Geneva: Mazda3 MPS and Mazda3 refresh press release and pics

that's why I said the RX-8 Though they're suicide, there are still 4 doors there. As far as the 'need' for the 5th door... come on! you've got a WRX. sedan or wagon? if sedan... guess that proves my point. to me, the difference in space between the 5 and 4 door is minimal. I'm still hoping they bring a sedan version to the states. since those europeans love their hatches, I suppose that's reason enough to believe it's possible.
 
spacemonkey said:
That and besides the cost as noted before. FWD saves gas, cheaper to make and instal, and economical. BS on the drive train...there are cars with shorter wheel base that are AWD. the chasis itself might not be fit for a driveshaft (no driveshaft tunnel) and rear suspention design might not allow for a rear diff. Which is probally what they meant. R&D is a cost they dont want to pay or put a rear diff and DS....if they want to fit this around 21-22K . It probally could be done but at a cost.

This isnt focused on 35 year old wall street type person...thats the MS6 They are focusing on highschoolers and college kids. people in their 20s.

35 year old wall street type? LOL I only know a couple but they're all drivin beemers. Anyway.... your price is off, way off. $21-$22k doesn't even buy you a loaded 5 (withough the nav). We can all dream that the MS3 will cost less than the current top of the line but that's just wishful thinking. Though no one can say s*** until it's made official, if I was a betting man (and I am) I'd go with a base price of $23,795 for the stripped down version and $25,120 for the loaded (moonroof, etc) version.
 
spacemonkey said:
It will come with a torque limiter like the SRT-4. And like our cars in 1st gear...

Maybe it's just me but I don't want anyone limiting my torque! That falls in the same category as top speed governers. If I paid for a car with X amount of hp/torque I'd prefer to have it than not. But what about the torque steer? Exactly! I didn't know the SRT-4 had a torque limiter. If that's true, I suppose it's a good thing. Afterall, that car has some pretty serious acceleration and handles pretty well too. Seems like Mazda and (especially) Dodge are taking this FWD thing to a whole new level. And they thought 170 was too much for the MSP! I guess they're getting smarter with how they manage it... what else could explain their decision to get into the 250-300hp range?
 
CHICO2003 said:
that's why I said the RX-8 Though they're suicide, there are still 4 doors there. As far as the 'need' for the 5th door... come on! you've got a WRX. sedan or wagon? if sedan... guess that proves my point. to me, the difference in space between the 5 and 4 door is minimal. I'm still hoping they bring a sedan version to the states. since those europeans love their hatches, I suppose that's reason enough to believe it's possible.

You're right I got a Sedan :D. I still think they will bring the Sedan and Hatch!
 
wongpres said:
It's like 39 pages and I'll try to post all the info later, but here are the summaries.

Note: All info is Euro-spec.

_______________________

* Antoine here...These are the converted euro specs for us "Americans".

power: ~184kW (250ps) @ 5500rpm (EEC net)
power: ~247hp @ 5500rpm
torque: 380Nm @ 3000rpm (EEC net)
torque: 280 ft/lb @ 3000rpm
fuel requirement: 98RON (93[R+M]/2)
fuel requirement: premium unleaded
fuel consumption: 9.7l/100km (ECE)
fuel consuption: ~24mpg
emissions compliancy: EuroIV
0-100km/h: 6.1s
0-62mph: 6.1s
50-100km/h (in 3rd gear): 4.2s
31-62mph (in 3rd gear): 4.2s
80-120km/h (in 5th gear): 5.4s
50-75mph (in 5th gear) 5.4s
spring rates:
(front): 33N/mm
(front): 188lb/in
(rear): 30N/mm
(rear): 171lb/in
stabilizer sizes:
(front): 26mm
(front): 1.02 in.
(rear): 25mm
(reaf): .98 in.

chassis rigidity has been upgraded, and suspension has been upgraded to have 60% increase in body roll stiffness.... flared front fenders are used (20mm wider than non-MPS models)... speedometer range has been increased to 174mph (versus 143mph on non-MPS models) but vehicle speed is ECU limited to 155mph... front disc brake size has been increased to 12.6 in. (11.8 in. for non-MPS "sport" model, 10.9 in. for others)

_______________________

Mazda3 MPS (i.e. Mazdaspeed3 in N. America):

[font=&quot]The all-new Mazda3 MPS takes its place as the flagship of the Mazda3 facelift line up and is the second MPS sports model after the Mazda6 MPS, launched just two months ago in Europe. The Mazda3 MPS has a distinctly MPS design that combines a refined, yet strong and sporty road presence that is carried over into the interior with look and feel that evolves Mazda craftsmanship and quality even further. Mazda3 MPS is outfitted with Mazdas 2.3-litre DISI* Turbo petrol engine in a front engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) layout that produces more than 184 kW/250 PS at 5,500 rpm** and maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm**. This not only makes Mazda3 MPS one of the most powerful and responsive compact sports models with FWD, it combines this with a stiffer body shell and a suspension with 60 percent improvement in roll stiffness versus the Mazda3 facelift standard model for superior Zoom-Zoom handling attributes. Mazdas petrol direct injection technology not only makes the new Mazda3 MPS powerful, it is also Euro Stage IV compliant with fuel consumption levels that are particularly good for a car with this kind of performance.

Mazda3 refresh:
[/font]
Since its launch in 2003, Mazda3 has become Mazdas best-selling vehicle and the company has even had to increase production to meet global demand. To further enhance its global popularity, Mazda has refreshed its compact stars line-up in a 2006 [font=&quot]version with enhanced design and comfort, optimized performance and even higher levels of interior quality feel. New exterior enhancements to both the modern and elegant sedan and the sporty hatchback further support a standard Mazda3 line up with two distinct models for customers to choose from. The Mazda3 face-lifts petrol engine line up features three MZR aggregates a 2.0-litre, a 1.6-litre, and a base 1.4-litre (depending on market offer) all of them further optimized so the model can continue to be one of the better driving cars in its segment and adds a new six-speed trans*mission for the top-end petrol. The Mazda3 facelift retains the two derivatives of the MZ*CD 1.6-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine for European customers (depending on market offer), both offering high torque and power with low diesel fuel consumption. Added to this are enhancements to the body shell along with improved damper performance and improved aerodynamics for even better handling, stability and driving fun. Overall comfort has also been improved with more insulation against road noise, revised tyres and reduced suspension vibration. Features newly added to the line up, like available advanced keyless entry and a 20 gigabyte hard disc drive audio system (depending on market offer), make the Mazda3 facelift even easier to use and enjoy on a daily basis.
[/font]

[font=&quot]
[/font]

gee, I wonder who typed up those specs :rolleyes:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2321870&postcount=364
 
Common man...I'm not taking credit for it...Sheesh...Specs are Specs...You don't have copyright on it...Take it easy and stay on topic.

* EDIT...It's actually Rogue Pro5 that did the conversion.

Now let's get back to discussing the MS3 :D
 
CHICO2003 said:
(deadhorse Ok ok!!! All us awd fans need to just give up already. Going in, I too was dissapointed with it being fwd. After hearing the message above 8 million times, I now realize that Mazda's awd system sucks and that it wouldn't be a good fit for this car. (though, is 280 lb/ft tq to the front wheels a good fit either? it'll be a miracle if this thing doesn't also come with a $hitload of torque steer.

I guess the bottom line is... in this price range, if you want a car with awd, your best bet is to just get a WRX.

AWD = hype
 
CHICO2003 said:
35 year old wall street type? LOL I only know a couple but they're all drivin beemers. Anyway.... your price is off, way off. $21-$22k doesn't even buy you a loaded 5 (withough the nav). We can all dream that the MS3 will cost less than the current top of the line but that's just wishful thinking. Though no one can say s*** until it's made official, if I was a betting man (and I am) I'd go with a base price of $23,795 for the stripped down version and $25,120 for the loaded (moonroof, etc) version.

I was only being playful when I said wallstreet type. But in reality that what Mazda said....when they designed the MS6 they were not lookng for the "boy street racer" look. i.e. everyone was like OH AWD....4 DOORS! It must be a STi Competator! They were infact targeting people who want to buy a Subaru Legacy and even Audis by offering a pretty good value at a cheaper price.

My reasoning for the price is as follows

Base Mazda 3 $16-17K depending on dealer....fully loaded $19K. 19K + 1-3K for the engine = 22-23K. Maybe 24K max because of a 6 speed

Difference between a Mazda 3 and MS3. Engine, tranny and some suspention.

I mean it does have similar specs to a Dodge SRT-4 and thats going for $21,295. Same thing based off a Neon (16-17K car) with a fancy engine and tranny. But since the SRT-4 will be discontinued its sales isnt a threat to where Mazda will have to price competatively. I see it as alittle more then that. But I dont see it being sold for $25,000. Because IMO no FWD car should be over $22K Saab found that out the hard way. Acura found that out the hard way and thus they are investing alot in AWD technology. Because you can hmmm buy a WRX impreza for $25K. And when you are targeting the boy racer type you need to attract them with good value over the next level (WRX). Isnt that why people buy the SRT-4? For $21K thats nearly 4-5K cheaper then the WRX and is full loaded.

But my biggest reason for the price is its closest competator....VW GTI. A VW GTI is a hatch and has a turbo FWD 2.0L engine. And in Europe its sure to be competative in sales next to the ford Focus ST( also a C1 platform like the MS3). And thats priced around $22K. MS3 specs are alittle better so perhaps 23K :dunno: if they charge $25K then thats a disadvantage as consumers will look for other possibilities...its puts a doubt in their mind. ie "is the car really worth $25K when I can get a WRX for that price. or a fully loaded GTI for cheaper."

What does this sound like?

Base Mazda protege $15-17K Full loaded Mazdaspeed PRotege 21-22K

Difference between a Protege and MSP. Tranny, turbo on engine, sound system, rims, suspention....

either way when its released its going to be like the MSP...how they wanted 22K for it. And how delaers threw on another 5K becuase its was a "limited eidition production sports car" And then they had the $3K off and thats when I bought mine for 18K

Not saying they couldnt charge that much...if its a car they already said Mazda isnt looking to make alot of money off of. And given car prices are a bit different then 3 years ago.

I know its not the best example but im trying to look at Mazda's pricing stragegy on the Mazdaspeed 6. But the base price is not all that different from a fully loaded Mazda 6s

And I can see how MS3 can be $25K fully loaded. but I still think thats alot. Keeping in mind that a MS6 has AWD compared to MS3.
 
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TheMAN said:
AWD = hype
IMO, that's right. I used to be a "AWD supremecist". I did the AWD thing when the WRX debuted in the States. I wanted a GC8, but there were none available so I settled for one of the bug-eyed GD chassis' in 2.5RS form. AWD was awesome in adverse conditions, but, in all honesty, it wasn't a whole lot more engaging than any other car I'd driven; at least not in day to day driving. It behaved a whole helluva lot like a soft FWD car. I'm sure the WRX and STi were better and best, respectively, but a well-sorted, well-tuned car is a well-sorted car, well-tuned, regardless of the drivetrain.
 
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From The Car Lounge:
049.jpg

050.jpg
 
Here's the write-up at Edmunds.com. I'll quote some from the article, otherwise, follow the link.

"That's because Mazda engineers found a way to stuff the Mazdaspeed 6's turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four under the hood of this five-door hatchback. We had doubted the operation would be possible, given that it was already a squeeze to get this intercooled turbo four into the midsize 6, which had to be fitted with a domed hood."

'"We changed the 3's dash to accommodate the new engine," Program Manager Tatsuo Maeda explained. "There's a slight indentation in the new dash panel to accommodate it. Also, the hood is raised 20mm."'

"...Mazda is giving an "over 250" horsepower estimate for this 3 compared to 274 on the 6, due to different exhaust routing and emissions equipment. Torque should hold steady around 280 at 3,000 rpm."

"...Mazda has released a 6.1-second 0-to-60-mph estimate, though Mazda reps told us the car would do it in "under 6." Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph."

"A standard limited-slip differential should tighten the Mazdaspeed 3's line when exiting turns, and Mazda says torque steer won't be a problem, thanks to precise control over power delivery through the first four gears."

"What's Edmunds' Take?
The '07 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 looked pretty scary when it debuted in Chicago with 300 hp. But with about 280 lb-ft of torque in the Mazdaspeed 3, it now looks like a much tighter battle. If Mazda's hot hatch weighs in lighter than the portly Caliber, it will likely prevail through the turns. Erin Riches"

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=109468
 
High-level Torque Management
A wide range of optimizations give this high-power, high-torque FWD vehicle greater ease of use with more comfortable driveability and handling. volume and boost pressure control suppress sudden torque peaks, assuring smooth, linear torque delivery. Additionally, torque characteristics from first through fourth gears are optimized to deliver appropriate drive power from take off. Torque control is also linked to the steering angle, and the stiffness of the left and right drive shafts is balanced with the angles optimized to control torque steer. A newly-developed limited slip differential is also adopted to provide ample torque to the inner wheel during hard cornering for smooth, predictable driving in the curve.

Quit nagging about torque steer already.
Oh, and no, you can't, in fact, have your cake and eat it too.
That's why we don't drive 50-mpg AWD 4-passenger Formula 1 cars with a navigation system and touch-screen monitor and a hot chick stuffed under the steering column giving us road-head all the time. JEEZ!!
 
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Been waiting a long time for this, going to go to the dealer tonight and put a deposit on one. Anybody know what colours they will come in?
 
spacemonkey said:
Base Mazda 3 $16-17K depending on dealer....fully loaded $19K. 19K + 1-3K for the engine = 22-23K. Maybe 24K max because of a 6 speed

Difference between a Mazda 3 and MS3. Engine, tranny and some suspention.
haha... have you ever actually priced a Mazda3?

I just built an S hatch GT online for $26k+
 
nate0123 said:
the Mazda3 hatch

2826 lb
Finally! I was zipping through these posts wondering when someone would say how much the beast weighs. 247 / 2826 = .0874 HP/wt. ratio. Now if I can just find the MS6 thread where did the calculations for a whole slew of cars . . . . Whoa, just noticed thats the weight for the 3 hatch. With stiffening work, etc. the MS3 has to weigh more.
 
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nate0123 said:
haha... have you ever actually priced a Mazda3?

I just built an S hatch GT online for $26k+

you must have had every option on the planet. you can get one for under 20g
 
im now realizing the cost of a built motor and bigger clutch + my trade in would = a new MS3. 6 speed and a bigger motor to start off with sounds nice too. the more im thinking about it the less im hating it and seeing its potential. maybe ill wait til theres 0% financing and $2000 trading dollars againand get into another new speed. id get a brand loyalty discount too. this is sounding better and better. any idea of the starting price in CDN?
 
seanw said:
Finally! I was zipping through these posts wondering when someone would say how much the beast weighs. 247 / 2826 = .0874 HP/wt. ratio. Now if I can just find the MS6 thread where did the calculations for a whole slew of cars . . . . Whoa, just noticed thats the weight for the 3 hatch. With stiffening work, etc. the MS3 has to weigh more.

figure slightly north of 3000 with the turbo hardware and bigger wheels/brakes/etc. for comparison, that's about what a 2002-2005 WRX sedan weighed.
 
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