Mazda 3 audio / visual

[MATTJP]

Hello all

I'm new to this and I'm hoping someone may be able to offer some advise!

I have a Mazda 3 sport 55 plate with Bose audio & factory sat nav (UK hatchback model)

1st query - I want to add a subwoofer for some bass as it is lacking on the standard system. The boot is out of bounds due to a new baby. Has anyone got any experience of fitting a sub in an obscure place? It looks like I'll have to squeeze one under the drivers seat, unless there is anywhere else hidden that would work??

2nd query - Any idea if there is space for visual inputs to the sat nav screen? Would like to install a reverse camera.

If anyone has any help it would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Matt

 

[icspots]

1. Technically speaking the OEM Bose system has a subwoofer under the passenger seat. Bear in mind that any sub you would replace that one with under the seat would suffer from the same issues as the current one. Namely there isn't a whole lot of room under there, so the diameter and depth of the sub would be very limited. Another option for you to consider would be installing a stealth box. There are several designs on the market which mount in the sides of the cargo area. For instance this one for the 1st gen model mounts in the space for the jack.

Alternately if you wanted to something even more custom you could do something like what this member did on his Mz5. Basically removed the entire rear storage box and replaced it with a custom enclosure for his sub and amp.

2. There are no extra video inputs for the NAV screen. Assuming you don't want to replace the stereo with a touchscreen then you could look at installing an auto dimming mirror w/ LCD. Basically it's an auto dim mirror with a LCD built into the glass. When the screen is off you can't see it (well maybe a little rectangular outline) and it acts as a regular mirror. When it's on it shines through the mirror glass. They come in either 2.5" or 3.5" and run in the $300 range iirc. They're made by the same company which makes the OEM auto dim mirrors (gentex) and may not technically state they're compatible with the 3. If you have the auto wipers then you'd probably need a specific installation kit for the 3, but if you're good at finagling things you could make it work regardless..... it just may require a little cutting of the plastic cover over the rain sensor. Here's a random picture I googled.

 

[meicalnissyen]

welcome,
since u have a UK model, the radio is diferent, so most of the peeps here can't help with modding what u have
there are some powered suitcase subs that will fit under the pass seat, after you get power to it you could try to feed it signal with the "rich bass" speaker wire
but the results will be mixed

If you dont' know car stereo,in this case, your best off seeing an installer in your area

 

[MATTJP]

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys, that's really helpful.
There is a compact self amplified sub made by Focal designed to go under the seat which sounds good. The recessed jack area looks good too, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe I'll post a similar article on a UK Mazda site...
Thanks again