I recently saw the new 2003.5 MSP. It has color coded mirrors and is available in a silver color and yellow. It didnt look too terribly different at the NY auto show (where i first saw it) Any body know if there are any 'real' changes (drivetrain, interior appointments, etc.) Thanks

 

The front bumper is different. It doesn't have the foglights.

 

it's mainly a cosmetic refresh, the go fast parts are the same as 2003 ones

 

And therein lies the problem...

 

Only three things different, the fog lights are gone on the new model theyareactually air intakes for the engine now. The fin on the back trunk is a little bit different, and there are four new colors now. The Black and the orange are done, now they have yellow, blue, silver, and grey metalic

 

All the Sparco stuff is gone, replaced with "Mazdaspeed" parts (I don't know where they got them from, but they are different). Different rims and body kit. Same stereo, same seats, same steering wheel, but the quality of the Mazdaspeed stuff feels better than the Sparco equipment that was originally in it.

 

The holes in the front cowl are to cool the brakes and not the engine. Other than that, I guess they felt it looked better. I miss the fog lights myself. Other than the sparco stuff going away, the colors are different and the rear spoiler is taller and more along the lines of the Lancer or WRX STi. I'd rather have the '03 in black thank you.
I really wish they would make a mazdaspeed P5 or at least in the next 2 years...a MAZDASPEED Sportiff.
Word is, next vehicle to get the MAZDASPEED treatment is the Me-chatta! (Miata) Keep your eyes peeled for that one.

 

i have recently test drove a 03.5 and the clutch feels stiffer thats about the only "performace" thing i have felt i own a 03 spicy orange and will keep it i dont like the yellow stiching AT ALL!. i do like the wing.

 

I thought the 2003.5 MSP has a different spoiler on it? Is that true.....I have not seen one yet at my dealer or on the road but I thought the pics I have seen had a different spoiler on it.

-R

 

they need to beef up the performance alittle in order to compete with the $20k SRT-4 and the $17k focass SVT. Since the thing tops teh $20k price it should be around 210hp. i would loooove to pick up a MSP when i'm done with my '99 but for the price i may have to go WRX or hold out for an rx-8/STI/Evo????

Oh yeah, my next car is gonna be black....i have to have my night rider car!!!

 

I just bought an 03 Black MSP yesterday, after driving an 03.5 yellow one and i have to say that I think the sparco equipment is better than the Mazdaspeed. The 03.5 **** **** is a little cheaper and not very comfortable to shift, the peddles just say "Mazdaspeed" on them instead of sparco, and the yellow stiching everywhere was pretty gross. I have to say I'm extremely happy with my 03 Black mazdaspeed wouldn't want anything else.

 

I'm not fond of the stitching either. But I looked at a 2003 in Spicy Orange and I hated it. Paint looked dirt cheap. Still don't care for the material they used on the seats. You would think Mazda could upgrade the cloth a bit at that price point. As for the Sparco vs. Mazdaspeed I would chalk that up to personal preference.

 

Laser blue and Sunlight Silver will also be interim colors (2003.75?) for the MSP. It looks ugly with that nose clip on it, like someone smacked it upside the chin!

 

I would love to see it in the silver variations. I like the new front bumper.
________
WASHINGTON DISPENSARIES

 

LOL

You can't GET a rx-8/STI/EVO OR WRX "for the money." (2003 WRX trimmed out = $25k here & each of the others is north of $30k)

As for the SRT/SVT...
<shrug>
I would MUCH rather have the MSP than either, regardless of being slower in the straights. IMHO the MSP looks, feels, handles and sounds like EASILY $3k more car than these guys.

Plus, as soon as someone works out our little problem with uber-rich a/f mixture, the scene will be a little different.