2009 Mazda 3

[digifish]

Certainly looks like a happy car! ... powered by E? :)

http://media.drive.com.au/?rid=44821 <-- Now on video

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=58978&vf=12

http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2008/11/20/01mazda3_L_700.jpg


Australia's favourite Mazda increases in size and comes with the option of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder from the mid-size Mazda6. By JEZ SPINKS in Los Angeles.

The world's biggest-selling Mazda has made its public debut in next-generation form at the 2008 Los Angeles motor show.
Pictures of the new Mazda3 were first revealed at the 2008 Sydney motor show, but the Japanese car maker confirmed at the LA show that the small car will be bigger than its predecessor when it goes on sale in 2009.
The second-generation Mazda3 sedan is 115mm longer than the outgoing model that replaced the 323 in 2004. Height increases by 5mm, though width (1755mm) and wheelbase (2640mm) measurements remain unchanged.
New styling gives the Mazda3 sharper, sportier looks, including a revised front end that brings the small car into line with the car maker's corporate face common to most current Mazdas – notably the wider, gaping grille.
The hatchback version of the new 3 will debut at the Bologna motor show in early December.
There's also an all-new interior, though the 3's underpinnings are retained from the outgoing model that will be replaced locally in mid 2009.
Mazda says it has carried over the outgoing model's strut-front, multilink-rear suspension (shared with the Ford Focus) with only subtle tweaks because it already believes the Mazda3's driving dynamics are the benchmark for ride and handling.
Mazda's global design chief, Laurens van den Acker, told Drive at the LA motor show, however, that the new 3 is sufficiently new in every area.
"The new 3 is much more than a top hat [a new body on old underpinnings]," says van den Acker. "There are significant structural improvements even to the [basic structure]."
"The quality of the materials in the new 3 is also a significant step forward over the current model."
Mazda says it has increased the 3's overall rigidity to further improve ride quality and dynamics.
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine continues under the bonnet of most Mazda3s, including volume selling ones. There are no changes to power (108kW) or torque (182Nm), though the optional automatic transmission will become a five- rather than four-speeder.


Mazda says the extra ratio improves the US-spec 2.0-litre 3's fuel economy by 10 per cent during freeway driving, though overall efficiency improvements have been limited by the car's size increase.

Mazda Australia says there will be noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency for the new Mazda3 sold locally.
As previously reported, Australia's Mazda3 SP23 will make way for an SP25 model that employs the Mazda6 medium car's 125kW/226Nm 2.5-litre four.
A range-topping MPS version (http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=58240)- complete with a turbocharged engine - is yet to be confirmed officially by Mazda, but insiders have already revealed to Drive that the car is in the pipeline.
Mazda has sold 1.8 million Mazda3s in its five years, and it's a car that accounts for a third of the Japanese car maker's total global sales.
Van den Acker summed up the 3's significance in the Mazda empire.
"The 3 to Mazda is like what the F-150 truck is to Ford, the Golf to Volkswagen. It's hugely important."

[SSS_Hoon]

mmm, the front is intersting to say the least.

looks like a manga smile LoL....

SSS_Hoon

[digifish]

mmm, the front is intersting to say the least.

looks like a manga smile LoL....

SSS_Hoon

Indeed, reminds me of the Neko Bus from Totoro :)

http://www.higashiko.net/nekobus/magicnekoride.jpg

Probably the most anthropomorphic car to be sold commercially to date...?

Edit... probably not, here's an austin healy sprite

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Austin_Healey_Sprite_Mk_I_red_vl.jpg

[poita]

hahaha awesome likeness digi.

i dont mind it at all :)

[SSS_Hoon]

the sprite looks more like a frog lol.


SSS_Hoon

[Calibrated]

lol.

that car is mocking me !!!

[sooty]

the sprite looks more like a frog lol.


SSS_Hoon

Wasn't there a frog-eye sprite at some point in time?
The mazda 3 looks like it got smacked in the face with a shovel........repeatedly...:p

[Greg K]

certainly looks happ!!

also found out that all manual mazda 3's will have a 6 speed gearbox, as opposed to the Neo and Maxx getting 5-speeds and the sp23 and MPS getting 6 speeds.

1.8million cars sold in 5 years is massive!

[digifish]

lol.

that car is mocking me !!!

...it may certainly be intimidating when it comes flying up behind you in the mirrors...

[DirtyHarry]

yeah front is somewhat ok...the rear is like a big girl german anal porno

[TheOperator]

Its just a downsized Mazda 6 in appearance and fitment ;), however the 6 looks much better as it doesn't looked squished in every direction!

The photo above also has way to much Peugeot 308 in the front end for me :(

[Wraith]

As per other threads on this car - I like it - another winner for Mazda !!! ;)

Does anyone know if Mazda are doing a turbo diesel 3 ?? :)

[Calibrated]

As per other threads on this car - I like it - another winner for Mazda !!! ;)

Does anyone know if Mazda are doing a turbo diesel 3 ?? :)
they currently do one. would be silly not to continue it.

[Wraith]

they currently do one. would be silly not to continue it.

Hopefully they bring it to Aust.

Would be a sure candidate for my next DD :)

[rjastra]

Hopefully they bring it to Aust.

Would be a sure candidate for my next DD :)

Rumour has it that Australia will get the low-power 2.2L diesel (100kw) while they retain the higher-powered version for the Mazda 6.

[Wraith]

Rumour has it that Australia will get the low-power 2.2L diesel (100kw) while they retain the higher-powered version for the Mazda 6.

That's ok, as long as it delivers a good drive with outstanding economy and is priced well like all the other Mazda 3 variants, it'll be a consideration for me :)

[bornwild]

Mazda3 is not priced that well...they're quite expensive compared to let's say a Ford Focus?

Let's hope this new one ups the quality on the 2nd iteration of the 6.

[poita]

but the focus feels cheap

i drove plenty of smallish cars before we bought the mazda 6, and the focus felt really cheap and poorly built

[Calibrated]

but the focus feels cheap

i drove plenty of smallish cars before we bought the mazda 6, and the focus felt really cheap and poorly built
same, i bought the astra from a ford dealership. had a sit in the focus diesel. and got straight out again.

[bornwild]

but the focus feels cheap

i drove plenty of smallish cars before we bought the mazda 6, and the focus felt really cheap and poorly built

The Corolla is even worse yet it sells better than the Mazda3.....

I'm not saying the Focus is an excellent car in all respects. It's, however, the best drivers car in the class and as such is prime competition for the 3.

[JohnBu]

the front of the car scares me..

not sold on the looks, i'll reserve my final judgment when i see it in the flesh..

but from what i can see, they tried to make it a miniature version of the 6- however the proportions are all wrong.. that front grill is hideous.

[USC]

certainly looks happ!!

also found out that all manual mazda 3's will have a 6 speed gearbox, as opposed to the Neo and Maxx getting 5-speeds and the sp23 and MPS getting 6 speeds.

1.8million cars sold in 5 years is massive!

They already do have 6 speed manual.

Also, turbo diesel mazda 3 is already out too.

Also, it will be called the SP25 ..haha

[USC]

the front of the car scares me..



Thats a good thing.

Front grille looks awesome Wait until you see the MPS with the bonnet scoop:D

The new 3 looks like a gem!

[USC]

The Corolla is even worse yet it sells better than the Mazda3.....

I'm not saying the Focus is an excellent car in all respects. It's, however, the best drivers car in the class and as such is prime competition for the 3.

The focus is damn ugly man...

[poita]

Mazda3 is not priced that well...they're quite expensive compared to let's say a Ford Focus?

Let's hope this new one ups the quality on the 2nd iteration of the 6.

mazda 3 - $21k -> $32k
focus - $21k -> $46K

yes very expensive compared to a focus

[tim_]

I think this is the least fave of the new Mazda designs.

Saying that, it took a little while for the new 6 to grow on me, plus it looks better in the metal, so the 3 might have the same outcome.

[GreyRex]

Wow!!

I'll reserve my judgement until I see one (of which i'm sure there will be many)

The rear end seems very slab sided; it's so high it's almost in line with the 'kick' in the rear door... similar to the Lancer sedan

You can really see that concept coming through in their production cars now

[rjastra]

That's ok, as long as it delivers a good drive with outstanding economy and is priced well like all the other Mazda 3 variants, it'll be a consideration for me :)

The power outputs for that engine (in the euro version of the 6) are (approx) 120hp, 160hp and 180hp.

[Wraith]

mazda 3 - $21k -> $32k
focus - $21k -> $46K

yes very expensive compared to a focus

I thought so, I was actually going to look it up, when I read some of the above posts, thanks Poita :)

I was looking at buying a Mazda 3 on several occaisions over the last few years and the price was outstanding across the entire model range, including the MPS 3 !

I like the Focus too, BUT ONLY the Xr5T variant, the rest look too plain and as mentioned by Calibrated the interiors on the bottom of the range Focus variants is truly crappy !!!

The Mazda 3 interiors are o/a excellent IMHO this new one is definitely going to be better :)

[Wraith]

The power outputs for that engine (in the euro version of the 6) are (approx) 120hp, 160hp and 180hp.

Lower power one will suffice for me as a DD as long as the rest of the package is 'reasonable' :)

I'm looking at excellent economy, practicality and personal appeal in a well priced mid sized sedan or hatch vehicle for a DD, I'll have all my other machines to satisfy my other urges :)

It is after all with the current economic climate, one of the best times ever to purchase new cars...

[Greg K]

They already do have 6 speed manual.

Also, turbo diesel mazda 3 is already out too.

Also, it will be called the SP25 ..haha

only the mps and sp23 have the 6 speed now. however in the new model, even the neo and maxx sport will get a 6 speed.

[rjastra]

only the mps and sp23 have the 6 speed now. however in the new model, even the neo and maxx sport will get a 6 speed.

The report from the LA motorshow suggests the 2L comes with a 5 speed manual or 5 speed auto. the SP25 gets the 6 speed manual.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/mazda_mania/2010_mazda_3_first_drive_review

This generation 3 is much like the Golf VI. Evolution rather than revolution (unlike the new Lancer)

[digifish]

The report from the LA motorshow suggests the 2L comes with a 5 speed manual or 5 speed auto. the SP25 gets the 6 speed manual.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/mazda_mania/2010_mazda_3_first_drive_review

This generation 3 is much like the Golf VI. Evolution rather than revolution (unlike the new Lancer)

...it's happy to be there too :)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/la08wallpaper_25.jpg

[USC]

Not bad - she does look very happy:D...I dont know why Aussies dont get the flat blade wipers that the mazda 3 has in Europe (even previous/current model has them over there):confused:

[Wraith]

Love the headlight details - very nice...

Looks like alot of car makers are copying Audi headlight trends :)

[Jerram]

tbh I really don't like "smiling" cars. I mean what's the idea? It'll still kill you if it runs into you...


and they give the impression that you're a pedo out for some kiddies (think of the chrome-o-max PT Cruiser people)

[glider]

tbh I really don't like "smiling" cars. I mean what's the idea? It'll still kill you if it runs into you...



yeah but atleast it'll be pleased with its work

[USC]

The BMW M3 convertible is also smiling :)

http://www.theage.com.au/news/executive-style/motors/eight-reasons-to-fall-in-love/2008/11/13/1226318913985.html

[JohnBu]

wouldn't say the M3 is smiling, more like a wry smile before its going to beat you down.

[Huhness]

mazda 3 - $21k -> $32k
focus - $21k -> $46K

yes very expensive compared to a focus
Yea but that is a convertible...

[USC]

wouldn't say the M3 is smiling, more like a wry smile before its going to beat you down.


not really...looks more like its got hanging lips:p - reminds me of a gold fish.
what stock car out there can beat an M3?? skyline gtr?

[Wraith]

tbh I really don't like "smiling" cars. I mean what's the idea? It'll still kill you if it runs into you...


and they give the impression that you're a pedo out for some kiddies (think of the chrome-o-max PT Cruiser people)

LOL that is an odd way of looking at it :D

At least when your close up to someones rear (which you shouldn't be) they'll see that pleasant smile and not get upset about tail gating :)

[USC]

LOL that is an odd way of looking at it :D

At least when your close up to someones rear (which you shouldn't be) they'll see that pleasant smile and not get upset about tail gating :)


LOL

Or liking the rear end of the car in front.

[tim_]

I much prefer the arse on the new hatch version to the sedan.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6412/2010mazda3hatchhi04gb4.jpg

[Wraith]

I like that too ^^^^ - hatch looks brilliant :)

[poita]

Yea but that is a convertible...

just givin and indication of the price range between the two cars

[Huhness]

Then it is actually

mazda 3 - $21k -> $42k
focus - $21k -> $46K (36K if we don't count the convertible mazda do not make...)
astra - $22K -> $47K (35K if we don't count the convertible mazda do not make...)

Not that much difference then is it.

[poita]

thats my point exactly huhness.
if you read the original message that i quoted ;)

[tim_]

Then it is actually

mazda 3 - $21k -> $42k
focus - $21k -> $46K (36K if we don't count the convertible mazda do not make...)
astra - $22K -> $47K (35K if we don't count the convertible mazda do not make...)

Not that much difference then is it.

lol they don't need to make a convertible, they already make the best one!

[Neeko]

i found another great pic to match the mazda 3 lol


http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/nicolaim88/GEM-Peapod-03-1.jpg


go the peapod :p

[USC]

Thats a good one!!!hahaha...I like it! smiley yellow bug.

[Wraith]

LOL that is funny :D

[poita]

oh oh oh i want a red one with black spots!!

[CORZZA]

still pretty much the same power.

Does look good though

[Wraith]

still pretty much the same power.

Does look good though

Correct...

I've read the latest on the MPS3 model and it states similar power/torque to the current model, but a totally refined/improved chassis and improved LSD FWD without power cutting in low gears...the engine also has a better torque curve and better economy, should drive alot better than the current model :)

[digifish]

Video of said car...

http://media.drive.com.au/?rid=44821

[imay]

Dislike the "smiley" face intensely. Spoils what is otherwise a great little package. Not for me.

[USC]

Dislike the "smiley" face intensely. Spoils what is otherwise a great little package. Not for me.

oh come on, how can you dislike anything smiling at you!!You must be evil..:p

I reckon Mazda is going to lose sales because of the smiley bumper.

[ASTRAY]

you know what they say, smile and the world will smile with you...
perhaps the designers were smiling the whole time they were designing the car.
maybe they were smiling at the 1.8million sales in 5yrs statistic

in the first link with loads of pics, in one pic the rear end looks kind of like a wrx.
and at times the rear lights look like toyota (camry?) lights

as a whole the car looks good to me, but there are some parts that make me go ewww.

[HappySlapper82]

Who gives a toss. It's not an opel move this thread to a Mazda forum

[ASTRAY]

Who gives a toss. It's not an opel move this thread to a Mazda forum
true, should probably be in off topic.


edit, sorry, no, general discussion is for other "CAR" chit chat too.

[poita]

slapper the forum would be dead if we only spoke about new opels.
and there is only so much we can talk about the insignia.

many of us own other makes of cars, or dont even own opels at all.

[HappySlapper82]

slapper the forum would be dead if we only spoke about new opels.
and there is only so much we can talk about the insignia.

many of us own other makes of cars, or dont even own opels at all.

I'm just having a bad week I'll get over it