autoMedia Auto News Blog : Mazda

LA Preview: 2011 Mazda2

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: " Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010 .") Overseas, the Mazda2 is offered with diesel and gasoline powertrains, though it is anticipated that it will have a traditional 1.6-liter gas engine for the U.S. market. Details will be revealed in a few days, but it will likely have a 120-hp four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The Ford is relatively refined for a small car, agile, and generally rather entertaining. We would expect the Mazda2 would be, as well. And we look forward to verifying that assertion. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show ....(read more)

Automakers Support Texting Ban

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:12:00 GMT

The days for lawful texting while driving are numbered, with several government and academic studies exposing the extreme dangers of this popular distraction. Ahead of a Department of Transportation-led safety conference in Washington, D.C., next week, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has announced its support for banning text messaging using a hand-held device or calling using a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. The AAM is an 11-member industry group consisting of BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Several AAM members are developing solutions to facilitate text-based communication, all offer Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free phone operation. There is general consensus on the problem and the risks, with some studies equating texting to drunk driving, or worse. However, the debate continues on how to reduce those risks, through legislation and/or technology. (Read “Cell Phones Quadruple Chance of Crash.”)

AAM has come forward with the strong statement: …"texting on a hand-held device while driving is challenging the ability of most drivers to perform the function safely and should be banned."

If and how remains to be seen, and we expect it will be discussed at length next week in the nation's capital.

Also read:
Driving While InTEXTicated: Put Down Your Device & Drive!
AAA Study Shows More Than a Third of Drivers Feel Less Safe

Mazda2 Due Stateside Late 2010

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:54:00 GMT

Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda North American Operations' president and CEO, confirmed on Thursday that the Mazda2 (also known as the Demio in Japan) will be sold in the U.S; it had previously been announced that the itty-bitty B-Car would be sold in Canada. The Mazda2 shares its underpinnings with the highly anticipated Ford Fiesta (due in the United States in late Q2), but will receive its own dose of "Zoom-Zoom" performance and style when it goes on sale across North America in late 2010.

"You've asked us for it for a while now, and we've been studying the market to make sure we can make a business case for it across North America," O'Sullivan told the company's top dealers during meetings in Palm Springs this week. "As consumers' tastes and attitudes toward small vehicles have changed, we now believe strongly there is a place in our lineup for a car below our current least-expensive car, the Mazda3. Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive, and a heck of a value. In short, it will be Zoom-Zoom."

Dealers were given no further details, and were told that North American-spec Mazda2 will be unveiled to media and the public at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, held the first week of December. Further information on specifications, content, pricing, and on-sale timing on the subcompact sportster will be provided closer to its launch, which is expected to be late 2010.

Apparently, Mazda says the Mazda2 has been quite a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning more than 50 awards and being named Car of the Year in more than 20 separate countries. Additionally, the newly redesigned third-gen Mazda2 was named the 2008 World Car of the Year at the 2008 New York Auto Show, over such competition as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Ford Mondeo.

"The Mazda2 is exceeding our highest expectations and demonstrating that it can compete against the best cars in the world, in any market in the world," said Dan Morris, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of Marketing, Sales and Customer Service.

As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, it's clear domestic consumers desire a broader selection in the compact and subcompact segment. Let's hear it for a little Zoom-Zoom!

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

New Cars Under $15,000

Editor — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Do you prefer to start fresh? Would you feel better knowing that your new car doesn’t have a used-car history? If you’re in the market for a brand new car with a new-car warranty, but want or need to keep your spending to a minimum, here are the 16 new models available in trim levels for less than $15,000 (price ranges for some models include trim levels over $15k). Click on each vehicle to learn more about its features and options. Happy hunting!

2009 Chevrolet Aveo ($11,965-$15,365)

2009 Honda Fit ($14,750-$18,960)

2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070-$15,070)

2009 Hyundai Elantra ($14,120-$17,020)

2009 Kia Rio ($11,495-$14,280)

2010 Kia Soul ($13,300-$16,950)

2009 Kia Spectra ($13,550-$16,450)

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 ($14,690-$20,895)

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ($14,340-$26,490)

2009 Nissan cube ($13,990-$19,370)

2009 Nissan Versa ($10,990-$16,330)

2009 Pontiac G3 ($14,335)

2009 Scion xD ($14,650)

2009 smart fortwo ($11,990-$13,990)

2009 Suzuki SX4 ($13,299-$15,139)

2009 Toyota Yaris ($12,205-$15,880)

See the rest of our New Car Buyer's Guide for pricing, specs, mileage figures, and photo galleries of all vehicle makes, models, by pricing and category.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

Carpocalypse Now: Cars Sales Plummet, Again

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:16:00 GMT

The tragic trend continues, car sales continue to slide from bad to worse as the nation reels amidst the troubled economy. As automakers, suppliers, and dealers struggle to survive and restructure to face the changing challenges, the plummeting sales figures do mean that tremendous deals can be found for those in the market for a new or even a used car.

Few companies were spared deep double-digit declines in Februrary when comparing the month year to year. In the 40-50 percent range, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac, and even Toyota saw such steep declines. The 50-60 percent range includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Mitsubishi, Saturn, and Volvo. The scariest thing, there are brands in the 60-70 percent range, such as Chrysler, Hummer, Saab, and Suzuki.

At the corporate level, the numbers still look dreadful. BMW is down 32.7 percent, proving that even the well-heeled are sheepish about new car buying. Chrysler is down 44 percent—notably less than Ford Motor Company at 48.4 percent and General Motors at 52.9 percent. Even Honda saw a 38 percent decrease, made higher by the 41.5 percent drop in Acura sales. Nissan is off by 37 percent, and Toyota Motor Company is down 39.8 percent.

The big winner? Subaru, with a 1.4 percent uptick, no doubt fueled by winter months adding appeal to its AWD line up. Victory can be also claimed for Kia with a humble, though celebration worthy, 0.4 percent increase.

As the automakers grapple with these latest figures, expect enticing deals to continue and more creative marketing to appear. Hyundai has done this with the expansion of its successful Assurance program. Chrysler has just announced a free Hemi V8 upgrade for Ram buyers. And the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are eligible for a $3,400 tax credit till the end of March.

If you’re in the market, do your research and you’ll find great deals on just about every vehicle.

Research in the new car buyer’s guide. Or, scan our more than 3 million used car listings to find the best car for you.

Sneak peek: 2010 Mazda3 Hatchback

admin — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:27:00 GMT

Following the 2010 Mazda3 sedan unveiling at the 2008 LA Auto Show, Mazda will the five-door version at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008. The next-generation hatchback and sedan are expected to have a similar, complimentary relationship as the current laudable cars, with the wee-wagon sharing equipment and adding cargo capacity and flexibility.

Both variants will be available with a 2.0-liter/148-horsepower or 2.5-liter/167-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices will be a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Combined, these powertrains promise incremental improvements in both power and fuel efficiency over the out-going Mazda3.

Just as the current cars moved the needle for refined, upscale packaging, these new models will push the moniker even further. Included in the continuing migration upmarket are some features seldom—or never—seen in this segment, such as available dual-zone automatic climate control, pushbutton start, Bluetooth connectivity, and steerable adaptive headlights.

See our coverage of the 2010 Mazda3 at the 2008 LA Auto Show. Research the current Mazda models in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide, and see our Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 reviews.

Sneak Peek: 2010 Mazda3

admin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:59:00 GMT

After five years, Mazda has redesigned its fun-and-affordable Mazda3. The all-new Mazda3 sedan will be unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November. A five-door hatchback will be revealed at later event.

Details are non-existent, but Mazda has released this photo providing a preview. From this initial peek, it appears the new Mazda3 will remain true to form and function with the current, award-winning model.

We do know that Mazda will offer both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines, promising improved fuel economy and performance. Given that the 3 accounts for one in every three Mazdas sold, rest assured the company has put a big effort into developing this next-generation model, especially given the increased importance of the entry-level segment.

We’ll have more details next month, once the Mazda3 sedan is revealed.

Research Mazdas in the 2009 new car buyers guide, and read our Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 reviews.

Small SUV Crash Tests – Hybrids Good

admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:03:00 GMT

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently completed crash test evaluations of eight small SUV models finding most provide good protecting in front-end collisions, but decidedly mixed results from side and rear crashes. The best performers, earning the Institute's Top Safety Pick award, are the 2009 Ford Escape, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue, and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. These models earn good ratings in Institute's frontal offset, side, and rear evaluations, and all are equipped with standard electronic stability control and side airbags. The Escape's ratings also apply to the hybrid version, as well as corporate siblings Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute.

“This is a huge change from just five years ago when most small SUVs were rated either marginal or poor in our side test, and standard side airbags and electronic stability control were rare," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Consumers now have multiple hybrid SUVs earning Top Safety Pick to choose from. Others include the midsize Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander, which the Institute evaluated earlier.

Jeep and Chevrolet models did not perform as well. The Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Equinox are the only two vehicles tested this time around without standard side airbags—and the results again prove the merits of side protection. The Jeep Patriot does have standard curtain airbags, but additional torso airbags designed to protect an occupant's chest and abdomen are optional.

When side airbags are optional, the Institute's policy is to test without the option because this is how most of the vehicles will be sold. A manufacturer may request another test with the optional airbags if the automaker reimburses the Institute for the cost of the vehicle. General Motors didn't request a second test of the Equinox, also sold as the Pontiac Torrent. After completing tests of this group of vehicles, the Institute learned that curtain airbags will be standard in the 2009 Equinox. This vehicle will be tested later in the year.

Chrysler didn't request another test of the Wrangler with the optional side airbags, but this automaker did request a second test of the Jeep Patriot with optional torso airbags.

Crashworthiness, as ranked by IIHS:

Volkswagen Tiguan
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2009 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and second-row head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front and rear: 2009 models.
Side: 2008-2009 models.

Nissan Rogue
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2008 models.

Suzuki Grand Vitara
Front: Good
Side: Acceptable
Rear: Marginal
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2006-2008 models.

Jeep Patriot
Front: Acceptable
Side: Good
Rear: Acceptable
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and optional front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent
Front: Good
Side: Marginal
Rear: Marginal
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and optional front torso airbags.
Front: 2006-2008 models (built after January ’06)
Side and rear: 2005-2008 Equinox, 2006-2008 Torrent.

Jeep Patriot
Front: Acceptable
Side: Marginal
Rear: Acceptable
Front and rear head-curtain airbags, but without optional front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Jeep Wrangler
Front: Acceptable
Side: Marginal
Rear: Acceptable
Without optional side airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models.

Learn more about car safety from our DriveSmart articles.

Pricing: 2009 Mazda6 sedan

admin — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:29:00 GMT

When the redesigned 2009 Mazda6 sedan goes on sale in late August, pricing will start at $18,550. The base Mazda6 i SV is fitted with a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. At the other end of the range, the Mazda6 s with a 3.7-liter, 273-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission begins at $24,130. Destination charges for all 2009 model-year Mazda vehicles are $670, $715 in Alaska.

There will be four trim levels total: SV, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. All models, regardless of engine or trim grade, will include as standard equipment: air-conditioning; power windows, mirrors and door locks; anti-lock brakes (ABS); electronic stability control; traction control; frontal and seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passenger; side air-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers; and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Research current Mazda cars in the buyer's guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.

Mazda Extends RX-8 Warranty, Improves Handling

admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:30:00 GMT

Mazda is treating its RX-8 four-door sports car to a midlife freshening for 2009, updating its appearance and extending the powertrain warranty.

The exterior is features restyle front fascia, headlamps, rear bumper, and exhaust outlets. A new five-spoke wheel features a symbolic design reminiscent of the rotary engine.

Inside, the center instrument panel design is update, and the tachometer has a variable red zone to indicate engine operating temperature. The cabin is further transformed with a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats.

On the performance front, a new R3 sport package delivers enhanced handling reminiscent of the R1 and R2 packages offered on the third-generation RX-7. Key to the performance gains is a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. (Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, reduced NVH, and greater suspension control.)

The R3 package declares its potent ability with a unique front bumper, fog lamps, side sills, rear bumper, and 19-inch wheels. It also includes a 300-watt Bose audio system with surround sound and noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, and Mazda keyless entry and start system.

All 2009 RX-8s have eight years/100,000 miles warranty protection on the Renesis rotary engine, with the balance of the powertrain warranty remains at five years/60,000 miles. Additionally, Mazda will apply this extended eight year/100,000 mile warranty retroactively to all existing 2004-2008 model year RX-8s. This coverage helps offset concerns for an engine with a less-than-sterling reliability reputation. The basic bumper-to-bumper warranty remains at three years/36,000 miles.

Research the 2008 Mazda RX-8 in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.

Sneak peek: 2009 Mazda6 sedan

admin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:13:00 GMT

With the countdown on to its late-summer release, Mazda has released a preview of it’s redesigned Mazda6 sedan. Though few details are available, it promises to be a sporting alternative in one of the most competitive automotive segments, vying with the impressive Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry.

The Mazda6 will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the same 3.7-liter V-6 as used in the 2008 CX-9, putting horsepower at about 273. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6). The suspension will be all-independent, with four-wheel disc brakes and standard ABS and dynamic stability control.
This time around, the Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan, and there are three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

All North American Mazda6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Michigan. Mazda promises more information will be available closer to the on-sale date.

Research the Mazda6 sedan and hatchback in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.