Faults:

Engine light is constantly on due to aftermarket headers and exhaust. Mazda is yet to rectify.

Drivers seat is squeaky sometimes and I weigh only 85kg.

Suspension creaks when driving out of my driveway (lowered springs).

Mazda thankfully got rid of the chime that reminds you you're not wearing a seat belt.

General Comments:

Fantastic car, I have installed full headers and 2.5" mandrel bent exhaust that has given a huge increase in performance with a supporting KN panel filter. This car in this form can beat a Toyota Aurion.

Without the headers and KN, the car had average performance and ran a 16 flat 0-400m. The 6 speed Box is crisp and easy to shift, power comes on at 4000rpm and later again at 5500. Not as aggressive as a Honda VTIR Integra VTECs (owned one a few cars ago), but still can match it in stock form.

Inside the car is great, 2 cup holders in the back and 4 in the front. So many great little features and comforts. The climate control is perfect and the aftermarket sunroof really makes this car look the goods, with the super low king springs.

Services from Mazda are around 200-300 every 10k; that's reasonable. Fuel economy is as expected, 7 litres per 100km on highway with climate control and overtaking, and 9-10 litres per 100km around town. Combined it's officially rated at around 8.3.

General Comments:

Very comfortable interior.

Roomier than most small/middle sized cars.

Handles great with barely any body roll at all when flying around corners.

Fast acceleration in first and second, slightly slower in higher gears.

Tiptronic gearbox is really responsive and quick, by far one of the best I've used.

Large boot.

Great stock audio system, however it's a lot of work to modify/customise it.

Indicator noise is slightly annoying, however, you get used to it after a while.

Quite a few modifications (turbos, exhaust systems, intakes, suspension, body kits, etc) available.

No trip computer and similar features is really poor and inexcusable for Mazda Australia.

Great safety features.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

I love the way it rides and handles.

Acceleration is good.

The seats are comfortable.

It is fun to drive.

Interior quality is excellent.

Gas mileage is only about 27, but we have winter formula gas in the winter months and very hot weather spring through fall.

And this is the hardest car to get clean and I have to go over it at least 3 times to get the dirt off.

Faults:

This car has been mechanically flawless since I purchased it in May 07.

General Comments:

I like the performance. The car has good balance between power, handling and economy however driving on snowy and icy roads is extremely uncomfortable compared to past vehicles. It slides around like a hockey puck, whether braking or accelerating. This may be due to the Goodyear P205/50R17 Eagle RS-A tires it came with.

Interior room is excellent, easily accommodating 4 adults and trunk room is amazing, easily taking lawn chairs and coolers. However on the long haul, seats could be more comfortable.