ASH8

Got to agree..I think the interior looks a little old already....the square outer air vents just don't go with round meter/speedo dials.

Will wait until I sit/drive one.

MattMPS

is not an improvement, but.... Ash...this is NOT a cx-7 sobstitute (as i've read in some Aussie magazine).
is a smaller car, a SUV into mazda3 class market

IMHO

Cx-7 is more big and luxorious, a mazda6 SUV

ASH8

Read that also, BUT, I think (here) at least MA might discontinue the CX-7??...

Just cant see them having 3 in our market, 5,7 and 9....but then again the 7 has had a resurgence in sales and in the US.

Footman

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, but the CX-7/9 neither have manual transmission options.

I wonder if they will put Skyactive engines in the CX-7/9 and give them Sky-MT... I've always wanted a manual transmission SUV.

khronus79

iTrader: (1)

I think it could've been a great looking Mazda 3, I still think it looks good and it has some potential

kvndoom

That's a North American "exclusive."

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Well, u can't "blame" MNAO.

Sorry to say but, most Americans can't even drive Automatics properly, you expect them to be able to "handle" that "extra stick/pedal? "

Most don't even know what "D" means on Automatic.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I wonder how good Sky-Activ really gonna be ... is it going to worth it if I trade the "current 2.5" Mazda3 for a CX-5 ?

probably not. unless it can get at least another 20% better REAL LIFE mpg.

and CX-5 is not AWD ... hmm ...

Father had CX-7 so I know how it performs inside out, performance wise it's really good, but mpg side it totally sucked. Can't blame them cuz it's an inline-4 turbo-supercharger on a 2 ton body.

MattMPS

there will be both versions IMHO, they have specified "2WD" (for that "low-carb" version) because there will be a 4WD version with slightly worse figures

my opinion.

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

I suspect the next 3 will probably look quite a bit like that, which is a very good thing in my opinion.

Paul.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

A great improvement in the 3's look, though I want to see it in the non-hatch version too.

I don't have a problem with the CX-5 at all. Maybe it's a good thing my wife and I didn't buy her a 2 in the past few weeks. Either the SKY 2 or SKY CX-5 are in our sights now.

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

CX-5 with Skyactiv D promises to be a very fun vehicle indeed although the gas version should be a blast as well.

Paul.

MattMPS

outside Japan world will receive CX-5 first. at this time is not planned the sale of SkyActiv mazda2 outside Japan.

the only one Mazda2/Demio with sky engine is mated with a CVT tranny that is not offered outside Japan.

that car is a JDM specific model.

CX-5 is a worldwide model....

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Hmmm, it might be the CX-5 then. I don't know that I can justify buying an inferior 2 with a superior, and possibly cheaper, 2 that is hovering around the corner. Mazda would be missing a major sales increase here if they opt to not bring it. ESPECIALLY since the Civic was just downrated out of the not-recommended.

Would be a shame.

zoom44

it just about capacity and timing. all of the models will be world models over the next 3 years.

MattMPS

yes , but IMHO there are also technical problems, currently Demio/2 MT have a 5 speed manual that is probably not fitting with sky engines.

at today in Japan there is NOT listed a Demio skyactiv with MT, only with CVT

next year (or end of this ) USA will receive SA Mazda3 (that will NOT be avaliable in Europe, we have MZR 2.0 DISI NA mazda3 and the styling refresh will keep MZR engines for EU)

both US and Europe will receive cx-5 @ first quarter of 2012.

question....

what will be unveiled @ Tokyo MS this december?

only concepts? (mx-5 and/or rotary?)

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

While I always hope for a rotary unveiling, I am actually more realistically looking forward to the ND MX-5. My brain tells me the next rotary is still several years away anyway, but if all the indications are that it's going to be on the MX-5 chassis, then I really want to see what that chassis is like.

An expectation of seeing one of the realistic steps in getting there.

ASH8

I think Europe will see the SA Mazda 3 to be called SP20 here in Oz.., but MZR will still be the cheaper option than the dual VVT DOHC High Compression SA donks..

Charlie is correct, engine plant capacity is the problem, SA will be rolled out and replace ALL MZR (Ford) engines by 2015.

So many of the add on engine parts in MZR come from all over the world, Ford Germany, France, Spain, N Korea, USA, China....Japan.

Will be interesting to see where the SA add on parts actually come (manufactured) from....probably the same "world parts engine".

ASH8

The styling of any mainstream car today must be a nightmare, as the "designer and manufacturer" are limited by all the regulations forced on them by the "safety police".
And then aerodynamics.
And then CAFE.

Designers today just can't make "radical" designs for fear of the above and Crash Safety STARS!!!...Passenger and Pedestrian safety also.

So what is left is the bland same look and shapes...

We get the 5 point Grilles which look "happy" (Mazda) or turned upside down to look "sad" (Ford).
Or the 4 point rectangle Grille, wide or square (Audi).

You cant have pop up headlamps anymore.

So we have these LARGE Block (Block of Cheese) looking cars on 4 wheels, straight up and down sides, back and front....the smaller the car the worse it looks.

No doubt the best looking small car is the Mazda 2.

Much Larger cars like the Shinari can get away with it..

No RX-7 of the past would be allowed today, like the NA and NB MX-5.
The "lower" looking NC MX-5 will also be gone in the new ND, it will have more sheet metal or sheet plastic.

ASH8

BTW...

As I reported and confirmed back some time ago Mazda have gone cheap *** on the front suspension...No more double or single wishbones.

Back to the Future...of 1970 and 80's..

The old McPherson Strut and SINGLE lower control arm with a Ball joint on the end..Cheap *** CRAP!..IMO we will see that sharp steering gone which Mazda has been famous for...I guess we will see.

It is a wonder Mazda did not go back to rear LEAF Springs and live axle.

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

I'm not a fan of the Ford influence on the rear suspension but I'm confident that the handling is only going to get better with steering feel uncompromised. The Mazda 6 had the heaviest hub spindle assemblies I've ever dealt with on Mazda cars including the 929 and Millenia. Weight reduction is part of the plan here for sure.

Paul.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

My FC is ... *tears

Did you just said, Corvette ? but hey, it works pretty darn well for GM !

MattMPS

i drive on daily basis a 6MPS, that is the most advanced and "sporty" tuned chassis of FWD/AWD Mazda.

new front suspension is simple, true....but we drive and feel " the whole car" from tyre to steering..i think that the complete package will satifiy our expectations

honestly i see a lot of margin of improvement of my 6, in steering, response of rear susp. ,feeling into first part of the corner etc....

i'll wait to drive a CX-5 and mostly a 6 III gen to judge the results.......

drifter_d

Going to have to wait to see one in person. I'm uninspired by the exterior. Interior looks solid - German-like design - the layout clean and uncluttered. The refreshed Mazda3 certainly looks better. It will also come with SkyActiv, right?

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

I agree; the interior looks very German, which is a good thing.

Yes, the refreshed 3 has Skyactiv engine and transmissions available in various markets including the US within a few months.

Paul.