Would You Pay $38,190 for the new Mazda 3 ????

[csv8]

The base model Neo offering starts at $20,490 plus on-roads (automatic $2000 extra). Included for that price is steel wheels, push button start, cruise control, trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, USB input and power windows and mirrors.

The second-tier Maxx starts at $22,990 in manual guise and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, seven-inch colour screen, leather-wrapped gear shift knob, handbrake and steering wheel, sat-nav, reversing camera, 6-speaker audio system and a new MZD connect multimedia system. The automatic variant ($2000 extra) also scores paddle shifters.

The mid-range Touring model ($25,990 plus on-roads in manual guise) receives automatic headlamps, leather trim, lumbar adjustment on front seats, automatic wipers and illuminated front vanity lights.

Moving up into the higher positioned models, which get the more powerful 2.5-litre engine, is the SP25 ($25,890). On top of the aforementioned features in the Touring model, it receives 18-inch alloys, fog-lamps, rear spoiler, advanced keyless entry, dual zone climate control and automatic headlights.

The SP25 GT starts at $30,590 and receives: LED daytime running lamps, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, auto-dimming mirror, heated front seats, head-up display and a nine-speaker Bose stereo.

Mazda has also re-introduced an Astina model to its small car line-up. It starts at $38,190 and gets as standard: sunroof, blind spot monitoring, forward obstruction warning, lane departure warning and radar cruise control.

Base models are being offered with an optional $1500 safety kit that includes blind spot monitoring, auto dimming rear-view mirror and smart city brake support (controls the brakes in two stages to help avoid forward collisions or soften the impact should an accident occur).
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...=1390888956445

[nstg8a]

Just proves that price isn't the big factor in the decline of the locals.

[duaned]

They seem to have a lot of kit for the price. The base Neo I think should be around $19k drive away. And that SP25 GT should have boost!

[Trump]

No MPS?

[Yellow_Festiva]

There would be more room for movement in the price at the top end of the model list.

I got my wifey a new top spec Mirage auto that had a RRP of something silly like $19,300 for $14,990 DA with a few extras.

Liking at that list, If I were buying right now I would got for the Maxx.. seems like a pretty good deal and not too much more than the base model.

[93EB_SXR6]

As duaned mentioned, a lot of kit for the money. I'm sure they will sell well however not really features that would interest me.

[GQ_Smooth]

First 12 months supply may not meet demand. There have been a number of faithful Mazda owners waiting to upgrade their 3's. Give it 12 months and pricing will settle to more realistic levels and the battle for top spot with Corolla.

Be very interested how they compare to the new Focus, first time in a while they are on different platforms (from what I'm told).

[Gadgetman]

Shall we say market leader for a long long time!!

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

There would be more room for movement in the price at the top end of the model list.

I got my wifey a new top spec Mirage auto that had a RRP of something silly like $19,300 for $14,990 DA with a few extras.

Liking at that list, If I were buying right now I would got for the Maxx.. seems like a pretty good deal and not too much more than the base model.

Bit different between a car made in India that has little demand vs one made in Japan which will be a best seller...

[TheSneakiness]

Mazda would need to pay me $38k to drive one off the lot.

[Motorbreath310]

Looks good inside and out. It'll be every bit as popular as the last two models.

[2011G6E]

SP25 GT...be a good piece of kit.
The equipment level of the Astina sounds about what you would expect...couple that with Mazda reliability and you'd be laughing.

Personally, I'd have Mazda 6 diesel if I was going to buy something from thier lineup in a sedan...our daughter and her husband have one, a manual, and the fuel economy is better than my motorbike...

[Spurious]

NO!
If you want value for money go spend $30,000 on a BOSE sound/theatre system....now THAT'S value for money.

[simon varley]

those prices aren't really all that much different to Focus prices, and at least the Mazda offers a 6 speed manual box.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

No MPS?

Be a shame if they dont.

[BHDOGS]

Depends how many Facebook pandora apps it has to its value these days apparently

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by BHDOGS

Depends how many Facebook pandora apps it has to its value these days apparently

Can't hate the manufacturers for giving their market what they want? We know what happens when they don't...

[mik]

Just an observation ,people these days seem to place so much emphasis on interior appointments without any mention of driveability.

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by mik

Just an observation ,people these days seem to place so much emphasis on interior appointments without any mention of driveability.

The majority of people that buy these cars aren't worried about driveability or dynamics. If they did: there'd be a lot more Golfs on the road than there are i30's.

To most people - a car is merely an appliance for getting from one place to another. And most people are not car enthusiasts.

[ZA-289]

Gizmos.

Thats all anyone cares about these days.

[eb2fairmont]

Noticed that the touring is less than the 2.5 sp25. Hmmm....

Also 38K + ORC is a lot of money for a Mazda, I wouldn't be buying at that price and would stretch to a gti for that money.

Mind you that sort of money will get you an SS or XR6 t too. Choices.

Its main competitor the golf highline starts about 5K less. Hmmmm

[XR Martin]

Gizmos the reason?
Why are Toyota so popular then?
Corolla comes with nothing fancy, other than a generic bluetooth stereo (which every Toyota to a $80k Landcruiser has the exact same one) They only just got cruise standard FFS, something the Falcon has had for 15years.

Central locking, power windows, intermittent wipers on your Hilux workmate? Nope.

End of the day its the brand that sells, fact is if Mazda sold the Focus it would be a best seller.


Also amazing youve got to get the Touring model to get Lumbar support...
My 15yo EL has twin lumber adjustment on both front seats!

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Bit different between a car made in India that has little demand vs one made in Japan which will be a best seller...

Even popular cars will drop in price near the top end after a while. Look at the rrp of falcon and commodore.

[Road_Warrior]

Would I pay $38,190 for the new Mazda 3, nope, I'd pay a whisker more and pay $39,490 drive away for a brand new XR6 Turbo. Pity there is no Mazda 3 MPS in the works, I've always admired that model.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Bit like saying would you pay $79,000 for a Holden Commodore or a Ford Falcon? Isnt it?

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by mik

Just an observation ,people these days seem to place so much emphasis on interior appointments without any mention of driveability.

Why not? That's where you spend the vast majority of your driving life...on heavily regulated roads both city and country, with little opportunity (even if you wanted to) of exploring a cars limits.
What percentage of people even care what horsepower their car makes, or what the zero to 100 time is, or what it'll do on a quarter? I would lay good money the percentage is down in the single figures. When we bought our G6E, I got the guy to open the bonnet (I was interested as I hadn't looked under the hood of a new Falcon before), and he said I was the first guy to ask that for months...he even clearly remembered the last one, a guy looking at a new FPV turbo. He couldn't remember the last time a buyer even bothered asking any questions beyond "how many cylinders?" or "auto or manual?", when it came to a cars mechanicals.

The vast majority of car buyers want something reliable, pleasant to drive, comfortable, with reasonable service costs, and fuel efficient...and that's about it.

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

Can't hate the manufacturers for giving their market what they want? We know what happens when they don't...

Exactly...

[Sam_Boss260]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

What percentage of people even care what horsepower their car makes, or what the zero to 100 time is, or what it'll do on a quarter?

The vast majority of car buyers want something reliable, pleasant to drive, comfortable, with reasonable service costs, and fuel efficient...and that's about it.


Exactly...

Yep, agree.

My wife purely buys / wants cars based on looks and the interior features. Drive, power, handling and mileage don't even enter her mind.

[Road Games]

No way in hell i would buy the missus one at those prices !!

She can have an FH XR8

[tranquilized]

The lower spec models seem like a bargain to me, lots of kit for the money, great looking car, will most likely be near the top of the class for dynamics.

The Astina though, at $40k - for me that's just too much money for what is essentially a fancy shopping trolley. Its kinda like a lot of the hybrids - the high price is covering the new technology (in this case the safety systems) that only a small segment of the market are overly interested in - the early adopters.

[duaned]

I'm curious in whether the Mazda 3 has the 6 monthly service intervals like previous models?