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Hatchbacks Mazda3 MazdaSpeed3: Styling Impressions
548 messages, Last post on Aug 08, 2007 at 5:21 PM
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Replying to: kronogoose (Aug 14, 2006 6:38 am) The Mazdaspeed3, however, is targeted to a much younger audience. Basically the GTI/Si crowd. For now, I would say the Mazdaspeed3 does stand a chance to hold value similar to how the WRX does, possibly. Now, I said POSSIBLY, I could be wrong. I have already had numerous inquiries to the Mazdaspeed3, and 99% are under 25 years old.
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Aug 14, 2006 7:57 am) Mazda seems to be applying a schizophrenic strategy in marketing Mazdaspeeds: lacking outer embellishments such as a huge front bulge, large wing, lots of chrome/bling/decals suggests an understated adult design while at the same time promoting the Mazdaspeed3 as the "wild child" morphing into a chortling dragster. Badder than an SI but not quite a WRX? Is this a plain canvas to let the PimpMyRide types to wreak havoc or is this the elegant assasin of the BMW3 / Audi / VW RSI delivering gobs of power to the masses? Finally, what percentage of Mazda3 drivers use the stick? |
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 14, 2006 12:27 pm) I do not know the percentage, but, it is very high. I ran out of Mazda3's in stick a month ago. People looking for this car will mainly be looking for the 5-speed, hence the younger targeted audience. I like Mazdas idea of not having the car a visual target to theft and police. Those vehicles with massive wings, monster hood scoops just scream "I am compensating for my SHORT commings!" if you catch my drift.. The Mazdaspeed3 is more like a sleeper. |
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 14, 2006 12:27 pm) Whatever the case, Mazdaspeed's approach to both the 6 and 3 appeals to me. Rather than broadcast, "hey, doesn't my car look fast" with a hoodscoop and coffee can exhaust, the Speed models quietly demonstrate with performance. But I want a stealth car--one that looks like a dime-a-dozen Mazda3 but with better than expected acceleration and handling. I, too, question some of Mazda's marketing. I'm still scratching my head about the Protege5 commercial (obviously from a couple of years ago) with young adults skateboarding. All of the P5's (and 3's for that matter) I see in my area seem to be driven by young families...not exactly the skateboarding type. For what it's worth, there are at least four Mazda3's in my parking lot, and two of them have a manual transmission. Oh well. It will be interesting to see how the MS3 is marketed and how it sells. Greg
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Replying to: kronogoose (Aug 14, 2006 3:33 pm) But then again, I am only 32, perhaps the older folk can't appreciate the "this world is my toy" mentality. Suffice it to say, I might forego waiting for someone to honor the s-plan and just place the order now... Although, does anyone have any guesses if MS3 will be continued for 08? I know mazda in the past did these things as a one-off, but since MS6 is renewed for a second year despite lagging sales, and the engine is not a one-off, perhaps MS3 will be available for years to come as well? any mazda production planners here? |
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You can bet that whatever demographic is shopping for a high-performance compact will also be looking at the Caliber SRT4. Given its expected price around $22K, the SRT4 would be the clear winner on the 300HP number alone. (Of course, the MS3 is about more than straightline acceleration.) I personally have more faith in Mazda's long term reliability, and whereas the 3's styling is OK (not "wow", but also not offensive), the Caliber's styling is frightening, especially from the rear 3/4 view. Throw the upcoming Civic Si sedan into the mix, and you've got some healthy competition. Good for us!  I am fast approaching 40, and I find the "Wild Child" website very entertaining. But then again, in my household, the TV is usually tuned to cartoons! One of these days, I will regain control of the remote from the kids... Thanks for letting me ramble. Greg
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Replying to: kronogoose (Aug 15, 2006 5:54 am) The SRT4 on the hand, will have a "brand new" engine and may take some time to work out any quirks. I am curious if Mazda has tinkered with the MS6's six-speed to allow for lower-RPM highway cruising. Greg
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Replying to: kronogoose (Aug 14, 2006 3:33 pm) Yes, marketing is an art. Just look at the latest series of Jaguar XK commercials which are redefining the brand ... black and white shots of a couple and their Jag against a hip sound track. You can see it on video.google.com Mazda commercials are not offensive but I would not say they'd inspire me to visit a dealer. |
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Replying to: kronogoose (Aug 15, 2006 7:05 am) Doubtful. I checked Mazda of Australia's website (since both the MS3 and MS6 are currently on sale). They list the exact same gear ratios in 1-6, and the same Final Drive ratios for both cars. Here are the ratios for the MS3 (in Australia; I see no reason for them to offer different ratios for the U.S. market): 1st - 3.538 2nd - 2.238 3rd - 1.535 4th - 1.171 5th - 1.085 6th - 0.853 Final drive - 3.941 (1st-4th), 3.350 (5th-6th) http://www.mazda.com.au/mazda3mps/specifications_pl.asp?ID=76 |
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 14, 2006 12:27 pm) Judging by the posts from some of the youngins on other forums, I think there is a lot of interest in modding. Some talk of venting the blowoff valve, for "cool turbo sound", but mostly performance mods. So, fingers crossed, I don't think this will be a pimp mobile by and large. I think the hatch ("baby mini-van") will fend off the would-be pimpers and allow it to be something of the sleeper/assassin. "Elegant" is tough to pull off with the hatch, IMHO.
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