POS and I went back down to Hiley Mazda in Hurst after finding out they had some NC's in stock. They have 4 of them. A copper-red, a winning-blue, a silver and a Red S/E (#82 of 3500). We spoke with Melvin Smith (Assistant Sales Manager- [email protected]) and he took good care of us. (Thanks again Melvin!) Initially he told us all 4 of the cars we sold so we couldn't drive one which is understandable. He came back outside a bit later and handed me the key to the winning-blue model after talking it over with the sales manager. Very nice!
After a short drive, I can say I like the car. The car is taller so you feel like you're really 'deep' inside the car. It feels very solid and the factory dual-exhaust has a nice note (could be a bit louder) to it. The cabin seems bigger and there is more leg room than in the NB's. Seat backs have good bolster support and the seat bottoms could use a bit more IMHO. Headroom is still an issue (for me at least) as my head brushes the inside top panel. Controls are good and easy to reach. The new top design is very cool and stows away easily behind the seats. Plenty of pep, a smooth short-throw gearbox. ABS brakes are standard on all models. I like the 5-spoke 16" wheels on the Touring package..the one we drove had the multi-spoke 17"s. It handled and stuck to the road nicely. Trunk looks deeper, but skinnier from front-to-back. Mazda still hasn't figured out the front license plate bracket with screws just waiting to poke holes in the nose of the car.
