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2012 Mazda3 - READ ONLY

437 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2013 at 5:30 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 14 of 45

#126 of 437 Revised fascia of 2012 Mazda3 by autonomous

Nov 14, 2011 (3:25 pm)

Members of the press have beaten up Mazda on the "psychotic" grin of the Mazda3. Now that the fascia has been redesigned, the initial commentary seems approving.
 
When I recently saw the new Mazda3 and its "evolutionary" (i.e. small) change, my overall impression was that the front looked tamed and not as dramatic as the previous model.
This is a bit of a surprise to me, as I was not a big fan of the cheshire smile, although, I must admit, it has grown on me. This echoes my initial reaction to the Audi design which I now think is inspired.
 
What say you? Do you think the new Mazda3 design is an improvement over the last version?

#127 of 437 Re: Revised fascia of 2012 Mazda3 [autonomous] by shipo

Nov 14, 2011 (3:43 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Nov 14, 2011 3:25 pm)
The grin has gone from off-putting to the point were I wouldn't consider the car regardless of its other attributes to just barely acceptable enough to look seriously at a purchase; errr were it not for the ordering limitations.

#128 of 437 Re: Revised fascia of 2012 Mazda3 [autonomous] by m6user

Nov 14, 2011 (4:45 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Nov 14, 2011 3:25 pm)
Members of the press have beaten up Mazda on the "psychotic" grin of the Mazda3
 
It was hardly just members of the press. Thousands of comments on forums said the same thing. I never thought "the grin" was THAT bad but always thought they could have done a lot better the front end styling.

#129 of 437 Re: Revised fascia of 2012 Mazda3 [m6user] by autonomous

Nov 15, 2011 (11:01 am)

Replying to: m6user (Nov 14, 2011 4:45 pm)
hardly just members of the press. Thousands of comments on forums said the same thing.
Agreed!
 
Personally, I find the Kodo theme used on the fascia of Mazda's Shinari concept car spectacular.
 
Here's hoping we see it in the major refresh of the 2013 Mazda3.

#130 of 437 2014 by benjaminh

Nov 15, 2011 (2:20 pm)

I read recently about Mazda's future product plans. Don't remember where and so I don't have a link to post, but this is what it said,
 
fall of 2011, updated 2012 Mazda3 with Skyactiv
spring of 2012, all new 2013 CX-5
fall of 2012, all new 2013 Mazda6 with Shinari styling and full Skyactiv
c. summer to fall of 2013, all new 2014 Mazda3 with complete Skyactiv and the new styling...
 
And so we have about 2 years to wait for the all new Mazda3...
 
and it looks like the Mazda5 isn't all new until the 2015 or 2016 model year, although maybe they'll drop in a skyactiv engine before then?

#131 of 437 Re: 2014 [benjaminh] by bpizzuti

Nov 15, 2011 (3:27 pm)

Replying to: benjaminh (Nov 15, 2011 2:20 pm)
I still think they'll drop the SkyActiv-D into the Mazda5. It's a very low-risk move (low reward too, but that's fine for getting one's feet wet with something new).
 
I can't wait for 2014, I'm just waiting for the CX-5 reveal. if there's anything that turns me off (MPG too low, price too high, etc) then i guess I'll be test-driving a Mazda3 SkyActiv hatch soon. And lamenting the lack of climate control...

#132 of 437 Re: 2014 [bpizzuti] by m6user

Nov 15, 2011 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Nov 15, 2011 3:27 pm)
Below is cut from an email I received from Mazda. There is a live reveal tomorrow at the LA auto show.
 
"For over 50 years we've been obsessed with improving the way our cars look, the way they perform and the way they make you feel behind the wheel. That obsession has driven us to achieve the unheard of. Ultimate efficiency. Fuel economy and performance together. For those who’ve abandoned hope that they can find joy behind the wheel of a Compact Crossover SUV, we’ve built this vehicle for you. Mark your calendars on November 16, 2011, the Mazda CX-5 with revolutionary SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY will be revealed."

#133 of 437 Re: 2014 [m6user] by benjaminh

Nov 15, 2011 (5:50 pm)

Replying to: m6user (Nov 15, 2011 4:26 pm)
Looking forward to it!

#134 of 437 Re: 2014 [m6user] by bpizzuti

Nov 16, 2011 (7:35 am)

Replying to: m6user (Nov 15, 2011 4:26 pm)
Yeah, I think Mazda says 9 AM Pacific or something. 2.5 hours to go.

#135 of 437 Re: 2014 [bpizzuti] by aviboy97

Nov 16, 2011 (8:10 am)

Replying to: bpizzuti (Nov 16, 2011 7:35 am)
Auto Week has released the specs...155hp and 150tq 26/33mpg with 6-speed stick FWD.
 
I'm a bit concerned if this is true because the compression has been increased to 13:1 and it also has the 4-2-1 header system and there is no increase in power over the Mazda3 and the economy is drastically less.

Messages Page 14 of 45

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