Mazda Introduces Revised 2012 Demio with new SKYACTIV-G 1.3-Liter Engine in Japan

Mazda has just released a refreshed version of its Demio sub-compact car in its home market of Japan. The big news for the 2012MY Demio, which we know here as the Mazda2, is the introduction of the brand new “13-SKYACTIV” model grade equipped with a suite of fuel-saving technologies most important of which is the “SKYACTIV-G 1.3” 1.3-liter direct-injection gasoline engine.

The four-cylinder powerplant features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 and puts out 84-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It is coupled to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission and according to the Japanese norms, it’s fuel economy is rated at 30km/lt (equal to 3.33 lt/100 km or 70.6 mpg US).

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Mazda to Debut New BT-50 Freestyle with RX-8-esque Door Configuration at Melbourne Auto Show

Just shy of 8 months ago, Mazda unwrapped its all-new BT-50 compact pickup truck in double-cab form at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney. Now, the Japanese automaker is preparing the next addition to its BT-50 family, the Freestyle Cab version featuring a similar door configuration to the firm’s four-door RX-8 coupe, which will also make its world premiere on Australian soil at the 2011 AIMS to be held in Melbourne from July 1 to 10. Read more »

‘Tis Official: Mazda to Stop Building the North American Mazda6 in the USA, Successor will Come from Japan

For better or for worse, depending on which side of the line you are standing on, Mazda has confirmed rumors that it will stop building the Mazda6 at the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Michigan, which it runs jointly with Ford, after the mid-size sedan's current cycle ends.

The company said the Mazda6's replacement for the North American market will be produced at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, adding that the decision was driven by the firm’s “ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies”.

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Report: Mazda to Cut Ties with Ford and Stop U.S. Production by 2013

Earlier in May, we told you about a report concerning Mazda’s plans to discontinue production of its Mazda6 mid-size model at its joint-venture plant with Ford in Michigan. Today, new reports from both Japan and the U.S. are claiming that Mazda Motors will dissolve its 50-50 joint venture with Ford and stop building cars in the USA by 2013, with the Japanese company already in talks with the Detroit automaker to sell its stake in their car production venture Auto Alliance International [AAI]. Read more »

Toyota Sales Plunge More than 33% in May, Chrysler Group up by 10%

The numbers for U.S. auto sales for the month of May are out and as expected, Japanese automakers continue to be hit hard by the ongoing production disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in their home market. As a result, Toyota’s sales plunged 33.4% over the year-ago month to 108,387 units, while rivaling Honda saw its sales fall 22.5% to 90,773 vehicles, Nissan recorded a 9.1% drop to 76,148 units and Mazda 17,875 vehicles, down 20.9%.

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 221,192 vehicles in May posting a decline of 1%, while the Ford Motor Co. said its sales decreased by 0.1% to 192,253 cars, trucks and SUVs.

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Big Brother is Watching, Well, All of us: U.S. DoT Seeks to Make Event Data Recorders Mandatory

Australian inventor and all-round genius Dr David Warren is widely considered to be the father of the “black box” Flight Data Recorder (FDR). His invention helped make flying safer by giving investigators valuable insights into the mechanical goings-on of a crashed aircraft. What may surprise you is that for the last twenty years similar devices have been installed in our cars.

Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are the automotive equivalent of an aircraft’s FDR. These devices record acceleration and deceleration forces, engine RPM, temperature, oil pressure and a host of other things. After a crash, the information can be recovered and studied, aiding investigators.

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Mazda3 Production Reaches 3 Million Units

Mazda announced that its Mazda3 compact car (known as the Axela in Japan) has reached a new milestone with the production of 3 million units, seven years and ten months after the launch of the first-generation model. The fastest-selling model in the company's current lineup of passenger cars is produced in three locations (Japan's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi, China's CFMA plant in Nanjing and Thailand's AutoAlliance plant).The compact model is sold in approximately 90 countries and regions across the world. Read more »

Mazda Debuts New 1.3-liter Skyactiv Gasoline Engine on JDM Demio

The new generation of powertrains developed by Mazda under the Skyactiv name will soon have its another member out on the road, as the company announced that the “Skyactiv-G 1.3” direct-injection gasoline engine will debut on the facelifted Demio (known as the Mazda2 in international markets) in Japan this summer. Mazda will unveil the new engine at Tokyo's Automotive Engineering Exposition on May 18-20.

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Mazda6 and Subaru Tribeca to be Axed, According to Report from Japan

Mazda and Subaru may soon be forced to axe two of their models in the US market, the Mazda6 mid-size vehicle and the Subaru Tribeca SUV, due to low volumes that undermine the efficiency of the U.S. plants that they are built in, according to a newspaper report from Japan’s business daily Nikkan Kogyo. It should be noted though that spokesmen for both companies declined to comment on the report.

Nikkan Kogyo wrote that Mazda is planning to discontinue production of the Mazda6 at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which it operates as a joint venture together with Ford Motor Co., as sales missed expectations. When Mazda introduce the latest generation of the mid-size model in 2008, the company expected an annual production of around 100,000 units, but last year, the plant churned out just 45,168 Mazda6s. In April, Mazda6 posted an increase of 7.8 percent but sales reached just 2,734 vehicles.

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2012 Mazda3 Facelift with New 40mpg SKYACTIV Engine Debuts in New York

Mazda is getting ready to enter the raging mpg war in the compact passenger vehicle segment in the States with the launch of its facelifted 2012 Mazda3 that made its U.S. debut today at the New York International Auto Show.

While the exterior and interior refinements are modest, the updated Mazda3 debuts the first application in North America of the Japanese firm’s suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies, achieving 40 mpg on the highway. Within it lies Mazda’s all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked up to either a new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox.

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Mazda 2 sedan

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Mazda for the 2007 Guangzhou International Motor Show brought Mazda B-class car as the first in the Chinese market, “Mazda2.” The car is a global strategic model, shoulders reached this year in March released a new medium-term plan, “Mazda – Jin” this goal of the heavy responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Mazda2 is Mazda based on the long-term technology development prospects “Zoom-Zoom sustainable Declaration,” the guiding direction for promoting the “driving pleasure and environmental safety performance of harmony and unity”, embody the “evolution of Zoom-Zoom” brand core and the first step. Mazda2 put in the China market is the preliminary plan will be in Japan and Europe this year just driving at the owner of lighthearted fun Mazda2 five hatchback cars, as well as new development of the dynamic and elegant atmosphere full ofsedans, taking the lead in China. Mazda2car in this 2007 Guangzhou International Motor Show in appearance, which is the debut vehicle, Mazda This fully proves that the Chinese market are highly valued.

　　 In this year by the end of October, Mazda and Ford Motor Co. and the partners in China Changan Automobile Group joint venture – Changan Ford Mazda Motors Limited (CFMA) production base in Nanjing has completed the first domestic Mazda2 volume production car the Inauguration Ceremony. Through the Mazda2 in the Chinese market launch, Mazda decided following the existing domestic models – Mazda6 and Mazda3, to the Chinese market launch B-class cars. So far, prepared to participate in the Chinese market has been the main vehicle lineup Preparatory finished.

CFMA Nanjing factory shoulder to the achievement of Mazda in China’s mid-term goal – “2010 Marketing 300000″ – programs, and Mazda raised in the “2010 global sales of 1.6 million” heavy responsibilities. Mazda in the pursuit of driving pleasure and environmental protection, harmonious and safe performance at the same time, China will provide customers with the many “Zoom-Zoom” new product concept.

Mazda rx 8

The Mazda rx 8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupe. The car has a near 50/50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle and the gas tank ahead of the rear axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminum (hood, trunk, roof, and rear doors), fiberglass for the body panels and a carbon fiber composite drive shaft.

The car features a pair of rear-hinged “freestyle” doors (similar to suicide doors) in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The Mazda rx 8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a ‘virtual pillar’ to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapping design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.

The Mazda rx 8 is powered by a 1.3 L (1,308 cc) naturally-aspirated RENESIS 13B Wankel-type rotary engine, which features newly designed side intake and exhaust ports. The engine is smaller and lighter than previous rotaries, primarily due to the lack of a turbocharger and associated parts. Though the engine is only 1.3 L, it is rated to get 18 mpg in the city.
The engine is designed in various configurations for different models, but in its most powerful setup develops 250 PS (247 hp, 184 kW) at 8500 rpm with a sustained red line at 8500 rpm, peak red line of 9000 rpm and fuel rev limit/cut-off at 9500 rpm. It won the International Engine of the Year and Best New Engine awards in 2003 and holds the “2.5 to 3 liter” size award for 2003 and 2004.

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5, also known as Miata (pronounced /miˈɑːtə/) in North America and Roadster in Japan, is a lightweight two-seater roadster, of front engine, rear wheel drive configuration, built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. The model was introduced in 1989 and continues to be a best selling convertible. There are currently three generations of MX-5, with the current (NC) model having been in production since 2006. Now in its third generation, the MX5's first generation, the NA, sold over 400,000 units from 1989 to 1997 – with a 1.6 L (98 cu in) straight-4 engine to 1993, a 1.8 L (110 cu in) engine thereafter (with a de-tuned 1.6 as a budget option in some markets) – recognizable by its pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights and the glass rear window. The third generation (NC) was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0 L (120 cu in) engine. It was launched at a time when production of small roadsters had fallen into almost total disuse. The Alfa Romeo Spider was the only comparable volume model in production at the time of the MX-5's launch. Just a decade earlier, a whole host of similar models - notably the MG B, Triumph TR7, Triumph Spitfire and Fiat Spider - had been available. The MX-5 was conceived as a small roadster – with light weight and minimal mechanical complexity limited only by legal and safety requirements; technologically modern, but a philosophically direct descendant of the small British roadsters of the 1960s such as the Triumph Spitfire, Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget and Lotus Elan. The MX-5 was designed with a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It has a longitudinally-mounted four cylinder engine coupled to a manual transmission (5 speed for NA, 5 or 6 speed in NB & NC); an automatic transmission is a cost option. The body is a conventional, but light, unibody or monocoque construction, with (detachable) front and rear subframes. The MX-5 also incorporates a truss marketed as the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and contributing to responsive handling. Some MX-5s feature limited slip differentials and anti-lock braking system. Traction control is an option available on NC models. The earlier cars weighed in at just over a ton, with engine power output usually 116 bhp (87 kW). The later cars were heavier, with higher power engines. With an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight balance, the car has nearly neutral handling. Inducing oversteer is easy and very controllable, thus making the MX-5 a popular choice for amateur and stock racing, including, in the USA, the Sports Car Club of America's Solo2 autocross and Spec Miata race series and in the UK the Ma5da racing championship. Beginning with the third generation, Mazda consolidated worldwide marketing using the MX-5 name, though enthusiasts in the USA still refer to it as Miata, a name that means "reward" in Old High German. The MX-5 has won many awards including Wheels Magazine 's Car of the Year for 1989 and 2005; Sports Car International's "best sports car of the 1990s" and "ten best sports cars of all time"; 2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan; and 2005 Australian Car of the Year - and making Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list 10 times.

mazda rx8 engine

Mazda 323

Mazda

Mazda2 and 5 pricing

The TS is offered with a 1.8 litre petrol units that develops 115PS and 165Nm of torque. With a top speed of 113mph, combined fuel economy is rated at 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 168g/km. This starts at £17,695.

Mid-spec TS2 is equipped with rear privacy glass, Bluetooth, trip-computer, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, and climate control. This trim-level is available with two engines; a 150PS 2.0 DISI petrol engine and an 115PS 1.6D.
Flagship Sport starts at £12,630 for the 3dr and £12,980 for the 5dr, £350 more. The 5dr diesel, powered by a 1.6 95PS diesel engine, start at £14,455. The Sport comes equipped with front fog lamps, rain and light sensor, cruise control, rear electric windows, sports interior trim, automatic climate control and CD player w/6 speakers.

The 1.5 litre petrol emits 135g/km and combines 48.7mpg. The 1.6 diesel emits 110g/km and combines 67.3mpg.

Meanwhile, Mazda’s all-new 5 small MPV starts at £17,695, rising to £21,495 for the range-topping 1.6D Sport. All engines are Euro5 compliant and are mated to a slick 6 speed manual transmission.

With 3 trim-levels offered, the base TS model comes with 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, x4 electric windows, air conditioning, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, x6 airbags, steering wheel mounted audio controls, traction control, sliding 2nd row seats with foldable ‘Karakuri’ centre seat and CD player w/6 speakers and AUX & MP3 input.

The TS is offered with a 1.8 litre petrol units that develops 115PS and 165Nm of torque. With a top speed of 113mph, combined fuel economy is rated at 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 168g/km. This starts at £17,695.

Mid-spec TS2 is equipped with rear privacy glass, Bluetooth, trip-computer, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, and climate control. This trim-level is available with two engines; a 150PS 2.0 DISI petrol engine and an 115PS 1.6D.

Prices start at £18,895 for the 2.0 DISI. This engines features stop/start to lower CO2 emissions to 159g/km and improve fuel economy to 40.9mpg. The 1.6D starts at £20,195. Being the most frugal engine in the 5 line-up, this emits 138g/km and has combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg.

The range-topping Sport grade starts at £20,195 for the 2.0 litre and rises to £21,495 for the 1.6D. Sport grade includes 17” alloy wheels, electric sliding side doors, rear spoiler, side skirts, front fog lights, tyre pressure monitoring system and leather interior w/heated front seats.

“Exciting new Nagare styling, a range of punchy and clean petrol and diesel engines and seven-seater versatility – the New Mazda5 really is the ideal car for today’s families,” says Mark Cameron, Sales Director for Mazda UK. “Its twin rear sliding doors – a real advantage for access in tight spaces – are complimented by our adaptable cabin layout that offers all the design intelligence you’d expect from a full seven-seat compact people carrier wearing a Mazda badge. And of course, this is a Mazda, so it will be an engaging and athletic drive, no matter who’s on board and what the destination.”

Mazda CX-7 Diesel

The CX-7 is not a huge SUV, but occupants are well catered for and will find sufficient space for a family of five and their luggage. The front seats offer good support and range of adjustment, and the overall impression of the interior is one of quality. Everything seems to fit well and the controls all have a nice solid, tactile feel to them.

2010 Mazda CX-7 Diesel Test Road

Equipment levels are good, and include Cruise Control, AM/FM/CD audio with automatic level control (which automatically adjusts the volume depending on road speed and noise levels).

For those annual vacation trips (or a weekend away) the CX-7 offers a good size, versatile luggage space. If you fold the rear seats down (they lay almost flat) you'll have around 60 cubic feet. With the rear seats up that drops to around 30 cubic feet, which is about average for this size vehicle. Of course if you need extra space you can always fit a roof rack.

Fuel consumption is listed at 17MPG city and 22MPG highway, which of course will vary depending on road conditions and driving style.

2010 Mazda CX-7 Diesel Front Seat View

900000 Mazda MX-5

The world's most popular roadster model ever, the Mazda MX-5 (also known as Roadster in Japan and Miata in North America), is celebrating yet another milestone in its enviable history as total production reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This latest milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000, with the record being updated when sales passed the 700,000 and, later, 800,000 mark. Mazda is currently reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

all new Kia Picanto

Buyers of the new Picanto will have a choice of up to four powertrains, with the exact choice depending on individual markets. The range includes three versions of the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Kappa engine (petrol, flex fuel and bi-fuel) and a single 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol Kappa unit. The engines will be hooked up to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on model.

For the standard lineup, fuel economy will range from 4.2 to 5.9 liters per 100 km (39.9 mpg to 56 mpg US), and CO2 ratings from 95 and 105 g/km. Certain European models will also be available with Kia's ISG technologies that include a start-stop system, cutting emissions to between 90 and 100 g/km and further improving fuel economy.

Pricing and equipment details for the UK and European markets will be announced closer to the launch date, but Kia said that features like LED daytime running lights, button-start with smart key, and six or seven airbags, depending on model, will be available.

Kia today revealed that its new Picanto city car, which will have its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March, will be available with a total of four-new engines. The South Korean automaker also released the first official picture of the car's interior and added that the Picanto will go on sale across Europe this Spring.


all new Kia Picanto