"SkilletHead" (SkilletHead)
09/10/2013 at 19:40 • Filed to: Mazda3
0
21|
"SkilletHead" (SkilletHead)
09/10/2013 at 19:40 • Filed to: Mazda3 | 0
| 21 |
If you haven't been by a Mazda dealer in the last few weeks, you'll notice something new on your next visit. The new '14 Mazda3 is out.
Don't let me mislead you by the title of this post. The new Mazda is a fine car. I suspect it will drive pleasantly and will be a damn fine contender in the compact sedan/hatch market. The new styling is in line with Mazda's recent cars, even if it looks a little overdone for a regular-size car.
However, the radio drives me up the wall. It shouldn't: the radio is a small bit of an otherwise fine car. It no doubt functions just fine and is certainly placed there to keep your eyes on the road. I just can't get past it, though. It looks like one of those XM radios added by an aftermarket shop. When looking at it I have a hard time trying not to grab and pull it right off the dash to see what's behind.
So what do you think - Am I being too harsh on this car? Who else has seen the car in person?
AbigGRNboot
> SkilletHead
09/10/2013 at 19:46 |
|
No you are not.
Yes, dumb radio dash wart. I hate you so much. Now I have to buy the touchscreen, because I can't install my own and you don't connect to anything except the dash, awkwardly.
this is for whoever designed that ugly dash growth.
POD
> SkilletHead
09/10/2013 at 19:52 |
|
Upper level trim will get an infotainment screen.
I'm not a fan of that either, but it's better than the radio wart.
Takuro Spirit
> SkilletHead
09/10/2013 at 19:57 |
|
Yeah not sure what they were aiming for with it, maybe the young hip kids they designed the car for asked for a fake-removable-looking radio pod that reminds them of a tablet (although squished when the touchscreen radio is not offered) plugged into the dash.
Mathias Rios
> SkilletHead
09/10/2013 at 20:11 |
|
Looks like the BMW 1 series screen, and recent MB infotainment screens. Especially the A/CLA/ and surprisingly the G class.
highmodulus
> SkilletHead
09/10/2013 at 20:31 |
|
The FR-S stereo is terrible, and that hasn't hurt sales one lick.
|
POD
> highmodulus
09/10/2013 at 20:53 |
|
The stereo the FR-S is a standard double DIN unit. For me that helps it's case, not hinders it. If it's crap, it's easy to replace with an after market unit. And it'll still fit with the interior layout.
|
highmodulus
> POD
09/10/2013 at 20:57 |
|
Its crappity crap- but like you I saw the double din and thought "off to Crutchfield!"
|
POD
> highmodulus
09/10/2013 at 21:00 |
|
I'm not going to lie, I just spent the last 5 minutes on Crutchfield looking a in dash Nav units for the FR-S.....
GatorEight
> SkilletHead
09/10/2013 at 21:33 |
|
I don't think you're being too harsh but IMO it's not a deal breaker for me. The placement of the decent-working stereo system is a subjective aesthetic issue. Not having seen it in person, I like it. Keeps the dash clear of clutter. There are much, much worse things to nit pick about in other cars.... this is the least of my concerns.
Bird
> SkilletHead
09/11/2013 at 02:36 |
|
Where do I put my Compact Discs? I've just finished converting all my mixtapes...
|
highmodulus
> POD
09/11/2013 at 07:49 |
|
I just put a double din Kenwood unit in the $500 4Runner project that I got from Crutchfield- its amazing the amount of technology you get for $199. Basically its all of them including iPhone 5 support, Bluetooth calling and streaming audio, app support. Basically I updated the car to state of the art in one easy step. Listening to podcasts streamed off my iPhone on the commute to work in a 2000 model year truck is pretty awesome.
|
highmodulus
> highmodulus
09/11/2013 at 07:50 |
|
Said Basically twice in a row- time for some coffee. . . .
|
POD
> highmodulus
09/11/2013 at 08:37 |
|
That's awesome!
I put a Kenwood in dash Nav unit in my MS3. Way cheaper than the factory option, larger screen, better maps, lots of other features (some I won't use), it makes me wish more manufacturers would stick with the din and double din openings.
|
highmodulus
> POD
09/11/2013 at 08:49 |
|
One of my short list cars for the "fun" slot in the fleet is a Nissan 350z. A big plus— a double din stereo slot (and bose speakers too)
|
SkilletHead
> Bird
09/11/2013 at 15:56 |
|
There's a CD slot lower in the dash. It means that an aftermarket stereo isn't an option, though.... Not sure how that will play out with their target market.
|
SkilletHead
> POD
09/11/2013 at 15:58 |
|
I'm somewhat afraid that the touchscreen won't look as good in real life as it does in the pictures, though. If it was thin and sleek like a tablet, it would be good. But it looks like it has a rather large bezel and, based on how deep the standard radio is, it will be at least 1.5" thick. This pretty much negates any sexiness it has going for it.
|
POD
> SkilletHead
09/11/2013 at 16:36 |
|
Agreed. I think it'll look better than the radio, but I still think it's going to be rather fuggo.
Coloradowriter
> SkilletHead
01/18/2014 at 17:26 |
|
I agree. I just bought a 2014 Mazda 3 with the basic radio. I hate the look, the placement and the functionality. This would be OK if it was good, but it is a crap radio. Even on strong stations, the sound changes as you turn corners. The huge frustration is that I can't do anything about it. There is no place to put an aftermarket system. Major flaw for this car. Fortunately it is my wife's car and she doesn't care about the sound so I will quit whining.
|
paulo92490547
> Coloradowriter
04/12/2014 at 07:14 |
|
we just bought a new 2014 and the radio is doing the same thing sounds like the tweeters are cutting In and out very Annoying , I noticed it wright Away and even though it Is my wifes car she also Noticed it I have An appointment to have it looked at .
|
paulo92490547
> Coloradowriter
04/12/2014 at 07:14 |
|
we just bought a new 2014 and the radio is doing the same thing sounds like the tweeters are cutting In and out very Annoying , I noticed it wright Away and even though it Is my wifes car she also Noticed it I have An appointment to have it looked at .
gmt
> paulo92490547
04/19/2014 at 14:48 |
|
Paulo-> Have a look at this thread. We are having exact same issue, every 10 meters the sound goes muffled and then back when listening to radio, very annoying. My local Mazda dealer service department fobbed me off with "its just because of the aerial in the window". But seems Mazda are installing new tuners if you contact them: Link: http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2014-ma…