[Option01]

[quote author=fixxer link=topic=136547.msg2942880#msg2942880 date=1234902263]
[quote author=metallurgist link=topic=136547.msg2942840#msg2942840 date=1234901624]
[quote author=boostedminime link=topic=136547.msg2942820#msg2942820 date=1234901212]
The new gt trims come with bi-Xenon headlights
[/quote]

yes but there is no mention of pricing for those trims.
[/quote]

I found the following

"Topping the range is the Mazda3 s Grand Touring ($22,300) in both four- and five-door flavors. While it's powered by the same 2.5L engine and automatic transmission, drivers are comforted by a segment-first eight-way driver seat and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with bi-xenon headlights."

So, a fully loaded GT will be
$22,300
+ $1,195 (Tech Package)
+ $1,395 (Moonroof/Bose)
---------
$24,980

That's much more than what I paid for my fully loaded GT back in 2006... or did I calculate it wrong?
[/quote]

I'm sure it's just bad writing but the Motortrend article you quoted seems to indicate that Sport and Grand Touring models come standard with automatic transimissions:

"An automatic 'box, 17-in. wheels and a Multi-Info Display are included in the trim level" - refering to Mazda3 s Sport

"While it's powered by the same 2.5L engine and automatic transmission" - refering to the Grand Touring

http://wot.motortrend.com/6475137/auto-news/2010-mazda3-pricing-begins-at-15045-highest-grand-touring-starts-at-22300/index.html

Also, while not really a direct competitor, you can get a 2.0L Genesis Coupe with the Track Package for about a thousand more and get most of the same amenities, along with a ten year powertrain warranty, rear wheel drive, Limited slip differential, bremo breaks, better gas milage (compared to Mazda's 2.5L) and 40 more hp with lots of aftermarket potential (factory turbo). While they are very different vehicle (perhaps the Mazdaspeed3 would be a better comparison) I believe both cars represent some of the best values on the market and for the record, I'm torn between the two. My brain wants the utility and insurance rates of the Mazda3 but my heart wants the style and performance of the Genesis. Woah is me.

**EDIT** The 2.0L Genesis Coupe Track starts a $26,770 and Mazda3 is about a $1,000 cheaper with a manual so the price difference between them will be closer to $2,750.

 

[Option01]

[quote author=metallurgist link=topic=136547.msg2943408#msg2943408 date=1234912911]
[quote author=Option01 link=topic=136547.msg2943020#msg2943020 date=1234904790]
[quote author=fixxer link=topic=136547.msg2942880#msg2942880 date=1234902263]
[quote author=metallurgist link=topic=136547.msg2942840#msg2942840 date=1234901624]
[quote author=boostedminime link=topic=136547.msg2942820#msg2942820 date=1234901212]
The new gt trims come with bi-Xenon headlights
[/quote]

yes but there is no mention of pricing for those trims.
[/quote]

I found the following

"Topping the range is the Mazda3 s Grand Touring ($22,300) in both four- and five-door flavors. While it's powered by the same 2.5L engine and automatic transmission, drivers are comforted by a segment-first eight-way driver seat and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with bi-xenon headlights."

So, a fully loaded GT will be
$22,300
+ $1,195 (Tech Package)
+ $1,395 (Moonroof/Bose)
---------
$24,980

That's much more than what I paid for my fully loaded GT back in 2006... or did I calculate it wrong?
[/quote]

I'm sure it's just bad writing but the Motortrend article you quoted seems to indicate that Sport and Grand Touring models come standard with automatic transimissions:

"An automatic 'box, 17-in. wheels and a Multi-Info Display are included in the trim level" - refering to Mazda3 s Sport

"While it's powered by the same 2.5L engine and automatic transmission" - refering to the Grand Touring

http://wot.motortrend.com/6475137/auto-news/2010-mazda3-pricing-begins-at-15045-highest-grand-touring-starts-at-22300/index.html

Also, while not really a direct competitor, you can get a 2.0L Genesis Coupe with the Track Package for about a thousand more and get most of the same amenities, along with a ten year powertrain warranty, rear wheel drive, Limited slip differential, bremo breaks, better gas milage (compared to Mazda's 2.5L) and 40 more hp with lots of aftermarket potential (factory turbo). While they are very different vehicle (perhaps the Mazdaspeed3 would be a better comparison) I believe both cars represent some of the best values on the market and for the record, I'm torn between the two. My brain wants the utility and insurance rates of the Mazda3 but my heart wants the style and performance of the Genesis. Woah is me.

**EDIT** The 2.0L Genesis Coupe Track starts a $26,770 and Mazda3 is about a $1,000 cheaper with a manual so the price difference between them will be closer to $2,750.
[/quote]

yeah but coupes are useless to us real people.
[/quote]

Oh please, just because your lifestyle requires you to drive a car with five doors doesn't make you more "real" than people who have more freedom in their car-buying choices. Besides, the "usefullness" of a given car is pretty relative. I bet members on an F350 forum would probably think your hatchback is pretty useless.

 

[Option01]

[quote author=AlvinRow link=topic=136547.msg2945484#msg2945484 date=1234984053]
As I'm sure you know, shifting becomes second nature when you do it daily, so the micro tasks we take on while driving aren't really any more difficult than they would be in an ATX car.
[/quote]

This is true. You sort of learn to subconsciously anticipate when you're going to need to shift and do all of your other actions in between. Don't ask me how but I'm able to eat, play with my phone, mess with the radio and a bunch of other stuff all while driving and shifting flawlessly. I will admit, however, that all that crap would be easier if I had an auto but, on the other hand, the manual forces me to pay more attention to the road and less attention on that other stuff which is probably one of the bigger reasons why I've never had an accident in 12 years of driving. (knock on wood)