Vehicle Class:
Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Key Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine technology, unique 'freestyle' doors, balanced chassis, sporty driving dynamics
Primary Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (in performance variants)
Rotary Engine Advantage:
High revving, compact size, smooth power delivery (but requires specialized maintenance)
Unique Door Design:
Freestyle doors (suicide-style rear doors) for improved rear-seat access
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Drivetrain, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Differential
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Wheel & Tire Specifications
Electrical:
Engine Control System, Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, SRS Airbag System, Immobilizer System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Explanations, Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams, Scan Tool Procedures
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds (apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Special Procedures:
Rotary Engine Specifics (decompression testing, lubrication system), ECU Reset Procedures, Immobilizer Key Programming, Airbag System Service Precautions
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Data Granularity:
Detailed torque specifications, measurement tolerances, diagnostic parameter ranges
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF, Bookmarked Chapters, Printable Pages
Print Quality Description:
High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams (assuming a high-quality reproduction)
Binding Type Description:
Digital PDF (No physical binding)
Paper Type Description:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3L (2 x 0.65L rotors)
Rotor Housing Material:
Chrome-plated steel or similar advanced alloy
Horsepower Gt:
245 hp @ 8,200 rpm
Torque Gt:
211 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
Horsepower Sport:
238 hp @ 8,200 rpm
Torque Sport:
209 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SN or SP, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (Crucial for Apex Seal Lubrication)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
6-Speed 'Activematic' Automatic (with Paddle Shifters)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios for each gear (detailed in manual, e.g., 1st: 3.76, 2nd: 2.39, 3rd: 1.77, 4th: 1.32, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.78)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Mazda GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Braking System:
Power-assisted disc brakes (front ventilated, rear solid or ventilated), ABS, EBD
Traction Control:
TCS (Traction Control System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) - often standard on GT models
Airbag System:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), Curtain airbags (optional)
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Mazda AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Bose premium audio system
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control with cabin air filter
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims
Bluetooth:
Not standard on 2004 models, potentially available as an aftermarket upgrade.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (highly recommended for rotary longevity)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (special ignition plugs required)
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent blue silicate-free)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals, leading to compression loss and poor running. Requires regular oil checks and proper engine warm-up/cool-down.
Ignition System:
Coil pack failures and fouled spark plugs due to the nature of rotary combustion.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil for lubrication; monitoring and topping up is essential. Check oil level frequently.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be susceptible to damage from unburnt fuel or engine issues, affecting performance.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo and RX-7 series.
Predecessor:
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Development Concept:
To offer a more practical, albeit still sporty, successor to the RX-7, focusing on balanced handling and advanced rotary technology.
Production Years:
2003-2012 (Global)
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
