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Manual transmission version of S engine release date?

13K views 22 replies 11 participants last post by  Kwicko 
#1 ·
Hi all,

I've been reading in a few places that a manual transmission version of the S engine is coming up in the future (not sure why they didn't offer it from the get go, since the same engine in the 6 has it). Does anyone know when that's going to happen? I really would like to buy one, but definitely not until I can get a manual with the 184hp engine. :smiler:
 
#2 ·
I actually sent Mazda an email about this very issue a few weeks ago. Their response?

"Thank you for contacting Mazda.

We appreciate your interest in a future 2014 Mazda3 with a manual transmission and 2.5L engine, and I have documented your comments for our records. Your feedback is very important to us, and we are always looking for ways to continually improve our great products and services. At this time, there has not been an official announcement that this vehicle will become available, but your suggestion will be forwarded to the appropriate department for further review."

So, in other words, I have no clue...and apparently neither does Mazda.
 
#3 ·
I almost posted this same question.

I love my 2010, but the 3rd gen skyactiv MPGs have me seriously considering a monthly car payment. The manual tranny is likewise a must-have for me, and the sales guys don't have a clue.

My guess is we'll see it with the release of the 2015 later this year. Maybe, if we're lucky, slightly ahead of that. Hard to say.
 
#4 ·
My guess is we'll see it with the release of the 2015 later this year. Maybe, if we're lucky, slightly ahead of that. Hard to say.
This is what I've been hoping for.
It truly makes zero sense. I have a feeling someone thinks it's to get more people to buy automatics... but the car industry / market doesn't work like that. Unlike say.. Apple products where the concept is to conform.
 
#7 ·
Sounds about right.

IMO Mazda shouldn't have waited so long, but I guess it might be a good thing; but it worries me how many people might have changed to a different company just for the sake of not having a manual (which is sadly getting more and more difficult these days)
 
#12 ·
I started seriously looking at a Subaru XV Crosstrek after having to dig my wifes MZ3 out of the beach sand at Corpus Christi. Subaru seems to be doing similar crap with their cars. I wanted a stick shift car with a sunroof and leather. "Not happening, dirtbag! But you can buy a CVT (lolz) with all the goodies!" Yeah well, that ain't happening either. So I will just stick with my old '04 for now.
 
#9 ·
over 50% positive it's because they wanted more people to see that the new skyactiv transmissions are better than manual (which is true).

I think they just wanted more of their customers so "consider" it before really being given a chance, so instead they "forced" it on the customers, which IMO probably lead to more people buying other cars other than Mazda.

6 owners have been waiting for quite some time now too remember.
That thing will already be 2 years old come fall. (Believe it or not) & they are still stuck with the automatic.
 
#10 ·
How is it better? How much is the cost to replace one versus a clutch? That's what I'd consider.

I really dig the the BM's (hehe) but I don't know if that would be my next car. Maybe the next gen Miatas or the Rx7 if that's going to happen. Or Mazda makes another Speed 3. I'm really hoping the Nissan iDX stays close to the concept and gets forced induction and RWD.
 
#18 ·
I want one toooo! Fully loaded 2.5L with a 6spd will have me back in car payments.

Actually I also looked at a Subaru Crosstek and a Forrester but I'm unhappy that there's no manual transmissions with all the options.

What I REALLY want is a CX-5 with the 2.5L and all the options and a manual....
 
#19 ·
I just test drove a 2014 3i MT 4-door, and I don't see what you're all moaning about. Seriously, the 2.0 has plenty of beans, even with the excellent A/C going full blast, at least as quick as our 2007 3s 2.3 MT hatch. Don't judge based on a bunch of numbers, go flog one for yourself.

We also drove a 2015 6 MT, and the 2.5 in it felt weak, way out of proportion to the ~400 lb. weight difference. It felt like a turbo that was slow to spool up, in fact my wife declared it was one zoom short of a zoom-zoom. With AT you'd probably not notice the 2.5's lack of response, but with MT it was a disappointing slug. We lost interest long before we got back to the dealer. (It also had numbish steering, and wasn't as quiet as the 3.)

I suspect that's why you can't get a 2.5 MT in the 3: it would suck. No one buys a 6 with MT anyway, so that particular match-up is of purely academic interest. It was a miracle we found one to test drive, and I will not be surprised if it's still on the lot a year from now.

The 2.0 is a much better engine IMHO, snappier and ready to pull RIGHT NOW.
 
#20 ·
Well.. when I drove it you have to remember I also had a full car.. me being the lightest, but still probably a good... almost 800lbs worth of people in the car lol, so it certainly felt sluggish, along with a near full tank, sooo.. yeah, a lot of weight lol.

I still didn't like it, the 2.0 has always been lacking compared to my 2.3 that's gutted.

I still haven't been able to drive a 2.5L though, I'm sure it feels pretty quick though.
 
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