Mk3.5 Styling

[LukeSi]

While I was out earlier I was behind a Mk3.5. I noticed that the back seems to be a cross between the Mk1 and Mk2 with a little bit of Mk3 thrown in. I quite liked it. It was similar but unique at the same time as when the brake lights were on at a distance I could tell it was a Mk3.5. I have to say Mazda have done a damn good job on the looks. It seems a bit smaller than the Mk1 from looking at it however it could be deceptive due to the styling.

[Baryonyx]

I've never liked the looks of the mk3, I've always found it looks too lardy and heavy for me, and that 'doe eyed' look the front of the car used to have was awful too. The 3.5 is a step in the right direction as it looks a bit more aggressive but it's still a bit bland, definitely not as stylish as the NA or NB.

[MX-5 Lazza]

And it's bigger than the Mk1 (and Mk2).

[NeoVR]

Im not a fan of the mk3. but think the 3.5 looks great!.. its the front end that makes all the difference!

[Robstar111r]

I liked it so much I bought one!!

[JonnyFive]

MX-5 Lazza said:

And it's bigger than the Mk1 (and Mk2).

Only by 20mm length and 40mm width, but the body does look much bigger.

I much prefer the look of the MK3.5 compared to the MK3.

[Gizmo!]

JonnyFive said:

Only by 20mm length and 40mm width, but the body does look much bigger.

I much prefer the look of the MK3.5 compared to the MK3.

On looks I always assumed it was a good 6 ins longer, and then I parked next to one and the only real difference is the rear deck height...

[Richyvrlimited]

MX-5 Lazza said:

And it's bigger than the Mk1 (and Mk2).

It pictures they look massive, but in the flesh they're realisticly no bigger than the MK1/2

If I had the money I'd have a MK3 in a heartbeat.

[wildcat45]

Robstar111r said:

I liked it so much I bought one!!

Me too. Had it less than a week. 1.8 Miyako in Velocity Red. Have to say of all the cars I have had, I've never enjoyed a new car experience more.

Fantastic bit of kit.

[Baryonyx]

Gizmo! said:

On looks I always assumed it was a good 6 ins longer, and then I parked next to one and the only real difference is the rear deck height...

Indeed, it's just the styling that makes it look so bulky and ungainly. And the oversized wheels don't help either.

[hornetrider]

Baryonyx said:

And the oversized wheels don't help either.

Except with grip.

I'm surprised at the amount of 3.5 love in the house, most unfashionable!

[Baryonyx]

Well, thats another one of my concerns, the extra grip provided by the massive wheels on the Mk3 just make it too stable and stodgy, whereas the earlier model's handling felt more pliant and there was much more adjustability in it. I'd appreciate the extra grip if I was in a high powered monster M3 or something of that ilk, but not in a car that is supposed to be about making lower speeds fun.

[JonnyFive]

Baryonyx said:

Well, thats another one of my concerns, the extra grip provided by the massive wheels on the Mk3 just make it too stable and stodgy, whereas the earlier model's handling felt more pliant and there was much more adjustability in it. I'd appreciate the extra grip if I was in a high powered monster M3 or something of that ilk, but not in a car that is supposed to be about making lower speeds fun.

I actually quite like the extra grip, it does feel like you can put it into any corner and it'll come out facing forwards the other side.. Where as in our ones you might end up facing the way you came.

[hornetrider]

It's still adjustable on the throttle, but yes not as much as the Mk1. It's quick though, and extremely precise.

[LukeSi]

Just noticed my head teacher has a Mk3.5 MX5, in white, with racing stripes. He is at least in his 50s.

[Baryonyx]

JonnyFive said:

I actually quite like the extra grip, it does feel like you can put it into any corner and it'll come out facing forwards the other side.. Where as in our ones you might end up facing the way you came.

But that is surely the thrill. I thought the Mk3 was too close to being a grand tourer rather than a sports car. It feels about as wild as a BMW 318. But the Mk1 and 2, whilst not particularly fast, felt somewhat less surefooted and are all the more exciting for it.

[JonnyFive]

Baryonyx said:

JonnyFive said:

I actually quite like the extra grip, it does feel like you can put it into any corner and it'll come out facing forwards the other side.. Where as in our ones you might end up facing the way you came.

But that is surely the thrill. I thought the Mk3 was too close to being a grand tourer rather than a sports car. It feels about as wild as a BMW 318. But the Mk1 and 2, whilst not particularly fast, felt somewhat less surefooted and are all the more exciting for it.

I'm not sure if my point came across correctly, I meant as Hornetrider said after me.. Its much more precise, the turn in feels better than the MK1/2.. Tighter.

Maybe this is because when I had my first long drive of one was 4 hours of motorway so the country roads I found felt excellent

[hornetrider]

Baryonyx said:

It feels about as wild as a BMW 318

Come out for a passenger spin on a PH run anytime chap.

[JonnyFive]

hornetrider said:

Baryonyx said:

It feels about as wild as a BMW 318

Come out for a passenger spin on a PH run anytime chap.

Take him up on this.. Somehow, I've no idea how as I was really trying to hoon to keep up, Hornetrider kept pulling massive leads on the rest of us around the Brecons.. Very impressive car or maybe the driver..

[hornetrider]

Well.... I'm pretty sure the 2nd car in the convoy was driving Miss Daisy

In all seriousness though - there is a good point being made here. Matey in the white Mk1 track slag (5Phil5?) was getting it sideways in my rearview in an attempt to keep up, whereas I wasn't really getting the back end out at all. I just find the 3.5 is properly quick and capable in the twisty stuff (much quicker than my old R-Ltd) and yes, I could push it to break traction if I wanted but really there's no need when cornering speeds are already very high (this provides its own thrill).