Anybody, besides myself, notice that the new Mazda MP3 has borrowed a number of WRX styling/marketing cues such as the big round fog lamps, and they offer a sports wagan in bright yellow?

The price is right, around $18K, but the horsepower isn't (140). And, of course, it's not AWD.

Bob

Zoom-Zoom!

Zoom

Mazda=Ford=Trouble

Plus, the car you are talking about is BUTT-A** ugly http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif They are just trying to change their image in anticipation of the RX-8 hitting the street next year - I guess they hope someone will buy them or something... hehe

JaMa

the scoobies' design is sorta "next-gen." i bet we'll see many more cars come out with similar styling, and soon the scoob design won't seem so different or odd (to some). it sure has grown on me.

also, the large vertical oval headlights have been on mercedes and porsche cars for over a year now...

I know, i like it too... Whats wrong with a little imitation? Isnt that called flattery or something?
--Adam

I actually really like the styling of the Protege 5 and MP3. I wish the WRX looked that good.
If only it had the 'spunk' to back it up.
Dave

I think the New wrx is ok i mean the old body looks alot better when you add the ground affects to it and the wing

but the new wrx has a nice interior

but that is what i think

Actually, some of the body parts on the MP3 and Protege5 come from the Japan-market Mazda Familia. Maybe Subaru copied Mazda? Or maybe both are copying the Renault Gordini?

Anyway, we just drove the new Mazdas, and they're cool. Personally, I'm glad to see Mazda building cars for this market segment. Mazda knows the MP3 needs more power, so let the horsepower wars begin (or something like that).

David S. Wallens, managing ed
Grassroots Motorsports www.grassrootsmotorsports.com (http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com)

i wouldn't mind gettin my hands on the twin turbo 255hp awd 626 they showed off at the Geneva auto show...
http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/geneva2000/gallery/pages/mazda-626mps093.html


http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif

I saw a Silver MP3 Wagon the other day... WRX Wanna Be indeed!!!

Looks more like an EVO to me. The fact that it has larger fog lights is the only thing in common, and lots of cars have fog lights. The WRX wagon isn't offered in yellow(and the sedan isn't exactly bright). So I don't think they're copying subaru.
<IMG SRC="http://www.motortrend.com/jan01/mp3/mp3.jpg" border=0><IMG SRC="http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/images/02protege5.jpg" border=0>

[This message has been edited by Eby (edited June 04, 2001).]

there will be more power. i was working with a "KNOWN" mazda tuner and he was doing some testing on a supercharger kit for them.
personally i like the car and wouldnt have a second thought about gettting one.
tom@kartboy.com

Since they only made between 1000-1500, the great under 18k price of the MP3 will probably go over $20k. That 626 concept is a blatant Lancer Evo ripoff. Just look at it. Tell me what is different. It even WAS supposed to have 280hp and AWD for the production model.

actually the zoom has much nicer headlights, more like a saab. so what if they copied. if the mfg notice the world is buying more wagons, then you make wagons, if awd, then you build awd's. big deal. mazda is a very foward thinking manufacturer. i've owned 5 rx-7's and i've always like the 323's and 626's. rx3's 4's all rock. the rx7 saw quite a bit of rally experience and has more gtu wins than any manufacturer. probably only 2nd to the porsche 911 in overall wins. i love cars. sorta like blondes or brunettes. they are all fun! racing beat developed the mp3 suspension. i even like the hyundae accent they rally. new citroen xsara looks REALLY cool(mini is300). in design, just about everything is a ripoff of something intentional or not. you are influenced everyday and might not even notice.

You know Subaru's (somewhat hypocritical) comment about a big wing, big rims, and ground effects not making a sports sedan? Guess who that's targeted at.