Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - Driver Focused
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 (W30)
Chassis Design:
Lightweight Unibody with ('Racing Beat' style) Front Subframe
Engine Layout:
Front-Midship Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive
Suspension Design:
Double Wishbone Front, Multi-link Rear - Tuned for Balance
Convertible Top:
Manual Soft Top with standard glass rear window
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (1.8L BP-Z3)
Engine Electrical:
Yes (Ignition, Fuel Injection, Sensors)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (5-speed and optional 6-speed)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (4-speed optional)
Drivetrain:
Yes (Rear Wheel Drive, Differential)
Suspension:
Yes (Front Double Wishbone, Rear Multi-link)
Steering:
Yes (Power Rack and Pinion)
Brakes:
Yes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, ABS)
Electrical System:
Yes (Charging, Starting, Lighting, ECUs, Wiring Diagrams)
HVAC:
Yes (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Body And Chassis:
Yes (Frame, Panels, Doors, Convertible Top)
Interior Trim:
Yes (Dashboard, Seats, Trim Panels)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections)
Engine Repair:
Yes (Timing Belt, Head Gasket, Piston Rings)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (Clutch Replacement, Gearbox Overhaul)
Brake Service:
Yes (Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Service, Bleeding)
Suspension Repair:
Yes (Shock/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement)
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic Codes, Wiring Harness Repair)
Diagnostics:
Yes (OBD-II Procedures, Component Testing)
Specifications Torque:
Yes (All critical torque values)
Convertible Top Service:
Yes (Operation, Adjustment, Repair)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Details on specific diagnostic tools and procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Displacement:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Horsepower Peak:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Peak:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Grade:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane Recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-Plug)
Timing Belt Maintenance:
Requires Replacement at 60,000 Mile Intervals (Critical Service)
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.407, 2nd: 1.992, 3rd: 1.387, 4th: 1.071, 5th: 0.810, Reverse: 3.108
Final Drive Ratio:
4.300:1
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Gear Oil G004-001-00)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard (4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Hoop Structure behind seats
Seatbelts:
3-Point with Pretensioners
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/CD Player (upgrades common)
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speaker setup
Aux Input:
Rarely standard, often added aftermarket.
Gauges:
Tachometer, Speedometer, Fuel Gauge, Temperature Gauge, Oil Pressure Gauge (on some trims)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (OEM recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement:
60,000 miles (Critical component)
Engine Oil:
API SN or SP, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6, SAE 5W-30 (Full Synthetic Recommended)
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or Mercon ATF
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Common Problems:
Oil consumption (particularly with hard driving), potential for radiator leaks, worn clutch components, and interior wear.
Subframe Corrosion:
Check front and rear subframes for rust, especially in areas with road salt.
Soft Top Leaks:
Check seals and drains for proper function to prevent water ingress.
Alternator Failure:
Can occur with age; check charging system voltage.