[AusAstina97]

There is a quick review of the Mazda3 in the current issue of Wheels. I saw it in the newsagent the other day. They basically say they really like it, but are waiting to pass full judgement on it til they drive an Aus-spec car.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Hopfuly it means that it's too good to be true

 

[dinu01]

Any links so we can read it on the net?

 

[AusAstina97]

No, no links that I know of. The official site is www.wheelsmag.com.au but I don't think they publish current articles online. Maybe in a month or so.

 

[AusAstina97]

Oops, I followed my own link above and came across a review after saying there was none. I dont think its the same one from the magazine though:

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/reviews/reviewstory.asp?ID=5382

 

[schulkw]

Funny how they said a projected price increase, but other articles say the price is the same as the '03 Protege comparibly equipped.

 

[AusAstina97]

Remember this is for Australian markets. Our model specs on both the 3 and the 323, and pricing structure for both is different than it is in the US.

 

[schulkw]

Oh. Didn't realize it was Australia. Disregard my post then.

 

[AusAstina97]

Yeah in Aus the 3 will be about AU$3000 more than the 323 is now, but the extra features will make that not such a bad thing.

The current base 323 is the 1.8L model, for AU$19,990 and the top of the range SP20 2.0L model with ABS etc is about AU$27,500

The new base 3 will be 2.0L (with more power and torque than the current SP20) will be $22,500. So the pricing doesnt seem to be too steep.