Oh, and mileage yesterday was 37 mpg through the mountains and 42 mpg on the flatland return trip. Both were from the trip computer, which was commonly 5% optimistic in the '06 and '07 Mazdas. I'm hoping to have a brush with 50 mpg next Summer when the good gas returns.

 

Hi... Thanks for your post and everyone for your replies... I got my Mazda 3 i touring 4 days back and I too have the burning smell from under the hood. I couldn't see anything wrong when I opened the hood. I saw you posted your question in October 2013. Could you please update on the "burning smell" scenario. Is it still there?

And hows the car overall till now. Any other problems or concerns?
Thanks in advance!

 

Less than six weeks old and already approaching 2000 miles! The smell mentioned earlier disappeared after about 1000 miles -- 600 highway, and the rest in local trips. It's too cold here to think of getting under the car to look for causes. Maybe in May...

I still enjoy the new M3, and the positive crash ratings and resale value comparisons make me feel better. Plenty of torque when you put your foot into it. Maybe that's related to the higher compression ratio, and it's not the same feel as a turbo (as in my 2000 Passat), but it feels a lot like a tiger waiting to be cut loose, pulling at the collar.

I'm disliking the shifter feel a bit, preferring the older 2006 M3 and 2007 M3 linkages. This linkage gives you more feel for the synchros engaging (aka almost grinding) and disengaging. Feels more fragile. And with 85/87 winter blend, there's a definite diesel sound in there if you listen carefully.

But it's probably all in getting used to the new design. Time tells all, huh?

 

Oh, and another thing: What's with the fall-off in acceleration at about 1200 rpm in first gear? I mean, I can push the pedal harder after the clutch is fully engaged, and there's plenty of get-up, but it's not natural to be holding the gas pedal steady after letting out the clutch and feeling the acceleration flatten for a half-second before picking back up again. If this was an automatic, then I'd rationalize it as a means to move it into second sooner for the sake of gas mileage, but would this same tuning be applied to a manual?!

 

So was there ever any resolution to the issue of the rear seats not being secured on the sides? I just bought a 3 iGT hatch, and noticed the same thing, and Googling the issue led me here. Is that simply how they are?

 

Just drove our new 2015 Mazda CX5 GT home-approximately 60 miles now on the odometer. Strong smell of burning rubber coming from engine, only noticed when stopped. Sounds like this is a common experience with other buyers. Any advice? I plan to call the dealer tomorrow, but would appreciate comments from others that have some experience. No unusual noises or performance experienced.

This is our first Mazda, love the handling, acceleration, interior and general feel and look of the auto. Only owned for 4 hours....so, keep that in mind.

 

More details on rear seat issue please PHOTOS OF LOCATION WOULD HELP