2008.5 Mazda3 GT Limited (200 - BC only)

[hoodlum]

Looks like it includes the luxury package as well as some performance enhancements with a very slight hit on fuel economy (9.5/6.9 l/100km). I couldn't find any hp/torque ratings for this one.

"Some engine tweaks and the inclusion of a cold-air intake plus a Mazdaspeed exhaust give it more of a sporty drive a la Mazdaspeed but for a couple of grand less. And for that. you also get the throaty exhaust sound that tempts you to pull into the muffler shop after a while. I guess the target market likes that annoying sound."


http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=8e2d0fcd-3c71-42c7-afbe-7f3734f0c9ef

[whiteomega]

not bad; the reviewer does have a point about the mazdaspeed exhaust though. if you're not into that kind of thing, it really isn't going to sell the car having it on (but at least it was a factory option for the sake of your insurance).

overall it's a good set of upgrades for a very good car

[hoodlum]

I wonder what other 'engine tweaks' were done. Also, I don't think Mazda would go through the trouble of these engine changes for just 200 sales. Maybe this was already implemented elsewhere in the world.

[condor888000]

Might be a dealer installed package.

[Garu]

I wonder what other 'engine tweaks' were done. Also, I don't think Mazda would go through the trouble of these engine changes for just 200 sales. Maybe this was already implemented elsewhere in the world.

Most likely ECU reflash.

[Swerny]

"Standard equipment includes four-wheel ABS with electronic brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control with an engine torque-control function"

DSC that only the US got.

[hoodlum]

Here's some pictures.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2008/index.php?level=album&id=224

[cwp_sedan]

Interesting...

[Cardinal Fang]

http://i30.tinypic.com/24lvmdg.jpg

Sorry, but placing a GT Limited decal on the car looks cheap in my opinion.

[Wild Weasel]

Says the article is no longer available.

It sounds to me like a dealer package, where they'd putting some Mazdaspeed accessories on the car and selling it as a, probably overpriced, package.


I call shenanangans on the "sporty drive a la Mazdaspeed but for a couple of grand less" comment. Sorry, but an intake/exhaust upgrade is absolutely nothing like the MS3.

[jstro]

Sorry, but placing a GT Limited decal on the car looks cheap in my opinion.

Agreed. I'm not diggin' those 08.5 chrome door handles either.

I think the addition of DSC is a great thing though. My buddy's shopping for a small car now and he says he's having lots of problems finding one that offers stability control without going up into something like a CSX or a Matrix. I've heard both good and bad things about these systems, but they should at least be available in Canada on the 3, IMO.

[Cudgel]

Agreed. I'm not diggin' those 08.5 chrome door handles either.

I think the addition of DSC is a great thing though. My buddy's shopping for a small car now and he says he's having lots of problems finding one that offers stability control without going up into something like a CSX or a Matrix. I've heard both good and bad things about these systems, but they should at least be available in Canada on the 3, IMO.

Yeah, I find the chrome door handles tacky.

At first, the close up shot of the "GT Limited" decal didn't look too bad until I saw how it look on the car as a whole. It definitely makes it look very cheap but I'm sure you can just peel it off.

[Noisy Crow]

Agreed. I'm not diggin' those 08.5 chrome door handles either.

I think the addition of DSC is a great thing though. My buddy's shopping for a small car now and he says he's having lots of problems finding one that offers stability control without going up into something like a CSX or a Matrix. I've heard both good and bad things about these systems, but they should at least be available in Canada on the 3, IMO.

I wonder... has the dealer found a way to add the DSC to a Canandian-spec factory GT?

[whiteomega]

I wonder... has the dealer found a way to add the DSC to a Canandian-spec factory GT?

it would depend on how DSC was implemented. chances are it's just a fancy computer system attached to the ABS that applies some amount of braking force to whatever wheel needs it in order to keep the car more in control. if that's the case, an abs computer re-program could be all that's needed.

if the DSC is something more advanced then it's more complicated than that.

[openuser]

Hey, Piano black interior that US people get..

[rad3]

Called Mazda Canada. They have no knowledge of the " 2008.5 Mazda3 GT Limited (200 - BC only)". Interesting!

[hoodlum]

Called Mazda Canada. They have no knowledge of the " 2008.5 Mazda3 GT Limited (200 - BC only)". Interesting!

Not suprising. I e-mailed Mazda Canada a month ago when they first announced 0% financing to see if it covered the 2008.5 models. I never got a reply. Found the information here instead.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Found the information here instead.

Your welcome... :)

GOOGLE (http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:2008-13,GGLJ:en&q=2008%2e5+mazda3)

The BC GT version isn't the only Provincially exclusive vehicle this year.

From Mazda.ca:



Special Edition Mazda3 Commemorates Québec City’s 400th Anniversary
(Richmond Hill, ON): Debuting at this year’s Salon de l'auto de Québec is a special edition Mazda3 - the Edition Québec 400e – that commemorates the 400th anniversary of Québec City.

Based on a 2008.5 Mazda3 GX with a Stormy Blue Mica exterior colour, the Edition Québec 400e is equipped with a race-inspired lip spoiler, unique 400th anniversary floor mats, and custom 400th anniversary vehicle badging on the sides and rear.

In addition, the Edition Québec 400e also features a new ‘Comfort Package’ as standard equipment to enhance the special feel. This package includes 15” alloy wheels, power locks and windows, power heated body-coloured door mirrors, keyless entry, illuminated entry, and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The Edition Québec 400e goes on sale in March and is only available at Mazda’s four Québec City dealerships: Beauport Mazda, Chatel Mazda, Lévis Mazda and Premier Mazda. Only 250 units will be produced, and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the special edition is $19,350.

[x_o_k_x]

Not suprising. I e-mailed Mazda Canada a month ago when they first announced 0% financing to see if it covered the 2008.5 models. I never got a reply. Found the information here instead.

You will never get a reply, its like the name exists but they are not there. Bad public relations or customer service..