Get ready Mazda3 orders begin on June 1st

They're axing the Protege5 in 2004? Am I reading that right? Man...I see those everywhere! I know they're going with the Mazda3, but is that a reason to kill off the Protege5? Oh well...

- Jay.

Originally posted by KrazyKiko:
They're axing the Protege5 in 2004? Am I reading that right? Man...I see those everywhere! I know they're going with the Mazda3, but is that a reason to kill off the Protege5? Oh well...

- Jay.

Click to expand...

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Because it is old. There will be a 5 door version of the 3 (eventually, i don't know about @ launch).

What does the 3 look like?

Is it built on the C1 platform or what?

looks almost bmw-ish

IIRC it IS build on the C-1 platform, and will have the 2.3 engine. So it is basically a 2005 Focus that you can buy now in June, not from FORD, but rather Mazda. Jee, let me see...that makes a lot of sense. NOT!
Handling wise it should give good insight into the next Focus. Although I could see Ford using softing suspension on the N/Am Focus. than Mazda's Mx3 and the Euro Focus.
Cheers.

they done with mazda speed protege???

Originally posted by flat 4:
So it is basically a 2005 Focus that you can buy now in June

Click to expand...

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Actually, according to the chart, production doesn't start until September so I guess you could put money down. But don't expect to take delivery until the end of the year.

[ 05-07-2003, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: wrcfan ]

Originally posted by flat 4:
IIRC it IS build on the C-1 platform, and will have the 2.3 engine. So it is basically a 2005 Focus that you can buy now in June, not from FORD, but rather Mazda. Jee, let me see...that makes a lot of sense. NOT!
Handling wise it should give good insight into the next Focus. Although I could see Ford using softing suspension on the N/Am Focus. than Mazda's Mx3 and the Euro Focus.
Cheers.

Click to expand...

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes, it will be the first production model based on the new platform.

But, it IS a joint venture between Ford/Mazda/Volvo so just because the Mazda version is hitting the ground first doesn't mean that Ford is dragging their feet... any more then Volvo is. It's just that Mazda's product planning puts theirs on dealers lots first.

The PZEV Focus will get the aftermarket on the 2.3, which the Maz3 will benefit from. Then the delvelopment on the 3 will benefit the next gen Focus. So, as far as the aftermarket goes... this leapfrogging will keep the aftermarket R&D momentum going.