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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Hatchback
2744 messages, Last post on Nov 17, 2008 at 9:48 AM
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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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Well, I just ordered our Mazda3 Grand Touring in the Copper Red that is one of the previous colors that is coming back in January. This is exactly the color that we were looking for, so we're pretty fired up about this car. It will probably not get here until late February, but that's not a problem since I never liked the idea of getting a new car in the dead of winter in Michigan anyway. |
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Replying to: gordonwd (Nov 20, 2007 9:15 am)
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Replying to: gordonwd (Nov 20, 2007 9:15 am) |
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Replying to: ahightower (Nov 20, 2007 10:47 am) The price might go up slightly on these mid-'08 models too, since the GT now has a power seat and there are a few other upgrades. The value of the dollar vs. yen might also affect the new price. ahightower: I'm in the Detroit area, and the winter issue is more about driving a nice new car in the salt and slop than being able to get thru it. My own car is a BMW 325i, and we've had so little snow since I got it in '04 that I've easily made it thru three winters on the stock all-season tires. I finally got a set of full winter tires this year, so am hoping for more snow . The most fun I had in the winter was with my Audi A4 Quattro AWD. The Mazda3 will be my wife's car, and I expect it will do OK for the limited winter driving that she does.
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Replying to: gordonwd (Nov 21, 2007 5:50 am) I've found that once you are truly prepared for winter weather you don't get any; we haven't had any significant winter weather in KY since I bought winter tires for the Wrangler and my wife picked up the X3...  BTW, I love Copper Red; the dealer that sold me my Mazdaspeed had a beautiful CR RX-8- but the back seat was too cramped for my 5'6" 13 year old son 
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February 4, 2008 Mazda announces mid-year enhancements to Mazda3 Richmond Hill, Ontario - Mazda has announced mid-year enhancements to its Mazda3 line-up, including a new entry-level Mazda3 Sport GX model for the 2008 model year. Unique to Canada in the North American market, the new 2008.5 Mazda3 Sport GX uses the same 148-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine found in the current Mazda3 GX and GS sedans. The new trim line includes 15-inch steel wheels, body-coloured grille, GFX front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags and CD stereo with four speakers. An available Comfort Package adds power locks and windows, power heated mirrors, keyless entry, illuminated entry, wheel-mounted audio controls, spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels. Air conditioning and an automatic transmission are also available as options. The Mazda3 Sport GS now receives air conditioning, rear spoiler, cruise control and two additional speakers as standard equipment, while the Mazda3 Sport GT receives additional standard equipment, including Xenon headlamps; its Luxury Package now also adds a power driver's seat and Bose audio with Sirius satellite radio. The Mazda3 sedan also receives additional equipment content, with the GX gaining two extra speakers and body-coloured mirrors, along with a Comfort Package similar to the Sport GX. The GS sedan receives body-coloured grille and standard 16-inch alloy wheels, previously available as a GS Sport Package, and will have only a stand-alone sunroof as an option. Similar to the Sport GT, the Mazda3 sedan GT receives Xenon headlamps and additions to its Luxury Package. Pricing for the models will be available at a later date.
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