Mazda MX-3
From Ford Wiki
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| Automotive industry | Mazda |
|---|---|
| Also called | Mazda Precidia Eunos 30X Eunos Presso Autozam AZ-3 Mazda AZ-3 |
| Production | 1992–1998 |
| Assembly | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Car classification | Sport compact |
| Car body style | 3-door Hatchback |
| Automobile layout | FF layout |
| Automobile platform | Mazda EC platform |
| Internal combustion engine | 1.5 Liter Mazda B engine Straight-4 DOHC 1.6 Liter Mazda B engine Straight-4 SOHC 1.6 Liter Mazda B engine Straight-4 DOHC 1.8 Liter Mazda K engine V6 DOHC |
| Transmission (mechanics) | 5-speed Manual transmission 4-speed Automatic transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2455 mm (96.7 in) |
| Length | 4208 mm (165.7 in) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1320 mm (52 in) |
| Curb weight | RS: 1095 kg (2414 lb) GS: 1171 kg (2582 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 13.2 US gal (50 L; 11 imp gal) |
| Related | Honda CR-X del Sol Nissan 100NX Toyota Paseo Isuzu Impulse |
The Mazda MX-3 was a four-seat Hatchback produced from September 1991 to 1998. It was based on the EC platform. The MX-3 was marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada, the Eunos 30X in Australia, and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan.
The MX-3 was available in two trims in North America: the RS with an Straight-4 engine, and the GS with a V6 engine. It is notable for having List of automotive superlatives ever fitted to a production vehicle with its 1.8 L V6.
Contents |
Engine
The MX-3 came with three engine options: a 1.5 L I4 (only found in the Autozam AZ-3), a 1.6 L I4 and a 1.8 L V6. The 1.6 L was available in two versions, an 88 hp (66 kW) SOHC/Multi-valve Mazda B engine unit which powered 1992 and 1993 models, or a 106 hp (79 kW) DOHC/16-valve Mazda B engine unit which was found in 1994 and later models. The Japanese market DOHC/16-valve Mazda B engine produced 115 hp (86 kW) and the most powerful DOHC 24-valve V6 Mazda K engine produced 130 hp (97 kW). All were available with an optional 4-speed Automatic transmission, depending upon the market.
Performance
The V6 MX-3 had a top speed of approximately 210 km/h (130 mph). The MX-3 GS could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.5 seconds, and could travel a quarter mile in 16.6 seconds. With a turning rate of 0.89 g (8.7 m/s²), its handling capabilities were one of the best in its class.
The V6 engine was impressive for the time, belonging to the Mazda K engine, which were used in a range of Mazda vehicles. These engines were designed to be smooth, very long lasting, and hold a high Torque across the RPM range. These engines used a Variable length intake manifold (VLIM), in order to provide optimal torque using intake resonance. Mazda called their system on the MX-3 the "Variable Resonance Induction System" (VRIS). This engine had a 7000 rpm redline, and a 7800 rpm fuel cutoff. It is rumored that Porsche designers helped to create the K series engine.
The MX-3 used Mazda's proprietary Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) for the rear suspension. It passively allowed the rear wheels to turn slightly in order to enhance handling. It has been used on a range of Mazda vehicles, providing a smooth ride, yet delivering responsive handling while minimizing body lean.
Special Editions
In 1993, Mazda Canada offered a limited Special Edition model of its Mazda MX-3 GS to celebrate the company's 25th year in Canada. At the same time, Mazda United States offered a similar model as a Special Edition as well. Only a total of 2,000 Special Edition models were supposedly made. The special edition MX-3 featured the V6 engine, leather interior (including seats, steering wheel and shift knob), heated seats (Canada only), and custom Enkei manufactured 15 inch alloy wheels. Most special edition models came in the color Raspberry Metallic; however, there were also Blaze Red, Brilliant Black, and Laguna Blue colors available for the Special Edition.
In 1996, Mazda Europe produced 100 Mazda MX-3 V6 SEs. These had a leather and suede interior, and all had the Clear White body colour. There were also a limited number of Mazda MX-3 V6 Equipes, with Sparkle Green Metallic or Noble Green exteriors.
Modifications
The MX-3 is becoming a rare car, so modifications for it can be difficult to find unless one knows where to look since it has not been sold in North America since 1996. Since the MX-3 has two engine classes, Straight-4 and V6, many of the engine performance modifications are dependent upon what platform is installed.
There is now a decent range of body modifications for the MX-3 along with performance brakes and suspension.[4] Most extensive modification must be entirely custom fabricated due to limited availability.
RS
The MX-3 RS with the 4-cylinder engine can upgrade to the Mazda B engine 132 hp (98 kW), Mazda B engine 147 hp (110 kW), Mazda B engine 179 hp (133 kW) and Mazda B engine 206 hp (154 kW) engines.[1] This can bring its low power up to a very healthy rating and transform into stiff competition for many modern performance vehicles on the road today.
Swapping of the 4-cylinder RS engines can be slightly more complicated than the V6 GS mainly due to Engine control unit, wiring harness, and Mass flow sensor combinations as well as motor mounts. V6 swaps require specific ECU, intake manifold, and VAF sensor combinations, but there are far less variables to deal with. Many improvements can be made after the engine swap and during the Engine tuning process to find the best combination of engine peripherals.
GS
The most common Engine swap for MX-3 GS owners with the V6 Engine is a 2.5 L V6, either a North American-spec Mazda K engine 168 hp (125 kW), found most commonly in the 1993-1997 Ford Probe GT, the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 LS, or the 1993-2002 Mazda 626 LX or ES, or the Japan-spec Mazda K engine 199 hp (148 kW), found in such vehicles as the Efini MS-8, Xedos 9, & Eunos 800. Upgrading to this engine size added the unofficial GSR trim to the MX-3. A 2.0L V6 Mazda K engine is also available, but this swap can prove to be quite difficult due to the unavailability of required components. For this reason, this particular engine swap is not often attempted.[2][3]
Future model
Since the final discontinuation of the MX-3, many enthusiasts continuously hope for a return of the MX-3 model. The upcoming Mazda MX-4 Kabura concept, planned for 2009, is similar in concept to the MX-3. The Kabura is said to borrow significant mechanical components from the Mazda MX-5 while the styling appears as a blend between the MX-3 and Mazda RX8.
Gallery
 USDM Mazda MX-3 |
 Customized Mazda MX-3 |
 1992 Mazda MX3 with 2.5L KLZE V6 |
References
External links
- MX-3.com - Specifications and other details
- MXStore- Europe specialist.
- MX3 UK - UK Based MX3 car club forum
| Mazda road car timeline, 1990s–2000s
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| Type | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Kei car | Carol | Carol | Carol | Carol | ||||||||||||||||
| AZ-Wagon | AZ-Wagon | AZ-Wagon | AZ-Wagon | |||||||||||||||||
| AZ-Offroad | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Spiano | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Scrum | Scrum/Scrum Wagon | Scrum/Scrum Wagon | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subcompact car | Revue/121 | Demio/121 | Demio/Mazda2 | Demio/Mazda2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Verisa | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact car | Familia/323/Protegé | Familia/323/Protegé | Familia/323/Protegé | Axela/Mazda3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Nissan AD | Nissan AD | Nissan AD | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | Capella/626 | Capella | Capella/626 | Atenza/Mazda6 | Atenza/Mazda6 | |||||||||||||||
| Cronos/626/Xedos 6/Eunos 500 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Eunos 800/Mazda Xedos 9/Millenia | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size car | Sentia/929/Efini MS-8 | Sentia | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | MX-6/Mystère | MX-6/Mystère/Efini MS-6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster/MX-5/Miata | Roadster/MX-5/Miata | Roadster/MX-5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| MX-3 Precidia | ||||||||||||||||||||
| RX-7 | Efini RX-7/RX-7 | RX-8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cosmo | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mazda AZ-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pickup truck | B-Series | B-Series | B-Series | BT-50 | ||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | Mazda Premacy | Mazda Premacy | ||||||||||||||||||
| Efini MPV/MPV | MPV | MPV/Mazda8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bongo Friendee | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Biante | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | CX-7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| CX-9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport utility vehicle | Navajo | Tribute | Tribute | |||||||||||||||||
| Van | Bongo | Bongo | ||||||||||||||||||
| Truck | Titan | Titan | Titan | Titan | ||||||||||||||||
| Mazda automobile timeline, North America market, 1980s–present
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| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Model year | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Subcompact car | Mazda GLC | Mazda GLC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mazda 323 | Mazda 323 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact car | Mazda 323 | Mazda 323 | Mazda3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 626 | 626 | 626 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | 626 | 626 | Mazda6 | Mazda6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size car | 929 | 929 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Millenia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport compact | MX-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | MX-5 Miata | MX-5 Miata | MX-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RX-7 | RX-7 | RX-7 | RX-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pickup truck | B-Series | B-Series | B-Series | B-Series | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | MPV | MPV | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mazda Premacy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | CX-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CX-9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport utility vehicle | Navajo | Tribute | Tribute | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
