Mazda3/Protege Top 10 features -wish list
February-5th-2003 | 10:36 PM
#16
Protege Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 300
From: Roseville/St Paul, MN
1. heated mirrors
2. Better arm rest (but keep the storage unit the way it is)
3. AWD (optional)
4. better 5th gear or a 6th gear.
5. Better stereo, (one that I won't hit the tuner **** when trying to hit other buttons)
6. a remote that has a trunk open button
7. xenon/HID lights (though with 6 like projector lights it might be ok)
8. Better bolsters in the seat, so the wife and I aren't plaster against the window or each other (not so bad) when I'm performing my auto X demonstrations
9. Power is ok now but more is always better. Keeping the current 2.0 as a base engine is good and a 160 hp 2.3 would be a welcome addition. Just stay away from the zetec.
10. maintian the class leading handling characteristics, with maybe some ride enhancemnet (aka BMW like) so my wife doesn't have to wear a sports bra every time we take road trip.
2. Better arm rest (but keep the storage unit the way it is)
3. AWD (optional)
4. better 5th gear or a 6th gear.
5. Better stereo, (one that I won't hit the tuner **** when trying to hit other buttons)
6. a remote that has a trunk open button
7. xenon/HID lights (though with 6 like projector lights it might be ok)
8. Better bolsters in the seat, so the wife and I aren't plaster against the window or each other (not so bad) when I'm performing my auto X demonstrations
9. Power is ok now but more is always better. Keeping the current 2.0 as a base engine is good and a 160 hp 2.3 would be a welcome addition. Just stay away from the zetec.
10. maintian the class leading handling characteristics, with maybe some ride enhancemnet (aka BMW like) so my wife doesn't have to wear a sports bra every time we take road trip.
February-6th-2003 | 04:35 AM
#18
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 53
From: Delaware
keep it simple
10 things I would like to see added:
1. 6-speed
2. limited slip diff.
3. 190 hp 4-banger
4. optional 220 hp six
5. MSP suspension minus the clunk in the trunk
6. 17" rims and tires
7. More supportive seating
8. Oil pressure gauge
9. Variable intermitten(sp) wipers
10. Short throw shifter
10 Things that need to be corrected:
1. Driving lights instead of fog lights
2. 2 power door lock switches
3. Cup holders that will HOLD a cup or 20 oz soda or Big Gulp
4. Bigger center console ( armrest portion )
5. A window lock that doesn't lock out the driver from the other three windows
6. Rear seats that can be folded down w/o taking the headrest out
7. A rear wing with a purpose ( instead of directing dirt to the back window )
8. Side marker lights in the headlight assembly and not in the bumper cover
9. Better windshield
10. Blower noise
1. 6-speed
2. limited slip diff.
3. 190 hp 4-banger
4. optional 220 hp six
5. MSP suspension minus the clunk in the trunk
6. 17" rims and tires
7. More supportive seating
8. Oil pressure gauge
9. Variable intermitten(sp) wipers
10. Short throw shifter
10 Things that need to be corrected:
1. Driving lights instead of fog lights
2. 2 power door lock switches
3. Cup holders that will HOLD a cup or 20 oz soda or Big Gulp
4. Bigger center console ( armrest portion )
5. A window lock that doesn't lock out the driver from the other three windows
6. Rear seats that can be folded down w/o taking the headrest out
7. A rear wing with a purpose ( instead of directing dirt to the back window )
8. Side marker lights in the headlight assembly and not in the bumper cover
9. Better windshield
10. Blower noise
February-6th-2003 | 07:55 AM
#19
Certified Sick Individual
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,141
From: Houston, TX.
Things I want:
1. RWD
2. 50/50 weight distribution
3. Good seats with top grade leather
Oh wait.... I guess I'm wanting a BMW on a Hyundai budget. Get real. Some of the things you guys are wanting out of a <20,000 dollar car is pretty amazing. Maybe you should wait and buy one that is a little more expensive, rather than starting another one of these I want a 6-speed, I want more horsepower, oh why oh why did I buy this car threads.
1. RWD
2. 50/50 weight distribution
3. Good seats with top grade leather
Oh wait.... I guess I'm wanting a BMW on a Hyundai budget. Get real. Some of the things you guys are wanting out of a <20,000 dollar car is pretty amazing. Maybe you should wait and buy one that is a little more expensive, rather than starting another one of these I want a 6-speed, I want more horsepower, oh why oh why did I buy this car threads.
February-6th-2003 | 12:01 PM
#20
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 383
From: WA
Well, nothing hurt with alittle more discussion, right?
Some of the features we are talking about here do exist in the Asian version of the car, with the price within the same range. Therefore it can be done. Why they didn't import those models with those features is beyond me.
Some of the features we are talking about here do exist in the Asian version of the car, with the price within the same range. Therefore it can be done. Why they didn't import those models with those features is beyond me.
February-6th-2003 | 12:14 PM
#21
Thread Killa'
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 326
From: k-town, USA
How about self-repairing carbon nanotubes for the body/chasis. Yeah sure, the technology is not there yet, but could we have it now for $16K...?
As long as the "3" handles as well as the Pro, and they are already having a 160 hp option, then the rest is gravy.
Though better fuel economy, AWD and 6 spd would be an improvement!
As long as the "3" handles as well as the Pro, and they are already having a 160 hp option, then the rest is gravy.
Though better fuel economy, AWD and 6 spd would be an improvement!
February-6th-2003 | 12:21 PM
#22
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 383
From: WA
Originally posted by NegatiZE
After driving my Pro for nearly 3.5 years, here's what I think should be adressed.
1. More power
2. Keep the great handling, but make the suspension not as harsh. It can be done - check the 6.
3. VW-like interior, without the rattles
4. Add some luxury touches, like map lights for all 4 outboard passengers, silicone dampened door grab handles.
5. Last but certainly not least, highest safety rating possible. Make side air cutains and air bags STANDARD.
After driving my Pro for nearly 3.5 years, here's what I think should be adressed.
1. More power
2. Keep the great handling, but make the suspension not as harsh. It can be done - check the 6.
3. VW-like interior, without the rattles
4. Add some luxury touches, like map lights for all 4 outboard passengers, silicone dampened door grab handles.
5. Last but certainly not least, highest safety rating possible. Make side air cutains and air bags STANDARD.
The dome light of our P5 is already excellent and very smart too. The middle light bulb will light up after we remotely unlock the car, and turn itself off when we put the key in. It will light up again when we shut off the engine and pull out the key. The lights for the left and right side can be turned on independently like those commercial jet in-flight passenger reading light.
February-6th-2003 | 04:59 PM
#23
Thread Starter
Protege Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 160
hopefully Mazda will listen to many of these options.
2.3 l is already used in Japan's Mazda6 and with no turbo it gets 178hp!!!!
2.0l can get 145hp and light turboed 2.3 can push 230hp.
modern 5 speed auto should replace 4 speed that M6/pro5 are equipped with.
5 and 6 speed(Mazdaspeed) should be a choice of manual trannies.
Why can't we be treated the same way?
Also AWD should be here soon to battle Toy. Matrix and Subaru's.
With this great potential Mazda3 can be a uncontested leader in under $16K.... and very well equipped with high quality features of interior/exterior/performance priced at $22K.
I want one!!!
Please stay away from current, old, noisy, heavy, harsh and with bad economy 2.0L.
2.3 l is already used in Japan's Mazda6 and with no turbo it gets 178hp!!!!
2.0l can get 145hp and light turboed 2.3 can push 230hp.
modern 5 speed auto should replace 4 speed that M6/pro5 are equipped with.
5 and 6 speed(Mazdaspeed) should be a choice of manual trannies.
Why can't we be treated the same way?
Also AWD should be here soon to battle Toy. Matrix and Subaru's.
With this great potential Mazda3 can be a uncontested leader in under $16K.... and very well equipped with high quality features of interior/exterior/performance priced at $22K.
I want one!!!
Please stay away from current, old, noisy, heavy, harsh and with bad economy 2.0L.
February-6th-2003 | 06:01 PM
#24
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 383
From: WA
The 2.0 version P5 they are selling in Southeast Asia has 170hp without turbo.
I don't get it.
We have bigger, longer, and higher speed limit road here in the US, while in southeast Asia, they mostly have shorter, narrower, and lower speed limit roads.
I don't get it.
We have bigger, longer, and higher speed limit road here in the US, while in southeast Asia, they mostly have shorter, narrower, and lower speed limit roads.
February-6th-2003 | 07:56 PM
#25
Moderator/ Pocket Tuner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,150
From: Tampa,Fl
I would like:
1. Less noisy interior(can be done on a low budget car-see: Toyota,Nissan)
2. Seats with more side support
3. Projection Headlights
4. Bigger Cupholders
5. Shorter throw on the 5 speed
6.......
that's it..i couldnt do ten that were realistic for the price...mazda is alreadt increasing the power which was my biggest gripe...
1. Less noisy interior(can be done on a low budget car-see: Toyota,Nissan)
2. Seats with more side support
3. Projection Headlights
4. Bigger Cupholders
5. Shorter throw on the 5 speed
6.......
that's it..i couldnt do ten that were realistic for the price...mazda is alreadt increasing the power which was my biggest gripe...
February-6th-2003 | 11:05 PM
#26
Protege Newbie
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23
From: Austin, Texas
Everything I want has been mentioned except....
Standard electrical outlet like the Matrix. I was disappointed to find a cigarette lighter still being used on the M6. My girlfriend's 99 accord doesn't even have one - I can see smoking in a GM or something, but who would do that to a Pro?
I'm sick of buying AC adapters just because cigarette lighters are a legacy feature that won't go away.
Standard electrical outlet like the Matrix. I was disappointed to find a cigarette lighter still being used on the M6. My girlfriend's 99 accord doesn't even have one - I can see smoking in a GM or something, but who would do that to a Pro?
I'm sick of buying AC adapters just because cigarette lighters are a legacy feature that won't go away.
February-9th-2003 | 11:40 AM
#28
Protege Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 200
From: Winter Park, Fl.
Re: My Wishes
Originally posted by ProtegeMaster
1. A ride that isn't completely raucous, noisy, and irritating.
2. An engine that's efficient and modern by today's standards, and isn't raucous, noisy, and irritating.
3. Properly placed and configured door locks (i.e. not the current set up).
4. Better attention to interior component integrity (i.e. rattle control).
5. Leather seating option for the sedan, dammit!
6. Center armrest that's extended enough to be, you know, actually useable (i.e. not the current set up).
7. Better quality glass, particularly the windshield.
8. An instrument cluster that doesn't prevent you from installing third party (i.e. decent) stereo upgrades, like the way they've bent you over in the Mazda6. You wanna play mp3 discs in your Mazda6? You're s.o.l.. They'd better not do the same in the Mazda3!!
9. All instruments/controls are lit, not just your driver's side power window switch.
10. A transmission that doesn't force you to rev so high in what's supposed to be your 5th, *cruising* gear that you're inundated with a whining, loud, obnoxious, 'less efficient that it could be' engine.
Here's my rant! (So be warned and don't take personal offense! It's just my opinion!)
I'd say out of all of these, the 4 most critical things they have to change (and the 4 things that **** me off most about the the 3rd generation Protege) are a totally noisy ride (road, engine, etc. noise), a 5th gear that's more like a 4th gear in a normal car (Hey! Let's waste fuel, shall we?), an old-***, outdated and irritating engine, and poor ride quality.
1. A ride that isn't completely raucous, noisy, and irritating.
2. An engine that's efficient and modern by today's standards, and isn't raucous, noisy, and irritating.
3. Properly placed and configured door locks (i.e. not the current set up).
4. Better attention to interior component integrity (i.e. rattle control).
5. Leather seating option for the sedan, dammit!
6. Center armrest that's extended enough to be, you know, actually useable (i.e. not the current set up).
7. Better quality glass, particularly the windshield.
8. An instrument cluster that doesn't prevent you from installing third party (i.e. decent) stereo upgrades, like the way they've bent you over in the Mazda6. You wanna play mp3 discs in your Mazda6? You're s.o.l.. They'd better not do the same in the Mazda3!!
9. All instruments/controls are lit, not just your driver's side power window switch.
10. A transmission that doesn't force you to rev so high in what's supposed to be your 5th, *cruising* gear that you're inundated with a whining, loud, obnoxious, 'less efficient that it could be' engine.
Here's my rant! (So be warned and don't take personal offense! It's just my opinion!)
I'd say out of all of these, the 4 most critical things they have to change (and the 4 things that **** me off most about the the 3rd generation Protege) are a totally noisy ride (road, engine, etc. noise), a 5th gear that's more like a 4th gear in a normal car (Hey! Let's waste fuel, shall we?), an old-***, outdated and irritating engine, and poor ride quality.
I have a good idea: buy a different car if you are that unhappy with this one.
February-9th-2003 | 11:47 AM
#29
Protege Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 200
From: Winter Park, Fl.
Originally posted by kc5zom
I guess I'm wanting a BMW on a Hyundai budget. Get real. Some of the things you guys are wanting out of a <20,000 dollar car is pretty amazing. Maybe you should wait and buy one that is a little more expensive, rather than starting another one of these I want a 6-speed, I want more horsepower, oh why oh why did I buy this car threads.
I guess I'm wanting a BMW on a Hyundai budget. Get real. Some of the things you guys are wanting out of a <20,000 dollar car is pretty amazing. Maybe you should wait and buy one that is a little more expensive, rather than starting another one of these I want a 6-speed, I want more horsepower, oh why oh why did I buy this car threads.
