Mazda 3/Protege
 

Check this thread on my board to see lots of pics of the 5 door wagon. You can register and post comments if ya want.

http://turbocars.kytroweb.com/viewto...asc&highlight=

Thanks :D

um, it looks like a cross btwn a civic and golf. wtf? mazda was doing so well with putting out cars that look cool and somewhat "original". well, looks like i'm not selling my 5 anytime soon. gotta keep the "cool"... :)

I like the taillights and dual exhaust.... is that going to be a 2.3 L V6?

I really hate the grill. That's the only thing, really, short of the tail lights that I don't like about the car.

2.3L I-4

Gotta say - me likes!

I like the "branding" of it - it has a very similar look to Mazdas newest models, like the RX-8 and the 6. Especially in the taillights, which I do think look sharp.

Overall, thumbs up :bt:. Let's hope they keep it cost efficient, and as good a value as the Protege.

BUT - one thing I DON'T like - while the dash carries the theme of the Mazda6, that means it's got an "integrated" audio system. This *might* make for much tougher DIY installs, especially when we all know that specific dash kits will not come out for a while. And who knows what it'll be like to work on a radio that shares its display with other things like the HVAC system. We'll see I suppose.

Just read up on how many guys are having a tough time with new Accord installs - same kind of integrated audio, I believe.

But - nice car. I'll be waiting anxiously!

~HH

I have to say, that Mazda 3 is really sharp. When it hits the market I get the feeling that my 2002.5 P5 is going to look really dated. Hopefully by the time these hit the market I won't be upside-down on my ride since I got it at 0% interest. I think it will be time for a new ride when the 3 hits the market.

What'll the sedan look like?
 

I must say that I am quite impressed with the pics I have seen of the new Mazda3 (nee P5) wagon prototype -- the broad fender haunches, Mazda6-like headlights and taillights seem totally appropriate for this car. However, I just can't get my mind around the rearward-canted side windows -- is this supposed to remind us of the RX-8? Because, unfortunately, it reminds me of the current Pontiac Vibe, '80s Mercury Cougar, '70s AMC Ambassador and '60s Studebaker Avanti. Not working for me.

According to the article on TheCarConnection.com, the new 3 line will include hatchbacks, sedan and wagon, much like the upcoming Ford Focus it shares a platform with, and judging by the spy photo shown there, the rear doors seem to have been Focusized (meaning they don't curve up over the rear wheel opening, a Protege trademark since 1990) and the rear overhang has been chopped greatly. Hope the new 3 sedan doesn't end up losing the rest of its signature look and becoming an ugly Focus sedan clone. :(

I want to replace my Gen3 someday -- if the new sedan is too ugly guess I'll have to go 6...

nice very nice, but i definately want to see the sedan

remember Focus is a benchmark for econo mid size car in Europe where it is the toughest market in the world.
I'm glad Mazda3 will share suspension with next gen Focus , that rear multi link set up will be best in it's class.
We have a winner comming from MAZDA.
Mazda3 will be build in Japan so dont worry about quality it will be as good as anything in it's class.

oh thank goodness!! it will still be built in Japan. :D the styling is absolutely amazing. the only thing they need to work on is fuel efficiency. it needs to get better especially in todays world.
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Bigbodyhot live

I'm pretty sure they won't share a suspension. I think I remember hearing each vehicle on this platform will get it's own. I could be wrong though.

i like the car a lot except for the grill / hood / bumper i can't stand how that looks but otherwise i like the car a lot, but i'm planing on trying to bag an rx7 some time so any extra money is going that way

i like. :bt:

Might take a little time to get use to......i'd like to see the sedan.

go mazda, go mazda, go mazda,

Hell yeah, I love it, damn, it looks good
Sure, it will need a little to get used to, but I am already in love with it.

I don't know about you guys, but I still remember when mazda used to suck, and everybody used to think it is a piece of junk

I have to admit, Mazda has came a long way, and they are doing an awesome job.
Keep it up
mazda3
mazda6
Rx-8

sweet rides!!:bt: