FD3s Version III

Hooray! Another model change in the evolution of the FD.

What's new? NOTHING! However, a new base model named the R-S and the inclusion of the R Bathurst and RZ as regular models should be cause for celebration. A special you dont have to wait for. What about resale of older special versions? Hmm. The price had also dropped considerably, especially on the Touring X model which was now the only home for the AT.

The Rz had the 17 Inch wheels which were now everywhere, but it inherited bigger brake rotors for extra stopping which was probably the biggest change mechanically as the engine was still relatively unchanged running the same 8-bit computer in the version III .

Externally a new rear spoiler design was introduced for the bathurst RS and RZ models that breathed life into the 4 year old design. The plank on legs wing that actually worked, opened up the rear end and looked a lot better than the original ineffective rear wing. Inside a Momo wheel was now standard and gave a little life inside the FD.

More bang for your buck. These are the regular FDs that are abundant the used market. They come with good reputation as most niggles had been removed by this point and should be enjoyed.

Russ.

Type R Bathurst E-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 4Seat 7.3km/l 3,285,000Yen

Touring X E-FD3S 1308cc 3 5AT FR 4Seat 7.0km/l 3,285,000Yen
Type R-S E-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 4seat 7.3km/l 3,890,000Yen
Type RZ E-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 2seat 7.0km/l 3,960,000yen

FD3s Version II R Bathurst

The last 500 Type R models released before the next update were the Type R Bathurst Models. Dubbed the "reasonable" FD in Japan, were they really that special anymore? In one more months time, this model would become available in the line-up as a standard along side the Rz which would also be just another model choice.

Based on the 4 Seat type R model plus a spoiler, original 1991 styled 16" alloys, and the rear tower bar, it was a lower price model alternative to the 2 seat better equipped RII and leather touring X models. The special really came from lack of inclusions and therefore a bit less weight, but really this is not a collectible Fd, just one to prolong sales in a market that was waiting for an injection of change. The brochure from mazda features the Australian race car on the cover, but there is nothing like a race car apart from the fact there is no radio.

It wasn't like the Australian model either as it was heavily equipped beast and the race version at the time was the SP.

So if you are going to go hunting for on of these, then dont bother. It's nothing special. It's actually part of the original lineup for this time period.

A fairly lightweight 4 seater.
Russ.

1995/3~
TypeRBathurst E-FD3S 1308cc 3 5MT FR 4seat 7.3km/l 3,285,000Yen