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Mazda Mx-3 History:
The Mazda MX-3 is a 4-seater coupe of Mazda's EC platform, which is for compact cars
and is based on their protege's BG platform.
The car was produced from September 1991 to 1998.
The mx-3 came available with two engine options - a 1.6 L Inline 4, or a 1.8 L V6.
The 4 cylinder was available in two versions: 88 hp SOHC or 106 hp DOHC 16 valve. The more capable DOHC 24 valve V6 produced
127 hp and was also available as an automatic.
The car had different names in different countries:
-in the U.S.A. it was the mx-3
-in Canada it was the mx-3 Precidia
-in Australia it was the Eunos 30x
-in Japan it was the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3, and Mazda AZ-3
for the 3 different engine styles respectively
The mx-3 is known for having the smallest production v6 engine ever put into production
(1.8 L).
The top speed of the mx-3 is 136 mph (219 km/h), and a 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds and
it has a turn rate of 0.89 g (8.7 m/s2)
The mx-3 has a 7,000 rpm redline and a 7,800 rpm fuel cutoff
The mx-3 uses Mazda's proprietary Twin-Trapezoidal for the rear-suspension. This passively
allows the rear wheels to turn slightly in order to enhance handling.
Antilock braking was optional only on the 5-speed GS, which halted with all-disc brakes.
Base coupes used a vented front-disc/rear-drum setup. The GS also had performance tires on bigger alloy wheels.
Year-to-Year Changes:1993 Mazda MX-3: No significant changes were made for 1993.
1994 Mazda
MX-3: For 1994, the MX-3 had dual airbags, abandoning the old motorized shoulder-belt arrangement. Base-model engines
switched to a dual-overhead-cam configuration and gained 17 horsepower, now rated at 105 rather than 88. Antilock braking
could now be installed on base models, with either transmission.
1995 Mazda
MX-3: For its final outing, Mazda's slow-selling little sport coupe lost its performance version, leaving only the
base model with its 1.6-liter engine.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Acceleration (V6)
Steering/handling
Instruments/controls
Optional
antilock brakes
Fuel economy
(4-cylinder)
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Rear-seat room
Road noise
Wind noise
Cargo area liftover |
General Stats:
Size Class: Subcompact Cars
Engine Size (L): 1.6/1.8
Cylinders: I4/V6
Transmission: 5-spd. manual/ 4-spd. automatic
Drive: front-wheel
Gas Guzzler: no
Turbocharger: no
Supercharger: no
Passenger Volume: 80 cubic ft.
Luggage Volume: 15 cubic ft.
Add. Engine Characteristics: FFS
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 5.6 tons / year
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MX-3 Features:
S = Standard |
O = Optional |
P = Package |
A = Accessory |
| FEATURES |
RS |
GS |
| 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection |
S |
- |
| 1.8L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with multi-port fuel injection |
- |
S |
| 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive |
S |
S |
| 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive |
O |
O |
| Rack-and-pinion steering with engine-rpm-sensing variable power assist |
S |
S |
| Power-assisted ventilated front discs and rear drum brakes |
S |
- |
| Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes |
- |
S |
| Anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
- |
P(1) |
| Front engine / Front-wheel drive |
S |
S |
| 4-wheel independent suspension |
S |
S |
| Front and rear stabilizer bars |
S |
S |
| EXTERIOR FEATURES |
RS |
GS |
| 14-inch steel wheels w/full wheel covers |
S |
- |
| 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels |
- |
S |
| 185/65 SR14 all-season steel-belted tires |
S |
- |
| 205/55 VR15 all-season steel-belted tires |
- |
S |
| Front mud guards |
S |
S |
| Body-colour bumpers and door handles |
S |
S |
| Dual power door mirrors |
S |
S |
| Tinted glass |
S |
S |
| Flush-mounted halogen headlights w/daytime running lights |
S |
S |
| Rear window wiper/washer |
S |
S |
| Front and rear spoilers |
- |
S |
| Power steel sunroof |
- |
P |
| Dual tip exhaust |
- |
S |
| Fixed intermittent wipers |
S |
S |
| INTERIOR FEATURES - COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE |
RS |
GS |
| AM/FM auto-reverse cassette stereo sound system with 4 speakers and retractable antenna |
S |
S |
| Power windows and door locks |
- |
P |
| Cruise control |
- |
S |
| Driver's and passenger's side airbags (SRS) |
- |
P(1) |
| Tachometer and engine coolant temperature gauge |
S |
S |
| Tilt steering |
S |
S |
| Heater/ defroster w/4-speed blower and front side window demisters |
S |
S |
| Remote liftgate and fuel door releases |
S |
S |
| Day/night rearview mirror |
S |
S |
| Cupholder |
S |
S |
| Cargo area light |
S |
S |
| Map light |
S |
S |
| Digital clock |
S |
S |
| Resettable trip odometer |
S |
S |
| Rear window defroster |
S |
S |
| Dual sunvisor vanity mirrors with covers |
S |
S |
| Cigarette lighter socket with cover |
S |
S |
| INTERIOR FEATURES - SEATING AND TRIM |
RS |
GS |
| Cloth upholstery |
S |
S |
| Reclining front bucket seats |
S |
S |
| Fold-down rear seatback |
S |
S |
| Rigid, removable cargo area cover |
S |
S |
| Full cut-pile interior carpeting |
S |
S |
| Rear coat hook |
S |
S |
| Driver's side door map pocket |
S |
S |
| Passenger's side door map pocket |
S |
S |
| Centre console with covered storage compartment |
S |
S |
(1) N/A on GS-AT model (requires Power Group)
Mazda MX-3 Precidia Accessories:
Compact Disc Player: Concert-quality sound reproduction from this
premium full-features system adds to the enjoyment of owning an MX-3 Precidia.
Compact Disc Changer: The controller is console-mounted for convenience
and can be used to turn the trunk-mounted, 6-disc player on or off, move from one CD to the next, change, repeat, or enjoy
random play sections.
Front Mask: Custom-tailored to fit tight and look great, it helps
protect the front end of your MX-3 Precidia, while allowing easy access to the engine.
Centre Armrest: Designed to add to driving comfort, it opens to
reveal four cupholders.
Scuff Plate: Brushed stainless plating helps protect the door
sill from scuffing. Easy to install, it features an embossed MX-3 Precidia logo for added style.
Roof Rack: Easily installed and removed, it features rubber-padded
feet to help prevent paint damage. It's versatile design accepts bicycle and ski attachments. Attachments are not included.
Other Genuine Mazda Accessories available include: Front Air Dam,
Rear Spoiler, Mud Guards, Sunroof Wind Deflector, Cargo Net, Sport Wheels, Rear Hatch Shade, Door
Visors, Wheel Locks and more.
Mazda MX-3 Sales Figures
| Mazda Canada Inc. |
| |
Year |
Model |
Sales |
| 1991 |
Mazda MX-3 Precidia |
1113 |
| 1992 |
Mazda MX-3 Precidia |
7850 |
| 1993 |
Mazda MX-3 Precidia |
6190 |
| 1994 |
Mazda MX-3 Precidia |
6595 |
| 1995 |
Mazda MX-3 Precidia |
4210 |
| 1996 |
Mazda MX-3 Precidia |
3512 |
| * Total = |
29,470 |
| |
| * - Numbers shown are official figures from Mazda Canada Inc. and are for Canadian sales only. |
Trouble Spots:
Clutch: The original-equipment
clutch on some models tends to squeal when the pedal is depressed. (1992-94)
Doors: The door locks
tend to ingest water in car washes or when parked outside, which leads to frozen locks in the winter. (1992-94)
Engine noise: A problem
with the camshaft friction gear causes a metallic tapping noise. (1992-94)
Hard starting: Cars
with the K8 engine are hard to start in sub-zero weather. (1992-93)
Seat: Due to poor quality
fabric, the rear seat cushions separate at the seams. (1992-93)
Trunk latch: The trunk
hinges tend to wear and break over time. (1992-95)
Trunk latch: The rear
hatch hinges rattle. (1993)
NHTSA Recall History:
1992-93 : Rail
of automatic shoulder belt can wear, so cable becomes jammed in the rail.
1992-95: in 19 states and D.C. : Large
quantity of road salt can cause corrosive pits to develop on surface of front coil spring,
eventually leading to possible breakage.
1992-94 : Due to the unique body shape of the MX-3 model, a solution of water and road salt can be splashed onto the alternator. The water/road salt solution then enters a pin hole of the bus bar, through a gap between
the bus bar and the heat insulator. This causes an electrical short circuit between the bus bar and the heat shield of the
alternator. In time, this short circuit allows overheating, and in the worst case, can result in an alternator fire in the
engine compartment.
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Timeline:
1991:
Mx-3 concept sketches delivered
Mazda MX-3 Is Introduced In
Germany
Eunos Presso (MX-3) Is Introduced
In Japan, Czechoslovakia Autozam AZ-3 (MX-3) Is Introduced In
Japan, Czechoslovakia
1992:
Mazda Introduces New Brand
Symbol.
Mazda Motor Corporation Introduces
The Mazda MX-3 To The North American Market.
Known As The Mazda
MX-3 Precidia In The Canadian Market.
Named "Best New Sporty Car" By The Automobile Journalists Association Of Canada.
Australia - Eunos Division And Stand Alone Dealer Network Launched And Offers Eunos 30X Model. 30X Is A 1.8 Litre V6 Sports
Coupe. (Same As North American MX-3.)
-Dec 1991 - Oct 1993 With Body Code EC10**
-Nov 1993 - Jan 1998 With Body Code EC1082
1993:
Mazda Canada Offers Special
Limited Anniversary Edition Model Of The Mazda MX-3, To Celebrate It's 25th Year In Canada. Among The Included Extras Are
Leather Interior, And Leather Steering Wheel. At The Same Time A Special Edition Was Offered To The American Public By Mazda
USA.
Mazda MX-3 Is Offered To The
Israel Market. Only Colours Available Were Brilliant Black, Blaze Red, And Chaste White. The Only Engine Style Avialable Was
The 1.8L V6.
1994:
Mazda Motor Of America Discontinues
The MX-3 GS Model (V6), Due To Poor Sales. Sales Continued In Canada Of Both RS And GS Models.
Mazda Ends Sales Of MX-3 In
Israel.
1995:
Mazda Motor Corporation celebrates
75 years in existence and 25 years in Canada.
1996:
Mazda Motor Corporation makes
the bad decision of discontinuing the Mazda mx-3 Precidia in Canada at the end of the model year.
1997:
Sales of the mx-3 (AZ-3 and
Presso in Japan) continue in Japan, United Kingdom, and Europe.
Mazda inaugurates its
brand new symbol - the Mazda M.
1998:
Final
model year for the mx-3 (AZ-3 and Presso in Japan) worldwide.
Safety:
With 105 horsepower, the Mazda MX-3 Precidia is quick to distance itself from many of its
competitors. Its 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine features a dual-overhead-cam design with four valves per cylinder, plus a built-in
support plate for the block that helps reduce vibration for smoother, quieter performance.
The available Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) can help you keep control on hard stops and on
slippery surfaces. With ABS, a sensor at each wheel will sense a sudden change in wheel speed that could lead to lockup. The
system then automatically modulates braking pressure for better traction. As a result, your stops will be straighter and you
can maintain better steering control.
Driver's-and passenger's-side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is available on
the MX-3 Precidia Gs model. For the air bags to be fully effective, you should properly fasten your 3-point safety belts.
(A rear-facing child restraint should never be used in the front passenger seat of this, or any vehicle with dual air bags.)
The Mazda MX-3 Precidia features the following safety equipment:
Optional Driver's-and passenger's-side air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) (GS model)
Three-point safety belts for all four seating positions
Energy-absorbing steering column and instrument panel
Laminated windshield glass
Side-impact door beams
Head restraints for front-seat occupants
Dual circuit brakes
Energy-absorbing crumple zones
Centre high-mount stop lamp
Halogen headlights
Breakaway inside rearview mirror
4-wheel disc brakes on GS model
Side marker lamps and reflectors
Automatic transmission shift interlock (A/T)
Mazda MX-3 Precidia Interior:
Whatever it is that makes you want to spend a lot of time
behind the wheel, you'll find the Mazda MX-3 Precidia has plenty of it and then some. As you settle into the comfortably contoured
sports seat, look around you and you'll discover that the MX-3 Precidia has one of the roomiest interiors of any car in its
entire class. This translates into plenty of headroom and legroom up front, plus realistic room for two in back. There's also
an easy-entry system that makes for a more graceful entrance to those rear passenger seats. Of course, the great thing is,
no matter where you sit, you'll find yourself surrounded by highly evolved comforts that range room vanity mirrors and tilt
steering to an electronically tuned AM/FM cassette stereo with four well-placed speakers.
Now if you will just take all of these desirable amenities and comforts
and add the available power sunroof, you've got still one more reason to get behind the wheel. And really open it up.
The MX-3 Precidia opens up your potential for adventures on the road with more cargo space
than the Toyota Paseo, Honda Civic Coupe or Nissan 200SX. The rear seatback easily folds forward to create an impressive cargo
space for items of all shapes and sizes. There's also a rigid, removable cargocover that fits over the trunk space to hide
valuables from view.
Sunshine and fresh air are basic quality-og-life requirements. So the power sunroof available
on every MX-3 really is a necessity, don't you agree? So go ahead let the sunshine in all day.
The Mazda MX-3 Precidia is as environmentally sound as it is stylish. Asbestos-free components,
along with an air conditioning system that contains no ozone-destroying CFCs and recyclable plastic parts play an important
role in its overall design.
You'll make your own kind of music in the MX-3 Precidia with the electronically tuned AM/FM
cassette stereo system. You can also add concert-quality sound reproduction to your system with the compact disc player, which
is available as an accessory.
Dual-power mirrors in aerodynamic, body-colour housings are standard on the MX-3 Precidia.
A convenient control makes adjustment easy.
To demonstrate how Kansei Engineering considers every angle, just lift the power window switch
"up" when you want the window up. And press it "down" when you want the window open. It's a great example of fingertip control
at its best in the GS model Power Group Package.
Located in the console, just below the audio system, a slide-out cup holder makes it easy to
sip a soda or a cup of coffee as you cruise along in your MX-3 Precidia.
Front-seat occupants will find the time they spend in a Mazda MX-3 Precidia particularly illuminating,
thanks to the strategically placed dual-overhead map lights that are included in this sport coupe's impressive list of standard
equipment.
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