehicle as we
enter the important spring selling season. Production will start in January, 2008, so now is the time to place your initial
orders.
i Touring Value Model Product Highlights (in addition to or in place of i Touring content)

Standard ABS/SAB/SAC for customer peace of mind.
17" Alloy wheels for a more aggressive stance.
Fog lights for an enhanced Mazda sporty appearance.
Color keyed grill bar enhances the signature 5-point grill.
Leather wrapped steering wheel provides the driver with a rich, tactile feel.
Leather wrapped shift knob adds a sporty touch.
Piano Black decoration panel replaces wood for a more upscale appearance

Other Product Highlights
In addition to the i Touring Value model, all January, 2008 produced 2.3L and MAZDASPEED3 models receive an
interior freshening, the Grand Touring model adds a standard power seat (N/A on MAZDASPEED3) and all CD players are
now MP3 compatible.

2.3L Models only (4DR & 5DR)

Standard Power Seat (Grand Touring Model)
Add Driver & Pass illuminated vanity mirrors
New cloth seat material color: Sand replaces Gray
Piano black replaces Dark Silver on the Console center panel (Audio and A/C), Steering switch bezel, and
Power window switch bezel

MAZDASPEED3 Models only

Add Driver & Pass illuminated vanity mirrors
New seat material color: black/black replace silver/black
New seat material: Alcantara Inserts (Grand Touring Model)
Piano black replaces Dark Silver on the Console center panel (Audio and A/C), Steering switch bezel, and
Power window switch bezel. Decoration panel Piano Black w/MAZDASPEED logo
AUDIO CHANGES
All CD players are MP3 compatible
Auxiliary audio input jack compatible with SIRIUS radio (DIO iPOD integration NA with Navigation)

NEW PACKAGE / OPTION CHANGES

Factory SAT radio w/6 month subscriptions included with optional Navigation system (Grand Touring Model)
COLORS
Four new exterior colors, including: Metropolitan Gray (offered on RX-8 Special Edition), Stormy Blue (offered on
2008MY CX-9 ), Copper Red and Golden Sand (offered on 2008MY Mazda5)
Deleted colors: Aurora Blue, Shimmering Sand, Phantom Purple, Rally White, Phantom Blue, Cosmic Blue
True Red only available on MAZDASPEED3

Pricing Information

Mazda anticipates that pricing will be announced in early 2008. The i Touring Value model is not a low volume price
leader. This feature vehicle is a well equipped, high volume model that competes in the heart of the segment with a
tremendous value proposition. Directionally, the pricing on the i Touring Value model will be consistent with the
current i Touring model equipped with the ABS/SAB/SAC Package (1AB). All 2.3L models will be priced similar to the
current 2008 models while the Grand Touring MSRP will increase as a result of the standard power seat. The Navigation
system price will increase due to the additional of factory SIRIUS radio.
Comprehensive product information is located on the Mazda Dealer Extranet (MX Connect) Sales New page in the
Product Information section.

 

[AJsMSP]

Would this apply to 2008's that are out right now? Or would this be 2008.5?

 

[Benfolio]

Production starts January '08 for the enhancements.

I wonder if they will market them as a 2008.5.....

 

[TurboWagon]

Piano black replaces Dark Silver on the Console center panel (Audio and A/C), Steering switch bezel, and
Power window switch bezel. Decoration panel Piano Black w/MAZDASPEED logo

What is the "Decoration Panel"

Is that what is currently silver and says mazdaspeed on our door-sils?

 

[Je5ter]

What is the "Decoration Panel"

Is that what is currently silver and says mazdaspeed on our door-sils?

No its the BLack insert about the glove box

 

[TurboWagon]

^ Thanks

I wonder what this piece will look like. If the emblem is etched into the piano black or a stick on. Either way, if it looks good and could be applied to the silver on earlier models I might consider this. Also, if the mirrors look descent then I might consider those too.

 

[Sierra117]

^ Thanks

I wonder what this piece will look like. If the emblem is etched into the piano black or a stick on. Either way, if it looks good and could be applied to the silver on earlier models I might consider this. Also, if the mirrors look descent then I might consider those too.

I'm thinking about undertaking a project to get something similar. I'm planning on taking that trim, laying a base of a metalicish black over the part that goes over the glovebox. After that, I'm going to take one of the Mazdaspeed stickers that came with the intake, lay it down, and either get a shade or so darker or lighter, and going over the entire trim piece to get a somewhat ghost look.

 

[ZoomVT]

great there goes the value of my 07 GT...

 

[TurboWagon]

I'm thinking about undertaking a project to get something similar. I'm planning on taking that trim, laying a base of a metalicish black over the part that goes over the glovebox. After that, I'm going to take one of the Mazdaspeed stickers that came with the intake, lay it down, and either get a shade or so darker or lighter, and going over the entire trim piece to get a somewhat ghost look.

That actually sounds quite nice. Are you considering painting the other pieces? I still like the idea of the red to match the interior lights (as seen before on a site) or car-color matched for that piece.

 

[TheMAN]

hello and welcome to 3 weeks ago

 

[Sierra117]

That actually sounds quite nice. Are you considering painting the other pieces? I still like the idea of the red to match the interior lights (as seen before on a site) or car-color matched for that piece.

Yeah. The overall goal is the dash trim+radio trim, and I'm not to sure about the window switch/door locks yet. I might spray them in the oposite color as the main color of the trim, to give it a very subtle offset.

 

[Adammazda06]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123687977

 

[AJsMSP]

I was just at a dealership last night for a test drive. And the guy I was talking to said he thinks that the people who bought a 4 door "i" will be pissed about the change because with the extras the price point will be the same.

 

[andrew.savage]

I have an '06 hatch and the faux carbon fiber decorative panel is my favorite. I think it looks much better than the dark wood grain of the '07's and i think it will give it a little more pizazz compared to the straight piano key black of the '08's.

 

[Darksun280]

I though the advertised the 08's as being able o play MP3's?

 

[Benfolio]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123687977

Yes but mine is a more credible and COMPLETE post

 

[astraelraen]

OMG illuminated vanity mirrors

My wife kills for these things.