Here’s what Mazda France came up with to celebrate 20 years of the MX-5 in the country – a matt black version of Mazda’s super successful roadster. To be paraded at the Lors du salon du cabriolet, coupé & SUV show, the sinister looking MX-5 comes with matching black alloys. It is based on the folding metal top 2.0i variant, which 2.0-litre MZR engine puts out 158 bhp and 188 Nm of torque via the rear wheels.

I would take out the chrome surround on the “mouth”, but this MX-5 looks quite cool if you ask me, although the lady in the gallery looks very intimidating! Matt black seems to be very “in” these days, and many in the car modifying scene are opting for this finish – I’ve seen everything from Perodua Myvis to Nissan GT-Rs in matt black running around KL. Would you have your car in matt black? And for those who have already joined “the dark side”, is it easy to care for and maintain?

More images after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

As Mazda replaces its range with the polarizing “smiley face” look model by model, a day will come when one will have to not consider the brand at all if he/she doesn’t “get” the design language (me for instance). The latest model to cross the bridge is the new Mazda 5 MPV launched at Geneva.

The standout aesthetic feature are those lines that flow along the 5’s profile, the first full application of the brand’s Nagare Flow design language previewed by its recent concept cars. The said lines combine with Mazda’s signature sculpted wheelarches and the curvy front end to create a cohesive look and a good Cd value of 0.30. Rear pillar metal have been deleted and the previous car’s high mounted tail lamps are ditched for conventionally placed items that go better with the new image. The 5’s segment unique dual sliding doors are of course retained. The overall look is very busy – either you like it or you don’t.

Inside, the 5’s cockpit follows the theme set by the current 3, but is less funky for this application. Seating for up to seven are available, including the occasional “Karakuri” seat, as per the old car, but comfort is improved via new seat designs.

The new 5 debuts alongside a new engine – the MZR 2.0 DISI (direct injection spark ignition) with “i-stop” start stop tech producing 148 bhp and 191 Nm of torque. This compares well to the current car’s 136 bhp/175 Nm, with 15% less CO2 emissions to boot. Paired to a six-speed manual with eco optimised gear ratios, its fuel consumption of 14.5 km/l is better than the 13.9 km/l of the MZR 1.8 engine with 113 bhp/165 Nm. Both engines come with single-nano tech catalyst and are Euro 5 compliant.

Mazda says that the 5, which was not bad to drive at all, is even better now thanks to increased spring rates and lighter stabilizers that improve straight line stability and makes body roll more linear. Rubber couplings added to the steering shaft and more rigid components provides a more linear steering feel while noise insulation is said to be improved.

Live pictures from Geneva and official gallery after the jump!

Mazda 5 live images from Geneva

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The MX-5 is 20 years old, and Mazda will celebrate the world’s most popular roadster’s success with a 20th Anniversary Limited Edition which will get a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Limited to just 2,000 units, it will only be available in Europe, bearing a special edition scuff plate in stainless steel with a serial number.

Based on the 124 bhp/167 Nm 1.8-litre SE soft-top roadster, the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition adds chrome to the grille, door handles and headlight fascia plus silver fog lamp surrounds, unique 17-inch alloys and of course – 20th Anniversary logos. It can be ordered in three exterior colours – True Red, Crystal White Pearl and Aurora Blue; the latter is a new colour specific to this edition. The hue you choose will get repeated in the cabin.

There are no changes under the skin except for an additional bracing bar for the front suspension.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda UK has announced that the European version of the facelifted Mazda 6 will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010 shortly after the JDM Mazda Atenza facelift was announced. Both cars look much alike, but with this European press pack we get to see photos of the sedan model that we get here in Malaysia with much more desirable wheels than the lowest spec version that we saw in the JDM press release.

In Europe, the car gets the same 2.0 DISI direct injection normally aspirated engine as the JDM Atenza, but the engine range also includes a 2.2 liter MZR-CD turbodiesel available in three different power outputs ranging from 120 PS up to 180 PS. There is also a smaller 1.8 liter MZR petrol engine and the familiar 2.5 liter petrol engine that we get in Malaysia.

New to the Mazda 6 facelift other than its updated looks are a new pivoting adaptive front lighting system and hill-launch assist.

Look after the jump for hi-res European spec photos.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda has updated the Mazda Atenza (the name for the Mazda 6 in JDM markets) in the Japanese market and it won’t be long until we see the Mazda 6 here in Malaysia updated as well. The good news is that the new ridiculous smiley face that Mazda has been putting on all cars from compacts up to big MPVs seems to be missing from the Mazda 6. Perhaps being a D-segment car with an older buyer profile they thought it would be better to play safe with this one.

The front bumper is new with foglamp inserts that curve upwards towards the headlamps, and the front grille is also different although the grille’s outline shape is pretty much similar to the pre-facelift. 25EX and 25Z equipment levels get new bi-xenon headlamps, while the 25S, 20S and 25C models carry over the pre-facelift headlamps but modified with additional chrome plating.

The tail lamps are also different with what Mazda calls a ‘chrome plated wing motif’ at the part of the lamps that curve towards the side of the body. In Japan, the wagon and hatchback models use clear tail lamp covers with LED lighting while the sedan model uses red tail lamp covers and normal bulbs for lighting. Finally, both 17 and 18 inch wheel options have new designs. Piano black trim has been added to various parts of the interior including the center panel, shift gate and steering wheel spokes.

The 2.0 liter engine in the current Mazda Atenza/Mazda 6 has been updated to a new model featuring DISI direct injection. It makes 153 PS at 6,200rpm and 189Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, which is up from the previous figures by a few Nm.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new Atenza.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

This is a case of when, not if. With the entire Mazda range adopting the big smiley corporate face, it was only a matter of time before the Mazda5 (Premacy in some markets) was forced to wear the new look. Like what you see?

The new Mazda5 will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Embracing “dynamic and elegant Nagare design”, it emits about 15 per cent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” system, a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine (paired with a six-speed manual for Europe) plus other measures. The Hiroshima based carmaker also claims a more comfortable ride, perhaps by retuning the suspension.

Mazda says that the 5 is the first production model to fully adopt its Nagare design language. Besides the Mazda3 style front end, there are other familiar Mazda cues such as the sculpted wheelarches, but the MPV’s flanks get wavy lines only seen on Mazda’s concepts prior to this. Nagare means flow in Japanese, and there’s certainly plenty of flow in the shape of the new 5. Inside, the dashboard design mimics the 3 and is more driver centric now.

European sales start in the third quarter of 2010. More pictures after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Toyota and Mazda have reached an agreement in which the hybrid champion will supply Mazda with key components used to build a hybrid car that Mazda plans to launch in 2013, according to Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun.

The deal will see Toyota provide Mazda with the motor, control system and other hybrid components from the Prius. Batteries for Mazda’s hybrid will be supplied by a joint venture set up by Toyota and Panasonic. The report also says that Mazda will probably fit all these into its Axela, which the rest of the world knows as the Mazda3.

This will be a win-win situation for both parties. For Mazda, it provides much-needed green tech (it already lags behind rivals in this area) without a huge R&D outlay that a company its size may not afford. For comparison, Mazda’s R&D spend for the financial year ending March 2010 is expected to be 92 billion yen, which is about one-eighth of Toyota’s mammoth 800 billion yen.

Toyota meanwhile should be happy with better economies of scale for its hybrid components, most of which is self-developed at high costs.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

We saw a concept car showcased by Suzuki with the name “Alto Concept” that looked completely different (and nicer) from the Alto that’s selling in countries like India. And today, we see that different Alto body get announced for production, but not with a Suzuki badge. The car above is the new full model change Mazda Carol and it’s essentially a badge engineered Alto, a common practice between Japanese compact carmakers.

You can have it with either a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic or a CVT transmission. There is also a 4WD CVT model as well as a 4WD 4-speed auto model, surprisingly. The sole engine option is a 660cc VVT engine. The front wheel drive CVT version is claimed to be able to achieve 24.5km per liter according to the 10-15 cycle.

This may not be relevant info for us but all variants of the Carol qualify for Japan’s eco-car tax reductions (grades with CVT or five-speed manual qualify for 75 percent reductions while 4-speed auto models get 50 percent reductions). All grades also qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program which has various incentives like tax incentives and etc. Compared to the bigger Mazda Axela, only 6 out of 9 Axela variants qualify for the incentive program.

Look after the jump for hi-res photos of the new Mazda Carol.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The Mazda CX-7 crossover is now officially available in Malaysia, sold at Bermaz Motor showrooms nationwide. Previously, if you wanted one, the only avenue was grey importers like Naza World. The model launched is the latest facelifted variant, which has a broad ’smiley’ face. Click here to link back to our earlier post on the facelifted CX-7, which has all you need to know about the car.

I understand that the reason why it has took so long to arrive here is because the the CX-7’s turbocharged engine had issues working with our poor quality fuel, as told by a Mazda engineer back at the Mazda6 launch – well, that hasn’t improved by leaps and bounds, but since it’s now here, we presume the 234bhp/350Nm 2.3-litre DISI engine has no problem using Euro2 fuel. Power goes to all wheels via a 6-speed ‘Activematic’ auto ‘box.

As with Mazda’s CBU range, the CX-7’s equipment range is generous – keyless entry/stary, leather, HID headlamps and 18-inch wheels, sunroof and Bose stereo are among the standard kit. It is priced at RM248,008 excluding insurance, about RM50K below the seven-seat CX-9, which is selling pretty well.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

There has been talk going around for quite some time now on the possibility of the Mazda 2 being offered here in Malaysia, but this piece of news released by Mazda Japan today probably pretty much seals the fact that we will most likely see the cute little compact car on our shores sooner or later. This is because Mazda has started production of the Mazda 2 at the AutoAlliance Thailand Co Ltd manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand. The plant is a JV with Ford.

Mazda expects collective ASEAN sales to be approximately 20,000 units per year. It was not mentioned in the press release whether the sedan or hatchback version will be built but the images that accompanied the press pack showed photos of the hatchback. Not a reason to discount the sedan of course.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda will be showcasing its next generation petrol and diesel engines at the Tokyo Motorshow next month. The engines are called the SKY-G and the SKY-D respectively for the petrol and diesel versions.

The SKY-G engine is a 2.0 liter unit with direct injection and an improved variable valve timing system which gives it a 15% fuel economy and torque advantage over the current MZR engine in the Mazda 3 2.0 Sport. Direct injection was previously found only on the turbocharged 2.3 liter engine but is now available in the ‘regular’ engines.

The Mazda SKY-D engine is a 2.2 liter unit that offers fuel economy of approximately 20% better than the current 2.2 liter diesel engine. It features a newly designed engine block that reduces mechanical friction to the level of a gasoline engine. Other features include piezo injectors and a two-stage turbocharger. It doesn’t sound like its a twin-turbo setup, but instead is probably a variable geometry turbocharger.

Finally, there’s a new transmission to be unveiled. After all, an engine can only do so much – the transmission plays a big factor in minimizing transmission losses and offering an optimum gearing setup for both fuel economy and power. Mazda will be premiering the Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission.

It’s a 6-speed automatic with a complete redesign that significantly reduces mechanical friction, a revised torque converter and clutch with minimized slip, and an optimized lock-up mechanism. Mazda says the transmission shifts faster and provides a DCT-like feel to it, but words can only say so much – a test drive will say it all!

The Tokyo show exhibit will also feature the Mazda Kiyora concept car that was shown last year. Under the Kiyora’s hood will be a 1.3 liter version of the SKY-G engine mated to a SKY-Drive 6-speed auto. Mazda claims this combination together with technologies such as the i-stop idling stop system and regenerative braking will allow the Kiyora to travel 32km per liter of fuel on the Japanese 10-15 mode test cycle.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda will be exhibiting the car above called the Mazda MX-5 Superlight version Show car at the Frankfurt show this September. It’s basically Mazda’s very own club racer speedster – more weight reduction, no windscreen, think Lotus 2-Eleven, Pug 207 Spider or even the expensive SLR Stirling Moss Speedster. Right now Mazda says its only a show car at the moment, and no engine details have been unveiled though its probably the standard Mazda 2.0 engine, but who knows, if the response at the show is good they might go ahead and build it. Can’t be that hard.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The MX-5, which is also known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and it’s maker, Mazda has announced a special edition model to commemorate the occasion. The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Special Edition, which is already available in Japanese showrooms, is based on either the RS soft-top version or the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) version of the nimble sports car.

The former comes with a 6 speed manual transmission while the latter is fitted with a 6 speed automatic. Equipment wise, the auto maker has added Recaro bucket sport seats that are finished in Black Alcantara and red leather, seat heating with five temperature settings, soft synthetic leather padding on door armrests and on the center console lid, fabric soft top with glass rear window (soft-top model only) and “20th Anniversary” badges on the the fenders.

Furthermore, there are 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with 205/45R17 84W tires, clear front fog lights and bezels as well as a front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type). The car is only available in Crystal White Pearl Mica and carries a price tag of 2,860,000 yen for the soft top version (with the manual tranny) and 3,110,000 yen for the retractable hard top version (with the automatic cog box). Both prices are inclusive of tax.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Ah, it’s nice to see yet another C-segment competitor here in Malaysia. The new Mazda 3 was launched about a month ago by new Mazda distributors Bermaz, part of the Berjaya group. Although it has an all-new exterior and interior, the new Mazda 3 continues to ride on an adaptation of the old car’s platform. What kind of competitor is this new sporty-looking sedan and should you buy it? We find out after the jump.

Mazda’s new front grille which features a rather large smiley is the first thing you’ll notice if you have the front of the car in view. The design is quite dynamic and has a little organic touch to it, looking more like a hybrid metal and organic alien lifeform rather than what we’re used to seeing, especially in the design cues of the typical C-segment sedan. And it’ s a very happy-looking one indeed.

The sporty stance is helped by the fact that it looks quite compact. The current pick of the crop best all-rounder Civic dwarfs the Mazda 3 in comparison, and this theme continues in the interior – it feels narrower than average and rear legroom is also quite limited. It’s going to be quite a tight squeeze in there if you have a tall person in the driver’s seat, and if thats the case functionally it’s going to be a 3+1 seater.

Surprisingly the new Mazda 3 is one of the few modern cars who still provide some really nice soft padding on the dashboard, although its only in a majority of the surface and not everything, so that’s a nice touch. The seating position is slightly higher than a regular sedan’s so it depends on your personal preference whether you like this or not. Nevertheless when the situation comes, it helps with maneuvering the car around tight spaces because you get to see the edges of the car more clearly.

The entertainment system and steering wheel are chock full of various dials, buttons and other controls because the car is specced quite generously, with a CD changer with USB and MP3 text support, and a trip computer with lots of useful tools such as service reminders, a dedicated odometer for maintenance tasks such as tyre rotation, rain sensor wipers, light sensor headlamps and etc. In other markets the multi-info display is available in full colour with integrated GPS navigation but in Malaysia it gets a regular monochrome display with a white backlight, which looks rather out of place in a sea of red on black displays.

The 2.0 model has a two-tone dark grey and beige interior and a matching two-tone black and beige colour for the decent supportive leather seats (it seems that the leather is a RM2,800 option), which are done locally instead of coming together with the imported car. A quick chat with the Bermaz folks upon returning the test unit revealed that customers can customise the leather seat colour if they really want it, but it could cause delays in delivery time.

Some controls especially on the center dash area are just about above average in feel but the steering wheel controls and signal stalks feel very good and tactile, especially the switch-like controls on both sides. The steering wheel audio controls are quite complete with even a quick mute button to quickly silence your audio system for incoming calls.

There is a paddle shift function and the implementation is not the usual left to downshift and right to upshift, but instead both sides of the steering wheel provide the same upshift and downshift functions via pulling and pushing respectively. Manual shifting can also be done via the gear lever and I like that Mazda has implemented the “proper” way of pulling to upshift and pushing to downshift.

Unlike the Focus which has the same powertrain, the Mazda 3’s transmission has 5 gears instead of 4 allowing for a bit more flexibility in choosing just the right gear to be in when you attack a corner, as there more ratios within a specific range. You won’t be forced to go in with an overly screaming engine, or too slow with the engine not in the powerband.

The Mazda 3 has bi-xenon headlamps, which means you get xenon headlamps for both the high beam and the main beam. Alot of car manufacturers only equip xenons for the main beam, leaving the high beam functionality to a regular halogen bulb. The default setting is pointed rather high so you may want to adjust this in order not to annoy other road users, but at the default, the cast of the beam is far, wide and bright. The 2.0 liter model also uses LED for the rear lighting instead of normal bulbs for the 1.6 liter.

The 2.0 liter model produces 145 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 182Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The test unit we drove probably had something wrong with the engine. The same engine is found in the Focus 2.0 and the previous Mazda 3 and it definitely did not feel the same. For the test unit, while the engine pulled strongly towards the redline, it was quite hesitant, a little rough, and there were little pockets of random torque dip on the way there. The engine had less than 5,000km on it so it could be something wrong with the run-in process? Any early adopters of the Mazda 3 here? How does your engine feel like?

In terms of ride comfort, it tackled road irregularities decently enough though the ride is slightly on the firm side.. Most bumps and rough roads can be felt but its nothing jarring, with the car soaking up some but not most of the vibration. It’s a trade-off for the sporty handling, though the steering and the way the 3 behaves as it slices through the bends isn’t quite as engaging as the Focus. Firm and planted but somehow not as fun, could be something to do with the high-ish seating position.

There’s lots of grip and not much bodyroll though so it’s still enough to impress all but the most sensitive butt-o-meters who are fussy about how much the steering picks up everything it goes over. Although its platform-mate the Focus provides a more engaging drive together with the same engine, but the Mazda 3 holds its own quite well in that aspect. It can be used as a tool to enjoy the occasional B-road on the way back to the kampung, or just up and down for fun without any particular destination in mind.

Safety features include 6 airbags (all of them are for the front passengers), and anti-lock brakes. Sadly, no traction control! The remote control is able to control the car’s windows so that’s an added convenience, allowing you to pre-air the car after its been parked all day long on a hot day before you embark on your way home.

So what kind of car is the new Mazda 3? It’s more of a niche product for someone who wants something that looks different and drives sportily enough. The car has little nice and friendly touches to it to remind you that you’re in something different, such as the center dash illumination that pulsates every time you change the volume, or the welcome and good bye messages that display on the multi-info display. Heck, you can even customise the volume of your turn signal indicators clicks! All these little things are nice touches and let you know you’re driving something out of the ordinary, especially at this segment. For those who want to move their family in comfort and want the most metal (equals to space) for their money, you’ll be disappointed with the smallish interior. It’s more of between the B and C segments.

At over RM131k (it’s apparently around RM133k now) it seems like alot of money to pay (probably because its fully imported, and even then word is that the introductory price is going to go up by abit!) but the 3 gives back to the buyer in terms of equipment level, though the cheaper but very well equipped 308 manages to do the same at a cheaper price. But that’s only for those who don’t mind a hatchback.

So what you’re paying for here is some exclusivity and a relatively high equipment level. Like I said, a niche product and a rather charming one at that, because based on my own personal needs I can’t bring myself to pay this price for a small interior.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The Mazda Premacy receives a small update in the Japanese market. What you get are new 17 inch dark grey alloy wheels, seat and door trim for the 20Z model. The 20CS model gets a new fuel economy gauge and a refreshed center panel. It’s a really small update really, but as the Premacy (known as the Mazda 5 in our market) was just facelifted in 2007 after its 2004 introduction any other exterior changes are not to be expected until a full model change arrives perhaps next year.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The new Mazda 3 Sport is now in Malaysia. I apologise for the delay in the launch writeup as I’ve only just managed to get the press kit. Only the sedan models with 1.6 and 2.0 engines have been launched at the moment but I am told the hatchbacks will be introduced later.

This new Mazda 3 does share some underpinings with the previous Mazda 3 sold here but sports a completely new look. At the front you of course have the smiley grille which everyone was commenting on when this model was first unveiled. Even Mazda calls this a “smiley” face grille!

The side profile looks way more dynamic than the outgoing model, with a shoulderline that rises upwards instead of the flat one on the previous model. The rear end is an evolution of the outgoing car, also looking more sportier and with an obvious family resemblance to the larger Mazda 6 sedan.

The 2.0 liter model is really quite chock full of equipment. You’ve got bi-xenon headlamps (xenon for both main beam and high beam) with auto leveling, rain sensor wipers, power folding mirrors, automatic climate control, LED rear lamps, light sensor for the headlamps, and fog lamps for the exterior. The interior has an in-dash 6 CD changer, a multi-info display featuring exterior air thermometer, trip computer with speed alarm, blue mood lighting, a sliding arm rest, paddle shifters, a black-out meter cluster, leather seats and a leather steering. Both models have ABS, and the 1.6 liter model has dual front airbags while the 2.0 liter model has 6 airbags.

UPDATE: I apologize for the mistake, the Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 has 6 airbags. There are two at the front, two at the A-pillars and another two integrated into the front seats.

The MID display is one of the most full-featured ones that I’ve seen at this price range and segment. It even has reminder functions for your next service as well as a built-in trip computer and reminder for tyre rotation. The seats are manually adjustable for both models, and the rear bench splits 60:40. The steering wheel is both tilt and telescopically adjustable, and runs on an electric hydraulic system.

In the engine bay, the 1.6 liter base model features a 103 horsepower inline-4 with 144Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. This is mated to a 4-speed auto with a single overdrive. The 2.0 liter model produces 145 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 182Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. This engine is mated to a 5-speed auto with two overdrives, but the first overdrive has a ratio of 0.933 which is very close to 1.000.

The new Mazda 3 shares the same 2,640mm wheelbase as the outgoing car. It now measures 4,580mm long, 1,75mm wide and 1,470mm tall. The 1.6 liter model has wider treads of 1,535mm at the front and 1,520mm at the rear, while the 2.0 liter model front tread is 1,530mm and 1,515mm for rear tread. The 2.0 has larger wheels naturally, measuring 205/50R17 compared to 195/65R15 for the 1.6 model.

What you lose on the 1.6 model are the CD changer, xenon headlamps, rain sensor wipers, LED tail lamps, power folding mirrors, leather steering and sports seats, trip computer with speed alarm, auto climate control, lamps on the sun visors, and the sliding arm rest.

The 1.6 model is currently going for RM 111,017.50 OTR with insurance while the 2.0 liter model is going for RM 131,537.90 OTR with insurance. Mazda says these are special introductory prices for the first 100 customers only. In addition, the first 50 of these buyers will receive a maintenance package from Goodyear Tyres and Shell Lubricants.

Look after the jump for more photos of the new Mazda 3.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The Mazda Verisa is a “tall hatchback” version of the Mazda 2 that is sold only in the Japanese market. It is pretty much the equivalent of the European Ford Fusion, which is a larger car built on the Fiesta, which shares a platform with the Mazda 2.

The car that was launched in 2004 and updated in 2006 has just undergone another refresh this year. Three fresh exterior colours are available including the Lilac Metallic Silver you see in the car above, and Metropolitan Grey Mica and Sparkling Black Mica. On the interior you have Lilac Grey fabric seats with orange stitching.

There are 2 grades available – the C and the L, each available in both front wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Its 1.5 liter twin cam engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic, producing 113 PS at 6,000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

The Verisa C gets a leather-wrapped steering as standard, and the head unit has been removed, so audio-less specs are now standard with the car. The owner can fit whatever 2-DIN or 1-DIN head unit he wants.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The hot hatch version of the facelifted smiley Mazda 3 has been unveiled at the NYIAS, joining the many many other cars that have been unveiled there by other manufacturers. While Ford chose to go with Volvo inline-5 engines for the hot hatch versions of the technically similiar Focus, Mazda developed their own turbocharged 2.3 liter direct injection online-4 engine for the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.

The new Mazdaspeed 3 (also called the Mazda 3 MPS) comes in the 5-door body, and its engine puts out 263 horses at 5,500rpm and 380Nm of torque at 3,000rpm, not quite up there with the ultra-quick spooling ability of Volkswagen and BMW turbo engines but somehow only the European marques seem to be able to achieve that.

The 6-speed transmission’s gear ratios (gear 2 to 5) have also been revised to be slightly taller to take advantage of all 380 Newton meters of torque. There is a torque management system which tries to rein in the torque steer based on which gear the car is in and the steering angle.

It’s got a Mazdaspeed bodykit of course. and 18 inch alloys based on the RX-8 design. The interior also has Mazdaspeed logos here and there with a predominantly black-based theme, and there is also an LED turbo boost gauge between the instrument panel gauges.

Look after the jump for a full high-res gallery!

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Japanese-based auto maker Mazda will attend next month’s New York Auto Show with the facelifted Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 models. The refreshed CX-7 has received a slightly updated exterior as well as a restyled interior. Most importantly, Mazda has added a new engine option, the naturally aspirated 2.5 liter DOHC 16-valve MZR four-cylinder, that is mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission, while the current 2.3 liter MZR with Direct Injection Spark Ignition will still be offered.

The seven-seater, three-row crossover Mazda CX-9 (RM 287,204.60 – 3.7L model related to the Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge) now also comes with an improved exterior and interior design, with added options and reinforced safety features. Unfortunately, that is all we know for now. More details will be revealed when both models hit the stands on April 10th. Continue reading to view an image gallery of the CX-7.

Frankly I think there is just too much focus placed on the bottom half of the front fascia and they’ve ruined a perfectly good-looking vehicle in the interests of keeping a family resemblance to the rest of the cars which feature the new smiley grilles.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The Mazda 6 (called the Atenza in Japan) has scored the 5-star maximum rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) 2009 combined safety performance test. The 2009 performance test combines scores achieved in 4 areas – Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist and is more stringent compared to the tests of the previous years.

“Mazda6’s maximum safety rating from Euro NCAP is a reflection of the progress Mazda has made in harmonizing driving pleasure with safety and environmental performance under our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan. Going forward, we will strive to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities by further advancing Mazda’s eco-friendly and safety technologies,” said Seita Kanai, Mazda senior anaging executive officer in charge of R&D and Program Management.

Some other Mazda vehicles have also gone through Euro NCAP testing albeit the old version of the crash test framework. The Mazda 5 and Mazda 2 were tested in 2005 and 2007 respectively and both scored 5-stars for Adult Occupant Protection rating.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Edmunds Inside Line has an insider scoop story about the future of Mazda’s rotary engine cars. According to their sources, the company is working on a new Mazda RX-7, and a next generation Mazda RX-8 is also in the works but will be called the Mazda RX-9.

What’s wrong with the RX-8 name you ask? Probably nothing, I think the change is being made to bring the naming scheme in line with what they have with the SUVs, the Mazda CX-7 and CX-9. The engine powering these new sports cars will be a production version of the RENESIS 16X, with its displacement upped to 1.6 liters thanks to dual 800cc rotors instead of the current 1.3 liter dual 654cc rotor design. Fuel economy will also be improved by 20%, much needed to help the RENESIS shed its fuel guzzler reputation.

The 16X will also be getting a twin clutch 6-speed transmission, which will finally allow automatic versions of the RX cars to rev as high as their manual counterparts, since a twin clutch transmission’s internals are more similiar to a manual gearbox than a slushbox. The only thing is with the introduction of a twin clutch, will there still be a manual version?

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda has given its popular CX-7 a nip and tuck so it has a matching happy smiley face that the Japanese company seems to be giving all of its models. While the huge gaping air intakes in the front bumper might be useful for the powerful 2.3L DISI Turbo version of the SUV with 244hp at 5,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, it’s probably overkill for the new 2.5 liter unit that’ll be slotted into this car, first introduced in the new Mazda 6.

The new baseline engine produces 161hp at 6,000rpm and 218Nm of torque at 3,500rpm, obviously tuned to suit an SUV application as the same unit in the Mazda 6 makes 228Nm at a higher 4,000rpm point.

Mazda says other than the obvious aesthetics changes, build quality and NVH levels for the new car has also been improved, while the interior gauges get a new blackout design and a new 3.5 inch STN monochrome and 4.1 inch TFT colour multi-info display at the top of the instrument panel to display driver information. The in-car audio now features Bluetooth for handsfree as well as music streaming. The CX-9’s blind-spot monitoring system is now available on the CX-7 as well.

Look after the jump for a few more shots of the facelifted CX-7.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda will be exhibiting two different versions of the Mazda 3 at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show this March. One will be the facelifted version of the powerful Mazda 3 MPS, and the other will be the Mazda 3 i-stop which will feature Mazda’s unique start-stop technology which accurately controls the positions of the pistons when the engine is turned off, and then utilizes the direct injection technology of Mazda to execute an ignition restart.

i-stop can restart the engine in just 0.35 seconds with an automatic transmission, which is shorter than a typical start-stop system. Mazda used to call this the Smart Idle Stop System, but it now receives a catchier brand name, the i-stop. As for the MPS, not much details about the engine or the car’s specifications at the moment except that it will continue to be powered by a MZR 2.3 liter DISI Turbo. Look after the jump for more angles of the new Mazda 3 MPS.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda Japan has just announced the Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 Smart Edition (the Mazda 3 is called the Axela in Japan), which is over 160,000 yen cheaper than the base Axela 15C model, an obvious sales move to push the last of the Axela stock before the new 2009 Mazda 3 arrives. This version features a 1.5 liter DOHC engine mated to a 4-speed automatic, and the only additional equipment is a rear roof spoiler and an Alcantara case for you to store your vehicle inspection certificate. At 1,498,000 yen and an additional 11,860 yen recycling fee, that’s only slightly over RM 59,000!

Don’t you just love those open market price tags?

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Japan must be rather big on year-end specials, or is it because of the need to clear stocks? Another Mazda vehicle that gets a limited/special/etc edition treatment is the Mazda Biante, which has two special editions – a Mazda Biante Limited Edition and a Mazda Biante NAVI Special.

The Mazda Biante 20S Limited Edition is based on the 20S but gets extra equipment such as leather on the steering wheel, dual power sliding doors and a keyless entry and start system. The Mazda Biante 20CS Limited Edition is based on the 20CS grade and gets HID headlamps, cleanable seats and leather on the steering wheel.

The Mazda Biante 20 NAVI Special is limited to 800 units and as you can probably guess from its name, adds a navigation system. This takes the previously mentioned Biante 20S Limited Edition with the power doors and etc and adds a Mazda G-BOOK Alpha-compatible HDD navigation system, that also has features such as parking assist with front, side and rear guide monitors, a DVD and CD player, an analog TV tuner with printed antenna, Bluetooth hands-free, and steering-wheel audio controls.

Has anyone seen the Biante in grey import showrooms in Malaysia yet? Given the popularity of the Toyota Alphard, it would seem Malaysians like tall roof MPVs as well.


Mazda Biante 20CS Limited

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda will sell a special “Style Edition” of the Mazda Atenza (we know it as the Mazda 6) in Japan, based on the Atenza 20C model but with various equipment upgrades. These upgrades include LED indicators in the door mirrors, fog lamps, HID headlamps, water-repellent coating for the windows, dark tinted glass for the rear doors and rear window, 17 inch alloys wrapped with 215/50R17 tyres, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, blackout meters, and an audio-less spec which means the speakers are there but a space is left for you to add your own head unit. Some of these features are probably available on the larger displacement model, so this special version is probably for those who do not want the larger engine but want the little gadgets that the big brother has such as the blackout meters (meters that appear black and only turn on when the car is turned on).

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

A whole new batch of photos and a video with driving footage were released when the 2010 Mazda 3 hatchback was unveiled to the public at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show, so check them out after the jump.

A Bologna show means European specs, which is quite different from the American range which includes large engines such as the new 2.5 liter. The European engine range tops out at 2.0 liters with 150hp and 187Nm for petrol, but the most powerful engine is the 2.2 liter turbodiesel producing 185 horses and a strong 400Nm of torque at 1,800rpm. The baseline diesel is a 1.6 liter with 109 horsepower and 240Nm of torque, while the baseline petrol is also a 1.6 liter but makes less power – only 105 hp and 145Nm of torque.

The new batch of photos also reveal more about the interior. Check out how tiny that colour LCD display for the sat-nav map display is! Our version will probably get a regular monochrome LCD display though, as we always have most of the time.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

Video: 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda has released an initial set of photos of the 5-door hatchback version of the new Mazda 3, set to debut at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show on the 3rd of December 2008.

European customers will get a new 2.2 liter turbodiesel diesel that was added to the Mazda 6 recently, as well as the existing line-up of 1.6 liter petrol, 2.0 liter petrol and 1.6 liter turbodiesel engines. The 2.2 liter turbodiesel will be offered in two states of tune – a 150 PS version and a high-powered 185 PS version that’s enough to make the Mazda 3 a “warm hatch”, until the turbocharged petrol Mazdaspeed 3 is unveiled of course.

Head on after the jump to have a look at the hatchback’s images.

Related Posts:
Mazda releases “spyshots” of the Mazda 3 hatchback
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan: official details and photos

PHOTO GALLERY: 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback Preview Images
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

Click to enlarged image

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

Mazda has decided to beat the spy photographers at their own game and publish these high-res high-quality photos of the upcoming hatchback version of the Mazda 3 undergoing road tests, complete with your classic taped up and covered sections.

The original Mazda 3 hatchback while having an obvious family resemblance to its sedan sibling did not share a single body panel with the sedan. You can expect the new Mazda 3 hatchback to follow its predecessor’s lead, but if we find out the front end is one and the same as the previously unveiled smiley sedan, it’s probably a sign of cost-cutting times.

Look after the jump for Mazda’s self-published “spyshots” of the Mazda 3 hatchback.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback “Spyshots” by Mazda
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.

The new Mazda 3 Sedan has been unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show and if this is how Mazda’s new corporate nose is going to look like, it looks like giant smiley grilles like the Peugeot 308’s grille is the new “in thing”, replacing the trapezoidal shield grille of Audi fame. In fact, the new Mazda 3 is so smiley that forumer Mizzoustud from the Mustangworld forums created a new smiley for it.
  

Anyway jokes aside, the new Mazda 3 is based on the old Mazda 3 chassis and even they admit this but Mazda claims it has made “subtle yet comprehensive” refinements to it.

For one, the electric power steering now has a 3-point mounting instead of a 2-point mounting to allow reduction in stiffness of the steering gear bushes. This can reduce vibrations transferred through rough pavements. The unibody joints on the chassis have been improved to reduce the transmission of road and powertrain noise into the passenger cabin.

The chassis also has improved suspension anchor points, welding and adhesive techniques and a better door design. The rear monotube shocks have also been recalibrated, and the front and rear antiroll bars have a new more substantial mounting arrangement. The lower control arm bushes, subframe bushes and mounting bushes have been stiffened to improve steering feel and response as well as cornering grip.

Click for enlarge image

On the rear, a redesigned crossmember is lighter and stiffer, also contributing to better handling. The braking system also gets an improvment – a new vacuum booster for better pedal response.

The car has a drag coefficient of 0.29 cD and despite the huge smiley front grille, Mazda claims its actually 20% smaller to minimize the mount of airflow into the engine bay to only the amount needed for intake and cooling purposes – this improves aerodynamics.

Two engines are available for the American market – both are inline-4 units. One is a 2.0 liter unit producing 148hp at 6,500rpm and 183Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, while the larger one is a 2.5 liter unit producing 167hp at 6,000rpm and 228Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The power figures are slightly lower for models sold in states like California where emissions rulings are stiffer. Both manual and auto trannys are 5-speed units.

Look after the jump for a whole load of photos and a video of the new Mazda 3.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

VIDEO: 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 19 Mar 10 08:45:53 +0000.