Ordering a new Mazda 3

[DreamCatcher88]

Hi, I booked a new mazda 3 sel lux petrol manual in deep crystal blue for delivery in September for a 69 plate and traded in my wife's 5yr old fiesta (which required £1300 of maintenance). I received £4k from mazda but only £3k from Ford.The key determining factor was that I previously had a mazda cx5 68 plate and liked it, therefore we would soon have two mazdas on our driveway. We enjoy the new Mazda 3's new design and lux inside, as well as the enormous nav screen that is now tilted towards the driver, as well as the on-screen projection, safety package, and full length armrest.

[NAVITEL]

I'd like one with a Skyactiv X engine, but money won't let me get one for a few years. I tried out the Gen 4 in GT Sport style and thought it was beautiful. I hope you have fun in your new car. 

[diablos_carcv5]

While my vehicle was being serviced at the dealership, I got to sit in a fully-optioned Gen 4. It was beautiful inside and out, especially for the class. Not that I've wanted to, but I haven't driven one either.

While the second vehicle you have is attractive, I don't believe I could handle the stress of installing and removing a rear-facing car seat from it due to the awkward design of the roof and doors.

[DreamCatcher88]

Thank you. If it were for me, I would have purchased the 180 PSI engine, automatic, all-wheel drive version for £32,500; nevertheless, for that much, I would prefer the size and riding height of the CX5.

[EnchantedScribe]

The next CX-30 is anticipated to be similar to the gen-4 Mazda3, with the same engines and hatchback boot but approximately the same size (430-450L, I believe) as the 3 fastback and significantly larger than the 360L boot of the 3 hatchback.  I'm not sure about back legroom/headroom, but it's basically a jacked-up Mazda3 that handles nearly as well.  I believe it will be priced somewhere between the 3 and the CX-5.

[DreamCatcher88]

I agree with you, Scribe, but the problem is that these new automotive developments always occur the day after you make your purchas

Edited June 19, 2023 by DreamCatcher88

[EnchantedScribe]

2 minutes ago, DreamCatcher88 said:

I agree with you, Scribe, but the problem is that these new automotive developments always occur the day after you make your purchas

I believe the CX-30 will be available in October.

[EtherealWanderer]

3 minutes ago, DreamCatcher88 said:

I agree with you, Scribe, but the problem is that these new automotive developments always occur the day after you make your purchas

I am curious as to whether or not you have considered the upcoming X engine in the 3.

It seemed to me that a 50% increase in output over the current 2.0L engine was a significant improvement. Even if professional evaluators laud it, the first mainstream supercharged, compression ignition petrol engine is a step into the unknown for consumers.

[CyberMage]

4 minutes ago, EnchantedScribe said:

I believe the CX-30 will be available in October.

Andy, do you happen to have any information on the release date in the UK?  I have subscribed to the official Mazda 'we'll keep you updated' emails, but I have not yet received any communication from the company.  In my opinion, there is no way that it will be accessible in five weeks.

[EnchantedScribe]

Just now, CyberMage said:

Andy, do you happen to have any information on the release date in the UK?  I have subscribed to the official Mazda 'we'll keep you updated' emails, but I have not yet received any communication from the company.  In my opinion, there is no way that it will be accessible in five weeks.

I did originally read on Honest John's website that it was due to go on sale just after the 3 Fastback, i.e. some time in October or November, but reading the later road test there, it now seems to be going on sale (available to put in orders) from December.  That probably means deliveries (including breaks over Christmas and the New Year) from February 2020 at the earliest.  If they have them in the showrooms by Christmas, I'll have a spy when I get my 3 serviced.

[DreamCatcher88]

The thing that irritates me is that if you want the top of the line GT tech, you have to have a black interior lining, which makes it feel gloomy and smaller inside, as well as the larger wheel (16 v 18)rims, which makes it poorer on economy and a harder ride for the same engine power as the cheaper trims....doesn't make sense.

because I want the Bose system, heated steering wheel, and additional safety equipment

[EnchantedScribe]

1 minute ago, DreamCatcher88 said:

The thing that irritates me is that if you want the top of the line GT tech, you have to have a black interior lining, which makes it feel gloomy and smaller inside, as well as the larger wheel (16 v 18)rims, which makes it poorer on economy and a harder ride for the same engine power as the cheaper trims....doesn't make sense.

because I want the Bose system, heated steering wheel, and additional safety equipment

You may be able to get the 16in rims and tyres on the top spec models as an option (unless the brake diameters are uprated and thus are too large for the 16in rims - no idea why, its not as though REALLY sporty versions are available, even the SA-X isn't) - but then you have to order the car new (which means you'll get a smaller discount if you have to go through a dealer) or buy

When the alloys were corroding and causing leaks in the tyres, and the tyres were close to needing replacement (age), I told my local dealer to dispose (FREE) of the old alloys and tyres, as they were not worth selling.