Vibe was first! Now with pictures.

[Voitek]

So I was browsing through one of the new "Auto Motor and Sport" and it hit me that there are more and more cars with ideas taken from the Vibe showing up here and there. Check out the links to some pictures (dowload speed courtesy of Ted Rogers):New Mazda 3. "Fresh" from Geneva Auto Show. Have we seen this rear side window somewhere?http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/Mazda3.jpg But what surprised me the most is the instrument cluster. Even the air inlet on the dash looks familiar http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/Mazda3dash.jpg "But wait. There is more..."Gear lever location (rally style) pops up almost everywhere. Here they come (not in alphabetical order):Renault Scenic. http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/Scenic1.jpg Furthermore in the description of this super cute minivan, "Auto Motor and Sport" stressed two important features: folding front passanger seat and rear lift glass. Been there, done that!http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/Scenic2.jpg Check it out. Here are some more pictures. Ford Fiesta: http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/Fiesta.jpg Ford Focus C Max (minivan based of Focus) http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/FocusC Max.jpg Fiat Stilo http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/FiatStilo.jpg Volkswage Touran (minivan based on Golf V) http://members.rogers.com/canvibe/VolksWagen.jpg I think it is pretty cool to see something originally introduced in Vibe that is now populating european market like crazy.

[Voitek]

For those who would prefer to see all the pictures in one shot, please visit http://members.rogers.com/canvibe

[meathead333]

i still like the vibe better, plus its a pontiac. i prefer GMs.

[BrentDev]

the rally style (or whatever the right term is) manual shifter has been around for a while. I remember seeing them in numerous cars in Europe 4 years ago!I like that Mazda though. Looks pretty refined. But - Refinement costs $$$$$Good research though!

[yank dini]

Can believe FORD is bringing back the Fiesta or was it the festiva?

[meathead333]

that car was cheap and ugly

[slbpsi63]

the Mazda 3 looks very refined, but the price will be the same as the protoge 5. The Mazda 3 will replace the protoge in a year or two. the Vibe will have a strong competitor with the 3. I like the center console in the 3 it looks great. Mazda did a good job.

[philndz]

quote:Can believe FORD is bringing back the Fiesta or was it the festiva?festiva was here in the u.s. but there has always been a 3 door hatch called a fiesta in europe.

[philndz]

quote:i still like the vibe better, plus its a pontiac. i prefer GMs.am i missing somthing...i drive a "TOYOTA" Vibe!

[philndz]

well if mazda builds that rear window...i think i'll cry....that is total design theft.....poop on them if they do!but most of those other cars pictured are newly designed models of types of vehicles that have been running around europe for a long time. i lived in england for 10 years and spent time around europe....the mini-wagon design that seems so new to us w/ the PT,Vibe, and P5 has been around in europe for a long time and is probably where part of the vibe/matrix design was taken from.

[Voitek]

quote:....the mini-wagon design that seems so new to us w/ the PT,Vibe, and P5 has been around in europe for a long time and is probably where part of the vibe/matrix design was taken from. You are quite right here. I was rather pointing out some particular features (gear shifter, lift glass, folding seat) rather then the overall design concept. I know European cars first hand. In fact VW built the first minivan (some 20years before Chrysler) and Renault 4 delivery van was probably one of the first real predecessors of utility/cross-over vehicles (proudly continued now by Kngoo). Does anybody remember Fiat 600 Multipla (6 seater smaller then the VW Rabbit? - now we're talking minivan)I found it interesting though that these Vibe's features are highlighted as being so "trendy", youth oriented, modern and practical. In fact the folding seat is probably the only thing one would remeber from the Fiat's advert.

[slbpsi63]

You are correct about the platform sharing. They do share the same platform

[mu_ohio]

I actually like the new Mazda 3 and would consider getting one if the put some balls in the new model. The current P5 appeals to me but the engine is weak and the turbo kits aren't up to snuff yet. As far as the interior, that is actually inline with the rest of the Mazda vehicles. You would be suprised as to how many companies use the same type of A/C and heating vents like in the Vibe. If you look at the Celica, the dash is very similar with the exception of the guagues. Then again, Toyota has been using the same guage design as our Vibe in the Lexus line for a few years now. You are right about the exterior using the same lines as the Vibe.

[philndz]

quote: You would be suprised as to how many companies use the same type of A/C and heating vents like in the Vibe. If you look at the Celica, the dash is very similar with the exception of the guagues. Then again, Toyota has been using the same guage design as our Vibe in the Lexus line for a few years now. You are right about the exterior using the same lines as the Vibe.ahhh...but you are talking TOYOTA/LEXUS being similar to the vibe...that is excusable b/c they basically make the vibe.....but when mazda, a completely unrelated company starts stealing design cues....its just unfair!

[slbpsi63]

Teher are rumors of a MazdaSpeed 3 when it comes out. No indication of the wagon getting the Turbo though. I do remember when they first launched the MazdaSpeed program in the US they said the P5 would get a MazdaSpeed version. Maybe they are waiting for the new 3 to launch the turbo wagon!!!!

[slbpsi63]

When the current Eclipse came out they had the Vibe's Airvents. I think they were the first with them but I'm not sure. Those airvents have been around for years. the pics of the Mazda3's interior scream out Mazda6 interior to me. The lines and overall look is more comparable to the 6 than the Vibe. The only thing that looks Vibeish to me is the gauge cluster and theirs looks better! (More symetrical)BTW Pontiac designed the interior, not toyota. Toyota did all of the engine, suspension and stuff. Pontiac did the guage cluseter and cockpit layout.

[ragingfish]

One of the Nissan's...I think it's the Murano, stole the whole "under floor storage" bit from them...at least I think they did, as the Vibe/Matrix was the first model in its class I've ever seen with that concept...