The mazda 6 is due for a redesign and will have a new 2009 model, this got me wondering about the next generation of mazda3's. The mazda 3 is 1 year younger than the 6 so i am expecting 2010 as the release date. My question is this : what should the next generation of mazda3's have improved the most? please only pick 2

 

My only complaint with the standard 3's is the single speed variable wipers on everything below the GT models. This is just plain stupidity in a design. A little more power would be nice, but that is why I purchased the Speed 3.

I have a Speed 3 GT and I would like to see a little more insulation from road noise and possibly a step down to 17 inch wheels to help the same problem.

It's a great car!

 

I choose "non of the above" from your list.

1. To boost fuel economy in north america, have an availableengine size smaller than the 2.0 (1.8?). They sell this car elsewhere in the world with a 1.6 ... selling this car with a 1.8 feels right to me.
2. Eliminate the 4 speed automatic option, make 5 speed auto the auto transmission for all engine sizes.
3. Variable intermittent wipers and a keyfob trunk release for all!
4. Re-engineer the AC ...the many complaints about the AC indicate it needs to be re-thought.
5. A little more sound insulation in the right places ... reduce the road noise.
6. Make the gray interior available in all models.

 

yeh i was thinking about having the trunk button on the keys as an option that drives me nuts too

 

1. Less weight: Better handling and fuel mileage. I'm always up for weight reduction. Lotus built an entire cottage industry using that philosophy, and I agree w/it.
2. More HP/Torque. Do I have to explain?
3. More/better exterior color optionsand more "flexible" choices of interior colors and other accessories. I don't understand why if a tan, or light gray interior is available w/some colors and modelswhy it isn't iteven offeredin others, if that's what you want? i.e. I like many of the GT's features, but the black leather only interior would eliminate it from my list.
4. Sleeker design: But how would that translate in interior head room?I don't think I would enjoy sitting (virtually) on the floor everyday anymore as I had to in my old MGB's.

 

so everyone agrees tho, the car needs more hp stock there are cars out there (chevy cobalt ss, pontiac g5, etc.) that have 175 hp and get 34 mpg on the highway. Mazda needs to beef up thier entire lineup's hp. The rx-8 is even underpowered by todays standards

 

Of course more hp/torque is always the goal in this country, more so than many others, but reducing weight would solve several issues, imo. It frees up already available power and economy, as well as improves handling.
High fuel mileage has always become an issue when there has been a major increase in gas prices.I lived and drove through the two gas crisis' of the '70's and suddenly ppl were giving up their luxuryroad/gas hogs in favor of smaller, more efficient cars.
I was already aware of the advantages of the smaller European/Japanese imports and had given up more power for better handling, braking and economy by then. Most ppl have short memories though and as soon as the crisis is over, return to buying big car and trucks simply to be the only occupants and use as their personal, daily transportation.
I am not entirely unhappy with the mileage I'm getting w/my 2.3. Sure, it could be better, and I could drive a little gentler for even better economy. Lately however, now @ 32,000 miles I have been getting 26-27 MPG on my weekly drives to work and home using the A/C in both directions sometimes and driving in my usual "spirited" way. Not too bad at all.
Lose the weight, gain... EVERYTHING!!!

 

+1 and the sleeker like previously posted, just make the damn car smaller!!! waxing it is a bitch.

 

HELL NO! I'm 6'4 and i fit comfortably in the front without the seat being adjusted all the way back. If they made it smaller they would have to turn it into a coupe....personally i think they should offer one anywyas.

 

def agree on the more hp and tq, better color choises and combos are needed, 5spd atx and up option no 4spd, smaller rear bumper, wtf do we really need 2 cats, change throttle body to cable this etb is so stupid, trunk release button on keyfob, standard keyblades (ill cut u), better sound system without upgrade package, thats all i can think oh right now....i had a list somewhere.

Edit: Upgrade these horrific motor mounts, i mean this is just unexceptable,

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FrK8-fd9cN8

Edit2: Making sure to say that the regular 3's (non mazdaspeed) have the same mounts