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Introduction
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Market Position
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Market Positioning:
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Sporty, unique four-door coupe with a focus on handling and driver engagement, positioned against other performance-oriented sedans and coupes of its era.
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Competitive Analysis
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Primary Competitors:
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BMW 3 Series Coupe/Sedan, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL.
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Key Features
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Unique Selling Proposition:
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The groundbreaking 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, balanced chassis, suicide rear doors (Freestyle doors) for rear-seat access, and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
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Target Audience
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Target Audience:
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Enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience, drivers who appreciate innovative engineering, and those looking for a practical yet sporty four-door vehicle.
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Manual Value Proposition
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Manual Value:
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Provides essential technical knowledge for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the distinctive RX-8, including its unique rotary engine, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine System:
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Complete Renesis rotary engine, including apex seals, rotor housing, eccentric shaft, oil injection, cooling, lubrication, and starting system.
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Transmission System:
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Manual (AZ6) and Automatic (FN4A-EL) transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, valve body, and related diagnostics.
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Drivetrain:
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Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.
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Brakes:
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Front and rear braking systems (vented discs), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
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Suspension Steering
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Suspension Steering:
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Front and rear suspension (double-wishbone), steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications.
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Electrical Electronics
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Electrical System:
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Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, sensors (crank, cam, O2), ECUs, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
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Body Chassis
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Body And Chassis:
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Body construction, exterior panels, doors (including freestyle doors), interior trim, glass, bumpers, and chassis components.
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Hvac
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HVAC System:
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Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system, refrigerant handling.
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Fuel Exhaust
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Fuel And Exhaust:
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Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance Procedures:
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Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant checks, brake fluid service, lubrication.
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Repair Procedures:
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Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for all major vehicle systems.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, identification of common faults and their solutions.
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Technical Data:
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Specifications, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, component identification.
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Diagnostics:
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OBD-II system diagnostics, reading and clearing DTCs, live data analysis.
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Technical Depth
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Depth Of Coverage:
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Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagrams and service procedures.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
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Engine Code:
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13B-MSP Renesis
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Displacement:
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1.3 Liters (dual rotor, 654cc per rotor)
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Performance
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Horsepower Gs:
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Approx. 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Manual Transmission)
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Horsepower Gt:
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Approx. 238 hp @ 8200 rpm (Manual Transmission - High Power Model)
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Horsepower Automatic:
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Approx. 197 hp @ 7200 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
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Torque Gs:
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Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (Manual Transmission)
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Torque Gt:
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Approx. 164 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (Manual Transmission - High Power Model)
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Torque Automatic:
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Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Type:
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Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
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Fuel Delivery:
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Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
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Ignition System:
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Direct Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug for each spark plug (two per rotor).
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Rotary Specific Features:
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Side exhaust ports, peripheral intake ports, side oil metering system, focus on high RPM operation.
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Transmission
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Standard
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Standard Transmission:
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6-speed Manual (Mazda AZ6)
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Optional
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Optional Transmission:
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4-speed Sportronic Automatic (Mazda FN4A-EL)
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Features
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Clutch:
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Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate dry clutch (manual).
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Gear Ratios Manual:
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Specific ratios vary by model and year, typically with close ratios for sporty driving.
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Differential:
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Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often standard or optional on performance models.
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Fluid Specifications
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Mercon V/Dexron III type fluid.
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Dimensions
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Exterior
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Length:
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Approx. 4430 mm (174.4 in)
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Width:
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Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)
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Height:
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Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 in)
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Wheelbase:
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Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
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Track Front:
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Approx. 1500 mm (59.1 in)
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Track Rear:
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Approx. 1515 mm (59.6 in)
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Weights
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Curb Weight Manual:
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Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs)
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Curb Weight Automatic:
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Approx. 1495 kg (3295 lbs)
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Cargo
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Trunk Capacity:
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Approx. 8.7 cu ft (246 L) - Notably small due to drivetrain packaging.
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Interior
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Seating Capacity:
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4-passenger (2 front, 2 rear bucket seats).
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Rotary engines require frequent oil changes and consumption is normal.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Typically every 30,000-40,000 miles, with specific types for different engine states (e.g., leading/trailing plugs).
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
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Coolant Flush Interval:
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Every 30,000-40,000 miles or 2-3 years.
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Engine Oil Level Check:
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Recommended at every fuel fill-up due to normal rotary oil consumption.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Type:
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API SN, ILSAC GF-5 or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended. Specific attention to oil quality is critical for rotary engines.
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Coolant Type:
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Mazda FL22 (or equivalent long-life pink/red coolant). Do not mix coolant types.
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
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Power Steering Fluid:
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Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent.
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Known Issues
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Apex Seal Wear:
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The most common and significant concern. Apex seals can wear prematurely if the engine is not properly maintained, warmed up, or if carbon build-up occurs. Symptoms include loss of compression, rough idle, and starting issues.
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Catalytic Converter:
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Can be prone to failure due to oil burning or incomplete combustion, especially on earlier models or those not driven spiritedly.
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Ignition Coils And Plugs:
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Can degrade over time, leading to misfires and rough running. Proper maintenance and replacement are crucial.
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Oil Pump And Level Sensor:
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Failure can lead to severe engine damage. Regular checks and ensuring correct oil levels are paramount.
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Cooling System:
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Potential for leaks, especially with plastic components, and proper coolant flow is vital for the rotary engine.
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Starter Motor:
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Can struggle to turn over a hot rotary engine, sometimes requiring specific starting procedures or a higher-torque starter.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Mazda Rotary Legacy:
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Mazda has a long and storied history with rotary engines, starting with the Cosmo Sport and culminating in the Le Mans-winning 787B. The RX-8 represents the modern evolution of this unique engine technology.
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Model Evolution
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First Generation Development:
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The RX-8 was conceived as a successor to the RX-7, aiming for a more practical and accessible sports car while retaining the rotary engine's character. Designed by Mutsuo Shioda.
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Design Highlights:
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The distinctive 'Freestyle doors' (rear-hinged suicide doors) were a key design element, providing easier access to the rear seats without a traditional B-pillar. The interior was designed to be driver-centric.
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Facelifts Updates:
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Received minor updates throughout its production run, including suspension revisions for improved handling, interior trim upgrades, and revised engine management. The most significant changes often referred to as Series 1 (2003-2008) and Series 2 (2008-2011).
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Production
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Production Period:
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April 2003 - August 2012
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Manufacturing Plant:
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Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan
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Production Volume:
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Approximately 197,000 units globally.
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