ford == mazda == volvo == new p5?

[mouseOfMars]

may be old news....sorry if it is...

http://drive.fairfax.com.au/content-new/news/general/2002/02/01/FFX640SU4XC.html


..just a short article talking about what volvo is doing and there is a pic of their newest vehicle...the P1...and do you think there is any resemblence to the mazda 3 spy shots?

To quote from the article:
"In addition to the Volvo models, P1 components will be used on the Mazda 3, which will succeed the 323 next year, and Europe's second-edition Ford Focus, due out in 2004"

..and if you don't feel like reading the article, here is just the pic:

 

[1sty]

Screw Volvo, where did you see a Mazda 3!

 

[70]

Volvo is actually going to make that car??

Sweet...

 

[njaremka]

usually, platform sharing means drivetrain floor pan sharing, not really design cues. so, my opinion is that while that car looks hideous, i would be more inclined to think it WON'T look like that volvo. ford will design a body for the focus, volve will design a body for thier 'P1', and mazda will design a body for thier 3. i highly doubt any one will look like the other, maybe just be the same size/class.

to back up my statements, the lincoln ls - ford thunderbird - jaguar s-type all share the same platform.

 

[Kooldino]

I saw prototype pics of that car about a year ago...supposed to be the ultimate safety car or something.

Is the mazda 3 the replacement for the protege?

 

[1sty]

I

Is the mazda 3 the replacement for the protege?

YES world wide.

 

[70]

I saw prototype pics of that car about a year ago...supposed to be the ultimate safety car or something.

Is the mazda 3 the replacement for the protege?

Supposed to be, yes...

 

[JasonH]

to back up my statements, the lincoln ls - ford thunderbird - jaguar s-type all share the same platform.

Also shared by the 2004 Mustang.

Jaguar X-Type is on the Contour/Mondeo platform (BLECH!!)

Anyway, that Volvo pic has nothing to do with the Mazda 3/Ford Focus. It's an old-ish concept car and I don't even think it's on the new platform.

[EDIT: Latest news: Mazda will provide the 4-cyl engines for the Volvo S40. What? Don't read Swedish? Me neither. Got the info from here.]

 

[70]

The Mondeo was a pretty sweet car...Particularly has a touring car. The Contour sucked.

 

[JasonH]

The Mondeo was a pretty sweet car...Particularly has a touring car. The Contour sucked.

Really, the Mondeo and Contour were virtually identical other than their country of manufacture. In touring car trim, even a Honda Accord gives me a woody, and that's saying a lot. I would be seriously offended if I thought I was buying a Jaguar and ended up with a Contour. And believe me, the more you look at the interior and running gear on the X-type, the more you see the Contour carrying over. It's awful.

 

[70]

Really, the Mondeo and Contour were virtually identical other than their country of manufacture. In touring car trim, even a Honda Accord gives me a woody, and that's saying a lot. I would be seriously offended if I thought I was buying a Jaguar and ended up with a Contour. And believe me, the more you look at the interior and running gear on the X-type, the more you see the Contour carrying over. It's awful.

The Mondeo had a stiffer suspension than the Contour. If I remember correctly, the SVT Contour actually utilized the Modeo's suspension bits for better handling...

 

[Gro Harlem]

after looking at some shots of the "mazda 3" i must say i'm not impressed. I think it is equally as fugly as that volvo! i sure as hell won't be buying mazda anymore if they keep up with bringing out these hideous cars

 

[1sty]

Where did you seee the photos?

 

[JasonH]

 

[1sty]

thanks