June 25, 2003 - Mazda Axela/Mazda 3

[mtoh]

Got this article from Auto Express.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?news/ae_news...ry.php?id=38890
Mazda Puts The Boot In On 3

The 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

[Duncan]

Originally posted by ///BHRpowered@Jul 2 2003, 09:00 PM
I love how when the mods or anyone says any **** thing thy want in a news topic it just goes on and on, yet I start to talk about my weekend in te lounge ad it gets locked. mazkid, I put zoom zoom inmy sig because im tired of mazda use it under mini-vans and what not on all there ads.

1) This is a constructive argument about cars, and specifically about Mazdas. So it belongs here, and can reasonably be allowed to continue in its current form.

2) Show me the topic that was locked -- I don't remember that particular one. (Maybe I was out? )

3) "Zoom Zoom" is the company's main tag line -- no, it doesn't exactly work with all of Mazda's vehicles, but it does represent what their cars are all about.

Finally, to get back to the Mazda3 -- no, it probably won't be the fastest or best car in its class. But you can be **** sure it'll be the most fun to drive and (possibly) the most interesting. It's already gotten a great deal of publicity, and given the good qualities of its Mazda6 parent I expect that it will receive a great deal more once the world gets their hands on it.

Duncan

[wkukyle]

Since Mazda released pictures of the MX Sportif at the auto show a couple months ago and expressing the Protege replacement would resemble the MX, I have been searching for pics. The only pics are of the 3 hatchback (which is replacing the Protege5). MazdaUSA.com only has the hatchback photos on their Upcoming Vehicles page. Apparently Mazda has not released photos of the sedan.

But after searching Google like a fiend, I found a website in Dutch (I think). Luckily, I didn't have to know Dutch to view the page, and lo and behold, there were two pics of the Mazda3 sedan, a front view, and back view. The badging on the trunk says Mazda3, so I hope these are going to be the actual production vehicles. Here is the link for anyone that reads Dutch...

http://www.autoweek.nl/forum/read.php?f=12...i=14079&t=14079

[Necessity]

Good god, it's the mini-6! I must have one!

[wkukyle]

I'll be the first one in line at Evansville Mazda if that's what it looks like. I want a yellow one.

[MazKid]

****!!!! It looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Definatly the mini 6, and since it will be coming with the 2.3 160hp I4, it's gonna have plenty of power.

Can't wait till Mazda releases more info, Mazda surely is reinventing themself with amazing world class products.

[mtoh]

the car booth looks very short, when the relative proportion is compare to the 6..... mmmmm

[mtoh]

Hey guys, got some nice pics of the Mazda3 Sedan + Hatch
check it out

[mtoh]

more pics

[Fr8bearz]

Well that looks really nice. Now I know what to look forward to when it is time to trade the Protege in. If they do offer the 2.3 from the 6 then that will address the biggest complaint I have had about my car, well second biggest, the biggest is the insane depreciation, but the extra power will be a welcome change.