Mazda3s fresh off the dock at Vancouver, BC.

[seakrait]

"spy" photos from www.mpsport.net (http://www.mpsport.net)

http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20001.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20003.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20004.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20005.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20006.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20008.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20010.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20011.jpg http://members.shaw.ca/soowei3/Mazda3/madza3%20012.jpg

good thing i got my p5 while i had the chance..... everything else about the 3 is poo (except for the tail lights). the wagon looks a lot like the matrix/vibe twins now and the sedan is all chubby and short-assed. :(

[acts]

Damn... you aint lying.. I am loving my p5 even more.... all I can say is ughhh... what the hell were they thinking?

[herbieP5]

CRRAAAP!!!!!! I think I like them. I didnt like the concept and spy photos at all. but seeing these...... I am gonna need a test drive.

[mazdadan]

Gross...the Black and Red sedans look like a cross between a Camry, Jetta, and a Cavalier.

[ghost]

OMG those thing are FUGLY!!!!

[ELEmental59437]

Originally posted by acts
Damn... you aint lying.. I am loving my p5 even more.... all I can say is ughhh... what the hell were they thinking?

same thing here.. I am glad I got the 5, but I wish I would have heard about the mazdaspeed or the 8.

Shouldnt this be in the photo section or the Mazda3 section?

[seakrait]

hmmm..... notice the different grille on the red sedan (4th and 5th picture) compared to the other grilles....... i wonder what that means..... different trim level i guess.

Originally posted by ELEmental59437
Shouldnt this be in the photo section or the Mazda3 section?
well, i thought about it. but decided to post here as i didn't want to make a "ew, look at the ugly mazda3" post in the mazda3 section. :D

[CruzinAltitude]

Originally posted by mazdadan
Gross...the Black and Red sedans look like a cross between a Camry, Jetta, and a Cavalier.


That is the best damn description of the sedan I have heard thus far. Take a great looking german car, blend it with a ugly ass american car, and you get an odd looking japaness car. Who would have figured!

[bazooka joe]

not that bad, but....i'm keepin the p5. i love the styling today as much as i did 2 yrs ago!!

[Allen]

I'm surprised on how bland the sedan Mazda 3 looks, and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of trunk space for that sedan.

[Antoine]

First of all...this thread seems to be in the WRONG forum...Second...give it time people...and don't rag on new Mazda 3 members when they arrive here...thanks.

Thanks for sharing the pics :)

[sjdmp5]

I miss the sharp creased lines of the current models. I don't mind the sedan but I don't really like the hatch. I'm reserving final judgement for when I actually see them.

[PuertoRicanMP5]

(puke)
That side picture of the red sedan looks too much like a F@cking Neon. Can you say FUGLY!!!!!

[servoeyes]

Man...I love that sedan...there's sooo much potential for that body. Just drop it, put it on 17s...If you're into it, put something similar to the autoexe kit from the rx-8 on it. Now that's a hot car...

I don't like the 3 door much, but the 5 door doesn't look nearly as bad as the vibe/Mtrx. That red does look terrible, though...Mazda needs a nice dark red (like the magneto red metallic on the vette). On the other hand...I really like the tail lights. Oh well...my mazdaspeed is still my favorite sexy car...I'm just pulling for the 3 to turn out alright!

[cbcbd]

Originally posted by ELEmental59437
same thing here.. I am glad I got the 5, but I wish I would have heard about the mazdaspeed or the 8.

Ditto, ditto.

[Rockinblue]

Thanks for posting those pics. Shouldn't be long until the test drive reports start coming in.

[acidbbg]

F8kin ugly...i agree..but it does look like a cross between the mazda6 and chevy cavalier!!

*I love that front grill like the mazda6 has..I wonder if that item can be purchased..and will fit my p5?

Chas

[scorp76]

I dont think anyone gives new cars a chance anymore. I swear fugly has to be the most overused "word" these days. Guess it's just human nature to hate everything new.

Anyway, neither model looks bad to me. It looks more like they're just bad pics, taken from bad angles. Compared to other "economy" cars on the road, I know which one I'd rather be seen in.

[enigM@]

the hoods of the sedan and hatch look different.. the hood of the hatch seems to go past the grill

[OceanPark]

Come on people, it is not that ugly, just because you own a protege you don't have to call the Mazda3 bad.

I like it.

[FrigginGLI]

I'm sorry but not only the exterior but the interior as well does not look up to par with the current model. (no)

[OceanPark]

Originally posted by pimpprotege69
I'm sorry but not only the exterior but the interior as well does not look up to par with the current model. (no)

:wtf:
http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/37867.jpg

[FrigginGLI]

:confused:

If there were 2 cars to choose from, the mazda 3 and the p5 and I was buying cars, I would choose the p5 in a heart beat.

[scorp76]

Originally posted by OceanPark
Come on people, it is not that ugly, just because you own a protege you don't have to call the Mazda3 bad.


Word. There's nothing bad about it.

Look at the Corolla, Civic, Sentra and Lancer, and tell me this car isn't better looking (inside and out) than all of them.
I'll go a step further and say it's nicer than the Protege too, which is already head of the class, in my opinion.

[grishulia]

The wagon is not too bad except for the rearmost quarter...

And I actually like the sedans hood better than the wagons...

[FrigginGLI]

It needs some silver or bright contrasting colors to spruce it up a bit. It looks like my dads mazda 6 flat black and plain.

[scorp76]

It does have contrasting colors, you just cant see them in that pic because of the sunlight.

Theres a silver strip bisecting the upper and lower dash, a silver ring on the door speakers, the vents and the top of the shifter and two-tone cloth on the doors.

There's plenty of flair inside, for a $17k car.

[mountjonas]

Originally posted by matttrix
the hoods of the sedan and hatch look different.. the hood of the hatch seems to go past the grill

look closer, the whole front end is different. even the headlights are different

[AZDriftR]

Originally posted by mountjonas
look closer, the whole front end is different. even the headlights are different
thats the difference in packages in engine size and sport pack option... and as far as the 3 goes, it doesn't look half bad but it will never compare the current protege...man am i glad i didnt wait for that!

[FrigginGLI]

It just looks less agressive to me. Maybe with some body kits and spoilers it might get some adrenaline going.

[BlueMP5Dave]

The sedan and the hatch are almost two totally different cars. I had my P5 for about a week before I realized that the P5 and my ES were two completely different cars. My P5 shares almost no part the same as my ES accept the engine.

[night rider]

fugly indeed! the sedans have a ION esk look

[fkmp5]

hmm,.. i knew i recognized that body..

http://www.mazdamp3.com/vbb230/_handler.php/fkmp5/temp/mazdasrt3.jpg

(pukey)

[cdglowp5]

MAZDA WHAT THE F--K are you smoking.
Yeah it might have a little more power then our cars but LOOKS are better.

Just my.50 cents.

Send the hurricane isabel there to make them look better LOL

[AZDriftR]

i wonder if it has crank rear windows..lol..

[LaserBlue]

(notcool) (puke)
http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/37867.jpg

[FrigginGLI]

Dam that neon pic was scary. Very similar and that is NOT a good thing.

[scorp76]

You're joking, right? The 3 looks nothing like a Neon; Stevie Wonder can see that.

Some of yall are sad. It's almost like you're hating because the 3 is SOOOO much nicer than the Protege.

Again, the Protege and the P5 are nice little cars, but they have nothing on the 3.

[FrigginGLI]

Start a poll , see what people think. ITs not nicer in any way in my opinion.

[AZDriftR]

i think your on crack the three is nothing in comparison they just stuck a bigger motor in a shity new model, thats why they didnt call it a protege didnt want to tarnish the name...and damit i messed up having 69 post for this crap.

[scorp76]

Of course you dont, it's called "bias." Look it up.

Those of us with open minds and not blinded by bias see the truth though.

[FrigginGLI]

Ahmen ! (nana)

[scorp76]

Tarnish the name? TARNISH THE NAME? WHAT name? It's a freakin subcompact ECONOMY car, what is there to TARNISH?

Get real.

[fkmp5]

Originally posted by AZDriftR
i wonder if it has crank rear windows..lol..

(lol)

[OceanPark]

It took 4 years for the 3rd gen protege to refine to the current stage, the Mazda3 will look better as time goes by.

Honestly, I don't understand why you ppl call the interior suck? It is a econ car, but it does look better than the current protege, way better than civic, sentra etc etc......... Look at the picture twice.

[matallama]

I think the sedan looks great, and as was already pointed out, looks far better than the Civic, Sentra, Corolla blandmobiles that are currently out there plaguing our eyes. And IMHO, it looks better than the current Protege sedan (blasphemy!).

The 5 door hatch, I like the rear view, the front view, but some of the 3/4 views I don't much like. However, I do like the much-maligned C-pillar.

[AZDriftR]

Originally posted by scorp76
Of course you dont, it's called "bias." Look it up.

Those of us with open minds and not blinded by bias see the truth though. Originally posted by scorp76
Tarnish the name? TARNISH THE NAME? WHAT name? It's a freakin subcompact ECONOMY car, what is there to TARNISH?

Get real.
no if u look at the earler post i have no real problem with it, u just seemed all bothered by PEOPLES OPINIONS(yes we all have one) so i decided to mess with you alittle

[servoeyes]

Oh and "what name" you ask? The one that it's earned as being a great value, and one of the most fun cars to drive in its class. Sure no one knows it as well as Civic or Corolla...but I mean, seriously...The protege is a great car. The 3 has plenty of potential. I think stocl for stock it's nicer looking than say an ES or DX. Put an autoexe kit on it and drop it and it'll look awesome. Still a bit to round for my tastes, but awesome none the less.

[gib]

Is it me or what? I see that most people who criticize the new MZ3 mostly own P5 or hate Mazda product all together. I just can't agree. Both car are superb. Saying that it looks like a Matrix, jetta, Murano, even cavalier and Neon (what else???). Are we looking at the same car??? I think the style is unique, futuristic. It has the Mazda DNA. It doesn't look like a blend of all these product to me. IMHO, I think it's a step forward compared to the present gen Pro (HP, torque, style, interior, exterior, technology...). I guess beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ;-)

[scorp76]

Originally posted by AZDriftR
no if u look at the earler post i have no real problem with it, u just seemed all bothered by PEOPLES OPINIONS(yes we all have one) so i decided to mess with you alittle

I dont have a problem with opinions, no matter how dumb they may be to me, but do have a problem with mindless hating. I wasnt bothered, just sharing my opinion on what I see as a good car for Mazda.

[mp3girly]

OMFG!

















I love them! :D Especially the sedan! Oooweee!

[Matthew]

Originally posted by seakrait
"spy" photos from www.mpsport.net (http://www.mpsport.net)

good thing i got my p5 while i had the chance..... everything else about the 3 is poo (except for the tail lights). the wagon looks a lot like the matrix/vibe twins now and the sedan is all chubby and short-assed. :(

i like the seats in the hatch version and thats about it.

[gib]

Just to spice it up a bit, I think those of You owners of Pro's (All those critics!) when You change your car You will trade it in for a 3 (Ah,Ah!). As I will!!!!!

[TheMAN]

:rolleyes:
http://protegemp3.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31304

[dinu01]

As far as I'm concerned, the sedan w/GFX looks great but not the wagon.

[Antoine]

Chill guys...big difference between pointless HATER posts and actual honest opinions...don't flame up this new forum...it's a MAZDA remember the car you own is also a MAZDA...if your going to hate...save it for other brands...mmmk ;)

[gman_P5]

The interior is nice, but give me a break WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER ... MATRIX, we already have the VIBE !!!! .... dam !!! I'm keeping my P5 forever !!!

[Andres]

Just INMHO,,,

The first time I saw a P5, I totally fell in love with its style...

This time I look for the Mazda 3 and I don't feel the same. Yes, I may change my mind from now to the time I see it in person, but I can't fool my 'inside something' that tells me I don't feel as attracted to the new design as I was to the P5.

Maybe we all just need to see one of those sick Mazdaspeed exercises to drool all around a MSP3; something like the Mazdaspeed P5 we would have loved seeing from those guys...

Later,
Andrés.
:p

[gib]

Ok then "moderator". Here I go. I really hate the looks of the SubaruWRX and all their styles all together. Just plain ugly. I hate Honda's design. It's so lame, even sister Theresa wouldn't have tought of that boring style. I don't like the Nissan Sentra. Even my grand father think it looks ancient. What about the Suzuki Aerio, Echo, car that has been built inside-out. Ishhhhhhh. I could go on with ford, GM and chrysler. But its enough, I've got my anger out!

[MS MSP]

For spy shots and first view of actual cars, i don't think it's that bad. Exterior or interior. Don't forget that it's pretty dark ,the cars are wet, not exactly like the photos members take of their cars after having polished them for 4 hours.

My first impression of new versions of cars i like are always bad. I hated the last version of the Integra when it came out, and i hated the RSX when it came out becuase by that time i liked the last generation Integra.

Compare the current 2002/2003 ES to a base 1999 Protege. Now put that theory towards the 2006 3's.

I think it's a good start, and i want to see a decked out version or MSP version (bigger wheels, GFX) etc.

[Bumble G]

anyone notice that the front plate holder looks like a european plate will fit?? Even the back plate space is huge. They even have headlight washers.

I don't think thease are US/Canadian models.


Other than that I think it's ok. not the hottest looking but not as ugly as some other cars.

But hey to each his own.

[1sty]

I really dig the interior and the hatch looks better in those pics then anwhere else I have seen.

[Captain KRM P5]

gotta say - i still like them both

[1sty]

They definitly keep looking better.

[dmurphy10]

The wagon looks too much like the Matrix.

[cdglowp5]

CAN YOU SAY
WELCOME THE MAZDA FUGLY

It has power,

Its like the went to the mazda bin and said take these from the rx8 take this from the 6, and the wagon we will make it a smaller version of the MPV. Looks like a matrix nobody will notice the similarties.

[ashutoshsm]

For starters - let me get this out of the way - I LOVE the redesign and think the entire 3 family (with the exception of minor design issues) looks absolutely awesome AND AN IMPROVEMENT over the current Pro/P5s :)

I'm amazed at how many of you are dissing the new 3 merely becaue you own the older (most recent) versions. I own a second gen Pro, and readily admit the 3rd gen (99 on) and the facelifts (minor changes 2001 on, and then the P5/MP3 front fascia) were major improvements.

Yes, design is a subjective and personal thing - but come on! All dimensions are improved, the frontal appearance is much better (rear, somewhat questionable - the P5 is classic good, mainly because of the lines) and the sedan looks SO much nicer. Just because it shares some lines with the Neon doesn't make it automtically bad! The Neon was a crappily built car that performed worse than crap, the appearance was definitely fine! The 3 actually looks like (it has something in common with) the rest of Mazda's lineup! Finally! Some common DNA in all Mazdas :)

[dugrant153]

Anyone have a Canadian price on these beauties?

[jrodhotrod]

I have owned a protege5 and now the protege sedan. I like the new 3 and the current gen. They both have their good qualities. I won't be trading in my mazdaspeed anytime soon, but I must admit I really like the interior on the new 3.

[Natey]

Andres hit the nail on the head for me. The first time I saw a P5 sitting on the Mazda lot, I knew that was my next car. The 3...eh. It just looks pregnant to me, and I don't feel that "pull" toward it like I did with the P5(and MSP).

I'm not hating because I drive a P5, the truth is I really wish I liked it. Like Antoine said, it's a Mazda, so it can't be THAT bad. I just wish they would've styled the 3 a little bit more aggressively. It seems to have lost it's nimbleness...I'll bet Sport Compact Car doesn't break any records with a three, and that's my main worry.

...Mazda seems to be going BACKWARDS in the performance category, even the 2006 Miata is"Longer, wider and more comfortable". Translation: Not as nimble.

[cortez]

I really like it.

I love the 6 too, but I simply can't bring myself to buy a 3200 pound car. It's hard enough thinking about buying a 2700 pound car like the 3rd gen Protege or what probably is also the 3.
I'll probably wait a year or two to see what parts fall off, what breaks, what works good and what the real horsepower ends up being after Mazda lowers their power claims, etc. and then I'll see if I get a 3. If only they would come up with a Club Sport version, shake off 200 pounds, keep the 2.3 L motor, firm up the suspension and let 'er rip...

[melbourne_mp5]

I like it. If I was in the market for a new car, I'd consider it.

[YuYuRena]

the wagon reminds me of VW golf from the back especially the shape of the c-pillars. The sedan's c-pillar from a quarter-view looks like a jetta, too. Front is a mini-scale of 6 and the back has altezza light (which 6 didn't get in NADM version).

front is fine back needs more work, overall still much better than a corolla or a civic in terms of overall looks, I hate the new civic's tail light and the tall-fake suv height of corolla.

[SpicyMchaggis]

the black sedan doesn't look too bad..i WILL be getting those headlights for my car.

[blynzoo]

Originally posted by OceanPark
:wtf:
http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/37867.jpg Word. I LIKE the interior.

Heck, I like the car. This thing is straight out of europe. I spent a vacation in the French Caribbean and fell in love with all the smaller cars. To me this looks great, should do well.

It is also going to be competing with the new euro-inspired subcompacts that are going to be hitting the US next year. The new Toyota Scion line, for example.

[glyph]

I'm not sure I like it. When I first saw my protege, I wanted it. When I first saw the rx-8, I wanted it. When I look at this, I am not sure, at all. I will have to look at the real thing to make up my mind. Like most of the people posting here, I do not find it truly appealing.

It does not look sporty. I guess they figure the RX-8 and the 6 to be there sporty vehicles, now. The hp is nice, but I personally don't think that's enough.

The interior is quite nice. I think it's a little confused, though, as the mixture of circles and flat lines are not entirely complimentary. Again, I need to get inside.

As for the flames, this board is for people to express their opinions. Whining about opinions you don't agree with is ridiculous.

[Black Majik MSP]

Anyone notice the pop-up headlight washers in the 1st, 3rd, & 6th pics? Does that mean that the 3 has optional HIDs? :(

[Antoine]

I like to see that this thread got back on its feet...opinions - or + are welcome...that is what we do here...but CRAP (aka flaming) is not.

I think the new 3 is going to make for some really sweet tuner show cars...keep your eyes open. :eek:

[dugrant153]

The chassis is based on the Ford Focus chassis or something like that, right?

Handling could be very different.
Could Focus parts be swap-able??

[AZDriftR]

Originally posted by dugrant153
The chassis is based on the Ford Focus chassis or something like that, right?

i think thats right but that might just mean the focas will handle better...hopefully

[servoeyes]

Actually...a few of us delved further into this last week. Someone had just read that it's actually a new Mazda designed chassis that Volvo, Mazda, and (eventually) Ford will be using for their small cars. Ford will start by using pieces of the design in the focus, but Mazda and Volvo will be using it in its entirity.

[787B]

I'm coming by this forum by way of my impending purchase of a Mazda3 5dr. I had been trying to get a base 6s w/ MT (none of the bodykit, please) to replace a leased car that isn't up for 3-4 months, when I decided that, since it didn't look like I'd find one, I'd save some money and get a P5... pocket the rebate/pay-down the remainder of my lease/etc.

I've got a shock for P5 owners... Even after just 36 months, the residual on a 03 P5 right now is only 42% (Mazda America Credit AND aftermarket lease companies)... Not a good sign for a car that so many are bally-hooing as a "classic"--- Keep in mind that I really like the car alot (My ties to Mazda are stronger than you might think...), but this is a recurring problem for Mazda and the P5, as good as it is, represents (at best) a "bridge car" from the older Mazdas to the newer Mazdas.

I've ordered a 3s 5dr. w/MT and, though I understand what some P5 owners are saying, I think it should be pointed out that it's a different car. The 4dr. IS more dynamic looking than the existing 4dr. and the 5dr. is less of a compromise vehicle as far as package goes; Will it be compromised as far as dynamics go? Still to be seen, but I suspect that Mazda knows what it's niche is and will ensure that it meets it's requirements while attracting newer buyers.

[787B]

See the following link for some info from the official Press Preview for the Mazda3:

http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=45294

Specifically, this quote at the end of the article points out the most significant difference, at least visually, between P5 and M3:
"The Mazda3 five-door is 2 inches longer and wider, and 2.2 inches taller than the Protege5, while the four-door is 2.9 inches longer than the Protege."

And:...
"That makes both cars roomier than their predecessors, but the space comes with a weight penalty - the five-door weighs 110 pounds more than the Protege5, and the four-door is 128 pounds heavier than the Protege."

Earlier in the article Hideki Suzuki, the chief designer for the new 3, stated that the 3 was designed to "convey a sense of being 'athletic and energetic.' But more elegance was drawn into the four-door, he said, while the five-door was given a more rugged appearance." Don't want to get into how I would know this, but "rugged" is an obvious translation from Japanese for a concept that is not related to SUVs so much as it's related to a sense of strength. M3 5dr. was designed to be a more masculine car, hence the fender blisters, 17" wheels and bold pillars in the greenhouse... especially with the increase in size, I fully expect the M3 to have a more substantial presence on the road.

As for the increase in weight, that's unfortunate but, then again, we're talking an increase (on the 5dr.) of 30hp with a significantly larger engine that will likely see alot of development for Speed World Challenge... I'll take that.

Even if the ride/handling is skewed slightly more towards refinement, I expect that it'll still be significantly more enthusiast-oriented than it's competition. Given that so many of the P5s in this forum of true believers have had some modifications in wheel/tire and suspension, I think it's acceptable to tweak the suspension tune towards a more resilient ride... as long as it's still performance oriented. We'll see when I finally get into it.

[787B]

By the way, see this for a look at the M3-based Volvo S40...

Derivative of the S60, as far as looks go (not bad in my book)...

http://www.autonews.com/images/random/frankfurt2003/ART/volvo/s402.htm

http://www.autonews.com/images/random/frankfurt2003/ART/volvo/s401.htm

[servoeyes]

argh...just red-x's!!! please fix!! I'd love to see how it looks (just so I can pick on my friend for wanting to buy another focus! ICK!)

[787B]

Sorry about that...

Try this link:
http://apps.volvocars.us/allnewS40/

[REMillers]

Hmm I don't mind the wagon to much expect for the side window line and front grill.
If they extend the rear window to match the two panel construction of the P5 it would flow better. Right now it just ends, and looks to much like a Matrix.

[787B]

By the way, the other bit of news regarding platform-sharing is that, though the next generation Focus will be based on this platform, Ford has already announced that it will not come to the U.S. until, at the earliest, 2007... Is this due to the profit situation on the current Focus making an all-new one based on this platform (for this market) out of the question?... ironic, given that this platform has economies of scale built into it that even the Focus (world car that it is) couldn't match.

[wongpres]

787B:

Seeing that you have a Mazda3s on order, could you share some of the US packaging & price information with us. I'm sure the US folks on here would appreciate it.

Thanks.

[dugrant153]

Originally posted by 787B
ironic, given that this platform has economies of scale built into it that even the Focus (world car that it is) couldn't match.

You an econ major as well ? ;) hehehe

US pricing would be cool :) Wongpres has provided a little bit of info for Canadian.

[cortez]

Those weight numbers are getting pretty close to RX-8 numbers...

[CruzinAltitude]

From the very first time I saw the Zoom Zoom commercial I loved the MP5. My exwife HATED that commercial becuase I would stop mid sentance to drool over the car. The 3 does nothing like that for me. I do however like many of the interior cues and it also looks like Mazda pulled their heads out of their asses when it came to cupholder placement. I could never understand :wtf: they were thinking on that issue.

[zmepro]

looks like a matrix (gay)