I test drove this car last night. Just the touring trim level in automatic. Didnt get to use the sport shift, and it was only the 2.0l BUT what a night and day difference from the focus [dunno]. Im not sure that I could afford to get the 2.5 :(, though i really really want to, dont care if its the 4 or 5 door, just want that 2.5. Anybody's thoughts on these cars? I am waiting to hear if the bank and all the deals go through.

I am already upside down in the focus in only 10 months, sort of disappointing that this car has dropped that much value in 10 months.....now my a rear window is making a clunk clunk noise as it goes up...So are things gonna go to crap after my warranty runs out? probably.

You like it that much more than a Focus? Have you driven the new Focus yet, or is this the Mazda 3 vs your 2010 Focus?

It's funny you made this thread because I've had my eye on a Mazda3 also. I'm not in the market for a new car at this exact moment, but I figured I'd get a headstart to see what's out there. The Mazda3 seems like the best cheapest option out there. Even the base model comes with rear disc brakes and independent rear suspension. It's also hard to beat 0% APR with the current deals that are out.

Like you, I was also looking at the 2.0L trim level. But I was disappointed to find that nearly nobody reviewed the base "i" trims. Every review online focuses on the 2.5L "s" trims. Technically speaking the 2.0L models are reskinned first gen Focuses with a better interior. And personally I didn't find the 2.0L Zetec in my old ZX3 to be underpowered at all. Plus it comes with a sportier suspension. So why the hell not, right?

Anyway good luck with everything. Hopefully you'll work out a sweet deal and get yourself out of that situation.

It's funny you made this thread because I've had my eye on a Mazda3 also. I'm not in the market for a new car at this exact moment, but I figured I'd get a headstart to see what's out there. The Mazda3 seems like the best cheapest option out there. Even the base model comes with rear disc brakes and independent rear suspension. It's also hard to beat 0% APR with the current deals that are out.

Like you, I was also looking at the 2.0L trim level. But I was disappointed to find that nearly nobody reviewed the base "i" trims. Every review online focuses on the 2.5L "s" trims. Technically speaking the 2.0L models are reskinned first gen Focuses with a better interior. And personally I didn't find the 2.0L Zetec in my old ZX3 to be underpowered at all. Plus it comes with a sportier suspension. So why the hell not, right?

Anyway good luck with everything. Hopefully you'll work out a sweet deal and get yourself out of that situation.



Posted via FF Mobile Idk if your just comparing engine size or not but the Mazda is really a reskinned euro second gen focus (c1 platform) with the second gen US focus duratec 2.0l. And the OP is comparing his car to the 3. To be honest if your car is having problems go take it to the dealer and get things fixed before your warranty is up. Also I wouldnt recommend being upsidedown with your payments.

I am comparing to what I have now, the 2010 focus. If I do switch, i wouldnt get into another ford because of the service I have experienced at the stealerships....Its horrible. And yes, I know I can get things fixed for warranty, but is this going to be an ongoing thing? For pretty much the same price I just payed 10 months ago(which in my opinion was probably way to much- 18,500+ tax and such) I can get a much nicer feeling car, handling, motor, everything really seemed better in the short few mile drive I took.

I don't have a whole lot to contribute, but I had a newer '10 or '11 m3 sedan with the 2.0 as a rental for a week and it was awful (mediocre power, mileage sucked big time). If you're saying it's better than your Focus (which I haven't driven) then that thing must be a real dog.

well, I was approved. I am going to see what they can do for me getting into a 2.5 instead of the 2.0.

ajmorell, I am surprised at that, as soon as I touched the gas pedal I felt the difference between it and my focus. HUGE. the MZ3 has electronic power steering too, it requires zero effort to turn, not to mention, the 4 wheel disc. brakes are standard along with independent rear suspension(stated previously) Sure I may not have sync, but it comes with bluetooth, and cruise, steering wheel controls. All in all, I am getting into a better car for the same money. Sure I am losing fog lights and a spoiler. Thats pretty much it, I think I can live with that.

Wait, so you bought a new focus 10 months ago, you are upside down on your payments, now you want to run out and buy another new car so in another 10 months or so you will be upside down on another car?

That's way to much debt to hold for the sake of buying another cheaply built C- segment car. If you think the Mazda is going to be pink unicorns and rainbows better than your foci your dreaming.

I would say get the window fixed, (sounds like the tracks just need some lube) and get on with your life with your focus.


Hang on to it at least until the warranty is up, You have already taken the massive hit, the car is not going to drop as much over the next few years as it did the last 10 months.

Welome to real world, if you're shocked by the first year of depreciation. Even new Hondas will lose at least a grand, when driven off the lot.

Should shop around for someone who will buy your car for more $$. Otherwise wait until you are not upside down. And, most of us with 3rd gens [08-11] are satisfied owners not worried.

I dont know what to do. Ford already said they wouldnt fix my paint issue on my bumpers, they couldnt recreate the issue I am having with the car sputtering/bucking with the a/c on at 40-45 mph, they have treated me like absolute shit at the dealership.....

I hate this....I was screwed from the get go.

I guess I am just stuck with this horrible customer service at my local ford..I sure as hell shouldnt have to drive 25-40 miles away for decent customer service thats for sure. I am going to ford after work instead of mazda and going to raise hell until I get my shit fixed.

Well you might want to look into lemon laws. I'm not sure what the specifics are (if you experience the same problem 3+ times, or whether you experience X number of problems in a short time span or whatever), but that might be a ticket for you to get a new car through your stealership.

They're right though, even if you trade in the moment you drive it off the lot, the car has lost at least $3k of its value. And you gotta remember that even if they give you a sweet deal on the trade in, you still need to continue making those payments towards the car they've taken ownership of. It's a huge headache.

Comparing Mazda3 with Focus is apples and oranges, I know. I'm not going to get into a huge debate about whether the 2008+ Focus is better or worse. Personally I find the Mazda3 more attractive in many ways which I won't get into. But I will say that I personally miss certain things about my old Focus. I think the Mazda3 2.0L model might be able to give that feeling back (with the added bonus of rear disc brakes and a sportier suspension). Just sayin'!

Comparing Mazda3 with Focus is apples and oranges, I know. I'm not going to get into a huge debate about whether the 2008+ Focus is better or worse. Personally I find the Mazda3 more attractive in many ways which I won't get into. But I will say that I personally miss certain things about my old Focus. I think the Mazda3 2.0L model might be able to give that feeling back (with the added bonus of rear disc brakes and a sportier suspension). Just sayin'!

The last part of this just doesnt help make the decision easier thats for sure.

I have tried to have them check it, they said nothing was wrong. I drove with a tech at another dealer, couldnt get the issue to recreate, but it did on the way home....wtf

I guess I am just gonna stay, because of the reasons others have listed above, I dont want to get into even worse shape than I am now....Its just really disheartening. I payed too much for the car and didnt even know it, even had a rebate, but was told yesterday those can actually hurt you, and I think it did.

Well my GF drives a '10 mazda 3, 2L five speed manual and my brothers gf drives a 2.5L auto. My GF didnt like the 2.5, thought it was too much power for her and she wanted better gas mileage. We did test drive the 6speed 2.5 and it was fun.

Compared to the 08-11 Focus, the Mazda is hands down better. I tried to convince both of them to wait for the '12 Focus but they both wanted and needed cars last year. They bought them indepently of each other, they aren't friends outside of dating me and my brother. My gf's has the moon roof, 6 disc bose system and 16" alloys. My brothers' gf's is the same except for 17" wheels (which i like better) and i think it has dual exhaust. My gf likes my '07 just fine but we rented a 09 focus (or a '10, cant recall) and drove it for a week down to South Carolina last summer. Neither of us were that impressed with the car, which made her choice picking a Mazda over a Focus easier.

I dont think there were many changes over the '10 and '11 3's. I think they are good alternative to the '10-'11 focus. You should see about pricing on a '10 Mazda3, might find a better deal on 2.5 from last year

I would highly suggest waiting on the Mazda 3.

If you care about MPG's the Sky-G 2.0L engine and trans will be out this winter for the 2012 Mazda 3's

If you don't care about MPG's then you can likely find a deal on Mazda 3 this fall/winter when they are trying to get rid of the left over 2011's

Summer time is fine time to buy if you are getting a brand new model, but if you can hold out with your 2010 focus until the fall/winter say November/December, you can probably nail an end of year deal.

Also if you qualify with Mazda for Financing they are currently offering 0% for up to 5 years on the Mazda 3, might be worth checking out even though you said your bank approved you.

Just change the zip to your area:
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayRegionalIncentives.action?vehicleCode=&zip=20715

Posted via FF Mobile You havent even had your car a year, is this your first btw? Also the engine in the Mazda is pretty much the exact same one as in your focus. But youll get less mileage. Go raise hell at the dealership. Whats wrong with your paint? Is it corroding or did you just get scratches? They should be able to fix the window. Listen dont freak out, some people dont expect their new cars to have problems for years, but that isnt always the case. Things happen, dont freak out. Just because you have one early problem doesnt mean itll be endless. If your dealerships service is giving you that many problems then find another one, it may be worth the trip.

I got my car and it was a deal too good to be true. Im not going into huge detail because itll take forever, but I can tell you I have had enough issues to make you lose your mind. Everything has worked itself out and my car is problem free right now with almost 65k on it. Chillax, and dont make things worse by going more into debt and buying things you cant afford....look how thats turned out for millions of americans and our government.

I am comparing to what I have now, the 2010 focus. If I do switch, i wouldnt get into another ford because of the service I have experienced at the stealerships....Its horrible. And yes, I know I can get things fixed for warranty, but is this going to be an ongoing thing? For pretty much the same price I just payed 10 months ago(which in my opinion was probably way to much- 18,500+ tax and such) I can get a much nicer feeling car, handling, motor, everything really seemed better in the short few mile drive I took.

I can't speak for the Mazda dealer where you are but I had a Mazda 3 and the service department here was a joke. Just to get my oil changed I had to make an appointment a week in advance. So I made an appointment and the time was set for 10 AM. So at 9:45 I pulled into the dealership for my oil change. The guy asked me if I would be waiting on it or coming back for it. I told him I would wait on it, it's just an oil change. TWO HOURS!!!! Two hours I sat in the customer waiting area because that's how long it took them to change my oil. I asked the guy why it took so long when they were finally done. His was response was "Well you know we have other cars back there and we have to put yours in line."

"What the hell am I making an appointment at a certain time for then? I won't be back." And I didn't go back. Traded the car six months later.

Meanwhile, I can take my Ford stuff to the Express Lane at the dealership and have oil changed and tires rotated in about 40 minutes everytime.

I can't speak for the Mazda dealer where you are but I had a Mazda 3 and the service department here was a joke. Just to get my oil changed I had to make an appointment a week in advance. So I made an appointment and the time was set for 10 AM. So at 9:45 I pulled into the dealership for my oil change. The guy asked me if I would be waiting on it or coming back for it. I told him I would wait on it, it's just an oil change. TWO HOURS!!!! Two hours I sat in the customer waiting area because that's how long it took them to change my oil. I asked the guy why it took so long when they were finally done. His was response was "Well you know we have other cars back there and we have to put yours in line."

"What the hell am I making an appointment at a certain time for then? I won't be back." And I didn't go back. Traded the car six months later.

Meanwhile, I can take my Ford stuff to the Express Lane at the dealership and have oil changed and tires rotated in about 40 minutes everytime.

You traded a car in because a dealership took 2 hours to change your oil? Are you serious? Doesn't take much for you to lose it then.

What you describe is pretty normal for most dealerships. I deal with the same thing. However my dealership is extremely friendly, helpful, and does the job right every single time. I have no problem with waiting if I know it's in the right hands. And I had the same exact experience with my local Ford dealerships (albeit they were a little less friendly at times).

Emergencies happen. Service departments need to set a little bit of wiggle room in their schedule for customers who need to bring their cars in unscheduled. It's a fact of life. Some dealerships might have the luxury of setting up an express lane if they're overstaffed... that's fine. Good for them. But waiting in line for service to get done properly is far from being a deal breaker for me.

Even if I hypothetically have a bad experience with a dealership, there are tons of other dealerships in the area to choose from...

[poke]

I can't speak for the Mazda dealer where you are but I had a Mazda 3 and the service department here was a joke. Just to get my oil changed I had to make an appointment a week in advance. So I made an appointment and the time was set for 10 AM. So at 9:45 I pulled into the dealership for my oil change. The guy asked me if I would be waiting on it or coming back for it. I told him I would wait on it, it's just an oil change. TWO HOURS!!!! Two hours I sat in the customer waiting area because that's how long it took them to change my oil. I asked the guy why it took so long when they were finally done. His was response was "Well you know we have other cars back there and we have to put yours in line."

"What the hell am I making an appointment at a certain time for then? I won't be back." And I didn't go back. Traded the car six months later.

Meanwhile, I can take my Ford stuff to the Express Lane at the dealership and have oil changed and tires rotated in about 40 minutes everytime.

Takes less than two hours to change your own oil.

No waiting around, you know it was done right, and it's a nice sense of accomplishment when you finish.

Jus' sayin'

You traded a car in because a dealership took 2 hours to change your oil? Are you serious? Doesn't take much for you to lose it then.

What you describe is pretty normal for most dealerships. I deal with the same thing. However my dealership is extremely friendly, helpful, and does the job right every single time. I have no problem with waiting if I know it's in the right hands. And I had the same exact experience with my local Ford dealerships (albeit they were a little less friendly at times).

Emergencies happen. Service departments need to set a little bit of wiggle room in their schedule for customers who need to bring their cars in unscheduled. It's a fact of life. Some dealerships might have the luxury of setting up an express lane if they're overstaffed... that's fine. Good for them. But waiting in line for service to get done properly is far from being a deal breaker for me.

Even if I hypothetically have a bad experience with a dealership, there are tons of other dealerships in the area to choose from...

[poke]

I traded the car because I found another car I wanted. I just didn't have it serviced at the Mazda dealer while I owned it. Waiting two hours for an oil change is ridiculous, I don't care how busy they are. That's just a service department that isn't being run properly. They should have three to five guys that do nothing but routine service all day long. Why am I making an appointment a week in advance just to sit there for two hours when I can take it to any Express Lube in town and be done in twenty minutes? Answer, I'm not.

I am comparing to what I have now, the 2010 focus. If I do switch, i wouldnt get into another ford because of the service I have experienced at the stealerships....Its horrible. And yes, I know I can get things fixed for warranty, but is this going to be an ongoing thing? For pretty much the same price I just payed 10 months ago(which in my opinion was probably way to much- 18,500+ tax and such) I can get a much nicer feeling car, handling, motor, everything really seemed better in the short few mile drive I took.

sorry to inform you but Mazda sucks with their warranties. There's a joke that they'll void it because you have an air freshener and a panda sticker in the back window. The 3s are awesome but make sure to compare

^ you own an MS3 right? I disagree that Mazda is any worse with their warranties than any other company. They cannot void a warranty altogether, it doesn't work like that. They can refuse to fix a problem under warranty that was proven to have been caused by a certain modification. I don't see a problem with that, that's a risk you take when you mod.

I think Mazda has learned to be wary of warranty claims (particularly from the MS3) because certain people mod without education and pop a rod through the block. They then stock out and go to the dealer to get their new engine. That's fraud in my book.

It also depends a lot on the specific dealer you go to as well.

Takes less than two hours to change your own oil.

No waiting around, you know it was done right, and it's a nice sense of accomplishment when you finish.

Jus' sayin'

This is correct. Its done right and if not, only yourself to blame lol. Because when I took the focus in for 10k oil change (service plan) I checked the oil level, it was topped over the MAX line. Drove 20 miles to the next closest dealer(Which I shouldnt have to) to have them drain almost a quart and a half of oil out. 5.5 quarts of oil in my little 2.0 4 banger? GTFO


Ok, Mazda gave me an awesome deal on the focus trade. And I came up with some cash for the negative so it worked out to not being negative, more like a trade with $0 money down. I wasnt shooting for a MS3 or the 5 door with the 2.5, because I couldnt afford it.

I went to ford yesterday after work, to recreate my issues with a tech. I pulled in the service, as the guy at one of the desks looks at me, I get out, stand by my car.....nothing. I go over to the glass to where the guy is now talking with another tech, I wait patiently talking to an elderly guy who asked about the focus, told him its not a bad car, etc, etc. I look up, guy 1 is done talking, looks at me out of the corner of his eye, and proceeds to play on his cell phone....Ignoring me. I go back and Sit in my car with the door open (Mind you this is literally 10 feet in front of the 6-8 service doors/desks under the overhang.) Nothing. So without asking, for 20 minutes, not a single person even acknowledged me once. 2 living people walked right by me not saying a word. Nobody asked if I needed help, or if there was a problem nothing. To me, customer service is like #1 or #2 when it comes to purchasing things, and I can see I made more than one mistake by purchasing a car at this dealership. So on top of all the other issues, this really was the straw that broke it for me. Sorry, I think I will be much happier though.

FYI: Never EVER go to:
"Ford of Port Richey" located at:
10715 US HWY 19
Port Richey, FL 34668

The Finance manager is a greasy slimeball that will do anything to screw you. Including telling me that you CANNOT transfer a tag, I had to get a new one. In order to charge me the extra $600 [rant]

Ok, rant over.

I am the owner of a Mazda 3, its basic and simple, but I like it. [;)]

Soooo because you put $0 down you're already upside down on it?

Brand new so as soon as you drove it off the lot it's worth $3,000 less...but you put no money down...so...

^ Well, not really. I came up with cash to offset the upside down on the focus. to make it easier to get into this deal. It really worked out better, same bank, better rate....And I understand once you drive off, there goes some off the top. But in 5 years, it would be a better investment in my eyes.

Soooo because you put $0 down you're already upside down on it?

Brand new so as soon as you drove it off the lot it's worth $3,000 less...but you put no money down...so...

If this is a problem for someone, perhaps they shouldn't have bought the vehicle in the first place. [;)]

I'll go one further and say if someone needs GAP insurance, they probably shouldn't have bought the vehicle in the first place.

If this is a problem for someone, perhaps they shouldn't have bought the vehicle in the first place. [;)]

I'll go one further and say if someone needs GAP insurance, they probably shouldn't have bought the vehicle in the first place.

I dont understand your statement, or to whom it was directed.

let's just make sure this doesn't end in another argument or I will end it myself.

Glad you got the car...... have any pictures?

He was quoting lyonsroar... which I assume was a response to lyonsroar's statement...

Anyway I still want to congratulate you on your Mazda3. Even if it was less than ideal circumstances for you to get one. I think you'll definitely enjoy it more than the Focus. I assume you got the 2.0L model? Definitely keep my updated on how that is. Like I said I've been keeping an eye on it myself as a possible future purchase.

The 2012 Focus is something that should've come to the US long ago. And I don't mean that as a way to bash the '08-'11 model. I just think it's about time we caught up to what the Europeans have been enjoying for several years now. So I'm glad to see that side get a decent upgrade too.

let's just make sure this doesn't end in another argument or I will end it myself.

Glad you got the car...... have any pictures?

I just asked because I dont think I offended anybody LOL, It was nice that people actually commented and helped me, my decision was a no at the end of the day on wednesday before I left work, then the rest of the crap happened....I did love my focus though, it was sad taking the plates off :(

Pic below:

He was quoting lyonsroar... which I assume was a response to lyonsroar's statement...

Anyway I still want to congratulate you on your Mazda3. Even if it was less than ideal circumstances for you to get one. I think you'll definitely enjoy it more than the Focus. I assume you got the 2.0L model? Definitely keep my updated on how that is. Like I said I've been keeping an eye on it myself as a possible future purchase.


I did get the 2.0, BUT WOW what a difference, i got the auto with sport manual :D, the touring model, 2nd from bottom, but hey, I can add fogs, it came with projectors, just need HID kit. I also opted for the silver over black or red, i just liked it:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee27/camocustom98/2011-07-20203318.jpg?t=1311340579

Nice!

The face is the only real drawback of he Mazda 3. I just can't get over how happy that little guy is. :D But I can see how some would like it and it could grow on others. It's a really nice car otherwise.

The face is the only real drawback of he Mazda 3. I just can't get over how happy that little guy is. :D But I can see how some would like it and it could grow on others. It's a really nice car otherwise.

LOL yea, the smiley face, the "bra" for the front though really makes the smiley face go away LOL, its an option for me for sure.

The smiley face doesn't bother me anymore. It's not even really visible if you get a black one. Your model is exactly what I want (i Touring), except I'd get the black color with 16" steel wheels and fog lights.

Anyway I'm glad to hear you're happy with the ride. I think the 2.5L engine is highly overrated. You have to consider that it still comes better equipped and handles much better than most cars in its class in base form.

How could the 2012 Focus " shouda came here long ago", when it wasn't even existing anywhere else before this model year? It wasn't in design stage until maybe 2007?

Anyway, MZ3 is nice car, too.

The smiley face doesn't bother me anymore. It's not even really visible if you get a black one. Your model is exactly what I want (i Touring), except I'd get the black color with 16" steel wheels and fog lights.

Anyway I'm glad to hear you're happy with the ride. I think the 2.5L engine is highly overrated. You have to consider that it still comes better equipped and handles much better than most cars in its class in base form.


Fogs only come on the next one up, the S touring :( or the Grand touring. But I can add them later anyways. I want them bad.

How could the 2012 Focus " shouda came here long ago", when it wasn't even existing anywhere else before this model year? It wasn't in design stage until maybe 2007?

Anyway, MZ3 is nice car, too.

I was referring to the Focus that existed in Europe "all along". How they continued to improve its design and driving dynamics overseas while we got stuck with the old platform 2008 redesign here in America. The 2012 model is based off of what the Europeans have been improving throughout those years. Obviously the 2012 didn't exist before 2012...

[screwy]

I test drove this car last night. Just the touring trim level in automatic. Didnt get to use the sport shift, and it was only the 2.0l BUT what a night and day difference from the focus [dunno]. Im not sure that I could afford to get the 2.5 :(, though i really really want to, dont care if its the 4 or 5 door, just want that 2.5. Anybody's thoughts on these cars? I am waiting to hear if the bank and all the deals go through.

I am already upside down in the focus in only 10 months, sort of disappointing that this car has dropped that much value in 10 months.....now my a rear window is making a clunk clunk noise as it goes up...So are things gonna go to crap after my warranty runs out? probably.

My father in law just got a 2.0 i and he loves it but he isn't really happy with the mileage. He drives like the grandpa that he is and gets around 26 mpg. I had told him to drive the new Focus but he didn't listen. Mazda is going to be releasing new version of the 3, and I think it's next year. The new 3 will have a new Sky engine with much better mileage, that's the only real complaint that anyone has with the 3, it's a fun car.

Enjoy the new ride...

Get a focus!!!

Hey Camo,
I rented the EXACT same color/model Mazda 3 last week on my trip to VA/MD. I drove it a lot over 7 days.

And I agree with you, it's a more polished package than my '09 Focus. Smoother engine, better handling, better materials, a bit better brakes.

I though the seat comfort was about the same.

My one biggest gripe with the Mazda 3 was how my knee hit the center console while driving no matter what position I was in b/c my foot rests slightly diagonal on the gas pedal...causing my right leg to go out some.

This never happens in my Focus due to more lateral room there. It eventually got very annoying and I'd axe the MS3 just b/c of that for my situation. But that's just my situation and the only flaw that worked against me personally and killed it for me.
But it's a nice car no doubt.

I'm in the process of trading in the SVT for a Mazdaspeed3 shortly. Just waiting to see what type of interest rates my bank is going to throw at me.

I wish I could have afforded that speed3, man they are nice, I wish I could have afforded the 5 door, but hey, I am happy, its been a nice ride for the past 2 weeks and Think it will work out better in the long run.

Well the only thing that I would add that strikes me as odd is the fact that you bought a Focus right before a major upgrade, and then traded it in for a Mazda 3 right before their new model comes out. The only advantage in doing this is saving money if you play your cards right, but I would rather have a model the year it is refreshed.

Well the only thing that I would add that strikes me as odd is the fact that you bought a Focus right before a major upgrade, and then traded it in for a Mazda 3 right before their new model comes out. The only advantage in doing this is saving money if you play your cards right, but I would rather have a model the year it is refreshed.

He's not losing out on anything. The Mazda Sky-G trim level is going to be tacked on to the existing lineup. The base 2.0L and "performance" 2.5L trim will still be there. Besides having a slight exterior facelift there aren't going to be any huge changes. If anything I think he got a sweet deal since there's currently a 0% APR deal.

Yea, from what I understand, its just an add on. I probably wouldnt have been able to afford it anyways. I got what I could afford, and for the same money I was spending, I am overall happy.

I'm a little surprised and disappointed with Mazda though. I was expecting the Sky-G technology to be standard in the base model. If Ford can manage to squeeze a direct injection engine and dual clutch transmission into a base model that starts at $16k, there's really no reason why Mazda can't either.

I guess you could argue that they've got fewer connections to suppliers in the industry since they're a smaller company than Ford. Although admittedly they've been doing a great job of keeping prices down for such well-equipped cars. And having 30 or so MPG average isn't considered terrible (at least in my mind) either.

Slight correction... the SkyActiv engine will replace the 2.5L. They also mention improved chassis designs, but those changes won't reach the Mazda3 until after 2012. Full article details here (http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/mazda/mazda-skyactiv-prototype-review-video-1587.html).

The top one looks like a mazda 6, or the 04-09 mazda3s, bottom seems more like it, and a simple front bumper swap would convert me ;)

Haha, sorry I ninja edited my post and removed the pics. I think you're right, the one in the article is a Mazda6 and the blue one we saw in the press release was the actual Mazda3. With the way the article is worded they made it sound like that white one would be the new Mazda3. Either way they're both steps in the right direction as far as redesigns go. :-)

and the 2011 is only the 2nd year in the new line, its 04-09, and 10-11+ so far.. I do love the older ones, they are nice looking rides