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Mazda MX-5 Miyako – yet another special edition Miata

June 30, 2010 at 2:54 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, International News, Mazda

To celebrate the world’s best selling roadster’s 20th anniversary, Mazda has released yet another special edition for the MX-5. This time, it’s called the Miyako and it’s limited to 500 units for the UK. The name Miyako is taken from the idyllic Japanese holiday island of Miyako-jima, which some say is the perfect location for open top motoring.

The Miyako can be had as a 124 hp 1.8i soft top or the 157 hp 2.0i roadster coupe; the latter comes with the world’s fastest folding powered roof (up/down in 12 seconds). The 1.8 does the century sprint in 9.9 seconds while the more powerful car gets there in 7.9 seconds. Top speed is 194 km/h and 212 km/h, respectively. Not quite up to the hot hatch par, but nimble rear-driven Miatas were never about absolute speed anyway.

The Miyako gets new fog lamps, larger 17-inch alloys and a front suspension strut brace. Both cars will be available in Aluminium Silver Metallic while the soft top will also be available in Velocity Red Mica. Inside, the Miyako has unique Medici premium perforated black leather trim with red underlay and stitching, special badging and floor mats plus climate control. In addition, the 2.0i gets standard Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

More pictures after the jump.
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Mazda returns to Le Mans with hydrogen powered RX-8

June 3, 2010 at 12:03 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Mazda

Mazda will be returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the famous endurance race which it won back in 1991. Mazda is still the only ever Japanese manufacturer to have ever won Le Mans and its 787B winning car is the only rotary powered machine to have triumphed there. The maverick carmaker persisted with rotary engines and is the only company to still use the tech today. Thus it makes sense that they have decided to return with the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE in the “Le Mans vers le futur” (Le Mans into the future) event.

A new addition to the main event, “Le Mans into the future” is for all sorts of eco-friendly and alternative fuel vehicles. Mazda’s contender will be using a duel-fuel (petrol/hydrogen) Renesis rotary engine where the driver can switch propulsion sources at a touch of a button. Two hydrogen fuel tanks are installed in the trunk and are pressurised to 35 MPa, the current standard for hydrogen fueling stations. Making its debut back in 2004, this RX-8 is available for lease in Japan and Norway.

Just like in 1991, the car will be driven by veteran Yojiro Terada, who has 29 Le Mans races under his belt, 16 with Mazda. He will do battle with cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Ferrari 599XX HPDC.

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Mazda 2 launched: sedan and hatchback, RM80K to RM85K!

April 5, 2010 at 3:44 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mazda

The Mazda 2 was launched hours ago at Prima Merdu’s third and latest showroom in Bandar Puteri Puchong. Available in two bodystyles – five-door hatchback and four-door sedan – the supermini is imported CBU from Thailand. It rolls off the Auto Alliance plant in Rayong, which will also supply us with the upcoming Ford Fiesta.

The B-segment Mazda is powered by a 1.5-litre MZR engine producing 103 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, figures that are slightly shy of the similar sized engines from the Vios and City. The DOHC 16v unit with Sequential Valve Timing (SV-T) is paired to a four-speed automatic; I was personally hoping for a manual version, which is available both in Thailand and Singapore, but no such luck for us.

You can choose between the standard V Grade and the sporty R Grade for both bodystyles. While both grades come with the same MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, the R Grade suspension gets “Sport Tuning”. Front brakes are ventilated discs while rears are drums. The 2′s steering system is of the EPS variety. Opt for the R Grade and your Mazda 2 will roll on low profile 195/45 R16 rubber while the V Grade does with 185/55 R15 tyres.

Dimensions wise, Mazda’s little hatchback appears very petite. Width is identical with the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz down to the mm (1,695) and the 3,922 mm length is only 2 mm longer than the Jazz. However, the reason behind its svelte looks is the low roofline – the 2′s height of 1,478 mm is 47 mm less than the Jazz’s. While the hatch looks cute and pert, the same can’t be said of the sedan; that protruding boot just spoils the proportions. Its overall length of 4,263 mm is a substantial 132 mm shorter than the Honda City’s. Wheelbase is 2,490 mm for both variants.

What we can say for sure, for now, is that if you have tall family members or friends, this car is definitely not for you. My not too tall 175 cm frame managed to fit in with only two fingers widths of headroom to space to spare.

Equipment wise, the Mazda 2 comes with a leather wrapped steering with audio switches, split folding rear seats, ABS and two airbags. The sedan does not get the hatch’s ISOFIX child seat anchors and only the R Grade hatchback gets a bodykit. Prices are as follows (on the road, with insurance):

  • Mazda 2 Sedan V Grade RM79,859.50
  • Mazda 2 Sedan R Grade RM82,937.50
  • Mazda 2 Hatchback V Grade RM82,111.50
  • Mazda 2 Hatchback R Grade RM85,189.50

Pictures from the launch are after the jump.
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Mazda licenses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive

March 29, 2010 at 6:16 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Mazda, Toyota

Mazda SKY Engines

Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive will soon find its way into Mazda cars mated to Mazda’s SKY engine instead of Toyota’s Atkinson cycle 1.8 litre VVT-i. The Mazda SKY engine was exhibited at the Tokyo Motorshow last year. It had two variants – the SKY-G and the SKY-D, which are petrol and diesel versions respectively.

The concept SKY-G is a 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine with variable valve timing and it is likely the engine that Mazda will be mating to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, as the first Mazda with the new hybrid system is scheduled to be launched in Japan by 2013, and the Japanese aren’t really interested in diesel engines. I think displacement of the hybrid SKY-G engine will not necessarily be 2.0 litres as despite the concept engines being 2.0 litres, there was also a 1.3 litre version of the SKY-G in the Mazda Kiyora Concept.

As for non-hybrid versions of the SKY-D and SKY-G, those are schedule to be put into Mazda cars from 2011 onwards, 2 years ahead of the Toyota-ized hybrid version. They will be launched with a new 6-speed automatic transmission called SKY-Drive.
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Matt black MX-5 from Mazda France

March 19, 2010 at 3:45 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Mazda

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, this (relatively) 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.
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New Mazda 5 joins the smiley faced family!

March 4, 2010 at 6:59 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Mazda

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!
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Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition

February 2, 2010 at 1:10 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mazda

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.

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UK Mazda 6 facelift previewed ahead of Geneva

January 27, 2010 at 12:06 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mazda

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 litre MZR-CD turbodiesel available in three different power outputs ranging from 120 PS up to 180 PS. There is also a smaller 1.8 litre MZR petrol engine and the familiar 2.5 litre 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.
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Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6) facelifted in Japan!

January 26, 2010 at 11:22 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Mazda

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 litre 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.
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New Mazda5 previewed ahead of Geneva!

January 20, 2010 at 6:12 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2010 Geneva Motor Show, International News, Mazda

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.
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