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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: audia8q (Aug 25, 2006 6:28 am) It would surprise me if the Mazdaspeed3 did not sell better than the Mazdaspeed6. The slant to a younger audience, the lower cost and the lack of reasonably-priced alternatives in the marketplace bode well for the Mazdaspeed3. However, if the handling is not what was advertised, or if supply and ordering is problematic, or if fuel costs rise dramatically, its success could be compromised. Curiously, if the Mazdaspeed3 becomes a huge success it may not be a sure win for Mazda. For example, would drivers move from the RX8 and the Miata to the Mazdaspeed3 as it acquires the mantle of the fastest vehicle in the lineup?
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 25, 2006 1:44 pm) I think you might pick up the odd RX8 driver, but most of the RX8 and definitely the Miata buyers bought RWD for a reason. I don't think they will chuck it for the temporary distinction of owning the FWD roll-on top dog, no matter how well Mazda can make it handle for an FWD. |
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 25, 2006 1:44 pm) The pre-sells and interest in this speed car is similar to the speed protege which was a huge hit for our dealership... I just read one of those tuner compact car mags that did a review on the speed 3 and they loved it...so I'm glad to see some positive press. |
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Replying to: audia8q (Aug 26, 2006 5:52 am) But wasn't the Mazdaprotege a short-lived (i.e. 2 year) phenomenon? Going turbo is a bit of a risky if exciting strategy. It'll be interesting to see how the marketplace adjusts to the crazy gas prices and the contradictory strategies of auto-manufacturers. Unlike Mazda, Honda/Toyota/Lexus (HoTLe) see hybrids as their answer for not only the eco-folks but also the performance crowd. Isn't F1 also moving towards hybrids? Moreover, by hybridizing their fleet won't HoTLe effectively lower the cost of development and capture a larger segment of the market? In any case all the best to you, Rich, and your dealership!
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Replying to: audia8q (Aug 26, 2006 5:52 am) The glimmer is shining a little brighter today if I can turn agreement on the phone into reality. There that and also the little matter of a trade on MS6. Next stop Carmax for an appraisal. |
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 28, 2006 9:10 am) All the MazdaSpeed cars are short lived... Going turbo is a bit of a risky if exciting strategy. It'll be interesting to see how the marketplace adjusts to the crazy gas prices and the contradictory strategies of auto-manufacturers It seems alot of mfg are heading that way. Even Honda/Acura is getting into the 4 cyl turbo game with the new RDX. The speed cars are a specialty type cars....the driving force to buy isnt MPG. The jury is still out on hybrids...I suspect its a temp technology that will be replaced by some newer technology that lives up to expectations a little better. Oddly enough it appears that the Prius is the only hybrid that is getting any major play. Honda has cut production of their hybrids and Ford has tremendous incentives on their hybrids....I guess unless you have a strong eco interest folks arent ready to overpay to get a few extra miles per gallon.
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Replying to: audia8q (Aug 28, 2006 12:21 pm) Off-topic but I can't resist.... I don't think it's just a matter of having a strong eco interest. Hybrid owners (and particularly Prius owners) also want EVERYONE ELSE TO KNOW that they have a stong eco interest. Hence, the Prius is more popular because it isn't simply a different engine option in an otherwise 'normal' ICE vehicle, but is instead a vehicle that is offered as a hybrid ONLY. When you glance at it, you KNOW it's a hybrid. It sells the best because their owner's receive RECOGNITION for saving the planet. Afterall, what good is being eco-friendly if you have to do it incognito? Sometimes I think that Prius owners have replaced smog with smug.....and I say this as an individual who has a parent with a Prius... 
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Replying to: audia8q (Aug 28, 2006 12:21 pm) I could not agree more. A while back I did a comparo on the Mazda3 i automatic Vs. Honda Civic Hybrid. My results were you would drive 60K+ miles worth of gas before ever reaching the INITIAL cost of the Civic Hybrid at the day's current gas prices ($2.50/gal) Sorry for continuing off topic... |
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Replying to: audia8q (Aug 28, 2006 12:21 pm) Considering that: - the leading auto-manufacturer in the world is actively developing hybrids; - the price of gas topped $3.00 and is expected to continue rising with experts predicting $100/gallon shortly; - the alternatives (e.g. bio-fuels) are unsustainable or distant (e.g. hydrogen power); - the President himself (someone who knows something about oil production) says we're addicted to oil; I think hybrids are a conservative approach to handling our future needs. Many auto-manufacturers appear not to be making the necessary investments for the future. Remember when ABS and airbags were considered unnecesary or optional. Now, most auto-manufacturers recognize their importance and plug them into their vehicle design. Hybrids are no longer experimental nor would they be considered costly if they were incentivized. Granted the Mazdaspeed3 is an amazing vehicle but is it looking forward? Maybe expecting much from a middle rung auto-manufacturer like Mazda is unfair, but they've provided some wonderful vehicles in the past. Imagine a Wankel-hybrid or a Mazdaspeed that delivers 50 mpg as well as 200+ mph.
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Replying to: autonomous (Aug 29, 2006 8:20 am) How forward thinking should they be for a car that will only be around a year or so??? I think hybrids are a conservative approach to handling our future needs. Your thinking only represents a small fraction of the population...until alot more people feel the sameway this isnt going very far. Let's revisit this debate in a few years. until then, the jury will still be out and the debate will continue. Many auto-manufacturers appear not to be making the necessary investments for the future. I agree, but history is littered with mfg's making huge investments in ideas and theories that didn't work out as planned....many mfg don't have the cash to develop ideas that are barely theory at this point. now back to the MazdaSpeed3....
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