I'm impressed. Remind me, does the Protege goes :bye: ? I hope not.

 

 

I thought I remembered hearing that the 3 would replace the Protege at the end of its lifespan here. But with the MP5 and the MazdaSpeed Protege currently in production, I don't trust my memory on this. That's what I was wondering/ worrying about.

 

Oh heck... I reread the other thread and I guess I brainfarted. :exnbp:

 

i agree, mazda's doing nice things lately. i hope the protege gets killed, or gets a good make-over. the protege 5 i like a lot, but the regular sedan *looks* wimpy - especially the back.

however i think their "signature" front end design is bullshit, because i think honda was doing it at around the same time or before they started doing it. i'm talking about the 5-point grille... not that either of them necessarily invented it, but i thought it was more of a honda trait before mazda came along and started using it.

anyways, the "unvieled" version looks very similar to the concept. different grille, door handles, front bumper & body kit... but those are slight cosmetic adjustments. maybe the concept will arise as another model of the 3, like a sportier one or something... we also need to see more angles to be sure they didn't change anything else

 

i like it but won't get it as it shares most of its components with ford just like the mazda 6 will

only mazda i'd consider again is a rx-8 but my wife and i are really anticipating the next tl (if it has awd and ~300hp it will replace our civic)

 

It was my impression that the 3 would replace the Protege for good. It doesn't really matter as its only a name change for the new car.

About the grill - it looks exactly like the optional "sport grille" available on the 6. Perhaps regular versions will get a more toned down facia instead.

 

Just keep in mind, the grill is the same style as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, aka Mazda6 in North America. So the US version will most likely get a different grill similar to the Mazda6. The Mazda3 will replace the Protege. Also consider the Protoge was a numeric name 5 years ago (323). Already stated, it will share platform with the next generation Ford Focus. The motor is a 2.0L. No words on power yet.

 

JDM Mazda Atenza

 

You can find a sneak peek on Mazda's website under "UPCOMING VEHICLES". It says engine options are 2.0L and 2.3L. Rumour has it that the 2.0L puts out 150hp and the 2.3L is bumped to 170hp.