Firstly, a BIIG thanks to Rob from T W Whites in Weybridge. True he didn't like my comment about "ripping the pee" out of him regarding the car being on Top Gear last night, but still, if it got him to read the Forums, its a good thing. :D
I did and still do apologise for that - if I knew him more hopefully he'd know it was in jest!

He was great, we chatted for a while as car enthusiasts, but not really really geeky ones and there was no real pressure about the aftermarket mods. He was a good sport as we tried the different seating arrangements - I think I killed him in the back with my seat right back, but as he prefers a "rally style" I had LOADS of room.

I was there in the 5-6 slot where there were families and a ferw others, but to be honest there seemed to be more dealers than buyers, which I found very odd. Perhaps some of the people got stuck in traffic (I'd heard there were problems with the M25/M4).

Well, ok it was the same car as motordrive live (and goodwood, and all the other do's) but it still looked in good nick albeit a preprod. Again, no battery, so no dash flickering into life which was a shame, and I'd really love to hear the turbine engine (which will remind me of the lovely power stations), but oh well.

A glass of champers but no nibbles for me, a copy of the accessories book - noted especially the rear parking thingies I didnt know about, the TT- esque aluminium filler lid and something Im definitely going to get which I didnt realise until I got home - vent rings (just like the MX5!!!!) The tow bar looks a little phallic though. The spare wheel is an option in thr UK too although say goodbye to the boot as this suspends from the roof of the boot. Darn wish I had a scanner. The thing that Rob liked best was the passenger aluminium foot plate, which did go nicely with the drivers ones....

Anyway the car....well definitely no problem with the pedals and foot rest space. No worries with space inside for the passengers, still LOVE the cloth seats (didn't realise the leather ones get heated seats now as well as electric movemeny- mmmmm warm), looked more closely at the very dim dash - hope the lights dont go out during the day - you cant see a thing otherwise! No news on Mazdaspeed kit (me want nice BIG spoiler on back - no Tigra then!)
October/November? Cant wait.

Interestingly also spoke to dealer from Luton who said that black was the most popular colour for the 10 pre-orders he's had. He's also had 60 interesteds who he reckons will turn into 20 sales once the car is 'seen' at the dealership and driven.

Anyway, enough of the ranting, here are some photos. IT does look mean enough from behind, honest, but remember its got an inch and a half to drop cos of the high suspension (hence the wheel photo)

Si

 

Drivers view - how DID they get the car in there?! lol (thanks Rob)

 

engine with lid off. Didn't even NOTICE the strut there before.

 

I LIKE the number plate there - it first perfectly - no smiley face syndrome and no bugs bunny teeth. Like it.

 

wheels - see height - got an inch and a half to come off

 

Whoooh senior member, now I can write what I like...
first of two from behind, low....

 

and high. Like this best (hence why last!) Blue though. Still note the colourboard on the right.... which colour stands out?

Oh and one more thing, look at the rear and rear window colour with the passenger side - when Rob pointed the difference out it was amazing - the back ones are probably 70-80% blackened, front 30-40%?

 

Some nice pics there Si

Looking forward to my visit in a couple of weeks.

 

By law front and front sides in UK have to let in 73% of the light.

AFIC we dont get the extra tint on the rears.

Nice photies!

 

nice pics.


Will be able to add my own on Saturday.

 

You're right there. We will not be getting the heavily tinted rear windows. I'm quite glad about that because it's quite dark in the back as the windows are small and the C-pillars are huge.

 

Were these photos taken at a special invite event or is it possible to go to the showroom to see the car?

 

Special invite eveny Danny. However, noone seems to be checking names off and just anyone can go in. I think there was such a day in Bishoips Stortford today- not usre where you are but there may be one near you coming up if you ask around the forum.

Simon

 

UXBRIDGE - UXBRIDE - UXBRIDGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Buying from Beaconsfield Mazda