I'm going to automatically assume that the Mazda6 and CX-5 will be getting the same infotainment system by Aha (Harmon Kardon) in perhaps 2015? The current Sanyo/TomTom unit was already a generation behind when it released for the 2013 CX-5 in '12. Much needed update because of its problematic navi and system speed equivalent to watching paint dry.

I thought the SkyActiv-D oil dilution problem was preventing North American release...

 

They announced when the 6 was coming out that the D version would follow a year later for the US market.

Paul.

 

I knew it would like it better than the 6, the design looks better on a shorter wheelbase.

 

Not digging the gauges or radio setup :/ everything else looks pretty nice though. It's a definite step in the right direction.

 

No was always doing to be delayed, mainly production and then marketing.
Hence Speedsource to get the SKYACTIV CLEAN DIESEL 'out there'.
It is never going be a huge seller initially in US and the diesel market % is very, very small when compared to gas (in passenger cars).

The dilution issue was a few problems, however, most of it was because owners not driving cars long enough, also Mazda updated software to DPF burn off sooner and not be so sensitive with warning light trigger.

I have not heard of any further problems since software update...(not that I have looked).

BUT, I am concerned about North American owners buying a Diesel and not knowing how to use and treat it...NO diesel engined car of any brand should ever be used for less that about 20 minutes...but, I can see major problems happening early on which could kill it for a while...as people do not listen, salesmen don't care.

Plus I don't know how Mazda are going to get around asking US owners to check their oil levels every 1000 miles as they do in all other countries.
It is hard enough getting rotary owners to listen and do.

 

Here's the article:

Doom-Doom? Why Mazda Needs a Savior – Feature – Car and Driver

Comments?

BC.

 

I also dont think that color is doing the sedan any good, I want to see this thing in red.

 

Front end reminds me of a Ford Fusion and the rear end a Subaru.

Really no diggin it.

Time to get the 2013 Mazda 3

 

I'm actually liking that layout. It looks really clean and simple.

 

Doesn't look remotely like either

 

This all new Mazda 3 Sedan is just bloody beautiful.....

It is not great to see Mazda has really stepped up to the plate with all their new cars since and including the CX-5..

Just shows what Mazda can do without Ford...

It has always been there...Mazda RX-8 and MX-5...

Now 'IT' has arrived with their bread and butter cars...bloody fantastic!!

 

i agree 100% ,Ash.

My 6 is just fantastic, a big step forward Mazda 6 GG and GH....

 

Another photochop?

 

Never mind...

 

YEP Matt, you know your Mazda's, these new ones (like your 6 wagon) are just bloody beautiful and is quickly in a class all of it's own.

6 Wagon will be out in USA soon..

 

The MZ3 sedan's rear portion looks much better than the 5dr (in my opinion). Can't wait to see what Mazda will adapt to the CX-5 and MZ6 during their mid cycle revision. The infotainment will without a doubt be replaced by the new Harmon Kardom Aha, but I am curious what little misc. trim goodies there will be. I would presume LED DRL and tails for the CX-5, more piano black and metallic interior trim pieces, and maybe the HUD?

 

EPS

2014 Mazda 3 gets electric power steering | CarAdvice

 

in Germany Mazda3 has begun to kick some (Ford) ***...

Mazda3 gegen Ford Focus: Golf-Gegner im Vergleich - autobild.de


sorry, only in german but:

"versus new 3 the Focus is becoming old in a while".

the comparo is between the 2.2 SA diesel 150 and 2.0 tdci.

clear superiority of Mazda in engine tech, driving dynamics and quality....

EDIT: the double clutch tranny of Focus is NOT superior to Skyactiv drive, they say...parity...this is very interesting....

 

Thumbs up from Jalopnik overall on the new 3 and especially its EPS.

The 2014 Mazda3 Will Make You Wonder Why People Buy Anything Else

 

I'm hearing rumblings that the 2.5 will NOT be available with a manual transmission. I'll be pissed if that's true. I pretty much already had my mind made up to pick up one of these as soon as they come out. If Mazda keeps claiming they make "drivers" cars, then they should have a MT option.

 

Quote:

After experiencing just how invigorating and electrifying the next Mazda3 is to drive, and in concert with all the design, comfort, refinement, quality, ergonomic and efficiency gains it has managed, we reckon that the new Golf 7’s reign as the world’s best small car might be seriously under threat.

Of course, we have to make that decision based on Australian road conditions.

But even if the next best-seller costs upwards of $1000 more than before, all the signs are strong that the 2014 Mazda3 might be the best car the company has ever sold in this country, and so worth every single extra cent.

“This is a really, really good car so it will get the price it deserves,” Mr Benders believes. “It will reset the benchmark in the small-car segment.”

It isn’t just Corolla and co that have something to fear.

What GoAuto (Australia) said about recent tests of re-production 3 models in US.

BTW, Mazda Japan benchmarked this new Mazda 3 against BMW 3 Series.

 

kinda hope thats an exaggeration on Mazda's end.

I do like the entertainment display, much more appealing then the 6 or CX-5

 

My friend looked at the whole article in Auto Bild, and they said that the new 3 is one step of Focus. What's more surprising is that they wrote that the 3 can go in the premium class with BMW 3.

I actually believe them since it comes from a German auto magazine, known for favoring German cars

 

Sorry, but it is hard to believe a Mazda3 can be in the competitive league of the 3 series, C-Class, A4, etc... That specifically includes build quality and chassis dynamics. Granted it does have significant technology for vehicle safety. It would be a miracle for Mazda to make a profitable sub $26,000 USD MSRP car to compete with the German trio. Maybe,just maybe it can compete with the future FWD 1-Series.

 

Mazda may have used BMW 3 series for inspiration and some targets for the new 3 but the new Mazda 6 has had credible comparisons to versions of the BMW 3 series in Europe to much praise. Both of Mazda's new sedans are raising the bar in their segments for sure. You won't find comparisons between a Camry and BMW 3 series .

Paul.