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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Hatchback
2744 messages, Last post on Nov 17, 2008 at 9:48 AM
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Replying to: bottgers (Sep 28, 2007 3:59 am) |
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Replying to: bottgers (Sep 23, 2007 3:45 am) In any case, there's a topic about people's real world fuel economy and one also about the differences between the 2.0 and 2.3 engines. Briefly, the 2.0 is fairly fuel efficient and looking at Consumer Report's numbers it's not that far off from the Civic in real world use. The 2.3 will not net you tons more power but it is noticeable. For me, the biggest difference is in the smoothness of the 2.3 engine. It often feels more like a v6 than a buzzy i4. As for whether Mazda is behind Toyota and/or Honda in engine tech, it probably is considering the relative size of the R&D departments (even taking into consideration being partnered with Ford). Still, Mazda really is not dramatically behind. You have to remember that Mazda tends to design their engines with a flatter torque curve; their gearing is more aggressive as well. Some people find driving Honda i4 to be frustrating as they need more revs (in general) to achieve the same power. Thus, there are tradeoffs for the increased fuel economy observed in say a Civic vs. a Mazda3. If what you really care about is fuel economy, then a Mazda is probably not the way to go. I would venture you should look at a hybrid if you are saving the world or a Civic (maybe even a B class vehicle) if you are saving money. |
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I am going to be road racing my 3s hatchback this coming summer and I'm wondering if anyone else is currently racing one? If so has anyone run into problems installing a SCCA approved rollcage such as driver seat movement, visability and if you can still use the rear seat or is that lost? Any help or information would be greatly appreciated as the purchase and installation is forth coming this winter. Thanks
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Replying to: outingsinc (Oct 11, 2007 8:15 am) I don't know about the 3 in particular, but installing a roll cage almost always compromises or eliminates rear seat accomodations. You also must remember that even a padded cage can present a danger to a passenger who isn't wearing a helmet. You might need to check some boards that are more competition oriented. |
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Dumb question maybe, but do the small triangular rear "quarter windows" in the 5-door hatch open? I forgot to check this when we test-drove one today.
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Replying to: gordonwd (Nov 10, 2007 7:44 pm) Not dumb, I never thought to ask either. They are fixed on my 2007 Mazdaspeed3. It would be cool if you could open them, though. |
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I was aware of the Mazda3, but had not really looked at one since we are typically GM people and were eagerly waiting for the new Saturn Astra to become available. So I jumped on it when Saturn offered a signup for a special preview test drive, and last Thursday we went to see what the car was like. We were already concerned by some missing features on the Astra (such as interior storage space!), but were prepared to overlook it to get the type of car that we were looking for. At the test drive, they also had some competing cars to try (Civic sedan, Rabbit 3-door, Mazda3 5-door), and their first mistake was in the colors of the cars in their display: all the Astras and two of the competitors were in the usual white/black/gray shades, but the Mazda3 was sitting there like a jewel under the lights in Phantom Purple. Seriously, my eyes went right to it, and when we took a closer look we found all sorts of features over the Astra (usable console & armrest, cupholders, auto-climate control, etc.). The test drive was even better, as the Mazda has about 15hp over the underpowered Astra, plus the 5-speed automatic over the 4-speed in the Saturn. Both my wife and I came out pretty underwhelmed by the Astra and impressed with the Mazda, so we visited the dealer on Saturday and have all but picked out our car (still deciding on color). And since my company supplies both GM and Ford, I get about the same discount on either. I'd say that Saturn's test-drive policy sort of backfired on them. Without this, we never would have looked closely at the Mazda.
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Replying to: gordonwd (Nov 12, 2007 11:26 am) I'd go with the Phantom Purple myself...that color is truly unique and mysterious in its own way, speaking for myself!  I hope Ford enables Mazda to feature it's new SYNC with all Mazdas in time, especially the 3 model. As far as the Astra is concerned the jury is still out on that one for my Lady and myself. I've seen the 5dr version in various websites and I wasn't all that impressed. The 3dr model holds promise, IMHO. Time will tell... Enjoy your new wheels, Mr. & Mrs. !!! Peace<-AladdinSane-<  -
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Replying to: gordonwd (Nov 12, 2007 11:26 am) |
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I need to remove the cover over the Drivers side rear tire on my 05 MAZDA 3 Hatchback in the cargo area.Short of breaking it I'm out of idea's.Any help would be greatly appreciated |
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