Im thinking of getting a 3 for my wife. The dealer has 06s and 07s. The price difference is not enough to really make a difference to us.

I cant really find a list anywhere of the changes. Can anyone point me to one or at least give me a rundown?

This will be for the 2.3 with the 5 speed auto.

 

I've seen only one '07 on the road so far. The only difference was a slight change on the hood design, different front grill, new fog lights, uglyer wheels, and I've heard that AUX outputs come standard. I don't know if there's more changes.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=54444.new
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/...lift-in-depth/

 

different front bumper, grill, fogs, wheels, clear tails on all models, LED tails available on 4-door GT trim, 3.5mm aux input, second 12v DC outlet, different seat covers, rear seat armrest, TPMS standard (all 2007 cars).

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

 

yeah those new wells are ugly, I prefer the 5 points star wheels on the stock 2006

 

I'm not a big fan of the "snowflake" 17" wheels they have now, though the 16" ones don't look that bad.

I thought of another thing. The 3i now gets white faced gauges with red/blue illumination, plus a wood grain dash strip.

 

white faced gauges with red/blue illumination >YES<
plus a wood grain dash strip. >NO<

.02 Dollars...

 

Traction control now available (might be standard, not sure on that), and a change from 4 year BTB with the '06 to 3 year BTB and 5 year powertrain warranty.

Andrew Beard

 

Warranty changes on the '07, I forget exactly what. It's not good for the owner-grab an '06.

 

I just got back from my mazda dealer and the 07 does have a standard Aux plugin, its inside the middle glove compartment, ya know in between the seats, i thought it was a weird place myself.

question

If i get a a new head unit could i possibly still use the standard aux unit in the 07 already? or does it have to be a certain compatibility...., any information would be nice, thank you.

 

If you replace the stereo with an aftermarket I doubt the aux in would still work. Just like you won't be able to view your stations, etc. on the OEM LCD. Most aftermarket stereos come with aux. inputs anyway, so just buy one that does.

 

I have the '06 and after reading the specs on the '07 at mazdausa's website, here's what I notice on the 5 door:

The stereo now has a jack to plug in an ipod or other mp3 device. Looks like they actually put the plug in the center console! So, you'll have a cord routing from your console to the device. This would be okay if you havea cupholder style ipod/mp3 holder.

They've cut the horsepower down to 156. I forget now what it is on the '06. It might be a big higher..

The new wheels look are different and I think I like the ’06 better for sure.

I don't think the seats are blue/black or red/black anymore..just plain black. I'm not a fan of that move. The blue/red style looks realy cool on the '06.

They've added the Tire Pressure Monitoring system standard. This is a nice safety feature, but this has to be reset every time you play with the wheels. That may not be good for a DIY'er.

The look of the front spoiler and fog lights is different.

And, most importantly..the 'winning blue' changed to 'aurora blue.' I think they made it darker..to an almost purpley color. Why? Instead of saying 'get out of my way' it says 'excuse me, may I pass?'

 

I'm actually taking delivery of a ‘07 Mazda3 on Tuesday! This thread prompted me to join if only to mention that the seats, while predominantly black, do have red accents peeking out through the mesh fabric. IMO, much classier than the outgoing model. I didn't see any "aurora blue" models on any of the lots I was on, I will get the "phantom blue" paint on mine. The wheels leave somthing to be desired, but all-in-all I am totally psyched to take her home!

\m/

 

Congratulations!

Andrew Beard

 

the HP change isnt a HP change. Its a difference in the SAE hp rating. If you notice almost every car on the market has lower numbers. Some manufactures have slightly revamped things to up the power so the number doesnt go lower.

 

I'm really glad I picked up my 3s in August as an '06. I'm not impressed with the changes made to the '07 at all. I don't like the new fogs, the new alloys are hideous, and I can't believe they got rid of Strato Blue! That's my color and was one of the big sellers for me. It's an awesome color and they ditched it.

The one thing I wish I had was the auxiliary jack for my iPod, but I can live without it now that I have Sirius. Oh, and I'm not happy that they made all of the model's tail lights clear lens.