Mazda3 TS2 Sedan & 5D Hatchback
08-26-2003, 11:43 PM
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I'm quite a mazda fan too, so, velfarretokyo, you're not alone. I actually prefer alot of the newer Mazda over other brands. I think the Mazda3 will be a good competitor and will be pushing the bar on compact cars. Standard 4 wheel disc brakes, available in leather and Navigation System to name a few. It will also comes with 160HP and 153ft-lb of TQ. So it should be a great performer as well. If this has 160HP, i can't wait to see the next MSP or should I say, Mazdaspeed3. Either way, it would be quite nice and fun little car with luxury to boot.
I know we all prefer Mazda to be independent from Ford, but it w/out Ford, we won't be able to see these nice new cars. At least Ford is just raiding Mazda parts. Just as long as the design are Japanese, I don't mind too much if Ford go ahead and borrow them. It'll just give Mazda a bigger chance to sell it for a little cheaper due to parts sharing.
I know we all prefer Mazda to be independent from Ford, but it w/out Ford, we won't be able to see these nice new cars. At least Ford is just raiding Mazda parts. Just as long as the design are Japanese, I don't mind too much if Ford go ahead and borrow them. It'll just give Mazda a bigger chance to sell it for a little cheaper due to parts sharing.
08-27-2003, 07:21 AM
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I can see past Ford's ownership in the company, although I would never buy anything with a Ford-based powertrain.
The new 3 looks very nice. I see a lot of Millenia/6 in the front end.
The new 3 looks very nice. I see a lot of Millenia/6 in the front end.
08-27-2003, 09:03 AM
#13
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Me likey. :thumbup:
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08-27-2003, 09:23 AM
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This car will be the new standard for compacts I believe. It's 160hp engine, avilable navigation, leather, and xenon lights, and its superb handling (I'm assuming from what I've read) will make it the benchmark in its class.
08-28-2003, 09:18 AM
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Mazda3 TS2 5D Hatchback
This one looks great. Taillights from the Sportif and the oddly shaped rear hatch aren't my thing, but it looks to be a worthy successor to the P5. I hope it comes to the USA in the first MY. Interior is awesome. From AutoExpress:
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.
Pictures
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.
Pictures