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First Mazda 3 Review (Euro spec)

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    First Mazda 3 Review (Euro spec)

    From: Auto Express

    Mazda 3 TS2 five-door

    In a competition to find the world's most industrious car manufacturer, Mazda would be a dead certainty. The Japanese company has been undergoing a massive brand transition, the central aim being to launch four all-new models in only 18 months.

    It started with the 6 family car last summer, followed by the 2 supermini in the spring. A month ago, the RX-8 sports coupé landed, and now the final piece of the puzzle is being slotted into place with the arrival of the 3 compact hatchback. This car has the hardest task of all - to take on and beat rivals including the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Renault Mégane.

    We have been drip-fed information ever since the MX Sportif concept of the 3 was unveiled at March's Geneva Motor Show. Six months later, and the production car is about to take a bow at the Frankfurt expo in two weeks' time - but even before its debut, we've managed to sneak an exclusive first drive.

    Mazda's designers have yet to pen a duff shape. The 'Zoom-zoom' mentality that created the 6 is still working its magic - the 3 looks sleek and appears long and low compared to its rivals. The distinctive nose is instantly recognisable as a blend of both 6 and 2, while the rear benefits from a strong shoulder line over the wheels and a sculpted tailgate. It's a safe, well executed design.

    Inside, the same influences are on display and the 3 bears an uncanny resemblance to its big brother. This is no bad thing, as it means drivers enjoy a fine seating position and user-friendly layout. On the downside, the style is not particularly fresh and the materials aren't of as high quality as those found in the Volkswagen Golf, for example.

    Neither does the car set new standards for interior space. Passengers will be comfortable, but would fare better in one or two rivals. This is surprising, as the 3 is the best indicator yet of what we can expect from Ford's next Focus.

    That's because, along with the Focus C-MAX and forthcoming Volvo S40, the Mazda uses the same platform. It also borrows engines from the blue oval - 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol powerplants are confirmed, as are two TDCi diesels. We drove the 150bhp 2.0 petrol car.

    On the road, it's immediately obvious what advances this platform offers - ride comfort and refinement. The engine feels smooth and strong, and it never becomes too intrusive. It's mated to a five-speed manual that slides silkily through the gate, giving easy access to decent performance - the 0-60mph dash takes nine seconds.

    Punchy enough to test the capable chassis, the 2.0 unit is well mannered, but otherwise unexciting. Still, the 3 is a breeze to drive, with well weighted controls and prompt responses. Initial impressions also suggest it rides well. With a softer set-up than the 6 (and the current Focus, for that matter), the emphasis is more on comfort. Don't get us wrong, the 3 is very competent, but the steering does not offer the incisive turn-in or flat cornering attitude of the 6.

    While it has its faults, the Mazda is a big step forward from the unloved 323. Expect aggressive pricing and generous kit. A saloon will follow, too (see our spy shots in Issue 767) - designed to tackle the SEAT Toledo and VW Bora, it may even get the 164bhp 2.3-litre unit.
    __________

    Handling sounds kind of disappointing, but that could differ between European and N. American models. Lets hope so.

    Oh, and they obviously got the engine part backwards. Ford always gets the credit
    -Chris
    '02 Black Mica LX

    #2
    it says the current 323 (aka Protege) is unloved


    '04 Titanium RX-8

    Comment


      #3
      well it is ..
      I have to tell you , the mazda 3 sedan photo's that I have seen ,,, shoot they make me want to run out and buy one.. and as cheap as I am ....
      photo album|photo album 2 (pbase)

      dbest1a AT yahoo DOT com

      Comment


        #4
        will we get a better tuned version...here the protege is known for its suspension...it sounds as thats not true on the european model

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by reefruner5
          will we get a better tuned version...here the protege is known for its suspension...it sounds as thats not true on the european model
          I'm hoping we will, I really thought Mazda was serious about maintaining an edge in the handling department. This is what makes me think the suspensions are tuned differently in Europe and N. America.

          While it has its faults, the Mazda is a big step forward from the unloved 323.
          Unloved? Certainly not a word used to describe our beloved Proteges.
          -Chris
          '02 Black Mica LX

          Comment


            #6
            Well, if it handles like crap in Europe, it's not gonna get any better for the US. Normally when they send things over here handling gets worse to satisfy us fat lazy Americans who like to eat breakfast and have 20OZ drinks on the way to work every morning.

            I seriously hope this review was a fluke or something because all Mazda is about is handling. That's what sets the Protege apart from every other small car out there....why would they want to change this for the new 3?

            Bah.
            Clint/1999 "Sport20"

            Comment


              #7
              You have to remember that they did not like the 323 and also they liked the 6. I found that it was the opposite here. Reviewers loved the 323/Ps/P5s but they were not too fond of the 6s. The handling they did not like. I think that their handling is not as good as it is here. Could also be a cheaper car in Europe as there it is either a sport car, luxury car, or compact cheap car. Might have gone to a cheaper style to suit the industry there.

              I love the 3s and at first glance, and after looking at the specs (like the 2.3L engine... wow). It looks like a killer car. When is that Frankfurt show... I want an estimate on a price so I know what I need to save for a down payment.
              98 Pro- Now with custom bass box w/ 2, dual coil Alpine S10's, RF 900 watt amp, custom neon interior/exterior. Coming soon - Everything ripped out for winter (horray!.... :-( )

              Comment


                #8
                Re: First Mazda 3 Review (Euro spec)

                Originally posted by cjb200
                From: Auto Express

                the 0-60mph dash takes nine seconds.

                thats about the same as my 93 dx. *sigh*
                I still like it though. Just itching for a mazdaspeed 3? pleeeeez?
                '93 protege DX 5 spd.

                yo mammy

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Re: First Mazda 3 Review (Euro spec)

                  Originally posted by Tai Mai Shu
                  thats about the same as my 93 dx. *sigh*
                  I still like it though. Just itching for a mazdaspeed 3? pleeeeez?
                  That time is with the 2.0L engine. If Mazda kept the weight down onthe 3, the 2.3L should do much better.
                  -Chris
                  '02 Black Mica LX

                  Comment


                    #10
                    The way i figure it, since the engine/(tranny???) is being shared with ford, there WILL be a turbo kit for it sooner or later.

                    I'm guessing there's going to be a pretty damn good aftermarket for this hunny. I'm hoping anyway!
                    Dan
                    dreesemonkey

                    Comment


                      #11
                      its going to weigh more though. that sucks and they better not give it crappy handling. that would really go against the company's philosophy.
                      '96 LX baby
                      Next car: Miata. And after that...Rotary...
                      Mazdas Rule The Automobile World
                      "It Just Feels Right"
                      <IMG src="http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~bsong1/CARS/104-0401_IMG.bmp">

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