Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug, Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with four ignition coils (two per rotor)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Mazda 'B'-Series)
Optional
Type:
6-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (AT)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate
Final Drive Ratio Manual:
4.444:1
Final Drive Ratio Automatic:
4.777:1
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
174.7 inches (4435 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1785 mm)
Height:
54.1 inches (1375 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.4 inches (2700 mm)
Front Track:
60.7 inches (1540 mm)
Rear Track:
60.8 inches (1545 mm)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
4 (2+2 configuration)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
7.6 cu. ft. (215 Liters)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
3126 lbs (1418 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
3181 lbs (1443 kg)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Rollover:
Side-Curtain Airbags (Optional on some models, standard on others)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 4-wheel lap/shoulder belts
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer (optional on many trims).
Navigation:
Factory GPS Navigation System (optional).
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control with cabin air filter.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Keyless Entry Start:
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System with Push Button Start (optional on most models).
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary Audio Input Jack (standard)
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (optional on later models).
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using high-quality synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Service:
Specific intervals for apex seals and plugs are critical; refer to manual for precise timing (typically around 30,000-60,000 miles for seal health checks).
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or SP, ILSAC GF-6A, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.1 US Quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent HOAT coolant
Premature wear or failure of apex seals can lead to loss of compression, rough idle, and engine failure. Requires diligent maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures.
Ignition Coils:
Original ignition coils can be prone to failure, leading to misfires. Upgraded coils are often recommended.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication; monitoring oil level regularly is crucial. Excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.
Water Pump Seal:
The integrated water pump seal can fail, leading to coolant leaks.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a long history of engineering distinctive and engaging vehicles, with a particular focus on lightweight sports cars and innovative rotary engine technology.
Model Evolution
Predecessors:
RX-7 (FC and FD generations)
Design Philosophy:
Designed to be a spiritual successor to the RX-7, but with a greater emphasis on practicality and everyday usability, while retaining exhilarating performance.
Production
Production Start Year:
2003
Production End Year:
2012
Manufacturing Locations:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists for 2004 and 2005.