Highly rigid body
The basic development concept for the body shell of the all-new Mazda 3 was to improve the overall balance of the body's rigidity and ensure it firmly absorbs the reaction force of the dampers. To this end, particular attention went to reinforcing the area around the front and rear suspension mounts and the joint sections in each corner, which are subject to greater stress. Structural adhesive was used to strengthen the joints for the front and rear suspension towers, and spot welding was added to reinforce the joints of the door openings. The result is a substantial improvement in rigidity and body hysteresis (the degree of car body deformation due to repeated applications of torsional load).
See also:
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
Convertible Top Precautions
WARNING:
Sit in the seat with the seat belt
correctly fastened when the vehicle is
moving:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on
the convertible top storage area o ...
Performance
When the Mazda6 debuted last year, I drove a powerful V-6 version called the
''s.'' That car handled like a true sport sedan, with relatively heavy steering
and a pretty rough ride. It was fun, bu ...
The Drive
The Mazda5's 2.3-liter four-cylinder has to rev pretty high to get the car
moving quickly. Our car had the optional five-speed automatic transmission,
which adds $1,440. The five-speed manual migh ...