Mazda MX-3

Mazda MX-3

Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda MX-3 Precidia Eunos 30X Eunos Presso Autozam AZ-3 Mazda AZ-3
Production	1992–1998
Assembly	Hiroshima, Japan
Class	Sport compact
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mazda EC platform
Engine	1.5 L B5-ZE I4 DOHC 1.6 L B6-ME I4 SOHC 1.6 L B6D I4 DOHC 1.8 L K8 V6 DOHC
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Length	4,208 mm (165.7 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1996-98: 52.0 in (1,321 mm) 1992-95 Base: 50.4 in (1,280 mm) 1992-95 GS: 50.6 in (1,285 mm)
Curb weight	RS: 1,095 kg (2,410 lb) GS: 1,171 kg (2,580 lb)
Related	Mazda Familia/323/Protege

The Mazda MX-3 is a four-seat hatchback coupé first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991.^[1] The MX-3 was marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada, the Eunos 30X in Australia, and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan.The MX-3 is quite popular for modification because of the range of performance engines which can be transplanted, such as the KL-ZE.

The MX-3 was notable for having one of the lowest displacement V6 engines ever fitted to a production vehicle with its 1.8 L V6.

History

First introduced at Geneva in March 1991, production continued to 1998. The MX-3's platform is called the EC platform, and shares much with the BG platform of the contemporary Familia/323/Protegé. The first model year available for most markets, including North America where it went on sale in September 1991, was 1992. Originally available with a single-cam 1.6-liter inline-four or the twin-cam V6, a few more engines were available as development continued. In the summer of 1991 the Autozam AZ-3 was added to the Japanese market lineup.^[1] "Autozam" was meant to be Mazda's more youthful brand, so it combined a somewhat lower price with a sportier (but smaller) twin-cam four of 1.5 liters.

In January 1994 a DOHC version of the familiar B6 engine, the B6D, replaced the previous version.^[1] This provided a useful power increase but conversely also made the considerably more expensive V6 version less desirable. Sales of the V6 in the North American market came to an end after the 1994 model year, although they continued in Japan and many other export markets. While called K8-DE in North American specs, Japanese and other markets received an engine called the K8-ZE. Aside from emissions equipment and varying power claims due to myriad ratings methods, the differences are negligible.

Performance

The V6 MX-3 had a factory claimed top speed of 202 km/h (126 mph) (in European trim).^[2] The US-spec MX-3 GS could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.4 seconds, and could travel a quarter mile in 16.4 seconds. With a turning rate of 0.89 g (8.7 m/s²), its handling capabilities were among the best in its class.

The V6 engine was impressive for the time, belonging to the Mazda K-series, which were used in a range of Mazda vehicles. These engines were designed to be smooth and hold a high torque across the RPM range. These engines used a variable length intake manifold (VLIM), in order to provide optimal torque using intake resonance. Mazda called their system on the MX-3 the "Variable Resonance Induction System" (VRIS). This engine had a 7,000 rpm redline, and a 7,800 rpm fuel cutoff. It has been rumored that Porsche designers assisted in the creation of the K series engine.^{[citation needed]}

For the rear suspension of the MX-3, Mazda used its proprietary Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) technology. TTL is designed to provide a smooth ride while delivering responsive handling and minimizing body lean. It achieves this by passively allowing the rear wheels to turn slightly to more closely approach their optimal angle during steering maneuvers. In this way, TTL delivers some of the benefits associated with active four-wheel steering systems while being lighter and mechanically less complicated than such systems. TTL has been used on a range of other Mazda vehicles before and since the MX-3.

Models and specifications (North America)

• RS • 1992-1998
• GS • 1992-1994

MX-3 GS

1.6L B6-ME SOHC 16 Valve[3]
Type	Inline 4
Power	88 hp (66 kW) at 5,000 rpm
Torque	98 ft·lbf (133 N·m) at 4,000 rpm
Model years	1992-1993

1.6L B6-D DOHC 16 Valve
Type	Inline 4
Power	106 hp (79 kW)
Model years	1994-1998

1.8L K8-DE DOHC 24 Valve[4]
Type	60° V6[3]
Power	130 hp (97 kW) at 6,500 rpm
Torque	115 ft·lbf (156 N·m) at 4,500 rpm
0-60mph	9.2 s
1/4 mile	16.8 s @ 82.5 mph (133 km/h)
Top speed	estimated 120 mph
Model years	1992-1994[citation needed]

Special Editions

In 1993, Mazda Canada offered a limited Special Edition model of its Mazda MX-3 GS to celebrate the company's 25th year in Canada. At the same time, Mazda USA offered a similar model as a Special Edition as well. Only a total of 2,000 Special Edition models were supposedly made. The special edition MX-3 featured the V6 engine, leather interior (including seats, steering wheel and shift knob), heated seats (Canada only), and custom Enkei manufactured 15 inch alloy wheels. Most special edition models came in the color Raspberry Metallic; however, there were also Blaze Red, Brilliant Black, and Laguna Blue colors available for the Special Edition.

In 1996, Mazda Europe produced 100 Mazda MX-3 V6 SEs. These had a leather and suede interior, and all had the clear White body colour. There were also a limited number of Mazda MX-3 V6 Equipes, with Sparkle Green Metallic or Noble Green exteriors.

Modifications

Comparison chart of typical MX-3 engine swaps

The MX-3 is becoming a rare car, so modifications for it can be difficult to find unless one knows where to look since it has not been sold in North America since 1997. Since the MX-3 has two engine classes, I4 and V6, many of the engine performance modifications are dependent upon what platform is installed.

There is now a decent range of body modifications for the MX-3 along with performance brakes and suspension.[1] Most extensive modification must be entirely custom fabricated due to limited availability.

RS

The MX-3 RS with the 4-cylinder engine can upgrade to the BP 132 hp (98 kW), B6-T 147 hp (110 kW), BP-T 179 hp (133 kW) and BPD-T 206 hp (154 kW) engines.^[5]

Swapping of the 4-cylinder RS engines can be slightly more complicated than the V6 GS mainly due to ECU, wiring harness, and MAF combinations as well as motor mounts. V6 swaps require specific ECU, intake manifold, and VAF sensor combinations, but there are far fewer variables to deal with. Many improvements can be made after the engine swap and during the engine tuning process to find the best combination of engine peripherals.

GS

The most common engine swap for MX-3 GS owners with the V6 engine is a 2.5 L V6, either a North American-spec KL-DE 168 hp (125 kW), found most commonly in the 1993-1997 Ford Probe GT, the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 LS, or the 1993-2002 Mazda 626 LX or ES, or the Japanese-spec KL-ZE 200 hp (149 kW), found in such vehicles as the Efini MS-8, Xedos 9, & Eunos 800. A 2.0 L V6 KF-ZE is also available, but this swap can prove to be quite difficult due to the unavailability of required components. For this reason, this particular engine swap is not often attempted.^[5][6] The GS apart from the engine had dual tip exhaust, tighter steering ratio, 4 disc brakes and front and rear spoiler.

Future model

Since the final discontinuation of the MX-3, many enthusiasts continuously hope for a return of the MX-3 model. The upcoming Mazda Kabura concept, initially shown in 2006, is similar in concept to the MX-3. The Kabura is said to borrow significant mechanical components from the Mazda MX-5 while the styling appears as a blend between the MX-3 and RX8. This was rumored to have a 2009 release date however this did not happen. The planned 2011 RX-7 is inspired by the Kabura concept.

Gallery

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  Mazda MX-3 (US)

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  1992 Mazda MX3 with a modified 2.5L KLZE V6

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  Mazda MX-3 Dash (UK spec)

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  Mazda MX-3 front view (UK spec)

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  Mazda MX-3 interior (UK spec)

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  Mazda MX-3 side view (UK spec)

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed (March 6, 1997) (in German/French). Automobil Revue 1997. 92. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 356. ISBN 3-444-10479-0. 
2. ^ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed (March 10, 1994) (in German/French). Automobil Revue 1994. 89. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 356. ISBN 3-444-00584-9. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Vettraino, J. P. (29 July 1991). "Cutting In At The Head Of The Pack". AutoWeek (Detroit MI: Crain Communications) 41 (30): 18-21. ISSN 0192-9674. 
4. ^ Bornhop, Andrew (November 1991). Bryant, Thos L.. ed. "Mazda MX-3 GS A GT amongst the pocket-rockets". Road & Track (Newport Beach, CA: Hachette Magazines) 43 (3): 72-79. ISSN 0035-7189. 
5. ^ ^{a b} "Engine swap and body modification page". MX-3.com. http://www.mx-3.com/swap/. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
6. ^ "KLZE and KLDE Engine Comparison". Webcitation.org. http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/viv95pgt/klze.html&date=2009-10-25+23:59:45. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 

External links

• MX-3.com - Specifications and other details