Vehicle Segment:
Compact car (C-segment), known for sporty driving dynamics and stylish design.
Target Audience Manual:
Professional collision repair technicians, auto body shops, insurance adjusters, and advanced DIY enthusiasts focused on bodywork.
Competitors Vehicle:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza.
Design Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, sporty exterior styling.
Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, manufacturer-specific information crucial for accurate and efficient collision repair, minimizing guesswork and ensuring proper structural integrity and aesthetic restoration.
Body Panels:
Front bumper, rear bumper, fenders, hood, doors, quarter panels, roof, trunk lid, spoilers, moldings.
Structural Components:
Frame rails, unibody structure, rocker panels, A, B, and C pillars, crossmembers, floor pan, firewall.
Exterior Trim:
Grille, headlights, taillights, mirrors, windshield wipers, antennas, badges.
Glass And Seals:
Windshield, side glass, rear glass, door seals, trunk seals, sunroof seals.
Paint And Finishing:
Surface preparation, primer application, basecoat, clearcoat, color codes, paint repair techniques.
Interior Trim Body Related:
Door panels, dashboard components (as related to body fitment), headliner, carpet installation.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step procedures for removing and reinstalling all body panels and related components.
Collision Repair Techniques:
Panel straightening, dent removal, welding (spot, MIG, TIG), riveting, bonding procedures.
Part Replacement:
Guidelines for replacing damaged body panels, structural elements, and exterior trim.
Measurement And Alignment:
Chassis and body alignment specifications, measuring points, frame straightening procedures.
Sealing And Undercoating:
Application of sealants for weatherproofing and rust prevention, underbody protection.
Glass Replacement:
Windshield, side, and rear glass removal and installation, including sealant application.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Focus on visual inspection and measurement for body damage assessment.
Repair Complexity:
Covers both minor cosmetic repairs and significant structural damage restoration.
Tooling Requirements:
Specifies necessary tools for body repair, including specialized equipment like frame straightening machines and welding apparatus.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for most years/configurations)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for most years/configurations)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available
Electronic Stability Control:
Available (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (availability varies by trim and year).
Audio System Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, MP3 compatibility, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional), auxiliary audio input, steering wheel audio controls.
Navigation System:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, adaptive cruise control not available on this generation.
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming on later models/trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to owner's manual).
Major Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs typically at 75,000 - 100,000 miles (120,000 - 160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant synthetic or synthetic blend. Viscosity typically 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine variant).
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT coolant).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF (Type 2365 or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON).
Common Complaints Body:
Corrosion in wheel wells and rocker panels, especially in areas with road salt. Door seal leaks leading to water ingress. Paint chipping on front bumper and hood.
Common Complaints Mechanical Related To Body:
Front suspension noises (strut mounts, sway bar links) can sometimes be misdiagnosed as body-related rattles. Loose interior trim panels.
