Actually...a few of us delved further into this last week. Someone had just read that it's actually a new Mazda designed chassis that Volvo, Mazda, and (eventually) Ford will be using for their small cars. Ford will start by using pieces of the design in the focus, but Mazda and Volvo will be using it in its entirity.
Mazda3s fresh off the dock at Vancouver, BC.
- Thread starter seakrait
- Start date
I'm coming by this forum by way of my impending purchase of a Mazda3 5dr. I had been trying to get a base 6s w/ MT (none of the bodykit, please) to replace a leased car that isn't up for 3-4 months, when I decided that, since it didn't look like I'd find one, I'd save some money and get a P5... pocket the rebate/pay-down the remainder of my lease/etc.
I've got a shock for P5 owners... Even after just 36 months, the residual on a 03 P5 right now is only 42% (Mazda America Credit AND aftermarket lease companies)... Not a good sign for a car that so many are bally-hooing as a "classic"--- Keep in mind that I really like the car alot (My ties to Mazda are stronger than you might think...), but this is a recurring problem for Mazda and the P5, as good as it is, represents (at best) a "bridge car" from the older Mazdas to the newer Mazdas.
I've ordered a 3s 5dr. w/MT and, though I understand what some P5 owners are saying, I think it should be pointed out that it's a different car. The 4dr. IS more dynamic looking than the existing 4dr. and the 5dr. is less of a compromise vehicle as far as package goes; Will it be compromised as far as dynamics go? Still to be seen, but I suspect that Mazda knows what it's niche is and will ensure that it meets it's requirements while attracting newer buyers.
I've got a shock for P5 owners... Even after just 36 months, the residual on a 03 P5 right now is only 42% (Mazda America Credit AND aftermarket lease companies)... Not a good sign for a car that so many are bally-hooing as a "classic"--- Keep in mind that I really like the car alot (My ties to Mazda are stronger than you might think...), but this is a recurring problem for Mazda and the P5, as good as it is, represents (at best) a "bridge car" from the older Mazdas to the newer Mazdas.
I've ordered a 3s 5dr. w/MT and, though I understand what some P5 owners are saying, I think it should be pointed out that it's a different car. The 4dr. IS more dynamic looking than the existing 4dr. and the 5dr. is less of a compromise vehicle as far as package goes; Will it be compromised as far as dynamics go? Still to be seen, but I suspect that Mazda knows what it's niche is and will ensure that it meets it's requirements while attracting newer buyers.
More commentary from Press Junket
See the following link for some info from the official Press Preview for the Mazda3:
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=45294
Specifically, this quote at the end of the article points out the most significant difference, at least visually, between P5 and M3:
"The Mazda3 five-door is 2 inches longer and wider, and 2.2 inches taller than the Protege5, while the four-door is 2.9 inches longer than the Protege."
And:...
"That makes both cars roomier than their predecessors, but the space comes with a weight penalty - the five-door weighs 110 pounds more than the Protege5, and the four-door is 128 pounds heavier than the Protege."
Earlier in the article Hideki Suzuki, the chief designer for the new 3, stated that the 3 was designed to "convey a sense of being 'athletic and energetic.' But more elegance was drawn into the four-door, he said, while the five-door was given a more rugged appearance." Don't want to get into how I would know this, but "rugged" is an obvious translation from Japanese for a concept that is not related to SUVs so much as it's related to a sense of strength. M3 5dr. was designed to be a more masculine car, hence the fender blisters, 17" wheels and bold pillars in the greenhouse... especially with the increase in size, I fully expect the M3 to have a more substantial presence on the road.
As for the increase in weight, that's unfortunate but, then again, we're talking an increase (on the 5dr.) of 30hp with a significantly larger engine that will likely see alot of development for Speed World Challenge... I'll take that.
Even if the ride/handling is skewed slightly more towards refinement, I expect that it'll still be significantly more enthusiast-oriented than it's competition. Given that so many of the P5s in this forum of true believers have had some modifications in wheel/tire and suspension, I think it's acceptable to tweak the suspension tune towards a more resilient ride... as long as it's still performance oriented. We'll see when I finally get into it.
See the following link for some info from the official Press Preview for the Mazda3:
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=45294
Specifically, this quote at the end of the article points out the most significant difference, at least visually, between P5 and M3:
"The Mazda3 five-door is 2 inches longer and wider, and 2.2 inches taller than the Protege5, while the four-door is 2.9 inches longer than the Protege."
And:...
"That makes both cars roomier than their predecessors, but the space comes with a weight penalty - the five-door weighs 110 pounds more than the Protege5, and the four-door is 128 pounds heavier than the Protege."
Earlier in the article Hideki Suzuki, the chief designer for the new 3, stated that the 3 was designed to "convey a sense of being 'athletic and energetic.' But more elegance was drawn into the four-door, he said, while the five-door was given a more rugged appearance." Don't want to get into how I would know this, but "rugged" is an obvious translation from Japanese for a concept that is not related to SUVs so much as it's related to a sense of strength. M3 5dr. was designed to be a more masculine car, hence the fender blisters, 17" wheels and bold pillars in the greenhouse... especially with the increase in size, I fully expect the M3 to have a more substantial presence on the road.
As for the increase in weight, that's unfortunate but, then again, we're talking an increase (on the 5dr.) of 30hp with a significantly larger engine that will likely see alot of development for Speed World Challenge... I'll take that.
Even if the ride/handling is skewed slightly more towards refinement, I expect that it'll still be significantly more enthusiast-oriented than it's competition. Given that so many of the P5s in this forum of true believers have had some modifications in wheel/tire and suspension, I think it's acceptable to tweak the suspension tune towards a more resilient ride... as long as it's still performance oriented. We'll see when I finally get into it.
Hmm I don't mind the wagon to much expect for the side window line and front grill.
If they extend the rear window to match the two panel construction of the P5 it would flow better. Right now it just ends, and looks to much like a Matrix.
If they extend the rear window to match the two panel construction of the P5 it would flow better. Right now it just ends, and looks to much like a Matrix.
By the way, the other bit of news regarding platform-sharing is that, though the next generation Focus will be based on this platform, Ford has already announced that it will not come to the U.S. until, at the earliest, 2007... Is this due to the profit situation on the current Focus making an all-new one based on this platform (for this market) out of the question?... ironic, given that this platform has economies of scale built into it that even the Focus (world car that it is) couldn't match.
dugrant153
Member
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- Slow
787B said:
You an econ major as well ?
heheheUS pricing would be cool
Wongpres has provided a little bit of info for Canadian.CruzinAltitude
Member
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- 02 MP5
From the very first time I saw the Zoom Zoom commercial I loved the MP5. My exwife HATED that commercial becuase I would stop mid sentance to drool over the car. The 3 does nothing like that for me. I do however like many of the interior cues and it also looks like Mazda pulled their heads out of their asses when it came to cupholder placement. I could never understand :wtf: they were thinking on that issue.
