Posts Tagged alloy wheels
2008-5 Mazda 3 Review – Exterior Design
Pros: Sporty yet classy styling that will age gracefully, minimal overhang in front and back, impressive stance (especially with headlights on), 17 inch alloy wheels on GT models.
Cons: Stock antenna is huge, 17 inch wheel styling is mediocre.
When ordering our long term 2008.5 Mazda 3 s GT model we were sure to spec it out with almost every option available with the sole exception being factory navigation (We went with a Garmin Nuvi 760 instead).
On top end 2008.5 Mazda 3 s GT models the car is outfitted with more aggressive styling cues like a body colored split grille, sportier bumper design, clear LED taillights and all-season tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels. With a combination of sharp edges and flowing body lines typically found on entry level luxury cars, the Mazda3 is a real head turner and is often mistaken as a car that cost $30,000 or more.
On the topic of appearance, the design of the 17-inch alloy wheels left us a little confused. Mazda freshened the wheels with a new design but the newer, snowflake style of the 17-inch wheels looks out of place on a car with such clear sporting intentions. In spite of the snowflakes, the 2008.5 Mazda 3 has a very dominant stance and shows very strongly in photos.
Something that has plagued the Mazda 3’s design since 2004 is Mazda’s choice to use a long antenna at the rear center of the car to give it a more European look. While we agree that the antenna’s placement does look sporty and very Euro, it’s also way too big. In fact, the stock antenna measures more than a few inches tall and sticks out of the Mazda 3 like Elroy Jetson’s hat.
Our first mod for our Mazda 3 was to swap out the antenna with a shark fin.
Other notable exterior features include turn in (folding) power mirrors, auto on/off headlights that come on automatically at dusk, fog lights, rain sensing wipers and adjustable HID headlights that can be adjusted to one of four levels (Level zero is when the lights are pointed at their highest and level three aims the lights lower towards the ground which is ideal for fog).
Overall the 2008.5 Mazda 3 is very well built with striking exterior design features and significant luxury oriented options that not only make driving safer but vastly more convenient. Whether lighting your path amidst thick fog or automatically sensing and keeping rain off the windshield at varying speeds, the Mazda 3 makes driving more user friendly and fun.
Tags: 17 inch wheels, alloy wheels, elroy jetson, exterior features, fog lights, garmin nuvi 760, gt models, head turner, inch alloy wheels, led taillights, level zero, luxury cars, mazda 3, sole exception, sporting intentionsRelated posts
Short Take – 2009 Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute is a prime example of a jointly developed vehicle that truly shines.
Built from the same platform that underpins the Mazda 626, the Tribute was designed by teams of Mazda and Ford designers who also developed the Ford Escape and, later, the Mercury Mariner. The Mazda version is the lowest price of the three models and features a sportier suspension.
When it originally made its debut in 2001, the Tribute featured a 2.0L I4 engine with an optional 3.0L V6 engine. Available in front and all wheel drive, the small SUV was slotted in as the brand’s smallest SUV. Prior to its introduction, the only SUVs sold by Mazda were rebadged versions of Ford products, namely the Mazda Navajo which was based on the Ford Explorer. Ford owns 38% of Mazda, hence the business relationship.
With a seating capacity for five passengers, the Tribute’s interior room offers abundant space for a small SUV. Flexible rear seating and an abundant cargo area provide plenty of carrying room with five storage areas within reach of the front passenger. A premium four-speaker 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system comes standard with upgraded sound systems available as is a rear seat entertainment system. Power windows and doors as well as keyless entry are standard.
The most current version of the Tribute now sports a base 2.3L I4 engine, though there are reports that the 2.5L I4 now found in the Escape will soon become available in the Tribute. That new Ford engine deliver more horsepower, better torque, and even improved fuel economy. A 3.0L V6 producing 200 horses is still available, the engine of choice for people who prefer all wheel drive. Transmissions offered include a five speed manual transmission and a four speed automatic. Electric power assisted rack and pinion steering is standard.
On the outside, a roof rack is standard as are 16-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass. The rear liftgate window swings high and out of the way, allowing even a tall person to access the cargo area or place items inside.
Base price for the 2wd model is $19,730 while the Grand Touring model with AWD and a V6 engine tops out at $27,635. A hybrid model is also available, its price starts at $30,695.
Main competitors for the Tribute include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan. End of the model year incentives are now in place for 2008 Tributes, but expect to receive some sort of discount or special financing should you choose a 2009 model.
Tags: 2008 tribute, alloy wheels, electric power, engine, fuel economy, glass, hybrid, keyless entry, manual transmission, marine, transmission, transmissions, tribute, tributes, Vehicle, Wheel, WheelsRelated posts
Three Generations of Mazda Demio Have Been Improved Step by Step
With the introduction of the Demio by Mazda it has grown in popularity in many countries. First introduced in Japan, it was later released in Australia as the Metro adding yet another market for this emerging vehicle. The Demio was announced as the World Car Design of the Year in 2008 which provided Mazda with an amazing award to further promote their vehicles on a global scale.
The Mazda Demio are equipped with engines ranging from 1.25-liter to 1.6-liter diesel and gasoline versions with horsepower capabilities of 90 to 111 and rpms from 3500 to 6000. Even with these powerful engines the Demio is designed for fuel economies and to be environmentally friendly. This design allows the minivan to meet today’s guidelines established for fuel economy and pollution reduction. Included as part of the standard feature to further the environmental friendliness of this minivan, is a digital fuel gauge. This digital fuel gauge allows drivers to better understand their fuel usage encouraging continued improved efficiencies since it was developed to monitor fuel consumption under a variety of driving habits and conditions.
The Demio comes with four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual and a seven speed selective CVT transmissions. Other standard features include adjustable seats, air conditioning, automatic door and window locking controls, and various fabrics, colors, and trims. The standard wheels are fifteen inch steel wheels with optional sixteen inch alloy wheels. The alloy wheels come standard on the sports model. Among the expansive list of safety features are front and side air bags for drivers and passengers, stability controls and anti-braking systems. These along with the other safety features have made Mazda one of the best vehicles for safety on the market today.
The Demio minivan was developed for the Japanese, Chinese and European markets with Mazda introducing the Autozam and Anfini exclusively for the Japanese market in 2007. They upgraded this vehicle in 2008 to be more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. The Demio was released in Europe at the 2007 Geneva Motor and Shanghai International Motor Shows. It was also introduced to China during the 2007 Guangshou Motor Show. These shows increased the popularity and appeal of this minivan prompting immediate brand recognition of Mazda for being a dependable, affordable and fuel efficient vehicle.
The Mazda Demio is offered in a variety of configurations including a five door models with an optional glass automatic sunroof. The minivans interior comes in an array of appealing colors using a variety of fabrics, carpeting and leather trim options. The trim of the interior coordinates with the brilliance of the exterior colors, which is durable and produced for long lasting weather resistance. The exterior colors are offered in various colors which appeal to a variety of consumers. There are even selections for alternative wheel and tire packages. The sporty models offer flashy exterior colors distinguishing them from other minivans from other automotive manufacturers.
The Mazda Demio is an ideal family vehicle craving exceptional quality, high performance and affordability. They are environmentally friendly which makes them a perfect option in today’s market and volatile environment. If you want to own this minivan then go to the internet to find a source in which to purchase this vehicle for your family needs.
Tags: alloy wheels, automotive, car design, engine, fuel consumption, fuel economy, glass, glass auto, motor show, Performance, safety, transmission, transmissions, Vehicle, weather, Wheel, wheel and tire packages, WheelsRelated posts