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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Hatchback
2744 messages, Last post on Nov 17, 2008 at 9:48 AM
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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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Replying to: vincep (Aug 16, 2006 10:03 pm) Consumer Reports in their current (Sept. 2006) review of hatchbacks (including the Mazda3, the Saab, and the Calibre) noted one common fault: poor cargo area. Personally, my Protege5 (the precursor to the Mazda3) is fine for my needs, a flip of the back seats reveals gobs of room. |
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Replying to: vincep (Aug 16, 2006 10:03 pm) Some only measure to the top of the rear seats, while others measure to the ceiling... Don't know if that is the case here, but that is how I would bet...
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Replying to: kyfdx (Aug 18, 2006 12:25 pm) It`s nasty anyway. 
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Replying to: kyfdx (Aug 18, 2006 12:25 pm) What I DON'T know is if the info listed by Volvo for the V50 is in accordance with the SAE or not. But given the HUGE disparity in numbers, it is quite possible that the cargo volume listed for the V50 is measured from the ceiling.
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Replying to: rorr (Aug 21, 2006 7:02 am) 
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The problem is there is more than one "accepted standard" way to measure. This was a topic a few years ago on the SUV board - Toyota (claimed) the Sequoia had a MUCH larger volume of cargo space VS the Ford Expedition. Toyota even did a few TV ads claiming they had more interior room. Ford cried foul and and pointed out you needed to get out the tools and UNBOLT the rear seats in the Sequoia if you wanted to get the advertised amount of cubic feet. They also claimed due to safety concerns they would NEVER want a customer to unbolt and then reinstall the middle seats. Its the same thing with ground clearance - some measure to the bottom of the differential - some use the bottom of the tranny - both accepted methods. Horsepower has also been in the news - seems like some companies have been using an outdated (but still accepted) way to measure. Acura TL HP dropped from 270 down to 258 - but its the same exact engine! This is a good reason to actually drive the cars - can't trust the specs. |
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Hope you can join us for a little meet and greet with your fellow Mazda enthusiasts! The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule |
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Sept '06 issue has an article about the long-term test for the 2005 Mazda3 S 5-Door! The author Brian Vance said," The combination of its under-$20k sticker price, its ability to serve up a passionate driving experience without guzzling gas, and the practicality of its 5-door body style makes the Mazda3 an excellent ride in the ever growing compact segment." 
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Replying to: luvmbooty (Aug 25, 2006 6:08 am) |
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