First Impressions
 

I picked up my MS3 (Cosmic Blue) on Tuesday; traded in a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T.

I'm still babying it a bit, but clearly this is a beast waiting to be unleashed. I'll have a CAI and catback exhaust installed in a few weeks (on back order) at the dealer, Brown's Alexandria in VA. Then, WOW!

Better than the Audi:

• No brake dust
• Gauges easier to read in daylight
• Brake grab
• Larger rearview mirrors
• Acceleration
• Stock sound
• Stereo and 6-CD changer

Worse than the Audi:

• I don't like the harsher feel of low-profile tires
• FWD steering vs. AWD steering
• Seperate key and remote unit; Audi's is integrated

So it's been a great four days and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.

im pretty sure you can get the integrated key.....
you do mean the buttons are on the key themselves right??
cuz you can get a mazda flipkey... which is very james bond like :D

I have a MS6 and an Audi right now. They are both great cars in their respective classes. The audi has an amazingly soft ride on the interstate and the luxury features are awesome. However I tried to take a turn at about 45mph and almost slid out of my seat into the passenger seat.

friggin german cars...

Right, the MS3 seats/bolsters have it all over the Audi.

Wish the MS3 had oil temp and voltmeter gauges though. I keep looking at the dash to check those things.

Also, IIRC from the manual, I can't believe that Mazda use batteries in '07 cars that require us to check the electrolyte level!

Two things to do immediately:

One, you mentioned the hard ride. Check your tire pressure when cold. The factory and the dealerships max the tires out. I found mine set at 48psi each. Readjust to the number on the left outside door sill, and see how you feel then. Also, keep in mind the ride smooths out after a few Kmiles, because all the parts break in.

Two, FWD sucks. I agree. Wait,..thats not really a thing to do, but I had to say it.

Oh, and if you want to make the audio better, I've kinda got this car figured out. LMK if you want some advice on this one. P.S. it involves not replacing the head unit. Too integrated. P.P.S. The brake dust issue...Oh just wait.

Tire pressure's fine. I think it's the "new" thing. I'm fine with the audio. As to the FWD, I figure snows all round plus traction control and stability control should get me through the winter, which isn't that bad in the DC area--except for the fact that mostly we get sleet, freezing rain, etc., which no car can handle. That's when we all work at home!