It's been a long while since I've last posted- just want to chuck in my 2 cents worth on the ND now that I've dríven 2000Km on it.
*Disclaimer*- I work for Mazda, I do not own this ND GT Manual. Please expect a completely bias view.
1) Power- yup, it's 1.5L. You do notice the difference. An instructor once told me "the smaller the capacity, the better your driving skills"- very true in this case as you would have to work the gears harder as you anticipate the next hill/ corner etc...
2) Gearbox- I reckon people buy the car on that manual box alone. This gearbox is better than the one on the S2000, which was my all time favourite.
3) Sound- On the GT model it has "induction sound enhancement" (basically a pipe that leads from the airbox to the cabin). Similar setup to the pipes on 86/ BRZ, but I find the ND system to be less intrusive and quite compliments the experience.
4) Speaking of the 86- from the driver's seat the bonnet and front wheel arches are splitting image of the Toyobaru. Quite 911-esque.
5) Love the white dashboard illumination. Extremely clear at night.
6) Weight- I understand why some have called the ND tinny/ flimsy. Doors are very light and do not close with the thud of European cars. But then I remember the ND is 1,009kg... I'll take power to weight over thud any day of the week.
7) Hill Launch Assist (HLA) has caught me out a couple of times- on hill starts HLA delays the release of the brakes, which made me think I wasn't putting enough gas for the car to go. It takes some getting used to.
Some have mentioned the lumps on the floor on either side of the transmission tunnel- does not bother me at all, but I am a short bastard.9) Headrest speakers- works wonderfully for phone conversation via bluetooth. Had a long chat on the phone at freeway speed without yelling or having the stereo up to 30+ (which I had to on the NC). Unlike the Clearwaters on the NAs I don't think the ND headrest speakers add much music-wise.
10) NVH- this car is much much quieter than PRHT. I arrive at my destinations after long drives feeling less tired that I was in the old car. The seats are great with bolstering at the right places without the snugness of the Recaros on the previous model.
That's about it for now. I will be there with the car at Blue Mountains Mazda's club launch on Saturday, and I believe some have already booked in a test drive on this ND. Feel free to let me know what you think then.
Phil
