February 3rd, 2010 by Car and SUV
Mazda’s MX-5 has moved a long way in the past two decades here in New Zealand. Once shunned as a hairdressers car, lacking in power and serious street cred, Mazda has turned it into a razor-sharp handling, mean machine. Now, to celebrate the MX-5’s 20th birthday, Mazda will unveil a special anniversary edition of its rear-wheel drive roadster at the Geneva Motor Show this March. Not so creatively named the MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition, the vehicle will have a limited production run of just 2,000 units and will only be available in Europe.
Based on the 1.8-litre model, the limited edition MX-5 comes with a unique exterior styling package that includes chrome grille, door handles and headlight fascia along with silver fog lamp surrounds, 17-inch alloy wheels and 20th Anniversary badging.
It’s to be produced in thre available exterior colors – True Red, Crystal White Pearl and, specific for this edition, a new Aurora Blue, with matching body-color painted interior trim.
A front suspension bracing bar and a scuff plate in stainless steel with its unique serial number (from 1 to 2000) round off the special treatment.
January 26th, 2010 by Car and SUV
Mazda has just announced that its facelifted version of the 2010 Mazda Atenza would go on sale immediately in Japan. The car will be officially introduced internationally at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show as the 2010 Mazda6.
The mid-size car comes in body shapes, a four-door sedan, five-door liftback, or five-door wagon. Its “grinning” front end, including a new front bumper, brings the Mazda6 inline with the Mazda3 but the grinning front styling isn’t crazy happy like the 3, more mildly chuffed. More significant changes are at the back, where the car now sports a completely remodeled bumper, light clusters, and tailpipes. Inside, the car now has a single color interior instead of the contrasting tones in the 2009 model, giving the interior a more serious look.
Powerplant options include a new, more efficient petrol 2.0-liter DISI1 unit replacing the current 2.0 engine. Mazda’s MZR 1.8- and 2.5-liter petrol engines have also seen some tweaking. The MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel, on offer ranging from 127 to 178 horsepower, has modifications to make it more efficient and clean.
Some new features include adaptive lighting, hill assist, and an adjusted chassis. The Mazda6 will get its international premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will go on sale in international markets soon after.
Check out images of the updated Mazda6 in the gallery below.
Gallery
January 21st, 2010 by Car and SUV
Mazda has released initial information about its third generation 2011 Mazda5, ahead of the official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Set to go on sale in Europe later this yearl, the redesigned 5 makes use of Mazda’s “Nagare Flow” design language and dual-sliding rear doors with seating for up to seven.
According to Hideki Matsuoka, Mazda5 Program Manager, “Our main goal with the all-new Mazda5, was to develop a new C-MAV (C-segment Multi Activity Vehicle) that combines the superior environmental performance these times demand with a new expression in stylish design.”
Under the bonnet, power comes from a new 2.0-liter DISI1 petrol engine that has been outfitted with an engine start/start system (called i-stop).
While official fuel economy ratings weren’t released there’s an approximate 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the older 2.0-liter petrol it replaces. The Mazda5 will also be available with a 1.8-litre petrol engine.
Gallery
December 20th, 2009 by Car and SUV
Tokyo Auto Show displays some of Japan’s car concepts
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December 19th, 2009 by Car and SUV
Celebrating its 20th birthday, this is the facelifted third generation of the MX-5 (Eunos)
December 17th, 2009 by Car and SUV
December 17th, 2009 by Car and SUV
December 17th, 2009 by Car and SUV
December 16th, 2009 by Car and SUV
Includes the world debut of the Mazda3 Hatch
Includes the world debut of the Mazda3 Hatch
December 16th, 2009 by Car and SUV
Recent reports are suggesting that the next generation Mazda MX-5 will be lighter and smaller than the current model. Now, there are reports stating that the new model will achieve an almost unbelievable fuel economy figure of just 3.4 l/100km – compared to 8.1 l/100km for the current generation MX-5.
The massive gain in fuel economy is expected to come thanks to the next MX-5’s rumoured 1000kg kerb weight (only 60kg heavier than the original MX-5) and Mazda’s new SKY-G petrol engine.
Mazda says that enhanced thermal efficiency is one reason the new Sky-G direct injection petrol engine offers significantly improved fuel economy over the carmaker’s current 2.0 litre engine.
The Sky-G motor makes use of an all-new engine block, designed to reduce mechanical friction and produce an optimal air-fuel mix.
Mazda also claims the new Sky-Drive automatic transmission chips in as well and improves fuel economy by approximately five percent. But whether the low reported fuel figures are based on an automatic or manual variant of the new MX-5 is unclear.
With the demands of modern safety requirements the next MX-5 will probably be only slightly smaller than the current model, meaning that smart design and lightweight construction will be vital for the success of the next generation MX-5.
To prove it’s all possible Mazda’s MX-5 Superlight concept (pictured) revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show weighed in at just 995kg, thanks to numerous weight-saving techniques.
Gallery
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