rocketman

I saw on some web site (forget the name) but they said that the new mazda 3 (323/protege) is getting the 2.3L engine from the mazda 6. well im guessing that is good. maybe a little more power for us. but my real question is, are they changing the name to mazda 3 and does anyone know if there changing the body style or what there are changing if anything?

ZoomZoomH

it'll be a brand new car.

that means EVERYTHING will be changed.

rocketman

hmm, i hope it has some what the same body shape. That one of the things that actracted me to the protege.

funkdaddysmack

From some "possible" Mazda 3 pics I've seen, they look a lot like the 6... Which is ok, but I don't think it fits on a smallers car. The protege's are sleek and compact, I don't want a big bulky look, but I don't have much say unfortunately.... Here's the pic I was talking about:

http://www.autotriti.gr/PAGES/44_200...7&magazineID=2

THEGOLDPRO

they look sweet as hell

ZoomZoomH

the answer is both.

It is the 4th generation Protege (now renamed Mazda 3), but it is so different from the current Protege that it could be considered a whole new car. Sort of like how the current model Civics are completely different cars from the previous generation Civic (even though they carry the same name badge)

ok now I'm confused as hell too

jstand6

The Mazda3 will sit on a totally new platform to be shared with the new Ford Focus (don't worry, the two cars will be totally different... kind of like the Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-type, Ford Thunderbird, and the 2005 Mustang - click here for spy shots - all of which sit on the same platform). It will have new engines, new trannies, new suspension, new body, new interior, new chassis... basically, a whole new car. It is actually the 10th generation of the car (starting with the 1963 Mazda Familia)... and the 8th generation to be sold here in North America (starting with R100, GLC, 323, Protege, Mazda3). For a brief history of the Protege, see this yet-to-be-finished page on my site.

jstand6

I'm sure Mazda doesn't even know that yet. I would imagine it would start near the pricing of a Protege LX. The base price for the high-end (2.3L) model would have to start below that of the Mazda6 i at $19,050. That is a wide range... it would be more upscale than the current Protege, but they have to keep price in-line with the competition. There is talk that they will introduce a lower-priced line (Mazda2?) to battle the Koreans (Hyundai, Kia).

martialcomp

http://www.automotive-online.com/veh...aunchdates.htm

Looks like we may see the 3 next year. I am a little surprised that we have not seen more main stream info yet.

Another site suggests November 2003.

http://www.autovisie.nl/autos2003.xml

martialcomp

I agree that the Mazda 3 (probably ES) will probably be the 2.3 liter.

The size of the car demonstrates a need for a larger, more powerful engine.

The 2.3 looks like it might be excellent. It runs on regular unleaded, shows 160 hp at 6000 rpm and 155 ft pounds of torque at 4000 rpm.

Hopefully, the Mazda 3 will retain the handling prowess of the current Protege as well as the superior look and feel that the current model has.

The EPA ratings look decent as well. This is important because most car manufacturers have increased power at the expense of MPG for years. IMHO, this is a trend that needs to change. People buying teenager MPG sedans and sub teen MPG trucks as their primary means of transportation is a trend that needs to change.