[Badger Biker]

Ok, we have a complaint thread, and after searching I didn't find a thread that relates to this...

What are those little things about the vehicle that surprised you, impressed you, made you smile or go "wow!"

My list begins with:
-Both sunroof buttons being able to close the sunroof
-Red lighted ashtray - very cool and great attention to detail there, I think.
-Blue light over the shifter is just way cool ...
-The rear-middle seat buckle holders in the seat, just making them sit flush, great thinking, Mazda!
-One of my personal favorites: The Tach needle has a little blue fiber-optic bit in it that turns blue on the tip of the needle when you reach red-line. Very cool indeed

That's my list so far... I'm sure people have others that I haven't even discovered yet, and perhaps I alerted you to something new as well

So ... what little details surprised you?

 

[JT]

-Both sunroof buttons being able to close the sunroof

Agree on the dual operation. Nice touch and very convenient.

-Red lighted ashtray - very cool and great attention to detail there, I think.

Actually, the white is light. There is a red tinted "window" in the top of the ashtray...but still a cool feature. I like to drive with it open at night so I can see the red light. Kind of gives it a warm feeling.

-Blue light over the shifter is just way cool ...

You mean just above the red, err, white lighted ashtray?

-One of my personal favorites: The Tach needle has a little blue fiber-optic bit in it that turns blue on the tip of the needle when you reach red-line. Very cool indeed

Well, I've tested this several times and I think it's just a reflection of the blue light hitting the needle. Until I read official documentation of this, I will doubt there's actually a light at the end of the needle.

JT

 

[iguanaboy]

Found in cunsumer reveiws, I think this is the same as you are talking about.
http://www.mazda3forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2901&sid=bfecfd7fc1c8410087b1a36cf87eab8e

 

[FR3D]

I kind of those little lights that light up when you adjust the volume of the stereo

 

[TGZ]

I like the placement of various things in the car. Like how my arm can rest on either side, the insane amount of cupholders, etc.

I like how the door handles are on the outside. Dunno why but I like how they open as opposed to some other cars that have different.

 

[lmp180psu]

I have started to really like the small cubby next to the shifter - my cell phone fits perfectly in it, and the phone doesn't move around much at all.

 

[klavergreg]

Me too! I was so excited about it I was even going to post a photo. That slot seems like it was DESIGNED to hold my cell phone. It's great.

 

[BlackMz3]

I like the blue mood lighting right in front of the shifter

 

[ruff]

I like the one touch open or tilt on the sunroof. Also in the rear part of the hatch were you can lock the floor cover up to keep stuff from rolling around in the back of the hatch. Thats very slick.

 

[RickJames]

I like the placement of various things in the car. Like how my arm can rest on either side, the insane amount of cupholders, etc.

I agree with the amount of cupholders. My BMW had ZERO! I hated how whenever I go to the drive-thru of Wendy's and always had to ask for one of those eggcrate cupholders for my one drink. :roll:

 

[westcoastwake]

I like all the things you've listed so far and i really like the gigantic glovebox, it's pretty cool.

 

[hydevil]

I like the one touch open or tilt on the sunroof. Also in the rear part of the hatch were you can lock the floor cover up to keep stuff from rolling around in the back of the hatch. Thats very slick.

What do you mean in the hatch you can lock the floor cover up?

 

[nikita]

Little things I love:

1. Stereo-controls on the Steering wheel (lighted too!).
2. HUGE glove box
3. the oft-mentioned many Cupholders!! I had ONE flimsy twice broken one in my old car.
4. Door handles - I HATED those cheap flip up handles I used to have
5. Two tiered storage compartment
6. My cell phone holder (aka "Cubby hole")
7. The Coin Holder for Tolls
8. Adjustable lumbar lever

 

[factrzero]

Whisper-quiet engine
Immediate break response
Amazing handling
Interior and exterior styling are excellent
Rims look great on the stock 17"
All seats are comfortable compared to similar seats like the RSX
Shifter is smooth as butter

 

[digger10t]

i like how the glovebox and oh-shit assist handles are damped. you cant slam them by letting them go quickly...they just kinda open (or fold up) gently. thats a really great touch.

i also liked the how-to guide for replacing headlights given in the manual and the ease of clutch modulation.

 

[jaybird]

Privacy cover

In the hatchback, the privacy cover has a hinge in it, and is held down (partially) by magnets. This allows you to open the privacy cover from the inside and store things quickly. My VW GTI had a one-piece privacy cover that was far less convenient.

 

[Forrest]

Re: Privacy cover

In the hatchback, the privacy cover has a hinge in it, and is held down (partially) by magnets. This allows you to open the privacy cover from the inside and store things quickly. My VW GTI had a one-piece privacy cover that was far less convenient.

I backed into a parking space and didn't have room to open the hatch. I found out you can fold the rear seats down in the hatch with the privacy cover still in place! Too cool.

 

[Forrest]

Things I like...

• Steering at every speed is refined and tight.
• Gas mileage is amazing considering the horsepower.
• Gauges and interior lighting is just too cool.
• No (or minimal) understeer?!?!
• Glove box size
• Car is super fun to drive!
  [/list:u]
  
  Mazda... :goodjob:

 

[6_funk]

I Love the Steering Wheel in general.
one thing i love is the stereo and cruise buttons on the steering wheel. and they're lit up at night
and i love how the wheel looks kinda like a racing wheel.
not like the four spoke crappy ones that look so dull

you just don't see this on any other economy class car out there.

 

[zimmerDN]

Really really really comfortable seats (much better then our 2004 accord and that was rate the best in its class).

Driving with windows down without having too much wind blowing into your face. This is major for me because I like having windows opened even on highway.