High resolution photos of ND, including engine bay

[Aussie Stig]

Aw, stop ratting on the screen.

If Mazda has any sense it can be unplugged so all the haters can buy a $50 piece of plastic to cover the hole.

Problem solved.

[rjastra2]

This is the other option Mazda gives you if no MZD... fancy that instead?

[Vat]

This is the other option Mazda gives you if no MZD... fancy that instead?

I actually quite like that treatment - it's got a little bit of a retro feel.

I was interested to read that the Mazda3's screen is a touch screen when the car is at standstill, but that gets locked out when moving so only the rotary switch or voice activation can be used, Mazda's research showing a car moves around from its intended path more when a driver is using the touch screen.

My main complaint, and this stems from my initial impressions from Merc's A and C Class interiors, is that the 'tablet' arrangement isn't well integrated, and looks like something you just unplug and take with you when you've parked. I understand the concept of bringing the display up from the centre console to a level better suited to keeping the driver's sight line where it needs to be, whilst trying to keep the dash cowl low to improve forward visibility. It's a little curious Mazda have elected to have the display oriented to the centre of the car rather than angled towards the driver.

Just on styling, anyone else think the current Mazda3 sedan is quite reminiscent of the mid-90s Astina sedan (the 2.0 V6 model)?

[rjastra2]

It's a little curious Mazda have elected to have the display oriented to the centre of the car rather than angled towards the driver.

These interfaces are rarely angled towards the driver: They don't have to be as most cars with them have a redundant display in the instrument panel.