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| Considering a Mazda 3?
Mazda replaces its Protege subcompact for 2004 with a slightly larger new car called the Mazda 3. Mazda 3 comes in 4-dr sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan is available in base "i" trim and uplevel "s" form. The hatchback comes only as an s model. Two 4-cyl engines are available: a 148-hp 2.0 liter for i models, a 160-hp 2.3 for s versions. With either engine, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is optional. The i model has 15-inch wheels or optional 16s. The s sedan comes with 16s; 17s are included in its Sport Package option. The hatchback uses 17s. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and ABS are grouped in an $800 option package for all models. Options exclusive to s versions are leather upholstery, a navigation system, and a package that consists of a tire-pressure monitor and xenon headlights. Air conditioning is optional on the i model, standard on s versions. |
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FIND NEW MAZDA CAR PRICING HERE
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Competition In the subcompact class, the Honda Civic continues to be the car to beat with a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Ford's Focus is also a Best Buy, and though it doesn't offer the refinement of the Civic, it doesn't cost as much either.
Heading the class of Recommended picks are Volkswagen's Golf and Jetta. Equal if not better than the Civic in many ways, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the reliable Toyota Corolla, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the budget-priced Hyundai Elantra.
News A MazdaSpeed 3 sedan and/or hatchback seems just around the corner. Mazda officials hem-and-haw when asked about it, but don't exactly deny they're working on a follow-up to the MazdaSpeed Protege. The sporty limited edition should come with a firm handling-oriented suspension, various "hot car" styling add-ons, premium sound and, of course, extra power. The engine will likely be a tuned 2.0-liter rather than the 2.3 so the model can qualify for various racing and rally series. Turbocharging is a distinct possibility. Specifics should emerge soon, so keep checking back with us.
Meanwhile, Mazda is assessing U.S. reaction to a tall-body "space wagon" concept on a stretched 3 chassis. Called MX-Flexa, the ultra-clean design features six individual seats that can be folded in a variety of ways, and interior storage features like a built-in rack for four bicycles. Intended to take on the likes of Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix, the MX-Flexa looks production ready. If American auto-show crowds approve, look for a showroom version--possibly badged Mazda 4--no later than 2007.
