Mazda3 mid model makeover face lift.

[03MzdSpdSTP]

Mazda3 Facelift - Enhanced Design, Quality, Comfort and Performance
Since its launch in 2003, Mazda3 has become Mazda's best-selling vehicle and the company has even had to increase production to meet global demand. To further enhance its global popularity, Mazda has refreshed its compact star's line-up in a 2006 version with enhanced design and comfort, optimized performance and even higher levels of interior quality feel. New exterior enhancements to both the modern and elegant sedan and the sporty hatchback further support a standard Mazda3 line up with two distinct models for customers to choose from. The Mazda3 face-lift's petrol engine line up features three MZR aggregates - a 2.0-litre, a 1.6-litre, and a base 1.4-litre (depending on market offer) - all of them further optimized so the model can continue to be one of the better driving cars in its segment and adds a new six-speed transmission for the top-end petrol. The Mazda3 facelift retains the two derivatives of the MZCD 1.6-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine for European customers (depending on market offer), both offering high torque and power with low diesel fuel consumption. Added to this are enhancements to the body shell along with improved damper performance and improved aerodynamics for even better handling, stability and driving fun. Overall comfort has also been improved with more insulation against road noise, revised tyres and reduced suspension vibration. Features newly added to the line up, like available advanced keyless entry and a 20 gigabyte hard disc drive audio system (depending on market offer), make the Mazda3 facelift even easier to use and enjoy on a daily basis.

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-3_facelift/800x600/wallpaper_01.jpg

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[03MzdSpdSTP]

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-3_facelift/800x600/wallpaper_0c.jpg

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http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-3_facelift/800x600/wallpaper_16.jpg

[p5power]

is it just me, or are those emblems freakishly large. i mean, don't get wrong, i love my mazda...but damn!

oh, and those tail lights are hawt!

[mikeyb]

Wrong section, moving to right forum.

[Gambino]

is it just me, or are those emblems freakishly large. i mean, don't get wrong, i love my mazda...but damn!

oh, and those tail lights are hawt!
the emblems appear to be the same size that they are on all the other 3's. They are larger than older mazda models

[ZoomVT]

i do sort of like the wheel. they look better than the originals. I alao like the fogs a little better, it seems likey would be more functional than they are now.
There is something about the front grill that i dont like though, i still cant put my finer on it but it feels like it is not as aggresive as it is now. Anyone have any ideas, or am i just crazy?
was it very difficult for mazda engineers to throw the 2.3 DISI engine in this car? it could be the sedan MPS.

[Amemiya]

Wow!! I like the rims. (first)

[TheMAN]

i do sort of like the wheel. they look better than the originals. I alao like the fogs a little better, it seems likey would be more functional than they are now.
There is something about the front grill that i dont like though, i still cant put my finer on it but it feels like it is not as aggresive as it is now. Anyone have any ideas, or am i just crazy?
was it very difficult for mazda engineers to throw the 2.3 DISI engine in this car? it could be the sedan MPS.

a ms3 sedan is just not going to happen as much as you sedan fans jump up and down for it... mazda always marketed the hatchback model as the "sport" model and making a sedan ms3 instead of the hatchback will go against that marketing philosophy... furthermore, it's harder to cram in the L3-VDT into the sedan because of the intercooler... they'd have to raise the hood on the sedan greatly to make it fit! not much modifications were needed to make it fit the hatchback... in otherwords, COST is the issue

[gapeachsp5]

Wow I really like the sedan.

[spike blue]

i like more the hatchback than the sedan!!! Nice wheels and tail lights

[MP3Architect]

There is something about the front grill that i dont like though, i still cant put my finer on it but it feels like it is not as aggresive as it is now. Anyone have any ideas, or am i just crazy?

looks as if the grill is now discontected from the hood a bit more on the sedan. notice how the hatch's hood wraps around the grill but the sedan doesn't. or is that how sedans already are? not sure, i just really dont like how current hatches hood wraps around the grill. makes getting a cf hood strange.

[DE31]

i think the sedan's front end is much nicer than the hatchback. i usually like hatchback versions more but the 3 sedan is just plain sex.

[ZoomVT]

a ms3 sedan is just not going to happen as much as you sedan fans jump up and down for it... mazda always marketed the hatchback model as the "sport" model and making a sedan ms3 instead of the hatchback will go against that marketing philosophy... furthermore, it's harder to cram in the L3-VDT into the sedan because of the intercooler... they'd have to raise the hood on the sedan greatly to make it fit! not much modifications were needed to make it fit the hatchback... in otherwords, COST is the issue

yeah i know what you are saying in a way. true they started marketing the hacth as the "sportier" version, but as i asked in another thread, i would like to see the numbers on both cars in the NA market. Im pulling this out of my ass, but i would think the the numbers are not very off; in that case would you not like to maximize your earnings? I mean, they will just stick to their guns because thats what they envisioned at the beginning? they will make the mistake of not adjusting to the market.
You say it is cost that stops them however the engine compartment is the same, and if the only investment is a redesigned hood, then thats no excuse in my eyes. Or even better they could have just put a FMIC on the sedan (there is plenty of space there).

All this ranting on my part is just disspointment, i know i wont be looking at the ms3, nor the ms6 for my next car, which makes me sad, i will have to look elsewhere.

[ZoomVT]

looks as if the grill is now discontected from the hood a bit more on the sedan. notice how the hatch's hood wraps around the grill but the sedan doesn't. or is that how sedans already are? not sure, i just really dont like how current hatches hood wraps around the grill. makes getting a cf hood strange.

the sedan is already like that. I am still not sure what it is but the grill may have something to do with it. It does look like the emblem is larger though. or at least it pops up more in that grill.

[Mp5978]

I love the X5 wheels.

[RHAGEL]

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-3_facelift/800x600/wallpaper_0c.jpg


Whats up with the tailpipe? Somebody put some viagra in its gas tank.

[wongpres]

Whats up with the tailpipe? Somebody put some viagra in its gas tank.

It's a pre-production vehicle - the production version will have the same garnish as the current Mazda3.

[mazda3zoom]

hmm, i dont know. I dont think its much of an improvement, but thats my opinion. Those tail lights are sweet thought, ill be swapping those out once some used ones hit ebay.lol (thumb)

[Raymo853]

I love the hatchback. I was going to wait for the Mark V Jetta wagon, but am pretty sure now I will not be doing that. I test drove a the sedan Jetta last week and liked it, but the lack of cargo space access kept me from buying. I drive to so many mountain bike races and need to be able to carry my bike inside.

[magnumP5]

My God the interiors of these cars are simply amazing. The exterior styling looks a bit more agressive to me (but maybe I have been looking at the wrong 3 models) but the car still seems too "round" for me. Yeah, I'm also not feeling the hatchback - it looks fine from the side and even the front (and the interior is awesome) but I just couldn't get over how weird the car looked from the back. Back when I was first looking at Mazdas I was torn between the 3 and the Protege5 and even though I liked the interiors of the 3's better I just couldn't get over their outside appearance so I went with the P5. Now if the MS3 were going to be a sedan... I might just have to rethink my choice...

[PR5Matt]

I like the changes. So even the regular versions of the 3 will get direct injection? HP numbers?

[RHAGEL]

I like the changes. So even the regular versions of the 3 will get direct injection? HP numbers? I hope so. My guess is that the hp will increase to about 170, so there is more of a difference between the 2.0 and 2.3. And I also think we will see a broader torque range while delivering a 10-15% increase in fuel economy. Not to mention better throttle response.

[wongpres]

The regular versions of the Mazda3 will not be getting direct injection

[tsunami]

The regular versions of the Mazda3 will not be getting direct injection

I believe you wongpres as you are deffinatly in the "know" but then can you explain this picture as it isn't the ms3 engine or is it just missing the tmic? thanks

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-3_facelift/800x600/wallpaper_16.jpg

[WetsuitxNinja]

I like basically everything cept the ovalish fog lights, gimme big bug eyes like p5s and wrx's. They look like fogs on silverados etc. I like the leather, lol looks like mine.

[wongpres]

I believe you wongpres as you are deffinatly in the "know" but then can you explain this picture as it isn't the ms3 engine or is it just missing the tmic? thanks


All these pictures are euro-spec. In Europe, the Mazda3 can be had with diesel engines, and these diesel engines are direct injection.

[tsunami]

All these pictures are euro-spec. In Europe, the Mazda3 can be had with diesel engines, and these diesel engines are direct injection.


thank you.... + rep for you...

[RHAGEL]

All these pictures are euro-spec. In Europe, the Mazda3 can be had with diesel engines, and these diesel engines are direct injection. Wouldn't the valve cover say something about it being diesel? I did read a few months ago that they will be bringing DI to NA cars in NA. Many people were griping that the 2.3 3 got sub-par fuel economy.

[wongpres]

Wouldn't the valve cover say something about it being diesel? I did read a few months ago that they will be bringing DI to NA cars in NA. Many people were griping that the 2.3 3 got sub-par fuel economy.

Let's say this is the new regular 2.0l or 2.3l engine cover, then shouldn't it also say "Variable Valve Timing"?

Only the 2.3l turbo has direct injection.

You're all reading way too much into this - again this image is of the diesel engine, and the reason MME (Mazda Motor Europe) included this in the pictureset is because the diesel engine for the Mazda3 got upgraded for the facelift. The petrol engines are unchanged (except for the 2.0l getting variable valve timing, which N. America got for '06 but Europe will not get until the facelift).

And one more thing, like all the other pics on this thread, the blue 5-door is euro-spec non-sport version, and N. America doesn't get this spec, so the blue 5-door will not tell you anything about the N. American-spec facelifted 5-door.

[RHAGEL]

Let's say this is the new regular 2.0l or 2.3l engine cover, then shouldn't it also say "Variable Valve Timing"?

Only the 2.3l turbo has direct injection.

You're all reading way too much into this - again this image is of the diesel engine, and the reason MME (Mazda Motor Europe) included this in the pictureset is because the diesel engine for the Mazda3 got upgraded for the facelift. The petrol engines are unchanged (except for the 2.0l getting variable valve timing, which N. America got for '06 but Europe will not get until the facelift).

And one more thing, like all the other pics on this thread, the blue 5-door is euro-spec non-sport version, and N. America doesn't get this spec, so the blue 5-door will not tell you anything about the N. American-spec facelifted 5-door. I don't think we are reading way too much into this, I think everyone is just curious. You seem to know a lot about North American Mazda products, where do you get your info? I agree, DI would be a big jump for a mid-cycle refresh bit I also think it could keep sales of the 3 at the top of thier segment. I think the 2.3 has quite a bit more potential in the NA form and that the power of the two engines are too similar. I would like to see the 3s get a 6 speed manual and some more sound deadening. I drove a new VW GTI yesterday and I loved it. The interior was my selling point and it was much nicer than the 3. I am looking for a sporty yet refined car and the 3 is still falling a little short of my expectations. More power and the additions mentioned above may change my opinion.

[wongpres]

Sedan

Mazda3 GX & GS, '06 standard features plus following: ABS with EBD, side airbags & curtains, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in, power package (GS only), rear bench centre armrest with 2 cup holders (GS only), A/C (GS only)

Changes from '06 options list: convenience package replaced by power package (GX only)

Mazda3 GT, '06 standard features plus following: side airbags & curtains, rear bench centre armrest with 2 cup holders, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in, heated cloth seats, LED taillights

Changes from '06 options list: moonroof as stand-alone option on top of base GT, luxury package includes '06 package contents plus HID and automatic climate control

Sport

Mazda3 Sport GS, '06 standard features plus following: side airbags & curtains, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in

Mazda3 Sport GT, '06 standard features plus following: side airbags & curtains, rear bench centre armrest with 2 cup holders, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in, heated cloth seats, A/C

Changes from '06 options list: luxury package includes '06 package contents plus HID and automatic climate control

Removed Colours (note Canadian colour names used)

Velocity Red, Winning Blue, Titanium Grey, Indigo Blue, Snowflake White Pearl

New Colours (and other vehicles you can see the colour on)

Phantom Blue (Mazda5), Electric Blue (CX-7), Galaxy Grey (CX-7, MX-5, RX-8), Phantom Purple, Crystal White (CX-7)

All this info applies to Canadian-spec only, I should know US-spec info in a couple of weeks. But this gives an idea of the sorts of new items in US-spec.

[RHAGEL]

Sedan

Mazda3 GX & GS, '06 standard features plus following: ABS with EBD, side airbags & curtains, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in, power package (GS only), rear bench centre armrest with 2 cup holders (GS only), A/C (GS only)

Changes from '06 options list: convenience package replaced by power package (GX only)

Mazda3 GT, '06 standard features plus following: side airbags & curtains, rear bench centre armrest with 2 cup holders, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in, heated cloth seats, LED taillights

Changes from '06 options list: moonroof as stand-alone option on top of base GT, luxury package includes '06 package contents plus HID and automatic climate control

Sport

Mazda3 Sport GS, '06 standard features plus following: side airbags & curtains, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in

Mazda3 Sport GT, '06 standard features plus following: side airbags & curtains, rear bench centre armrest with 2 cup holders, additional 12V power outlet, audio AUX in, heated cloth seats, A/C

Changes from '06 options list: luxury package includes '06 package contents plus HID and automatic climate control

Removed Colours (note Canadian colour names used)

Velocity Red, Winning Blue, Titanium Grey, Indigo Blue, Snowflake White Pearl

New Colours (and other vehicles you can see the colour on)

Phantom Blue (Mazda5), Electric Blue (CX-7), Galaxy Grey (CX-7, MX-5, RX-8), Phantom Purple, Crystal White (CX-7)

All this info applies to Canadian-spec only, I should know US-spec info in a couple of weeks. But this gives an idea of the sorts of new items in US-spec. It doesn't seem like anything I should hold my breath for. I am just dissapointed, but I guess we will see what the MS3 offers.

[tsunami]

audio aux in... about time... quite a color pallet change as well...

[tbriggs]

I've seen the pictures of the Mazda3 sedan facelift from the Geneva auto show. Everything seems ok except I really don't like the new alloy wheels. I prefer the current 5 spoke wheels.

Today, I found pictures from the Los Angeles Auto Show at automotive.com. There is 1 picture of a black Mazda3 sedan, and it has a nice 5 spoke wheel. Do you think it's possible that the "ugly" wheels are for Europe, and that North America will get the good ones?

http://www.automotive.com/features/auto-shows/58/2006/laas/mazda-photos.html

[wongpres]

The alloys on the black sedan pictured above are the '04-'06 Mazda3 factory 16-inch alloy wheel design. So yeah, those alloys are definitely available.

Edit: Didn't write my response very well. No '07+ Mazda3 will come from the factory with alloy wheel above. However, this alloy wheel is readily available for trade or purchase because it came from the factory for 3 years and it's not rare or anything like that.

[RHAGEL]

I kinda like the silver on the fog lights. Otherwise the car is too hard to see.