MattMPS

well...is all about opinions:

Mazda6 have more interior space and trunk vs 3 series, is slightly less than a 5 series.

prices are obviously very different, but there are similar engines (90% of 3 series and 70% of 5 are 4 banger diesel equipped).

but in general terms i agree: no one in EU put a 3 sedan against a 3 series sedan...

for example this is a dutch comparo:

Bladecutter

That brings up a great question that can only be answered by each individual:

Would you rather buy a car that tries to deliver way above it's price point, or one that barely beats out a lower level of car in a comparison?

BC.

77mjd

I actually took a look at one at a local dealership the other day. Huge improvement from the previous model looks-wise, IMO. The guy insisted I test drive it so I did. Never drove a 3 before so I had no basis for comparison, but it wasn't bad at all for a 4 cylinder. This was a 5 door i touring version. The only gripe I have is it only being available with 16" wheels. You should at least have a 17" option before you get up to the s models and the 18s. The little radio screen looks a bit goofy to me too since it doesn't fold down and just sits on top of the dash.

I'm actually more interested in seeing the sedan version, which apparently will not start popping up for a few more weeks.

Carbon8

iTrader: (4)

May not be the right thread but whatever happen to that mid-summer skyactive-D release date

SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

Apparently supplies are unexpectedly short. Presumably, it is the better than expected sales.

77mjd

While the overall design of the car is good, the 16" wheels look absolutely terrible on this car.

ASH8

They cant win, everyone complains (press and owners) about road noise when low side wall (profile tyres were used) so they switch to a higher side wall and they still complain.

You cant have both..

J8635621

iTrader: (10)

You could put sound deadening material. Mazda seems to be stingy with it

ASH8

more cost, more weight, more fuel..as I said you cant win..

J8635621

iTrader: (10)

Yea because some sound deadening material will really kill the mpg and cost a thousand dollars.

ASH8

If you are going to insult then give it another try.....

I am not going to get into some sort of argument about a small subject, most road noise is distributed through tyres...fact

When car maker removes a badge (MAZDA example) that costs $1.00 to make and $3.00 per car to install (labour) then times that by one million cars, how much do you get....answer a lot of money and extra COST!

J8635621

iTrader: (10)

As I feared, you can't be reasoned with. I'm sorry that you believe calling you sir is an insult.

77mjd

I personally don't care about road noise so I would have at least liked to see a 17" option on the new 3. I move up to the s model and the 18s, but then I can't get a MT. For Mazda to be supposedly making "drivers" cars, they sure are screwing this up. It's unfortunate that real car guys make up such a small % of actual car buyers. These companies have to appeal to the masses that see cars as nothing more than appliances so the true enthusiasts never win.

ASH8

Unfortunately MT's just don't sell in the numbers like they used to...

You will probably see model mix changes down the road once production schedules are consolidated, remember the North American 3 supply will switch to all new MMM (Mexico) plant by late next year which will take a lot of pressure off the 2 Hofu body plants in Japan.
I was amazed that even here in Australia we can not buy any MT new GJ Mazda 6!, just not imported here...the old GH 6 MT was only 2% of sales.
As for the new 3 here, it appears we wont get it until the new year, we are last off this model launch, even though the Mazda 3 is Australia's top selling car.