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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Hatchback
2744 messages, Last post on Nov 17, 2008 at 9:48 AM
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Just recieved a Sept. 2006 Consumer Reports mag. In it was an article comparing Mazda 3, Audi A3, Saab 9-2x, and Dodge Caliber. The order above is how they ranked. CR basically said the HIGHS: Nimble handling, engine and trany, braking. LOWS: Road noise, intrument contrast. Also mentioned Electric stability control will be optional on 2007 models! 
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Replying to: luvmbooty (Aug 09, 2006 7:28 pm) I'll bet the Caliber didn't fare very well in that comparo.
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Replying to: backy (Aug 10, 2006 5:27 am) 
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Replying to: luvmbooty (Aug 09, 2006 7:28 pm) Protege5 forum. The Protege5 is the predecessor to the Mazda3 hatchback. In most cases the Mazda3 hatchback is a big improvement over the Protege5 but it looks like Mazda dropped the ball when it came to fuel economy since both automatics only get 25 mpg. Also, the Protege5 had an Excellent reliability rating back in 2002 whereas the current Mazda3 gets a Better than Average rating. "In the current crop of hatchbacks the Mazda3 tops CR's list over the Caliber, Audi3, Saab 92X, Matrix, Vibe, Focus, Malibu Maxx, PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Prius, and Scion XB. Quite an accomplishment considering some of these vehicles cost thousands more. The one surprising deficit of all of the hatchbacks tested in the Sept. 2006 issue (i.e. Mazda3, Caliber, Audi3, Saab 92X) is the cargo area! Surprising because that's the one area of a hatchback that one would think that a hatchback would score well. In August 2002, Consumer Reports recommended the Protege5 even though it came ninth in the list of hatchbacks. The top choice that year was the VW Jetta Wagon. Since I had a copy of CR's earlier hatchback review back in 2002 when the Protege5 came out, I found it interesting to compare the specs for the Mazda3 hatchback against those of the Protege5. As you can imagine in most cases the Mazda3 bested the P5 (horsepower, torque, acceleration, transmission ...). But here are a few places where the P5 scored better: the Protege5's brakes stop you in the dry from a 60mph in 126 ft compared to the Mazda3's 129 ft. The P5 weighs nearly 10% less than the Mazda3 hatchback and likely because of a heavier front end the weight distribution is better on the P5. Finally, it is interesting to note that both the P5 and the Mazda3 hatchback average the same 25 mpg." |
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"Finally, it is interesting to note that both the P5 and the Mazda3 hatchback average the same 25 mpg." What did they drive, an auto? The Mazda3 2.3 with manual gets an average of 28 mpg.
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Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 10, 2006 10:11 am) What did they drive, an auto? YES.
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 10, 2006 11:39 am)
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Replying to: blueguydotcom (Aug 10, 2006 12:13 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Aug 10, 2006 12:21 pm) True! |
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Does it seem like the 3 has small cargo space for a 5-door/wagon? When compared to the Volvo V50, a car built off the same platform as the 3, the 3's cargo looks downright tiny! Sure, the V50's a "wagon", and the 3's a "hatch", but when you look closer at their specifications, something doesn't add up. Measure Mazda3 V50 Wheelbase 103.9" 103.9" <- same platform, same wheelbase Length 176.6" 177.7" <- V50 only 1.1" longer! Width 69.1" 69.7" Lugage Cap 17.1cf 27.4cf <- V50 with 60% more luggage space Cargo Cap 31cf 63cf <- V50 with 103% more cargo space! Like I said, something doesn't add up, the 3's only an inch shorter, less than an inch narower, but has half the cargo space? Visually, the 3 has the sloping rear, where the V50 is straight back to the rear door. But it couldn't make THAT much difference, could it? |
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