SKY_ninja
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2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-SKY
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« on: November 22, 2011, 05:34:22 PM » |
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Hello everyone.Last week I picked up our new 2012 Mazda3 GS-SKYactiv and could NOT be happier. For about two months the wife & myself researched the compact market & narrowed down our extensive list to the 2012 Ford Focus, 2012 Volkswagen Golf & 2012 Mazda3 GS-SKY. We decided against the Focus due to high cost compared to the Mazda3 ($4000+ with similar features & options) and against the Golf due to the lackluster & thirsty 2.5 inline-5 c(the TDI was $6,500 extra). First impressions. The suspension is solid, steering response is tight, seats are firm with decent bolsters, audio & HVAC controls operate with ease, exterior oozes style amongst a world of generic compacts & finally the high compression engine paired with a 6spd twin-clutch auto makes for spirited commutes with diesel territory fuel economy. Some of you will ask, so... I probably won't be lowering it but have some modifications planned (ex. Mazdaspeed3 18s, cold air intake, chassis brace, sway bars, etc.) Also, here is my profile on Fuelly: http://www.fuelly.com/driver/skyactivDay One
Day Two
Day Four
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« Last Edit: December 27, 2011, 09:31:17 PM by SKY_ninja »
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tonyzoomzoom
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rice rice baby too old !!
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« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2011, 05:49:34 PM » |
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Welcome to the forum !! I suspect you are the first member with the skyactiv setup!! Love the blue eyes and engine cover !  |
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MR083
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« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2011, 05:57:51 PM » |
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Welcome! i too love the blue lights and engine cover but my favorite is the front bumper... not as smiley!
u'll enjoy it!
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Current Mods: Eibach pro-kit Springs|Mazdaspeed CAI|Turbo-XS BPV|StreetUnit RMM|3" Corksport RP|Spin on filter|225/45/18 Eagle GT tires
Future Mods: Exhaust|TMIC|Dash gauges|Down pipe|93 Tune|18x9.5 RPF-1...
"I downshift when i'm near a Prius, so they can hear me hurting the environment"
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Spunnel
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« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2011, 06:16:38 PM » |
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Welcome! I really like the new Sky Mazdas.
I heard it's a new automatic transmission, how does it feel?
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2004 Mazda 3 GT WB | HB | Luxy Pack. | 5speed | 5% Rear Tint| Tein S-Techs| Black 17" OEM w/ Blue lugs| F5 Intake| Corksport CBE| Taillight tints| Black Badges| Orange Calipers| Rally Armour| AUXMod  |
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aaronlee
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« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2011, 06:51:27 PM » |
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That's a pretty neat front lip design. I wish I had that engine cover, looks like Celestial Blue?
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2011 Celestial Blue Mazda3 Sport GS
Eibach Prokit | ExtremeContact DW 225/35R19 | RX-8 R3 19x8 Wheels | 6000K HIDs | Foglight Yellow Lamin-X Film | G2 Grabber Orange Caliper Paint | 20% Rear tint
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SKY_ninja
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2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-SKY
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« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2011, 07:00:03 PM » |
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I heard it's a new automatic transmission, how does it feel?
Automatic Setting - very adaptive (dependant on driving behaviour and load) Sport "Manual" Setting - responsive gear changes, rev-matches downshifts, gear knob feels solid & "clicks" into gears |
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SlyMonkey
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Wannabe GT...
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« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2011, 07:01:56 PM » |
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Welcome! Looks like an awesome ride!
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derrick
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« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2011, 07:02:15 PM » |
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Very nice. I do like the facelift they give the sky's.
Congrats!
Moar low.
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mnl1980
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« Reply #8 on: November 22, 2011, 07:04:05 PM » |
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I wish I had the same front end. Sets a pretty aggressive profile. The lower ends protrude more. Might make the front end a project later on. You in BC? I don't see any holes on the front for the license plate.
Welcome!
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SKY_ninja
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2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-SKY
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« Reply #9 on: November 22, 2011, 07:12:30 PM » |
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You in BC? I don't see any holes on the front for the license plate.
Burnaby to be specific, and yes there are no horrid holes in my bumper (requested dealer not to install front bracket). I might however purchase a tow-hook mount bracket in the future, mostly dependant if I get ticket or a warning. |
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melonvitara
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« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2011, 10:34:35 PM » |
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The blue eyes are pretty cool!
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tonyzoomzoom
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rice rice baby too old !!
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« Reply #11 on: November 22, 2011, 10:39:14 PM » |
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makes me want to open up the headlights just to paint that piece blue |
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Lysdexic
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MY FUEL ECONOMY SUCKKSSSSSSS
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« Reply #12 on: November 22, 2011, 11:01:50 PM » |
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nice!!! welcome!!
btw, did you take off the front plates? or it's just like that...?
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derrick
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« Reply #13 on: November 23, 2011, 12:08:11 AM » |
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nice!!! welcome!!
btw, did you take off the front plates? or it's just like that...?
You in BC? I don't see any holes on the front for the license plate.
Burnaby to be specific, and yes there are no horrid holes in my bumper (requested dealer not to install front bracket). I might however purchase a tow-hook mount bracket in the future, mostly dependant if I get ticket or a warning. |
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aaronlee
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« Reply #14 on: November 23, 2011, 12:20:18 AM » |
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Oooh, I didn't even notice until someone pointed it out. That's why the front lip is standing out so much to me! I wish I didn't have a front plate =(
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2011 Celestial Blue Mazda3 Sport GS
Eibach Prokit | ExtremeContact DW 225/35R19 | RX-8 R3 19x8 Wheels | 6000K HIDs | Foglight Yellow Lamin-X Film | G2 Grabber Orange Caliper Paint | 20% Rear tint
Corksport SRI | Racing Beat CBE | JBR Short Shift Plate
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M Speed
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« Reply #15 on: November 23, 2011, 01:25:36 AM » |
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Nice! Welcome.....keep us posted on how the SKY 3 does...
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My beater is a c-lai car.
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Heavenclosed
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« Reply #16 on: November 23, 2011, 01:49:48 AM » |
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Is it really a Dual clutch transmission?
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SKY_ninja
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2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-SKY
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« Reply #17 on: November 23, 2011, 06:18:02 AM » |
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Is it really a Dual clutch transmission?
"Frustrated with the inefficiency of a traditional torque converter at high speeds, and unwilling to accept the jerkiness of a dual-clutch system at lower speeds, Mazda designed what it feels is the best of both worlds. Its new Skyactiv-Drive automatic uses a torque converter below five mph for a smooth launch, However, at higher speeds the transmission uses a wet, multi-plate clutch just like a dual-clutch transmission does. This was not simple, and it requires a complete redesign of the torque converter – but since it only works at less than five miles per hour, it is smaller than a traditional unit (Mazda says its new transmission is seven percent better in fuel economy than its predecessor and more efficient than a dual-clutch or continuously-variable transmission). Mazda3 Skyactiv models with the new six-speed automatic transmission earn 28 mpg city and hit the all-important 40 mpg number on the highway." - Autoblog |
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Tim25
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« Reply #18 on: November 23, 2011, 07:40:28 AM » |
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Did the stop/start system make it on to the 2012 Skyactiv-G? There was talk of it coming...
TIM
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  '08 TR MS 3 || '10 MS3 Wheels || tint || COBB || CP-e x2 || Magnaflow || JBarone || StreetUnit x3 "A turbo: Exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens, and you go faster." - Jeremy Clarkson www.cameohobbies.com |
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DKaz
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« Reply #19 on: November 23, 2011, 08:21:42 AM » |
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Welcome! Nice ride, I'm super excited about the Skyactiv 3's. Can you keep track of your fuel economy? I have a feeling the Skyactiv engine can get some of the best real world fuel economy of all manufacturers.
No i-Stop yet. I know at least in Japan, an i-Stop equipped Mazda 5 is about $1,200 more than a similarly equipped non i-Stop Mazda 5.
Given an idling engine at operating temperature uses ~1.5 litres per hour, $1,200 = 615 hours of idling at today's gas prices. This technology probably benefits someone who has to deal with rush hour traffic and Tim Horton's lineups everyday rather than someone like me who does more highway kms. Being stopped in traffic for half an hour a day = 130 hours a year.
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2007 Mazda 5 GT 5MT Autolismo HID, RX-8 Wheels, Exedy Stage 1 Clutch, Redline MT90. 
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