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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 43 of 44

#419 of 437 Re: how is the handling in snow and rain? 2012 skyactiv [autonomous] by zzzoom6

Jun 23, 2012 (1:30 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Jun 22, 2012 1:49 pm)
It was a friend of ours, but I'm not sure I would put a lot of weight in what she says. So would you say the Mazda 3 is as good as other front wheel drive cars? I know my Mazda6 2005 didn't like snow all that much - the back end stepped out on me this winter. Thank goodness we only get snow that sticks every few years...
 
Anyways, if anyone else has an opinion on this, I'd love to hear it!
 
Thanks

#420 of 437 2013 Mazda3 by m6user

Jun 25, 2012 (11:11 am)

Just read on cars.com that the 2013 model will include the following items, as standard equipment on the skyactiv Touring and Grand Touring models.
 
From cars.com
"A passive entry keyless system, push-button start and automatic climate control are now standard on the i Touring and i Grand Touring trims (formerly the options were unavailable)."

#421 of 437 Re: how is the handling in snow and rain? 2012 skyactiv [zzzoom6] by woochifer

Jun 25, 2012 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: zzzoom6 (Jun 22, 2012 1:03 pm)
"We have heard that older models don't like snow so much, but don't know about the current model."
 
I would think that the performance in winter weather would also be greatly influenced by the tires. And if you're living in a cold weather area, you likely already switch out to winter tires during the snow months. The OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL400s that come with the Mazda3i are not very good in general. Supposedly, Mazda picked them because of their low rolling resistance (i.e., high fuel economy). The chassis itself is very well balanced, but I can definitely find the tires' limit during hard cornering and when driving in the rain. Thankfully, the Turanzas' tread life also sucks, so I will be looking to replace my OEM set when the tread wears down some more.
 
As far as other winter complaints, I have seen a lot of write-ups on rust problems with older Mazda3s. In my experience, Mazda's paint is definitely on the soft side, and it chips rather easily. I live in a warm weather area with zero road salt, so aside from rock chips, I don't deal with rust on a regular basis.
 
Also keep in mind that Mazda uses a unique three-layer wet paint process, which they started using about a decade ago. With most other car paint systems, each coat is baked first before the next coat is applied. Mazda's process applies the base and clear coats while the primer coat is still wet, and only bakes after applying the top clearcoat. Mazda touts this as environmentally friendly (which it is, because paint baking consumes a lot of energy and the process cuts VOC emissions), while it also saves time and money. Mazda revised this process a few years ago switching to water-based paints, and Ford and GM now also use a wet layering paint process. I'm not sure if any of this correlates to Mazda's reported rust issues, but something to keep in mind.

#422 of 437 Re: 2013 Mazda3 [m6user] by backy

Jun 25, 2012 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: m6user (Jun 25, 2012 11:11 am)
Who needs push-button start?!? A USB input would be more welcome! Also the Skyactiv powertrains in the Mazda3i Sport.

#423 of 437 Re: 2013 Mazda3 [backy] by bpizzuti

Jun 25, 2012 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jun 25, 2012 1:34 pm)
Those are coming too.

#424 of 437 Re: 2013 Mazda3 [backy] by m6user

Jun 25, 2012 (2:17 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jun 25, 2012 1:34 pm)
They have the USB too and the skyactiv engine is now in the entry model. I only mentioned a couple of items because a lot of people were so concerned about the auto climate control. You can read all the details at...
 
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2012/06/2013-mazda3-whats-changed.html#more

#425 of 437 Who will now pay extra for the Touring model? by woochifer

Jun 25, 2012 (6:15 pm)

Wonder how this will affect the sales distributions for the 3i Touring and Grand Touring models. Right now, the Touring model costs ~$1,900 more than the 3i Sport, while adding the Skyactiv drivetrain, alloy wheels, cruise control, multi-information display, 6-speaker audio, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, and leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob. Not a bad deal for a more efficient and powerful drivetrain, and lots of extra equipment. And right now, more than 70% go for the Skyactiv version, so Mazda has succeeded at upselling consumers to the higher trim level.
 
In 2013, the Touring model will add keyless entry, push button start, and automatic climate control, while the Sport model adds Skyactiv drivetrain and multi-information display. The Touring model no longer features a better drivetrain, so how many buyers will now pay extra to get the extra equipment (the 5-door starts at the Touring trim level)?

#426 of 437 Re: Who will now pay extra for the Touring model? [woochifer] by bpizzuti

Jun 25, 2012 (7:18 pm)

Replying to: woochifer (Jun 25, 2012 6:15 pm)
They'll probably pay extra just to move up to the 5-door.

#427 of 437 Re: Who will now pay extra for the Touring model? [woochifer] by aviboy97

Jun 26, 2012 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: woochifer (Jun 25, 2012 6:15 pm)
The Touring model no longer features a better drivetrain, so how many buyers will now pay extra to get the extra equipment (the 5-door starts at the Touring trim level)?

__
 
I believe a lot will. Remember, Bluetooth is not available on the Sport, neither is alloy wheels, cruise control and the availability of the Bose Audio and moon roof package.
 
Before the Skyactiv drive trains were available, there were a lot of takers of the Touring model over the Sport. I expect that trend to continue.
 
For those who wanted a 6-speed manual, you would be pleased to hear that you can get one in the i GT trim now. I also believe there will be a touch screen navigation system. Probably a TomTom based unit like in the CX-5.
 
The 2.5L will be limited to the "s GT" only. No more s Touring trim.

Messages Page 43 of 44

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