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44 Posts
After posting and reading about the 3 for probaby a month, I finally got my ass into a dealership and went out for a ride. The saleswoman smiled and gave me the keys to a GFX. O..Kaay... maybe not the best move on her part.
Speed
Took it up to 170 kph for about a 10 minute stretch of highway. Car held quite well but I could definitely "feel" the speed, which was something I was testing NOT to feel. A nice ride, but it does lack the "planted" feel of a german car that Mazda Japan was trying to achieve. Shock and spring mods will help a lot.
Handling/Noise
Took some fast turns off the highway and was suprised and impressed. Don't remember who did the suspension (Ford Europe?) but this stock GFX held its own in this department. There is good road feel on this car...not a go-kart like a Civic or Mini (if you like that) but you are hardly secluded from road conditions. For those that say this car is quiet, to the point of not knowing when to shift....ummm...no. Yes the car is quiet...when you are stopped at a light. But on the road the 3 is hardly quiet. If you are relying of engine noise to shift it is there in abudance....there is also a gauge on the left called a tachometer.
Engine/Acceration/Manual Transmission/Brakes
The engine certainly did not struggle, but also did not inspire me to drive with "the cards on the table." ie. the engine was willing... but was just beginning to border on "heyumm.. I am not supposed to be doing this" :shock:
Clutch takeup and contact point was perfect. I found it to be more German than Japanese. Same goes for the shifter. Precise, slightly notchy, confident. Braking is strong and linear. A lower torque band would help in spades. Downshifts and acceleration were good, although I can't imagine what an automatic would feel like.
Ergonomics
Everything in this car seems to be where it should be. The radio gauges and lighting seems a bit cheesy for me, but the general layout and important functions are done right which so many cars fail to do. Seat adjustments and tilt/tele steering wheel...very nice. Seat support is also above average for a Japanese car.
I only wish they would have not used those round side vents and cheap turning markers on the outside. Design wise, they are an eyesore and those round air vents are from a 1980's Toyota parts bin. Also dont know if I can take the fancy lighting and fast n furious gauges all the time. Saturday night yes...but Sunday morning coffee...and your car is still looks hungover.
Pricing
Listing at an MSRP of CDN$24K and change before coffee, this represents a significant jump on the price point from its base car, especially in this target market. The GFX then begins to border on VW's, Mini's etc., other markets.
Personal design gripes aside, This is some very nice work from Mazda! Mazda is way ahead with this car and I think other auto manufacturers just got a hard wake up call. What can I say...Velocity Red? I think so!
BetterByDesign.
Speed
Took it up to 170 kph for about a 10 minute stretch of highway. Car held quite well but I could definitely "feel" the speed, which was something I was testing NOT to feel. A nice ride, but it does lack the "planted" feel of a german car that Mazda Japan was trying to achieve. Shock and spring mods will help a lot.
Handling/Noise
Took some fast turns off the highway and was suprised and impressed. Don't remember who did the suspension (Ford Europe?) but this stock GFX held its own in this department. There is good road feel on this car...not a go-kart like a Civic or Mini (if you like that) but you are hardly secluded from road conditions. For those that say this car is quiet, to the point of not knowing when to shift....ummm...no. Yes the car is quiet...when you are stopped at a light. But on the road the 3 is hardly quiet. If you are relying of engine noise to shift it is there in abudance....there is also a gauge on the left called a tachometer.
Engine/Acceration/Manual Transmission/Brakes
The engine certainly did not struggle, but also did not inspire me to drive with "the cards on the table." ie. the engine was willing... but was just beginning to border on "heyumm.. I am not supposed to be doing this" :shock:
Clutch takeup and contact point was perfect. I found it to be more German than Japanese. Same goes for the shifter. Precise, slightly notchy, confident. Braking is strong and linear. A lower torque band would help in spades. Downshifts and acceleration were good, although I can't imagine what an automatic would feel like.
Ergonomics
Everything in this car seems to be where it should be. The radio gauges and lighting seems a bit cheesy for me, but the general layout and important functions are done right which so many cars fail to do. Seat adjustments and tilt/tele steering wheel...very nice. Seat support is also above average for a Japanese car.
I only wish they would have not used those round side vents and cheap turning markers on the outside. Design wise, they are an eyesore and those round air vents are from a 1980's Toyota parts bin. Also dont know if I can take the fancy lighting and fast n furious gauges all the time. Saturday night yes...but Sunday morning coffee...and your car is still looks hungover.
Pricing
Listing at an MSRP of CDN$24K and change before coffee, this represents a significant jump on the price point from its base car, especially in this target market. The GFX then begins to border on VW's, Mini's etc., other markets.
Personal design gripes aside, This is some very nice work from Mazda! Mazda is way ahead with this car and I think other auto manufacturers just got a hard wake up call. What can I say...Velocity Red? I think so!
BetterByDesign.