2006 Mazda 3 (Canada & US-specs listed)

[Mikey444]

Sorry if this has been mentioned, asked and answered and discussed before. But what changes if any for the 2006 year. I know the 2.3-L Mazda 6 gets a optional 5 speed automatic, will the 2.3-L 3 benefit with that same option? And is Canada going to get side air bags as an option and Automatic climate control?

[Mikey444]

Viewed 51 times and no replies (sad2)

[goldwing2000]

I know it's probably obvious but have you checked Mazda Canada's web site?

[wongpres]

I only know of one '06 Mazda3 change so far, but it's a pretty minor feature (none of the things you mention), and I'm not privy to say it yet (US is also getting this feature).

I don't know about the 2.3l auto tranny yet, I've heard both yes and no. But my personal opinion is that it probably won't happen because the Mazda5 is being launched with a 4-speed auto.

[Mikey444]

Mazda Canada has nothing on next years Mazda 3 at least until the 05's are out. All my questions are all out of curiosity. I still find that it makes no sense that side air bags are not even an option. Is are health care system that good? I was wondering about auto climate control because most other markets have it as an option and almost all the interior shots of the Mazda 3 on Mazda canada web site show the auto climate control functions and it is not even available here.

[wongpres]

Just saw goldwing's post about nothing here lately and the timing just happens to coincide with some official '06 info. The following is for Canadian-spec Mazda3, but of course the general rule of thumb is everything Canada gets the US will have (plus more). So here goes:

Powertrain
- 2.0l power increase, now 150hp
- 2.3l auto tranny, now 5-speed (that Mazda5 better be launched with the 5-speed too because it needs this the most)

Colours
- Snowflake Pearl White now available on GT trims (unlike the current white, this white has flakes in it and you can see an example of this colour on the '05 RX-8)
- Copper Red now available, the '06 MX-5 Miata will also be available with this colour

Features
- CD player now standard on the sedan GX trim (completely irrelevent to US)
- LED taillights now standard on the Sport GT trim
- ambient temperature & trip computer (euro-spec Mazda3 currently has this) standard on all trims
- air conditioning now comes with micron air filter
- leather seats replaced with leather package. Leather package includes: leather seats, heated seats, and 6-CD player

[mobomelter]

damn i wish i could put an cabin air filter on my 3....

[tsunami]

heated seats.... damn canadians... why can't the northeast get that package? i know i would have opted for it if it was available when i bought mine for sure.... and led tail lights.... well may make it easier for us reg bulb guys to upgrade b/c they may be cheaper.... otherwise nothin major though the 2.0 to 150 i would say is a pretty big bump wasn't it only 130? thats only 10 below the 2.3.... whats up with that?

[wongpres]

mobomelter, the air filter can be added to any '04 or '05 Mazda3 (everything is already there except the filter).

The filter's Part# is BP8P-61-J6X (about $30USD), and just follow the instructions from this TSB to install:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/mazda3/docs/0019.pdf

The filter is equal to the diffuser plate in the TSB, only difference being the filter includes the diffuser plate whereas the TSB part # is for the plate only, with no filter. In other words, by putting in the air filter, you automatically also put in the TSB fix for better A/C performance.

tsunami, like the air filter, anyone can buy the 5-door LED's, just get the part number from the US-spec SP23 and buy the tails (I know many who have done it). Cost-wise is a different story however (I think it was around $500CAD for those who did it here in Toronto).

[tsunami]

yeah i knew that it was around 3bills u.s.... i was hoping that with the influx of more led tails that the price would become a bit more palatable....250 us is what i am holdin out for.... anywho....

[Mikey444]

I was really interested to know about the tranny, because I am looking for someone to take the lease on my 6. And I was considering a auto tranny 3. I am going back to auto because I am going to be between montreal and new-york a lot and NYC traffic doesnt rock my boat with a ATX car. Now I just have to see if the 3 will have a side air bag option in Canada or else I can just have it retro fitted in the US. Just a thought.

[tsunami]

why not just buy the us model? or is it just a pita to get it to canada?

[Mikey444]

import export crap is a bitch. I cant buy the car in the US if I dont live there and it's hard to find a dealer here that can and will get me one from the US. If I can have my way, I would opt for a SP23, of course next years model with 5 spd auto since the 4 spd auto is crap.

[mobomelter]

mobomelter, the air filter can be added to any '04 or '05 Mazda3 (everything is already there except the filter).

The filter's Part# is BP8P-61-J6X (about $30USD), and just follow the instructions from this TSB to install:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/mazda3/docs/0019.pdf

The filter is equal to the diffuser plate in the TSB, only difference being the filter includes the diffuser plate whereas the TSB part # is for the plate only, with no filter. In other words, by putting in the air filter, you automatically also put in the TSB fix for better A/C performance.

tsunami, like the air filter, anyone can buy the 5-door LED's, just get the part number from the US-spec SP23 and buy the tails (I know many who have done it). Cost-wise is a different story however (I think it was around $500CAD for those who did it here in Toronto).
now do i have to go to mazda to get that filter?

[goldwing2000]

... but of course the general rule of thumb is everything Canada gets the US will have (plus more).

Hardly. We don't have auto lights, auto wipers, heated seats, heated mirrors... seems there's something else, too.
The only thing we have that you don't is side airbags.


- ambient temperature & trip computer (euro-spec Mazda3 currently has this) standard on all trims

Damn! I wonder how hard this will be to retrofit. (pissed)

[wongpres]

mobomelter, yeah, you can just get it from the dealer

[wongpres]

Hardly. We don't have auto lights, auto wipers, heated seats, heated mirrors... seems there's something else, too.
The only thing we have that you don't is side airbags.



That's why I said, the 'general rule of thumb', there are exceptions. Anyways, the US does get the auto lights & wipers and heated seats on the SP23. For the Mazda3, Canada does not get NAV, TPMS, xenon, and a few others things that US gets.

As for the ambient temp sensor, by Canada having this feature, it probably means the wiring harness is changed (so '06 N. American wiring harness = wiring harness of Mazda3's from overseas instead of the simplier harness on the '04 and '05 N. American-spec). This other wiring harness can accept automatic climate control (hint, hint, for those in the US). So I don't think it'll be any easier for '04-'05 N. American-spec to get retrofit the ambient temp feature.

[Mikey444]

Currently, a loaded Mazda 3 here in Canada does not have heated seats,, side air bags, Navigation, xenons, TPMS. I think that's about it.

We'll have to wait for next years model to see exactly what will change.

[wongpres]

As for the ambient temp sensor, by Canada having this feature, it probably means the wiring harness is changed (so '06 N. American wiring harness = wiring harness of Mazda3's from overseas instead of the simplier harness on the '04 and '05 N. American-spec). This other wiring harness can accept automatic climate control (hint, hint, for those in the US). So I don't think it'll be any easier for '04-'05 N. American-spec to get retrofit the ambient temp feature.

Confirmed, '06 US-spec Mazda3 will have automatic climate control on the highest trim (newly made s Grand Touring trim).

[goldwing2000]

Confirmed, '06 US-spec Mazda3 will have automatic climate control on the highest trim (newly made s Grand Touring trim).

(pissed)

[wongpres]

Since I have some free time right now. Here are the highlights of the US-spec '06 Mazda3 trims & packages.

Mazda3i
- options: A/C, safety pack (ABS/SAB/SAC, requires A/C)

Mazda3i Touring
- Mazda3i plus following: A/C, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise, keyless, 16-inch alloys, tweeters, and driver seat tilt/height/lumbar
- options: safety pack

Mazda3s
- Mazda3i Touring plus following: 2.3l, ABS, variable intermittent wipers
- options: moonroof/6-CD, safety pack (SAB/SAC, 4-door)

Mazda3s Touring
- Mazda3s plus following: 17-inch wheels & side sills (4-door), safety pack
- options: moonroof/6-CD, leather

Mazda3s Grand Touring
- Mazda3s Touring plus following: leather & heated seats, automatic climate control, HID, auto lights & wipers, TPMS, alarm, LED taillights (5-door), driver info system
- options: moonroof/6-CD/Bose, NAV

Notes
- Any car with A/C also includes pollen filter and ambient temp display
- 2.3l auto now 5-speed
- 2.0l, now with VVT and increased hp
- manual is standard and auto an option for all trims
- new colors (see page 1 of thread, same as Canada)

[Badger Biker]

5 speed auto?

FUCK.

How hard would a retrofit be?

Auto climate control too ... man ...

[nappyjim]

As soon as this comes out, someone needs to get in intergrating AUTO AC into the 04 and 05. PLEASE! If I could, i would, but im not that good.

[WookieOnRitalin]

As soon as this comes out, someone needs to get in intergrating AUTO AC into the 04 and 05. PLEASE! If I could, i would, but im not that good.

Shit man, I'm waiting for the 06 to come out.

I'll gladly wait an extra 2-3 months for more features, more equipment, and especially a 5 speed auto.

Hell ya!

So when can we expect the 06s to start rolling out and landing on the lots? Also, any clue on the pricing on these trim levels?

[wongpres]

The '06 Mazda3 starts production this month. Expect them to start arriving at US and Canadian dealerships in September.

[WookieOnRitalin]

The '06 Mazda3 starts production this month. Expect them to start arriving at US and Canadian dealerships in September.

Cool. Thanks wongpres for the information as always. This gives me reason to wait because I was set on getting a Mazda3 if there was going to be no significant changes for the 2006 model. Now I get the opportunity to test a 3 Touring against a Cobalt SS Sedan (172 horses) which comes out at the same time. I just can't wait.

[NegatiZE]

5 speed auto?

FUCK.

How hard would a retrofit be?

Auto climate control too ... man ...

Trade it in, its the cheapest way considering your car is still almost new.

[Don Lockwood]

heated seats.... damn canadians... why can't the northeast get that package? i know i would have opted for it if it was available when i bought mine for sure.... and led tail lights.... well may make it easier for us reg bulb guys to upgrade b/c they may be cheaper.... otherwise nothin major though the 2.0 to 150 i would say is a pretty big bump wasn't it only 130? thats only 10 below the 2.3.... whats up with that?

The 2.0 is actually 148hp.... the 130hp 2.0 was in the Protegé.
So that would be a +2hp difference for the 2006 Mazda3.... nothing noticeable.

[fpart]

Does anyone know if the SP23 package is available again in 2006

[escher]

Does anyone know if the SP23 package is available again in 2006

My dealer said that it will be, but I've read elsewhere that it won't. Not much help, I know, but I'm hoping to get a straight answer too.

[wongpres]

The SP23 is a one-off special edition. However, you'll notice from the US-specs that the features incorporated in the SP23 can all be had on the upper '06 trims.

[cars]

No SP23 for '06. Instead, you order a package that pretty much emulates the SP23... the beauty is that now you can get it in any exterior colour (cause grey wasn't necessarily liked by all that wanted the Sp23 amenities).