Why So Serious? Mazda3 Gets A Grin-ectomy

by Edward Niedermeyer

February 19th, 2011 11:32 AM

why so serious mazda3 gets a grin ectomy

For 2012, the Mazda3 does away with its grin-grille, by rounding off the corners of its front fascia and beefing up its front “bumper” element. The effect? The 3 looks less like it’s forcing a smile, less like it took a razor to the corners of its mouth in a twisted bid for affection. We’d call it an improvement. The funny part: between this, the death of the “Nagare” look, and the new “Shinari” direction, Mazda’s stylists are finally giving us something to smile about. Now, about that next-generation Mazda3…

#Design

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 42 comments

Ciddyguy on Feb 20, 2011

As for the current Mazda 3's general looks it's never been bad, although looking at the 2004-2006 iteration, it's pretty pedestrian looking these days about the front clip but back then, it was quite the stylish vehicle in its own way However, that said, this current front clip with the oversized grin is just too much and kind of reminds me of Pokemon. The bit smaller version wasn't bad as it was more in the proper scale of the rest of the car, but not this big grin which just looks out of place. I've noticed the taillight treatment in the back is a common design language used by Mazda on most models in some variant, even the Miata. I find the Miata not as nice looking as some of the earlier iterations, especially the first generation and the second. The concept linked to here for the new design direction, Um, I"m not sure I like this new potential direction AT ALL. It

Like Reply
Bytor on Feb 21, 2011

Inside line has specs: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/2012-mazda-3-gets-158-hp-sky-g-engine-on-sale-this-fall.html "Said engine will make 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm while running on North American-grade 87 octane. That's with a 13:1 compression ratio." I know some will complain about it being detuned a bit, but really we are talking about a few HP. I would much rather have the savings from running on cheaper fuel. Lower compression may even increase longevity as the block will be engineered for higher compression. One thing I am not happy about is the initial lack of manual transmission.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Jdt65724922 How can a Chrysler E-Class ride better than a Chrysler Fifth Avenue?
Lorenzo This series is epic, but I now fear you'll never get to the gigantic Falcon/Dart/Nova comparison.
Chris P Bacon Ford and GM have decided that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Odds are Chrysler/Cerberus/FCA/Stellantis is next to join in. If any of the companies like Electrify America had been even close to Tesla in reliability, we wouldn't be here.
Inside Looking Out China will decide which EV charging protocol will become world wide standard.
Chris P Bacon I see no reference to Sweden or South Carolina. I hate to assume, but is this thing built in China? I can't help but wonder if EVs would be more affordable to the masses if they weren't all stuffed full of horsepower most drivers will never use. How much could the price be reduced if it had, say, 200hp. Combined with the instant torque of an EV, that really is plenty of power for the daily commuter, which is what this vehicle really is.