http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-3_facelift/

Mazda3 Facelift - Enhanced Design, Quality, Comfort and Performance

Since its launch in 2003, Mazda3 has become Mazda's best-selling vehicle and the company has even had to increase production to meet global demand. To further enhance its global popularity, Mazda has refreshed its compact star's line-up in a 2006 version with enhanced design and comfort, optimized performance and even higher levels of interior quality feel. New exterior enhancements to both the modern and elegant sedan and the sporty hatchback further support a standard Mazda3 line up with two distinct models for customers to choose from. The Mazda3 face-lift's petrol engine line up features three MZR aggregates - a 2.0-litre, a 1.6-litre, and a base 1.4-litre (depending on market offer) - all of them further optimized so the model can continue to be one of the better driving cars in its segment and adds a new six-speed transmission for the top-end petrol. The Mazda3 facelift retains the two derivatives of the MZCD 1.6-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine for European customers (depending on market offer), both offering high torque and power with low diesel fuel consumption. Added to this are enhancements to the body shell along with improved damper performance and improved aerodynamics for even better handling, stability and driving fun. Overall comfort has also been improved with more insulation against road noise, revised tyres and reduced suspension vibration. Features newly added to the line up, like available advanced keyless entry and a 20 gigabyte hard disc drive audio system (depending on market offer), make the Mazda3 facelift even easier to use and enjoy on a daily basis.

 

I don't know about Mazda's reliability nowadays, but they are making some of the best looking cars. This Mazda 3 isn't boring like Corolla and not fugly like the new Civic. Thumbs up to Mazda.

P.S.

The RX8 and Miata are still kinky though, S2k is much better.

 

i had a protege5 and it was a nice looking and handling car...the engine was typical for them and 10 years behind the competitors but they got away with displacement

the quality of it isn't very good as at 20k miles i was ready to get rid of it for fear of all the problems that were cropping up...would take 2/3 times a try to start it in the winter, tranny would pop out of 3rd on every 5th shift into it, clutch chatter, a/c wound up getting less powerful (maybe a leak or something), and the interior did not look as high quality after 5k miles

 

I had one for a rental, it was actually alot nicer than I had anticipated, and I actually like the look of the refresh. If it weren't for the questionable reliability, it would be definitely what I would consider buying if I were looking in that particular segment.

 

ah, what did they do to the hatch's fogs. those black surrounds make it look cheap as hell. the new rims don't look too hot either. ms3 is :yumyum:

 

I have to say I am impressed thus far with my Mazdaspeed 6. No problems. I only put 6k miles on it though so we will see. Its a solid car and I think she will be fine in the reliablility department. If not, thats what the 4 year 50k warranty is for.

 

I've always been partial to the Mazda3 sedan. h: The lower grille and foglight surrounds would look better painted body-color, but that is a relatively easy fix. Overall, the refresh looks good. The tail-lights are still rather fussy, but I'm nit-picking. h:

Any word on the release of the MazdaSpeed3? :dunno:

 

Your prayers have been answered....http://www.caranddriver.com/article....ticle_id=10707

"To celebrate the successful and well-regarded Mazda 3's three-year mid-cycle refresh, Mazda is introducing the Mazdaspeed 3. This hotted-up 3 combines the turbocharged 2.3-liter DISI direct-injection four-cylinder engine (making more than 250 hp in this guise) from the long-delayed Mazaspeed 6 with the 3's smaller five-door hatchback body and front-wheel drive only (the Mazdaspeed 6 has all-wheel drive). Top speed is limited to 155 mph and Mazda claims a 6.1-second time for 0-100 km/h (62 mph). The suspension setup is significantly stiffer than the standard 3's (which is already no marshmallow), but it remains to be seen how well this chassis will handle the massive 280 lb-ft of torque; the few European hatchbacks with this amount of twist are pretty unruly, especially when equipped, as this Mazda is, with a limited-slip differential. We're bracing ourselves for the torque-steer. "

 

The ergonomics on that car are a disaster.

 

It looks exactly the same to me.