C O V E R     S T O R Y

A long, long time ago in the Kingdom of the Philippines lived Mazda 323.  It lived simply, toiling around the busy city streets, bringing its occupants and luggage wherever the driver pleased.  It was reliable and complacent, never even once raising its voice in anger, as long as it was fed with premium unleaded.

One day, as rain poured hard, Mazda 323 overheard the driver talking to his wife and kids about getting a new beast of burden.  He said he was getting tired of the forgettable driving experience—something that he used to cherish in his younger days.  Besides, he thought, there are a lot more choices out there now; all of them faster, better looking or more practical than his car.  He could certainly opt for an AUV, SUV or perhaps, that sexy thing called Honda Jazz.

Mazda 323 didn’t even want to hear the rest of it.  It simply walked back to the garage, fighting back the tears, hoping for a miracle.  It knew that it was destined for the second-hand car lot, or worse, the scrapheap.  In its greatest moment of despair, its fairy godfather named Ford appeared.  Mazda 323 told Ford everything that happened.  The fairy godfather understood what happened, and with a flick of his magic wand granted Mazda 323 its wish.

The next day, the driver along with his family walked towards the garage.  At the gate, he froze.  He stood, completely awestruck.  Gone was the ugly duckling Mazda 323 and in came the enchanting Mazda3.  From the appearance alone, he was completely speechless.  The nicely chiseled lines and sporty proportions had European undertones.  It squatted proudly, flexing off its bulbous wheel arches, which were filled with 17-inch alloy rims.  Clearly, this was no regular A to B beast of burden.  This was something to be enjoyed.

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