[schulkw]

Three interesting points before you read the article:

1.) Sedan and HB arrive the first week of December
2.) "Mazda plans call for a three-door, wagon and convertible 3, and MazdaSpeed, MPS and all-wheel-drive versions available by the end of calendar year 2005."
3.) "Prices have not been announced, but should be in line with Honda Civic. Think $13,000 to $21,000."


http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...=reviews&loc_code=index&content_code=02067768

 

[Kazbaeden]

Yeah, I saw this one posted in the USA forum. Great review. Can't wait for december

 

[schulkw]

Mine was first though! lol

 

[dinu01]

Hmm... I doubt it Nithing wrong with a little competition

 

[atl]

A Mazdaspeed and MPS version?? Cool. I don't know about that convertible 3 idea.

 

[rocketman]

That would be nice to see a AWD MZ3 but dont think it will be in north america

 

[Kazbaeden]

Convertible compacts seem to attract an annoying breed of driver. Around here, there are so many prissy ditzy blonds who drive VW Cabrios. They always have the top down in summer, blairing their backstreet boys. I don't want to see that happen to the 3. Dear God no.

 

[schulkw]

I also think that some cars just appeal and are marketed towards women such as Saturn.

 

[anamnesis]

I'm not so sure the Mazda 3 will be designed to appeal to the same niche as that VW Cabrio driver stereotype. Condemning a type of car based on a stereotype of the type of people who drive it is a more than a little unfair. I don't think ditzes in Cabrios are as annoying as ricers with slammed Hondas trying to race everyone to the next red light like morons. I think the 3 three-door will be a sporty design and will lend itself to a decent convertible without looking too frumpy. There isn't a whole lot to compete with at the moment, but by 2005 it's possible we'll see others like the Celica or Tiburon with convertible models to compete with, maybe a new Golf and Chevy/Pontiac convertible based on their new small car platform too. Of course little convertibles are marketed towards women, and Mazda wants as much brand appeal as it can get to gain more momentum ... we all want Mazda to get better and better, so if they want to build something for everyone, what's the problem? I've always thought Mazda needed a Protege in this segment -- it's been a long time coming.