Since released in 2003, the 3 and 3 GT have been a hit with consumers in North America- so much so that they've become Mazda's best selling vehicle here. Available in two different body styles, the pair offers versatile economy and a package which is great to look at and fun to drive.
Now, for 2007, the Mazda 3 siblings have had a facelift and been joined by an evil brother.
Some refreshments have been made to the exterior styling. New visuals include the use of LED lights in the rear combination lamps, a new front bumper with square fog-lights, and revised looks for the 16 and 17 inch rims designed to convey a sense of stability- fitting given the 3's sporting demeanor.
New interior color schemes and materials are available to compliment the exterior revisions. For instance, black and beige have been added to the option list for interior colors, while new white gauges and zebra-striped
wood finish trim add class. Leather is available on the higher-end S models, and a new grey cloth interior is also available. There are new cup holder-fitted armrests for rear passengers, and all stereos are fitted with auxiliary inputs for portable music players like an I-Pod.
Local stiffness in areas of the body and chassis has been improved for stability and a more solid platform for suspension improvements. The MacPherson strut front suspension has been slightly re-calibrated for better response and less understeer, and the rear suspension receives similar upgrades.
Engine and transmission options have remained unchanged, albeit one major difference.
A turbocharged variant of the 2.3 litre engine with DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) has been fitted to the new Mazdaspeed 3 model. The Mazdaspeed 3 serves as the power-loving evil twin of the regular models, with output of 263 horsepower backed by an incredible 280 lb. ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted, routing power to the front wheels. The transmission is designed to have a quick and comfortable shift action by way of triple-cone synchronizers in the first three gears, and a dual-cone synchronizer in fourth gear.
Torque and boost management systems help prevent excessive wheelspin and improve the handling of this extremely powerful front wheel drive machine.
A revised suspension with a 60 percent improvement in roll stiffness helps plant the power firmly to the road, alongside upgraded brakes to brush off bursts of acceleration.
Whether it's a sporty and economical sedan, a versatile and confident hatchback or a tire-melting 5-door rocket ship you're after, there is a Mazda 3 that's right for your needs.
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| 2007 Mazda 3 (Photo: Mazda) |
Some refreshments have been made to the exterior styling. New visuals include the use of LED lights in the rear combination lamps, a new front bumper with square fog-lights, and revised looks for the 16 and 17 inch rims designed to convey a sense of stability- fitting given the 3's sporting demeanor.
New interior color schemes and materials are available to compliment the exterior revisions. For instance, black and beige have been added to the option list for interior colors, while new white gauges and zebra-striped
 |
| 2007 Mazda 3 (Photo: Mazda) |
Local stiffness in areas of the body and chassis has been improved for stability and a more solid platform for suspension improvements. The MacPherson strut front suspension has been slightly re-calibrated for better response and less understeer, and the rear suspension receives similar upgrades.
Engine and transmission options have remained unchanged, albeit one major difference.
 |
| 2007 Mazdaspeed3 (Photo: Mazda) |
Torque and boost management systems help prevent excessive wheelspin and improve the handling of this extremely powerful front wheel drive machine.
 |
| 2007 Mazdaspeed3 (Photo: Mazda) |
Whether it's a sporty and economical sedan, a versatile and confident hatchback or a tire-melting 5-door rocket ship you're after, there is a Mazda 3 that's right for your needs.
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