Hi guys,

Am considering a Mazda 3 High Spec in blue.

In addition to what discounts offered, how are the service center quality? Is it as good as Toyota or as bad as Ford/Peugeot (assuming VW is going to be the worst).

Anyone going from another 2litre to M3.

I'm thinking to change from a previous generation Ford Focus to the Mazda3 and part of me feels that the power and pickup is slower and that interior space (especially back seat) is smaller - but fuel efficiency and safety spec is a lot better of course.

I know that this is a Mazda3 club but I'm not comparing a current Mazda3 with a current Ford Focus MK3 - in this comparison, I agree that a Mazda3 is the winner for most of the areas.

The Focus MK3 is not far behind though as SDAC only needs to work on their after sales service (I find them rude) and they would be fine.

Contrary to popular belief and "my friend say" theories, throughout my ownership of my current MK2 Focus, I have no problems in reliability (no breakdowns, ever), parts (other than typical maintenance, nothing else has spoilt), cost of maintenance (I service outside since out of warranty, price is normal as well).

If you look at resale values of the previous generation Focus and 3, both have similar depreciation levels (remember to take into consideration that the previous Mazda 3 2.0 was always priced higher then the previous Focus)

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing from the older MK2 Focus to the current Mazda3. Reason for the change is ONLY because of the safety pack in the M3 high spec sedan vs the lack of it in C-segment cars at the time I bought the Focus. Oh, and importantly also because the M3 scores very high on NCAP and IIHS tests (as good as a Volvo but with cheaper maintenance, yay) - No other C-segment car comes this close.

The only drawback to me from the change is the smaller rear seat (which I don't really care as only 2 of us generally) and I feel that the pick-up is slower during test drives (on paper is faster, but the butt disagrees).

Might be the gearing I think as its tuned for efficiency. I saw that foreign cars have a "Sport" switch, is this something that can be added on?

Right, paddle shifters!

Why did I forget about those....Must be the sales people though, they don't really explain their cars very well and I had to insist for a longer test route instead of a short circle - from a sales perspective, Mazda has to improve this

And although the PJ 222 showroom already looks quite dated compared to other brands, a simple thing they really could start with to improve it is by turning on the lights - it looks so gloomy and depressing inside.

Anyhow, not bothered about resale values but more interested in drivers car and the safety pack. I regularly will take myself off the highway to enjoy the B roads.

Thanks guys, have ordered and will be delivering very soon. Perhaps after a couple of months will do a comparo for others benefit.

I think that's how it's implemented in Japanese cars (which is kinda unsafe).

Automatic locking/unlocking on my DS3 works like this:-
- doors auto-lock when vehicle speed exceeds 20kmh
- locked doors continue to remain locked when parked (or stopped in any gear position) AND after engine switch-off. Because the doors use electronic locks, the doors only unlock automatically when you pull the inside handle to open the door (or in the event of an accident)

Actually I do have the suspension "clunking" sound on my brand new 1 week old M3

Quick question, does the M3 high-spec come with a cabin filter fitted? Or do I need to buy and add myself?