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View Full Version : Autoexpress has Sedan Pics!

digitec
08-06-2003, 11:28 PM
. . . but i dont. Someone who has the new issue willing to scan a few pics? I couldnt get a direct link for the online article, so I copied and pasted below:

Mazda Puts The Boot In On 3

he figures are all adding up nicely for Mazda, and it looks as if 3 really could be its magic number. In issue 762, the firm gave us a first official glimpse of its 323 replacement, and now, in the current issue of Auto Express magazine, we can reveal its stablemate, the four-door saloon.

The mag's images were taken by our spies during filming for a forthcoming TV advert, and show a production-ready car complete with tell-tale badges and even the name on the number plate. It's a welcome return for the small Mazda saloon, as the 323 four-door was scrapped in Britain in 1998. The sporty-looking model has a coupé-style sloping roof, while the grille and high waistline are instantly recognisable, and help give the saloon a strong resemblance to its big brother, the 6.

Insiders have said the booted car will have the same engine range as the hatchback. That means an entry-level 1.4-litre, then 1.6 and 2.0 models, plus a 2.3 flagship. For diesel fans there will be the punchy 1.8-litre TDCi oil-burner, built and used by parent firm Ford.

The saloon is expected to have the same interior as the hatchback, which in turn was based on the MX Sportif, first seen at the Geneva Motor Show last March. In terms of price, it's not expected to carry any premium over the hatch, which insiders have told us will start at £10,995 and rise to £15,500. That puts the 3 in direct competition with the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

The hatchback will be unveiled at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, and it was originally thought that the saloon wouldn't be finished until next year. But judging by the readiness of the car in these pictures, Mazda could be preparing to surprise everybody and unveil the four-door in Germany as well. Martin Sharp
NegatiZE
08-07-2003, 10:11 PM
Someone has to have them!!! I can't wait to see the sedan pics.
MZ6ZoomZoom
08-08-2003, 12:42 AM
Yeah... I've asked on a couple forums for a scan of the article, no dice yet.
nuno66
08-08-2003, 02:18 PM
I live in Lisbon. Last week, a local car magazine associated with auto express (auto hoje) presented those photos; it's a red Sedan.

The car came to Lisbon (Parque das Nações, former Expo'98) to take official pictures.

I'll try to get a scanner to place them were. They are small, but the car looks very nice.
wongpres
08-08-2003, 02:47 PM
Originally posted by nuno66
I live in Lisbon. Last week, a local car magazine associated with auto express (auto hoje) presented those photos; it's a red Sedan.

The car came to Lisbon (Parque das Nações, former Expo'98) to take official pictures.

I'll try to get a scanner to place them were. They are small, but the car looks very nice.

Yeah, if you can scan them it'd be fabulous. And if you need a place to upload them, PM myself or MZ6ZoomZoom.
MZ6ZoomZoom
08-08-2003, 03:20 PM
I would appreciate the photo's, but if anyone can get the articles as well, it would be much appreciated!

And yep, I'd be happy to host them.
MZ6ZoomZoom
08-08-2003, 03:21 PM
I would appreciate the photo's, but if anyone can get the articles as well, it would be much appreciated!


Wow, nice assumption wongpres :p
Seriously though, I'd be happy to host them!
zoomster
08-08-2003, 03:27 PM
Originally posted by MZ6ZoomZoom
I would appreciate the photo's, but if anyone can get the articles as well, it would be much appreciated!
And I supposed you read the articles in Playboy, too... :D
wongpres
08-08-2003, 03:49 PM
Originally posted by MZ6ZoomZoom
I would appreciate the photo's, but if anyone can get the articles as well, it would be much appreciated!


Wow, nice assumption wongpres :p
Seriously though, I'd be happy to host them!

We know each other from **********, so I was confident that you wouldn't mind hosting them :)
MZ6ZoomZoom
08-08-2003, 04:13 PM
Originally posted by t3ase
And I supposed you read the articles in Playboy, too... :D

Actually, we just had the "girls of starbucks" issue in my office at work :p
MZ6ZoomZoom
08-08-2003, 04:21 PM
Am I the only one that has trouble posting on these forums, by the way? Half the time it doesn't post when I tell it to, so I end up clicking again and I end up with double posts.
wongpres
08-12-2003, 02:51 PM
OK, someone on this forum has kindly scanned the article from Auto Foco magazine and MZ6ZoomZoom has posted it:

http://drhamad.net/Downloads/Mazda3SedanPortugal.gif
Vulcanon
08-12-2003, 02:56 PM
HOLY MONITOR RESOLUTION BATMAN!

Wowza...looking sharp as a sedan, still don't dig the hatchback though
ZoomZoomH
08-12-2003, 03:03 PM
that C-pillar is ALL MkIV JETTA

a good thing i might add :D
MarkSpark
08-12-2003, 03:06 PM
Yes, I like it a lot. A better version of the Jetta (FOGLIGHTS!!), and from the rear, the 3 looks like the G35 sedan. Another plus.


Homer: MMmmmm, Mazda3....

Thanks for posting those pics, Wongpres
MazdaProbeGT
08-12-2003, 03:08 PM
cool.... not bad looking... are they making a coupe? probably not. That thing would look pretty nice lowered and with better rims. And some ground effects maybe.
cbcbd
08-12-2003, 03:11 PM
Still not a fan. I didn't get the Jetta for a reason (gee, every dog and their owner has one). I'm glad I got my 5. Maybe until I see it in person... until then... bleh!!


Cool, it's in Portuguese! Represent! :D
shaunmp5
08-12-2003, 04:12 PM
I like the sedan better than the wagon. But, still, the '3' just isn't doin' it for me. I like the P5 better, - more character. The '3' just looks boring to me, especially the rear on both the sedan and wagon.

If I thought the 2.3L would be a much improved powertrain, I might consider trading. However, most '6i' owners are complaining of the lack of power and the typical 'throttle delay.' Yes, I realize the '3' will be lighter than the '6,' but I can't see this car being a much better performer than the current Proteges.

Now, the Mazdaspeed 3, - that might be worth it, assuming there will eventually be one!
redrims
08-12-2003, 10:41 PM
WOW! Looks beautiful to me. I think they did a good job.
redrims
08-12-2003, 10:43 PM
BTW, they definitely need to have a coupe. A coupe would be so perfect for the Mazda3
CruzinAltitude
08-14-2003, 06:47 AM
Yeah, Id have to agree, the Sedan is actually very nice looking. The wagon, now thats a diffrent story!
matallama
08-14-2003, 01:49 PM
Originally posted by ZoomZoomH
that C-pillar is ALL MkIV JETTA

a good thing i might add :D

I think the C pillar also closely resembles that of the RX-8. To me, the whole rear half of the car looks like a cross between an RX-8 and a 6. Overall, very good looking as a sedan, and I like it way better than the current Protege sedan styling. But like other people I'm not quite sure about the hatch version.

I also think it's funny that Mazda styling is drawing comparisons with VWs. When I spent some time in Northern Ireland a few years ago, there was a Mazda billboard campaign that was dissing on VW styling. Their silly zen-like slogan stuck in my mind:

Round like pebble
Not square like box
nate0123
08-14-2003, 03:41 PM
I think it looks great lowered a couple inches:

http://said.uc.edu/students/morrisnr/lowered3.jpg
nate0123
08-14-2003, 03:43 PM
actually lowered it looks like an IS300
BlueMP5Dave
08-14-2003, 03:52 PM
Kinda looks like a Neon.
BlueMP5Dave
08-14-2003, 03:53 PM
It could definitely grow on me though.
InitialDMP5
08-15-2003, 05:35 AM
http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/InitialDMP5/mazdaspeed_3-sedan.jpg



Did this up real quick for all the MAZDASPEED fans out there.....I did it in orange too for the spicy folks. I think it looks better already....

edit: huh its not showing the picture. I will try to figure this out...
edit 8/15/03 FIXED
BlueMP5Dave
08-15-2003, 12:42 PM
I found these just roaming around. Different color may help some peoples perspective. Except for the stupid writing over the pictures:rolleyes: :D
/members/BlueMP5Dave/28889.jpg

/members/BlueMP5Dave/28890.jpg

/members/BlueMP5Dave/28891.jpg
InitialDMP5
08-15-2003, 04:21 PM
yeah those are concept photos....but they are very close.
InitialDMP5
08-16-2003, 05:51 PM
baby turn around and let me see that sexy booty go BUMP BUMP BUMP ^^^^^^
InitialDMP5
08-16-2003, 07:36 PM
bump.....so lonely...
P2K
08-26-2003, 08:05 PM
Originally posted by InitialDMP5
http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/InitialDMP5/mazdaspeed_3-sedan.jpg


I wasn't feeling the sedan at all b/c of the short rear end(it does look like a Jetta), I'm kinda leaning towards the hatch(I don't think the hatch is that bad), but after seeing this... :eek: :eek: :eek: WOW!!! If they ever think about doing something like this, or even come close, I'll definately consider.

InitialDMP5,
For a scanned, fuzzy, not too good looking pic, that was a damn good shop man!!!
MarkSpark
08-30-2003, 02:05 AM
Originally posted by BlueMP5Dave
Kinda looks like a Neon.

Yeah, it definitely looks Neonish..looks like after my 3rd gen...my mazda days are over...unless they come up with a nice kit.
bud_d
08-30-2003, 08:01 PM
http://forum.caranddriver.com.hk/download.php/3,64108,1055/a3080396.jpg

i think the car looks awesome...bah to all you haters!
nate0123
08-30-2003, 08:12 PM
Originally posted by bud_d
http://forum.caranddriver.com.hk/download.php/3,64108,1055/a3080396.jpg

i think the car looks awesome...bah to all you haters! (stupid)