Showing posts with label Mazda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mazda. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Mazda Recalling Over 52,000 Tribute SUVs from 2001 and 2002MY


Mazda's U.S. arm is recalling 52,390 Tribute SUVs from the 2001 and 2002 model years that were manufactured from April 20, 2000, through July 19, 2002, because of a potential problem with the brake master cylinder reservoir cap, which can break, and leak brake fluid. Read more »

Monday, January 30, 2012

SCOOP: 2014 Mazda6 Test Mule Trying Out its New Hardware


Mazda engineers continue the development of the next generation "6" sedan's chassis and mechanical hardware under the cloak of the existing model's body panels, albeit in modified form as you can see from the wheel arch extensions on this prototype that our spies snapped in Europe.

If you're wondering what the new Mazda6 will look like, then all you have to do is take a gander at the photos of the swooping Takeri concept car displayed at the last November's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

The handsome study with its voluptuous curves generally received praise for its design. Hopefully, the production Mazda6, which is due sometime in 2013, won't stray too far away from the original concept.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Mazda Begins Production of Diesel-Engined CX-5 Crossover in Japan


Mazda announced today that it has commenced production of the diesel version of its new CX-5 crossver at its Ujina plant near the company’s Hiroshima headquarters. The new compact SUV will be available in Japan and Europe in spring, with other markets to follow including the U.S. from early 2013.

The CX-5 is the first model in Mazda’s range to be powered by the new Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine.

Read more »

Monday, January 23, 2012

Mazda Confirms Diesel-Powered Model for the States, Sales Start in Early 2013


We had first heard rumors about Mazda's plans to debut its first diesel-powered model in the States last summer, but now, a company spokesman has not only made it official but also gave a launch date.

Speaking with Car&Driver magazine, Mazda spokesperson Jeremy Barnes, said: “It’ll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3.”

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Look what Someone Noticed about the First and Last Generation Mazda MX-5…


How many times have you heard or read about a car's overall appearance or a particular section reminding people of something? The answer is probably too many times to count.

Well, here's one more for your list that comes courtesy of a reader over at Reddit. The photo shows a first and third generation MX-5 parked together in a garage with a humorous comment about each model's fascia. If you can think of a better quote (s), the comments section is all yours.

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Friday, December 23, 2011

A Streetcar Named Desire: Mazda MX-5 Miata with a Morning Glory [Video]


Someone just gave a new meaning to the saying that "some men see their car as an extension of their male reproductive organ while others behave as if it's a replacement for it".

Hiding somewhere between a pair of oversized balls at the rear end and the glans (see, we did our medical homework before posting this story) on the tip of the car, is a first generation Mazda MX-5 / Miata roadster.

The hows and whys behind the erection of this mobile tally whacker remain elusive, though Youtube poster, Allandiablo, says it was being filmed at the time and that it could be for an upcoming episode of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory TV show on MTV.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Mazda to Launch Customized Versions of CX-5, Mazda3, RX-8, MX-5 et al at Tokyo Auto Salon


It may not have the same international flavor as the Tokyo Motor Show, but the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will take place in Chiba, Japan, from January 13 to 15, is nevertheless an event that will draw the attention of all Japanese car manufacturers.

Mazda was the first to announce its line-up for the auto salon, led by the new CX-5 that will be launched in Japan next spring. The new compact-size crossover will be shown in two versions: the standard model, and a customized special edition sporting red bodywork color, matte-black alloy wheels and a slightly lower ride height.

Read more »

Friday, December 9, 2011

Ward's Auto Announces the 10 Best Engines of the Year


The annual list of Ward's 10 Best Engines of the year has been released. The magazine's editors chose the winners after spending October and November driving 36 vehicles with 34 of those featuring new or significantly upgraded powerplants.

To be eligible to participate in the competition, Ward's states that "each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2012, in a vehicle with a base price below $55,000".

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Rumors: Four-Seat Coupe to Join Next-Gen Mazda6 Range?


When you put the words "Mazda" and "Coupe" together, they immediately conjure images of models like the RX-7 and RX-8. Especially the latter since, save for the Japanese market-only Spirit R special, the RX-8 has being discontinued for the rest of the world.

Mazda has already confirmed that it is not giving up on the rotary engine that has become synonymous with its larger rear-wheel drive coupes.

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Monday, December 5, 2011

2014 Mazda MX-5 to Return to its Roots, Get a Small-Displacement Turbocharged Engine

[2003 Mazda Ibuki Concept pictured above]

During the last two decades, most new models are bigger, safer, better equipped but also heavier than the vehicles they replace. The Mazda MX-5 is a typical example: the first generation launched in 1989 tipped the scales at just 980 kg (2,150 lb), while the current, third-generation model starts from 1,095 kg (2,410 lb).

Sure, it’s roomier and more luxurious, but it’s also more expensive and, although in no way a boring car, not quite as fun to drive as the original. In addition, you need to get the 2.0-liter engine to have the same kind of poke the original enjoyed with a 1.6-liter engine and its successor with a 1.8-liter unit.

Read more »

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Mazda Hints at Next Mazda6 with Diesel-Powered Takeri Concept in Tokyo


Arguably, the Takeri concept is Mazda’s most important attraction at this week's Tokyo Motor Show. Intended to showcase the styling of the Mazda6's replacement that is due in 2013, it adopts many elements of the new “Kodo” design introduced in the Shinari concept, which is also on display at the firm's Tokyo stand.

Powering the 4,850mm long four-door sedan study is the new SKYACTIV-D 2.0-liter diesel engine linked to the firm's new 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Takeri is also fitted with Mazda’s i-stop idling stop system and a unique regenerative braking system called ‘i-ELOOP’ (Intelligent Energy Loop). The i-ELOOP is billed as the world’s first kinetic energy recovery system that uses a capacitor and a 25V to 12V alternator instead of a traditional battery pack.

Read more »

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Mazda Readies New Biante GRANZ Prototype for the Tokyo Motor Show


The 42nd edition of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show that opens for the public on December 3 will see Mazda unveiling a new prototype version of its Japanese domestic market Biante people carrier.

The Biante GRANZ showcar is a design study for a more luxurious version of the 4.7-meter (186-in.) long minivan. The most noticeable changes take place up front where Mazda's designers moved the firm's new five-point grille from the lower part of the bumper to right under the hood. The new grille also gains prominent horizontal chrome slabs.

Read more »

Monday, November 28, 2011

Japan gets Special Edition Versions of Mazda Demio hatch and Verisa


Mazda's Japanese division has rolled out two new special edition models, one based on its Demio sub-compact, which is known as the Mazda2 in overseas markets, and the other on the Verisa, a tall hatchback based on the previous generation Demio / Mazda2 that was launched in 2004 and is available exclusively in Japan. Read more »

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Mazda Signs MoU With Sollers for a New Joint Venture in Russia


China isn’t the only market where carmakers are currently expanding. Mazda, for example, is already producing the Mazda2 in Vietnam and will also produce the Mazda2 and Mazda3 in a new factory it is building in Mexico.

Today, the Japanese company announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OJSC Sollers for the establishment of a new joint venture plant in Russia.

Read more »

Friday, November 25, 2011

Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System, Debuts on Takeri Concept


Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.

Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).

Read more »

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

New 2013 Mazda CX-5 Debuts in Los Angeles, Returns up to 33MPG


Like many other new production and concept vehicles, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is making its first appearance on U.S. soil at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mazda's entry in the compact SUV segment, which made its world premiere in Frankfurt this past September, will go up against the also new Ford Escape and Honda CR-V as well as the current Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan models.

The CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass the Japanese brand's SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY, which is a suite of powertrains and a chassis architecture designed to save fuel and reduce emissions while retaining a sporty drive.

Read more »

Monday, November 14, 2011

2012 Mazda MAZDA5 Review

The 2012 Mazda Mazda5 is one of curiosity when it debuted. The sliding door on the technical side to make a mini bus, but the driving experience and the ability to make it a little 'sedan.

2012 Mazda MAZDA5
It has been updated to 2012 new style and a new engine, and provides a smaller minibus buyers an alternative to traditional models. It also gives them something they probably are not interested in (handling) when you sacrifice something, what they are (additional free space for people and goods).

The 2012 Mazda5 does not work for all families, but if you rarely need the third row and want practicality in a compact MPV, which could work for you.

Mazda5 starts at around $ 20,000, but the AS-tested price of our top-level Grand Touring trim was $ 24,720. See the differences between the three finishes, check out side-by-side comparison.

2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Ride & handling

Its sliding doors, despite Mazda5 to run like a small sedan. Precise, the steering heavy and tight suspension tuning, but nice to borrow more agile that larger, traditional minivans do not match. Big bumps do not irritate the Mazda5, but there is a bit 'of body roll when cornering.

All in all directions reminds me Mazda5 hatchback Honda Fit, but the development of the suspension, which is a softer touch. Not a bad set of driving enthusiasts, whose task is to produce children to school or play dates.

Four-cylinder engine

Mazda5 offers a comfortable highway cruising and acceleration acceptable with five-speed automatic and a great, a little 'more powerful four-cylinder engine was offered in 2010. (This is the last model year Mazda5 was available.) A six-speed gearbox is standard on the Sport trim level.

2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Mazda5 may be EPA-estimated 21/28 mpg city / highway, and the transfer, which is a little underwhelming when you consider that most versions of the Honda Odyssey minivan is rated 18/27 mpg and has more space inside people and goods, plus the V-6 engine. Mazda5 small business may seem an attractive opportunity in the face of high gas prices, but its smaller engine size, and, unfortunately, does not give you the edge of the gas mileage can be expected.

Inside the

Style changes to align inside the cabin design of the Mazda5 with the rest of the range of the manufacturer, but not significantly raise the bar on the quality of the materials. There are still basic and plastic trim - especially at the front door - is out of place in a 2012 model, including an affordable price, as the Mazda5.

Captain chairs are comfortable before, but the driver's seat could be cramped for tall drivers. I am 6 feet 1 inch and leads with the seat in its rearmost position, and I would have moved further back, if it had been possible. Other drivers felt the same.

Visibility is a growing problem in the new cars that the priority design and aerodynamics, but the Mazda5 Fortunately, contrary to this trend, check the blind spot is easy thanks to large side windows. Similarly, the front roof pillars on the road.

Mazda5 second-row bucket seats in my mind Chrysler Stow n 'Go seats: buckets are placed near the floor, which limits the support leg, because the feet are raised off the seat cushion. Compliance with the seats folded folding third row, when you turn on the pillow, but do not work in places wells trick "Chrysler collapse on the floor.

Two third row to give the six-seat Mazda5 quantity, but the line is equipped with warnings. Compared to the third row of a regular van, the Mazda5 are expected, a small space for your legs and do not offer much. This makes it only for children, while adults can lead the minivan regularly on the third row without any major problems.

2012 Mazda MAZDA5
Unlike a regular mini-bus that can comfortably carry six people - and their luggage - at the same time, do the same for your Mazda5 has spread to the stock exchanges throughout the interior: his cargo behind the third row measures just 5.6 cubic meters. Against the Honda Odyssey is 38.4 cubic feet of storage space, there is no comparison.

One reason why the difference is the way the seats fold into the respective trucks. Like most minivans regular folds back in a third row Odyssey hole in the ground, so when the seat is upright in the deep soil is available for storing luggage. The third row Mazda5, on the other hand, it folds forward, then the depth of the load on the floor does not change if the seat is up or down. If you leave the third row of the Mazda5 for most of the time, have much more cargo space: 27.5 cubic feet, which is ample space for four people things.

Security

Safety features are standard anti-lock brakes, side airbags in frontal impact, semi-curtain airbags, all three lines, and electronic stability system.

For a complete list of safety features, check the features and specifications of the page. To see how the child safety seats fit in the Mazda5, take a look at MotherProof.com Check the car seat.

Market Mazda5

Despite the growing popularity of crossovers, minivans remain the ideal choice for families looking for maximum versatility and passengers. The minivan is one of the few types of vehicles that can carry a family of six on a journey through the country for one minute and move to a college bound teenager in a freshman dorm the next.

The 2012 Mazda5 loses some of its versatility to compact dimensions that some buyers are welcome, but the concept has not attracted many followers of this day as the Mazda5 is the only minivan available in the U.S. this time. Ford had planned to offer a competitor in the seven-seat Ford C-Max, but has since limited its promise of a five-seater with alternative propulsion systems.

2012 Mazda MAZDA5
There will be several small mini-bus in the coming years remains to be seen whether the next rise of rules of fuel economy appear to stimulate the interest in the segment. If implemented, car buyers will benefit from increased competition, but otherwise the 2012 Mazda Mazda5 is always a good choice for small families who do not want the added bulk of a regular van.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Madmen: Mazda3 Driver Tries to Break Free from Tow Truck Claw [Video]


It might not be the best of quality, but this is one crazy video with an even more insane driver. Allow us to explain. The clip shows a Mazda3 sedan as it was being picked up by a tow truck's crane – perhaps for a parking violation or something of the sort.

Nothing weird about that. Well, not until you pay closer attention and see the Japanese model's brake lights going on and off and the wheels spinning – yes, the driver is inside the car and he's trying to break free from the metal claws!

Read more »

Thursday, November 10, 2011

SCOOP: New Mazda6 Test Mule Spotted Testing with…Toyota Badges


We'll get our first taste of what Mazda has in store for us in the mid-size family car segment at this month's 42nd edition of the Tokyo Motor Show with the Takeri concept, which previews the next generation of the Mazda6.

However, the Japanese brand's engineers have already began work on the sedan model as you can see from these fresh spy shots that were taken in Germany.

A keen eye will immediately recognize that the lines of the prototype belong the current Mazda6. That's because what you see here is an early test mule that combines the next model's platform architecture with the body panels of the current Mazda6.

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Mazda Takeri Sedan Concept Smiles for the Video Camera


This year's edition of the Tokyo Motor Show in December is gearing up to be one of the most exciting automotive events of the year as we're anticipating many important debuts including the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ twins, the new Honda CR-V and the reason why we're writing this article, the Mazda Takeri concept.

Even though Mazda's initial press release didn't disclose many details, the Takeri is believed to be a thinly disguised concept of the next generation of the Mazda6 sedan in the same way that the Minagi study previewed the CX-5 that was revealed in Frankfurt this September.

Read more »