enforcer

I've got to admit the plastic in that shovel nosed front end wants to make me...

Cromax

It looks like it'd take a better hit from a rabbit that the series 1 to be honest.

Revolver

I'd much prefer to take my chances with the rabbits...

rotarenvy

the new mazdaspeed one is growing on me

Cromax

I should've taken a photo with what happened. I'm sure Kall could vouch for how small the damage was ...

... and it was $3000 worth.

ASH8

I will put my 3 cents worth about the looks on both models..

Series 1..

Love the front, but I always thought the rear looked typical Japanese, fussy, and cheap looking, don't like the tail lights (look cheap) and really dislike all that black plastic muck under the rear bumper..

Almost a complete reversal...

Series 2...

Love the rear end, the new lights and less black muck, looks smoother and cleaner being painted top to bottom.

The front...mmmmm...looks a little too Japanese, BUT, it really is growing on me, I will pass final judgment when I see the Australian Spec model in the flesh..

So all you 8 owners can now shoot me.....

ASH8

Oh... the new interior...

I like it very much, I think it has a lot more of a classy look to it...more up market, BUT I HATE THE STEERING WHEEL!

ASH8

BTW, Has anyone heard from Gomez on the new 8..
Wasn't he going to sign up.

Rotor Convert

Nope I still don't like it but the up close shots are great. Next time you see a new Mazda 3 look at the rear brake lights.. they are the same...the wheel is the same as the MX5 type wheel and I agree it doesn't look nice....it might also be smaller in grip diameter too and I hate a thin wheel. I do like the silver/grey better than the blue though but there is too much plastic fantastic.......

Cromax

*watches a tumbleweed roll on by*

Revolver

Not doubting the damage or the cost - more the odds of hitting one in my usual driving.

Revolver

I like the current rear end, including the black under the paintwork.

Just goes to show how difficult it is for carmakers to keep everyone happy...

Revolver

Given they're both made on the same line it may be an attempt to share more parts to cut costs.

Agree the wheel is a backward step visually at least. Whether it works better ergonomically remains to be seen.

ASH8

I totally agree, it is extremely difficult for any car maker to satisfy everyone with model face-lifts, it is obvious that current owners and new lookers (like me) will compare to the "old model", and existing owners will defend their cars appearance.

As I said the front is a little disappointing, BUT, I am very much warming to it.
I hated the look of the NC MX-5 front until I viewed one in the flesh and my mind changed completely.

Style is very much a personal value, what did we really expect Mazda to do when most knew that the existing (4 door) body shell has many years left.
Makers have many compliance restrictions mainly due to pedestrian safety which has hampered design cues, they now have to have that blunt thick look to the front, anything sharp or protruding is a no no.

Many of Mazda's recent concepts (if not all) would have to be toned down significantly to pass safety requirements.

Hey, the new RX-8's black plastic grille top bumper is a benefit for some when parking or "nudging" other cars...no more scratches or dents.
Many like the new fog lights, I think they are too high and unbalance the appearance, but, again it is a personal view.

I never rate a car until I have touched one.