2009 Mazda 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

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...