Mazdspeed 3 unveiled!!!!!!!

[RODSCALIP5]

From the Tokyo Auto Salon:

http://www.boomplustoys.net/tokyoautosalon/images/tas2004088.jpg

There will be a Mazdaspeed 3, I was finally convinced yesterday, not by this picture but by something else.

Any speculation on what this new Mazdaspeed will have. Word is from online sources it should be released in mid 2004.

[JOS3]

it still doesnt look better than the p5

[vodapas77]

Grrr! I so hoped for something better. Why don't they have Kenstyle do the body work for them? Their's is still the only 3 that I could see myself buying (i.e. buying a 3 and adding their kit and grill).

BTW what is the other info. that convinced you?

[RODSCALIP5]

Your right, I still can't get it through my thick skull how Mazda didn't make a Mazdaspeed P5 :( . Anyway, I think I might breakdown for one of these, maybe.

[StuttersC]

That is not going to be the US version of the the Mazdaspeed3. Mazdaspeed has traditionally done A-spec and B-spec parts for almost every car released in Japan.

Stuff we have never gotten here.

Mazdaspeed US will be doing something different than the picture above.

[RODSCALIP5]

That is not going to be the US version of the the Mazdaspeed3. Mazdaspeed has traditionally done A-spec and B-spec parts for almost every car released in Japan.

I hope your right. I kind of want the sedan to be the next Mazdaspeed.

As far as the other piece of evidence, It'll be posted in my sig. It's basically a Magnetic decal(like the type you put on the fridge) that says "Mazdaspeed 3". There is other stuff besides that I am pretty sure I am not allowed to talk about.

[vodapas77]

I just don't understand why they elevated the hood line and swept it into the A-pilar on the hatch. I'm not a huge fan of either 3 but the sedan gets my vote out of the two because of the smooth hoodline. Every time I see the hatch I think a PT Cruiser and a Matrix got it on.

You're right Stutters we won't see that one over here. I am just hoping this time they'll do it right and offer MazdaSpeed versions of both the sedan and the hatch. It's not fair how the P5 got left out last time and it'll suck if they only make a hatch version this time. Although I have the feeling that's what will happen.

[vodapas77]

Originally posted by RODSCALIP5
There other stuff besides that I am pretty sure I am not allowed to talk about.

Uh oh, well if RODS stops posting we'll know what happened. You thought all Mazda did was troll our forum. Not even the half of it. Enter the Mazda Ninjas!

[RODSCALIP5]

I know there is someone amongst the crowd that has connections and information. Mine is not coming from Mazda, but it is very, very reliable. Ill leave it at that :D .

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by RODSCALIP5
I hope your right. I kind of want the sedan to be the next Mazdaspeed.

As far as the other piece of evidence, It'll be posted in my sig. It's basically a Magnetic decal(like the type you put on the fridge) that says "Mazdaspeed 3". There other stuff besides that I am pretty sure I am not allowed to talk about.

Well, we will see. If Mazda sends the AWD monster that has been rumored, I think it'll be in the wagon. Just my thought.

And notice the plate on that car says "Axela." So, Mazdaspeed already has Axela body stuff. I wonder what they have for suspension and go fast stuff.

AutoEXE and KenStyle have some nice looking kits for the Mazda3 sedan and wagon. And AutoEXE has some suspension goodies too.

[vodapas77]

Stutters, did Auto EXE do anything with the Axela sedan or just the hatch?

[RODSCALIP5]

I think it was just for the hatch. It looks like the front and back would be the same.

[TURBO3WAGON]

I'm not feeling it. I like the original Speed better..

:cool:

[boostisgood]

Rods, I got a RElaiable source at MAzdaspeed NA. :D and said to me at SEMA. "No more 4 door veichles are slated to be released by Mazdaspeed in the US."

[Levitron]

Wow.....what a familiar post :p

My post in Mz3forums.com (http://**********************/viewtopic.php?t=1283)

[MarkSpark]

What made the front end of the Protege 5 so good: Big foglights and a big lower grille. They've abandoned that design, though. :(

[Newf]

Boost, so a 5 door maybe?

Anyways, I hope the jesus they don 't make a hatch Mazdaspeed only.....please for the love of god no!

My plan all along was to trade the MSP in 2005 for a SEDAN Mazdaspeed.

[NRRfrogmanP5]

the rims are cool but im not fan of the body kit

[Liquidturbo2000]

OKay, am I the only one who think it looks fockin' awesome?

[icecube]

i think it looks ok

[RODSCALIP5]

Rods, I got a RElaiable source at MAzdaspeed NA. and said to me at SEMA. "No more 4 door veichles are slated to be released by Mazdaspeed in the US."


Damn, so I guess it'll only come in a hatch version. Oh well, Ill keep you guys posted :D .

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by vodapas77
Stutters, did Auto EXE do anything with the Axela sedan or just the hatch?

I thought I saw pictures of both...

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by boostisgood
Rods, I got a RElaiable source at MAzdaspeed NA. :D and said to me at SEMA. "No more 4 door veichles are slated to be released by Mazdaspeed in the US."


The same person who said no more Mazdaspeed vehicles period after the Miata?

[InitialDMP5]

haha you guys are funny. The truth is, unless you work for MS NA you really don't have any clue. I bet these "sources" are just saying stuff because you believe them! but anyway, that is not a "mazdaspeed" as we would have here in the US. As someone has said already, MAZDA makes body parts and performance parts for almost every car they make. even the Demio gets some cool stuff. since both mazdaspeeds are totally different companies, we will have to wait and see what gets released here in the US. Since everyone is playing along though, I will too.....I think they chose the hatch version to go head to head with Hondas Si, and possibly go after SUBARU...also on a side note...I know for sure MAZDA is on these boards. I remember when the Sportif concept came out, I did a photochop of it and made it have a "mazdaspeed kit" its funny how much of those ideas that were in my design, ended up in the final design....yup.

[RODSCALIP5]

haha you guys are funny. The truth is, unless you work for MS NA you really don't have any clue. I bet these "sources" are just saying stuff because you believe them! but anyway, that is not a "mazdaspeed" as we would have here in the US. As someone has said already, MAZDA makes body parts and performance parts for almost every car they make. even the Demio gets some cool stuff. since both mazdaspeeds are totally different companies, we will have to wait and see what gets released here in the US. Since everyone is playing along though, I will too.....I think they chose the hatch version to go head to head with Hondas Si, and possibly go after SUBARU...also on a side note...I know for sure MAZDA is on these boards. I remember when the Sportif concept came out, I did a photochop of it and made it have a "mazdaspeed kit" its funny how much of those ideas that were in my design, ended up in the final design....yup

Actually, these sources are pretty reliable. But like you said unless you work for Mazda NA you don't know what is really going on. Like I said I will keep you posted on this same thread :D

[nate0123]

Originally posted by vodapas77
I just don't understand why they elevated the hood line and swept it into the A-pilar on the hatch. I'm not a huge fan of either 3 but the sedan gets my vote out of the two because of the smooth hoodline.Never noticed that they were different, but now that you point it out, I agree 100%. No 3 hatch for me!

[Newf]

None for me either. It's cute and all, but even if they make the 3 into the speed....sorry, guess I'll go back to Honda
'

[RODSCALIP5]

None for me either. It's cute and all, but even if they make the 3 into the speed....sorry, guess I'll go back to Honda

Not even if it came with this:

"By early 2005, performance junkies can expect a turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3 sports compact that should pump out at least 200 horsepower (or up to 240, if Mazda decides to offer an all-wheel-drive version). The hotted-up 3 should be followed by Mazdaspeed's take on the mid-size 6." from money.cnn.




:D

[StuttersC]

After doing some searching, the car pictured is tha Axela Mazdaspeed A-Spec...

Not out officially on the Mazdaspeed Japan web-site, but there is some info out there about it.

[CHICO2003]

not liking this 4 door/hatch version... the sedan will look hot though!

[StuttersC]

Here is a short thing about the all of the things Mazda was going to show at the Tokyo Auto Salon...

http://www.triplezoom.com/news/publish/article_99.shtml


PS - Those wheels are 18x7.5"...They come in +50 offest and +35 in the 114.3x5 bolt pattern.

[nonameheroes]

this looks better than any mazda 3...how about the mazdaspeed rx-8:

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1282.jpg

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1283.jpg

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1284.jpg

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1285.jpg

[RODSCALIP5]

Yeah, it does. The good thing is you can get all that stuff from a U.S. dealer, everything except the right hand drive :D .

Anybody think that maybe this time Mazda will offer any Mazdaspeed parts(any upgrades that are in the Mazdaspeed 3) for the 3??? Assuming that the Mazdaspeed 3 becomes reality :D .

[Mr. Win]

Originally posted by nonameheroes
this looks better than any mazda 3...how about the mazdaspeed rx-8:

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1282.jpg

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1283.jpg

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1284.jpg

http://members.cox.net/nonameheroes/1285.jpg


Just so you know they orignally wanted the rx8 to start coming turboed and the unturboed version had whole diffrent fuel mappings and all that shit but they couldnt get it to pass emissions which why they offered buy backs and all that shit for overstating power and to tell you the truth im not impressed with the rx8 pick up it neds more power and the rx7 will an rx8 any day.

All this comes from a friend that works at mazda.

[vodapas77]

Originally posted by RODSCALIP5


Not even if it came with this:

"By early 2005, performance junkies can expect a turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3 sports compact that should pump out at least 200 horsepower (or up to 240, if Mazda decides to offer an all-wheel-drive version). The hotted-up 3 should be followed by Mazdaspeed's take on the mid-size 6." from money.cnn.




:D [/B]

As of right now the 3 isn't my kind of car. However, I keep reminding myself whenever I see one that as of right now the sedans I see are the equivalent to the Protege ES at best. While I like the Protege ES, it is not a car I would have bought simply because it's not the kind of car I am interested in. However, the MP3 and MSP were. It is amazing how much trim levels can make a difference. So, as of right now, I am following these threads and the articles very closely because if Mazda does deliver us a MazdaSpeed version with a turboed 2.3 in sedan form I already know what will become my next daily driver and allow my MSP to get a well deserved rest in my garage. Especially if they come to market with a 240 hp version with AWD. :D

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by SenorCorwin
Just so you know they orignally wanted the rx8 to start coming turboed and the unturboed version had whole diffrent fuel mappings and all that shit but they couldnt get it to pass emissions which why they offered buy backs and all that shit for overstating power and to tell you the truth im not impressed with the rx8 pick up it neds more power and the rx7 will an rx8 any day.

All this comes from a friend that works at mazda.


Mazda offered buy-backs on the RX-8 because the original published figures for the motor were not with US spec emissions equipment.

Mazda never had plans to release a turbo version of the RX-8 right off the bat. It has already been discussed elsewhere that the RENSIS isn't designed with forced induction in mind yet.

And the RX-8 suffers from the same problem every N/A rotary suffers from. "Not enough" low-end torque. But the RENSIS makes more power N/A than any other 13B that has been made yet. And, it has better reliability, improved flow characterisitcs and a few other features that make it the best rotary motor built yet.

[RODSCALIP5]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/pc49be952605fc78945e5a0c661d09ea4/f9f2a89c.jpg

:D

[brucelee]

i dont understand why people dont like the 3...i mean sure the p5 looks great, but i think the 3 looks great as well. maybe i'm style-challenged..

[cdglowred5]

Can you say 3 door hatch. To bring back mazda into the rally scene. Can you say 323. The 3 hatch is to be released sometime next year. AWD. HMMMMMMMMMMMM. My inside connection for Mazda......

[TURBO3WAGON]

The RX8 looks hot, but the Speed3 looks week. (notcool)

I still like the original Mazdaspeed protege better!

[TURBO3WAGON]

Originally posted by cdglowred5
Can you say 3 door hatch. To bring back mazda into the rally scene. Can you say 323. The 3 hatch is to be released sometime next year. AWD. HMMMMMMMMMMMM. My inside connection for Mazda......

Did someone say 323!

[TURBO3WAGON]

Originally posted by TURBO3WAGON
Did someone say 323!

Gotta love the original 3!

[BinaryRotary]

Originally posted by newf
None for me either. It's cute and all, but even if they make the 3 into the speed....sorry, guess I'll go back to Honda
'

OMGHELLO2U! Th3 Civvic SI l00ks sooo sw33t!

OMG ..... somebody help me ..... honda .... has .... taken over ..... my brain .....

[cdglowred5]

Thats what I've heard. Mazda wants to get back into rally racing

[Lurch]

What do you mean get "back" into rallying?

http://www.motorsport.com/photos/prorally/2002/stpr/prorally-2002-stpr-sr-0121.jpg

Eric Burmeister
MAZDASPEED Rally Team USA

[StuttersC]

Nice shot Lurch!!

Nice post too!

[eting_pro5]

3 DOOR FO SHO!!!!

I'd like to see a Mazdaspeed3 3-door with AWD and an NA ROTARY ENGINE!!!!!

especially if it was boost-able....


p.s. Mazda NA people that read this forum...mark my word, i speak for everyone. what i say is what should be built.

[RODSCALIP5]

Build it and they will come :D

[InitialDMP5]

mazda, you need to put that awesome rotary in your entire vehicle lineup, as special edition option packages. That will make people say, "Oh mazda, they are the ones that have that cool engine option, that is way different than anything else out there!" of course they would say this in japanese, and it would be so cool and hip. hehe

[ashutoshsm]

Wow - I like how it looks. More importantly, I like the sound of the engine upgrade. 240 AWD in the 3 hatch (or sedan) would rock!

I HATE the fact that this may mean a postponement of the 'Speed 6 (280 AWD turbo-ed 2.3l I-4) but I doubt money.cnn.com has that part right ;)

[Siphen]

Do we have any specs on this mazdaspeed3?
I would think that adding a turbocharger and better exhaust to the current 2.3L Mazda3s/GT would get it up to 200+ hp, easy. If this is the case I would like to add these to my current mazda3s toward the end of this year!

[ashutoshsm]

Ummm - that stuff shold first EXIST (unless you want to custom make it - in which case - mad props!).

We 6i owners have been waiting patiently - although we're not complaining - for a first-year non-major-brand car, there is already LOADS of stuff for the 6 - and especially for the 6s! Exhausts, intakes, headers, brake kits, springs, struts, body kits and components, and of course the usual non-car-specific-stuff. Even strut braces, tower bars and flywheels are coming out now!

[gino]

Too bad we can't get the Alfa 147 GTA over here--3.2L NA V-6 cranking around 250 ponies at 7500. Three-door hatch with 6-speed CR paddle shifter, big alloys, fat rubber, Recaros, etc.

I wouldn't trade my '03 P5 for any Mazda 3, certainly not for the hatch, but would in a heartbeat for the 147 that I drove in Europe. Like the Second Coming when you stuff your foot into it. It'll take down any MP3 or MS I've seen or driven out of the hole. Pick the handling.

I love Mazdas--ichiban. But then, I also love Alfas. I have a much-modded magnifico '63 Spider with a NA 2.0L that cranks serious numbers--veloce! Much quicker than my 5, but the hatch outhandles it.

I'll see the GTA about the same time I see a killer JDM Mazda 3-door. (pissed)

[Siphen]

[QUOTE=gino]
I wouldn't trade my '03 P5 for any Mazda 3, certainly not for the hatch, but would in a heartbeat for the 147 that I drove in Europe. Like the Second Coming when you stuff your foot into it. It'll take down any MP3 or MS I've seen or driven out of the hole. Pick the handling.
[QUOTE]

Well before I purchased my mazda3s hatch, I test drove the 2003 protege5.
I'm sure if you tried it you might reconsider how superior in every way the Mazda3s is to the Protege5.
I'll spare us the boring side by side comparison of features on the p5 and m3s. (notcool)
I also had the opertunity to drive the mazda6i as a day loaner when my m3s was getting the alarm installed. Poorer handling then the m3s, added weight, weaker engine responce, burns more fuel and base price costs thousands more! Was I happy to finally get my m3s back (drinks)

Not sure how the Alfa Romeo 147 got drawn into the picture, there are two engines the 1.6 that delivers a whole 118hp, I would venture a guess that the m3s with it's 160hp would statistically outpreform this model. There is also the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA has a 3.2 litre 6 cylinder engine and tosses down 250hp, hardly fair to compare it to a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine.

Don't get me wrong I would also take the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA any day if they were giving them away, I purchased the m3s because it was by far the best total sport package for a compact car that you can buy for the price.

The equivalent of my car in autralia is the Mazda3SP23 Sticker is about $29,000
The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA Goes for about $58,000

[MidnightDreamer]

yea... i kinda hate to admit it, but it seems like us p5 and lx/es owners got the shaft... but we needed a car at the time, and so we had to get, I'm glad it was the protege, but I can't believe only 2 years later they bring this out.... and with such shitty depreciation on the car, i doubt there's anyway i could trade in for an es-gt equivalent of the 3... I'm so sad...

[nate0123]

I'm not sad, I've driven the 3 and.... (yawn)

I'll keep my ES, danke!

[gino]

Siphen--Well before I purchased my Mazda3s hatch, I test drove the 2003 Protege5. I'm sure if you tried it you might reconsider how superior in every way the Mazda3 is to the Protege5.
Prefer the P5 styling, particularly the hatch. Agree that the M3 is quicker stock, handles at least as well as the 5 and the interior is the best I've seen in a Mazda. Overall, more refined, but after wringing out a demo, not as much fun to drive as my P5, IMO.

I also had the opportunity to drive the Mazda6i as a day loaner when my M3s was getting the alarm installed. Poorer handling then the M3s, added weight, weaker engine response, burns more fuel and base price costs thousands more! Was I happy to finally get my M3s back.

Drove the Mazda 6 V-6 three times. That's why we bought Proteges. Like you, I'll take the M3s in a heartbeat over the Mazda6.

Not sure how the Alfa Romeo 147 got drawn into the picture, there are two engines the 1.6 that delivers a whole 118hp, I would venture a guess that the m3s with it's 160hp would statistically outperform this model. There is also the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA has a 3.2 litre 6 cylinder engine and tosses down 250hp, hardly fair to compare it to a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine.

Besides a Mazda nut, I'm an Alfisti. The 147 3-door (non-GTA) comes with 3 engines in Europe--the 1.6L Twin Spark at 118 HP as you note, the 2.0L Twin Spark @ 150 HP and the JDT 1.9L turbo diesel. The 2.0L in Euro tune will run with the MP3. Trust me, I drove one. I compare the V-6 GTA only because it's my choice and yes, it's pricey even in Italy.

Don't get me wrong, I would also take the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA any day if they were giving them away. I purchased the M3s because it was by far the best total sport package for a compact car that you can buy for the price.

Agree. That's why my wife and I bought an '03 ES and my '03 P5--the best bang for the buck we could get, all things considered. We ended up with two cars for $30K. Enjoy that MP3! :D

[Siphen]

I'm not sad, I've driven the 3 and.... (yawn)

I'll keep my ES, danke!

Try driving the mazda3 sport! Although it's got 10 less hp then your 626es, I would venture it would handle much better.The m3s is a compact as apposed to a mid-sedan and the engine in the m3s is 4 cylinder instead of 6. The added weight that they 626es would more then level the playing field. If I add an intake and cat-back I'm up to the 170hp with no added weight :)

Well it's good to see that the only cars people would wrather have over a mazda3 are cars that have more cylinders or are not even in it's class.

Mazda makes great cars period weather it be the 626, p5, or 3 they have really set the bar for affordable fun to drive vehicles!

[nate0123]

Try driving the mazda3 sport! Although it's got 10 less hp then your 626es, I would venture it would handle much better.The m3s is a compact as apposed to a mid-sedan and the engine in the m3s is 4 cylinder instead of 6. The added weight that they 626es would more then level the playing field. If I add an intake and cat-back I'm up to the 170hp with no added weight :)

Well it's good to see that the only cars people would wrather have over a mazda3 are cars that have more cylinders or are not even in it's class.

Mazda makes great cars period weather it be the 626, p5, or 3 they have really set the bar for affordable fun to drive vehicles!
(lol) that's a good one

I drive a Protege ES... how'd you come up with 626?

[MidnightDreamer]

Yea, i drive the ES too... ur car's pimped out tho lol... I wouldn't mind so much if I weren't driving with the auto... But .87g's compared to the .79g's our protege's can hold on the skidpad... to quote Car and Driver: ...makes the 3 more consistent with sports cars than econoboxes... I'm sure we'd have no problem holding our own on any twisties, but when it comes to city driving, I am seriously sick and tired of being outpowered by kiddy punks driving thier moms minivan... (sienna lol, 0-60 8.7 seconds....)

[Siphen]

(lol) that's a good one

I drive a Protege ES... how'd you come up with 626?


Well being as your post was so descriptive and I did not pay close enough attention to your profile, I took a guess. You didn't specify you drove a prot and I though you were driving a car that might be more powerful then the m3s. I didn't realise you were referancing that granny mobile[J/K (dark) ], should I rework my post to reflect the correction?

Heha, I'm joking, I'm joking, I'm runnin before p5 owners lynch me (burnout)

[MidnightDreamer]

Okie... so back to the main topic, I heard the same rumors as most other people... Mazdaspeed 3, AWD kikin close to 240hp turboed... I'm crossin my fingers... but a car like that'd proally be pretty expensive... Just out of curiousity, what will an RX8 hold on the skidpad? Just wanna compare it to the .87g's the 3 will hold.

[Siphen]

I'm thinking you can look to spend about 3g's to put a turbo in your existing mazda3s or gt (drive)

[Newf]

I'll say it again......if they make a Mazdaspeed 3 wagon......no more Mazda for me. I just have no interest in a hatch/wagon thing. considering I've bought the mp3 and then the speed, i think it's safe to say I'm part of the target consumer here..., granted they might gain a few other buyers that love the wagon style, but I think they'll loose some as well.

Question is, will they gain more then they lose? and is the gamble worth it given the success of the msp as it is? Shoud they limit themselves more by going with a "wagon", or are they hitting a different market with more potential. Will be interesting to see regardless, but I know my decision already.

What's ironic about all this is that originally, it was the p5 that attracted me to Mazda and got me into the showroom. I wanted a p5 1st, and the woman talked me out of it....and once I seen the mp3, the decision was easy.

[ashutoshsm]

Okie... so back to the main topic, I heard the same rumors as most other people... Mazdaspeed 3, AWD kikin close to 240hp turboed... I'm crossin my fingers... but a car like that'd proally be pretty expensive... Just out of curiousity, what will an RX8 hold on the skidpad? Just wanna compare it to the .87g's the 3 will hold.
Ummm - we DO all love all our Mazdas - but we should also all realize that the skidpad is NOT the end-all and be-all of performance and handling! Otherwise every Mazdaspeed Pro would be 99% as good as a Corvette Z06. For one third the cost. And that, IMnsHO, is not the case.

You want to compare such stats for equivalent/similar cars, built with similar purposes in mind, and with similar tyres. The RX-8 and any Pro/3/6 do not fit into that pigeonhole.

thatisall.

[ashutoshsm]

I wanted a p5 1st, and the woman talked me out of it....
I see.

Hmmm.

Yes, yes. You are the target demographic.

FYI, in Europe and Asia, the kick-ass version based on the 323 platform, since the demise of the 323 hatch of the late 80s, has always been the Familia - which, in the US, is referred to as the P5.

I say it doesn't matter which it is - although I have a feeling they'll come out with a hatch 'Speed first!

[Siphen]

The Mazda3Sport hatch made me become a new Mazda owner (cool)

[Newf]

Fine. They can come out with a hatch 1st....my speed is still new anyways :)

Then they can come out with a sedan version a little later that's even better (hopefully with any bugs fixed too ) and I'll get that.

Of course, what I really want is a Mazdaspeed 6. But I don't think I'll ever be able to afford it......no no scratch that what I REALLY want is a 2 door sport coupe ( not the miata! too damn small and pricey for what it is) Fuck this 4 door sedan family hauler grocery getter shit. MAzda! Bring back the MX-6! or something similar. They call themselves the sporty car maker....and yet we have no real sports coupes that can compete in the same class ( meaning 2 door coupes, I'm not talking performance before you some of you take a hissy fit )with an Acura rsx, the deceased Prelude(wimper) , The accord coupe, heck even the ugly SI hatch is 2 door (technically it's "3" I know). And that's just Honda, look at other manufacturer's, most pretty much have some sort of "affordable" 2 door coupe but not Mazda....no.....we sell 4 doors only. Boring.

Imagine, some sort of 2 door Mazda 6 to compete with the ugly ass Accord Coupe...drool. My father just bought the new v6 coupe for this very reason. He didn't buy a Mazda because he doesn't want a 4 door. Loves the cars....just don't want 4 doors. Mazda is lucky that it's protege/6 and now 3 look so damn sweet even in 4 door configurations. The mp3 was my 1st 4 door, and I'll admit there is a bit of convenience to it. That being said, I'd still rather have a more sporty 2 door.

Anyhow, back on topic. Yes, the 3 is a gorgeous little car. And the hatch is really cute.... i don't really care if the wagon is popular in some other part of the world or even here for that matter......i want a sedan at the very least...nuff said.

End Rant.

[StuttersC]

I see.

Hmmm.

Yes, yes. You are the target demographic.

FYI, in Europe and Asia, the kick-ass version based on the 323 platform, since the demise of the 323 hatch of the late 80s, has always been the Familia - which, in the US, is referred to as the P5.

I say it doesn't matter which it is - although I have a feeling they'll come out with a hatch 'Speed first!
That's not accurate...

The Familia is only the Japan name. In Europe it is the 323f, and in Australia it is the 323 Astina...

[Brian MP5T]

Yuck!