Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Gran Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking unique driving dynamics and rotary engine experience
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster (depending on trim and price point)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine (Renesis), suicide rear doors (Freestyle doors), balanced chassis
Primary Coverage:
Owner's operations, maintenance, and specifications
Secondary Coverage:
Basic system explanations, safety features, cleaning
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era)
Language:
English (Assumed, standard for US market models)
Dashboard And Instruments:
Instrument cluster layout, warning lights, gauge functions
Interior Controls:
Climate controls (HVAC), entertainment system operation, lighting controls, driver controls (steering wheel functions, pedals)
Security And Access:
Locks, keyless entry system, immobilizer, alarm system
Safety Features:
Seat belts, airbags, child restraint systems, ABS, traction control
Driving Operations:
Starting, shifting, braking, fuel usage, driving modes
Maintenance And Care:
Cleaning procedures, basic checks, fluid levels, tire care
Engine Compartment:
Component identification, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid)
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, fuses, basic electrical checks
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure recommendations, wheel torque specifications
Routine Maintenance:
Oil level checks, coolant level checks, washer fluid refills, air filter inspection
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, tire changing (basic instructions implied)
User Adjustments:
Seat adjustment, mirror adjustment, steering wheel adjustment
Depth Level:
Owner-level operations and maintenance, not a repair manual
Diagnostic Scope:
Explanation of warning lights and basic troubleshooting guidance
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Rotary Chambers:
Two Rotor
Horsepower Hp:
215-238 hp (depending on transmission and market)
Torque Lb-Ft:
159-160 lb-ft
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Octane Rating:
91 AKI or higher recommended
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.7 (including filter)
Coolant Capacity Liters:
7.7
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-II or GF-III viscosity grade SAE 5W-30 (check manual for exact and alternative grades)
Air Filter Part Number:
Mazda Genuine Part Number (example: N3H1-13-215 or equivalent aftermarket)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic (with paddle shifters in some markets/trims)
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate (Manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
Approx. 2.0
Manual Transmission Fluid Specification:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific recommendations)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Impact:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on certain trims, CD player, AM/FM radio
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control with cabin air filter
Auxiliary Input:
May be present on later models or as an accessory, but not standard on early 2004 models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), but often recommended more frequently for optimal rotary health.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (inspect more frequently)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 30,000 miles for apex seals and side seals; refer to manual for exact intervals for the specific plugs used.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact type)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Washer Fluid:
Water and windshield washer fluid
Apex Seal Wear:
A primary concern with rotary engines; requires proper maintenance and operation. Manual provides guidance on avoiding conditions that lead to wear.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system; manual details checking and topping up procedures.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in rotary engines; manual may offer advice on preventing this through proper driving and occasional high-RPM operation.
Ignition System:
Requires specific attention to spark plugs and coils due to the unique firing order of rotary engines.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and unique history with rotary engines, dating back to the NSU partnership and the Cosmo.
Predecessor:
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Design Philosophy:
Focus on lightweight construction, balanced weight distribution, and a unique, high-revving rotary engine for exceptional handling and driving pleasure.
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
