MS3@ Geneva 06.

[TheMAN]

First off, in a car like the Mazda3 with a very nicely integrated stock system, I would not want to mod it more than maybe replacing the speakers. Every aftermarket head unit job I've seen in a Mazda3 has looked terrible. For that alone I'd want the Bose system.

Secondly, I'm no big Bose fan. My parents have a full Bose setup for our home theatre back home and it's really sub par for the extreme cost (and Bose is a non-profit). What I do like is the Bose systems I have heard in cars. My mom's 2003 Altima 2.5SL had the factory Bose and for 180 watts and no subwoofer it was stellar. They tune the system for the soundstage of the car it is going in so I think they know how to make a better sounding system than just tossing random aftermarket speakers in. In my mom's 2005 Altima 3.5SE (the 2003 4-cyl needed to go) the Bose system is even better. The head unit has basically the same button layout (even though the 05 has a welcome complete redesign of the interior) so I don't think it changed, but the amp in the trunk is bigger and IIRC puts out 20-40 more watts. If it was my car I wouldn't be compelled to install a subwoofer at all.

In conclusion Bose can sound great when they tune it for the environment it's being used in. For their home audio stuff, blech. I'm much happier with my Polk Audio setup in my college apartment.


Oh and BTW thanks CHICO for posting those new pics. HOLY CRAP the interior is amazing. the seats, the 6-spd.. *drools*

If it was a Sedan I would be calling my mom every day telling her how much I loved her so that I could get the damn thing. As a hatch, I think it looks terrible. fat ugly slob of a car, but with such an amazing interior.

all the aftermarket radio installs you've seen on the 3s look like s*** because the dash kits are s***... those metra, or whatever the hell dash kits use the shittiest plastic EVAR.... plus you break other s*** like the climate control display, navi, steering wheel controls, and clock..... it looks like ass, and you s*** don't work when you DON'T spend $300+ on a JDM dash kit that have OEM quality plastic and proper electronic modules to keep s*** working

but yeah, the bose on the 3 is pretty good.... that can't be said the same about the miata and rx-7 ones though.... they sound like ass after a few months!

 

[Rogue]

so what am I gonna do about playing MP3s?

 

[TheMAN]

dude, don't you know the 2006 radios have been updated with a new control logic that makes some components incompatible with the older ones? so now they have a 6 disc changer that can ALSO read MP3s (unlike the older changer units, which were based off the protege/miata disc player/drives) and is also compatible with the bose

too bad I can't do that... but 6 audio CDs is good enough already... now if I can just find one for my protege......

 

[Rogue]

i think you lost me there for a second... You're saying the new radio will read my MP3 cds? Or just with the optional 6-disc changer? Does Mazda have an auxierly input for an MP3 player (ie: iPod)

 

[TheMAN]

2004-2005s have an optional SINGLE disc MP3 player
2006s have an optional SIX disc MP3 player

both units are capable of reading audio CDs of course
2004-2005s CANNOT use the 6 disc MP3 unit, and the 6 disc unit for those years are audio CD *only*

 

[CHICO2003]

The same engine in the MS6 runs at 15.6 psi, so I assume it wouldn't only give you 3 psi. You wouldn't even notice, the car would launch quickly and be on full boost once you're rolling.

duuuude... i was so talkin about the msp

 

[Rogue]

perhaps a better LSD will greatly decrease torque steer issues, that and wider tires

 

[CHICO2003]

the whole integrated HU thing is a catch 22. As long as you're happy with the SQ, it's a beautiful thing. For those who demand perfection, it can be a deal breaker. I for one am happy with the SQ of the stock msp HU so, if the one inthe MS3 is at least as good.. i'm game.

 

[CHICO2003]

I realize this is slightly off topic but... has anyone seen the seats in the new GTI? holy 70's plaid batman!! wtf were they thinking? the ms3 and their seats will own this car

 

[altspace]

Yes, but you have the option for leather.

 

[CHICO2003]

leather's a must for that car.... maybe they made the cloth so fugly in order to upsell people on the leather

 

[CitizenPro]

Its two different materials......leather and not sure what the other is called.

 

[vindication]

I would prefer cloth. I never liked leather on car seats.

 

[Rogue]

it's a flashback to the original GTI, samething wit the red stripe on the grill

 

[CHICO2003]

I would prefer cloth. I never liked leather on car seats.

i'm with you... but if i were buying a gti, something tells me I'd learn to like leather.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

i'm with you... but if i were buying a gti, something tells me I'd learn to like leather.

Whoa, I didnt see those seats on the GTI, those are nasty.

 

[TheMAN]

Yes, but you have the option for leather.

**** leather! the last thing I need is my ass sliding out of the seat mid cornering

 

[Rogue]

i don't they look bad on the red GTI. It's homage to the original 70's GTI

 

[Rogue]

**** leather! the last thing I need is my ass sliding out of the seat mid cornering

my thoughts exactly. that's why i hope the sunroof is optional w/o leather

 

[CHICO2003]

solution: more chunky soup