Mazda – Page 12 – Automobiles Review

Mazda Upgrades CX-5 Model Line For 2014

2014 Mazda CX-5 SUV is getting some upgrades for the new model year. The updated model will feature the innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, and a wide range of interior and exterior refinements.

There are two new exterior paint finishes being offered for MY2014 – the Blue Reflex Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica. The revised exterior will also include an updated suspension with re-tuned dampers, bushes and stabilizers. This will contribute towards the improvement of driving dynamics by delivering increased ride comfort and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

In terms of engines, there is a choice of 165 hp petrol one or 150/175 hp diesel ones. They can be mated to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. 2014 CX-5 is offered in three trim levels -SE-L, SE-L Lux and Sport, with or without Nav. It also features 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

Precisely, when the CX-5 is fitted with the 175 hp powertrain, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; its fuel economy is rated at 61.4 mpg, while the emissions – at 119g/km. When the car is equipped with a manual transmission it features new clutch restart system.

This system allows engine restart by depressing the clutch, without the need to push the engine start/stop button. On the other hand, the automatic transmission models are equipped with straight-shift gate.

SE-L Lux and Sport trims come with additional standard features: memory function for the powered driver’s seat and a 6-way powered passenger seat as standard. The interior is wrapped in Black leather all-around as a standard, while there is also available Light Stone leather.

Source: Mazda

February 17, 2014

Mazda Introduces Six New Sport Venture Models

For the 2014 model year Mazda is enhancing its range with the introduction of six new Sport Venture Editions. Precisely, the line-up comprises of three Mazda MX-5 sports cars, two Mazda5 and a Mazda2 models.

Each of them will be fitted with bright alloy wheels, bright silver door mirrors, exterior badging and two new exterior paint finishes: Titanium Flash and Deep Crystal Blue Mica. In addition, also as a standard here comes the new 6.1-inch Mazda Navigation System with integrated Bluetooth.

2014 Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture will be offered in three variants: 1.8-litre 126 hp Soft-top or Roadster Coupe with 1.8-litre 126 hp or 2.0-litre 160 hp engines. Next to the new exterior colors, the cars will be fitted also with stone leather sports heated seats.

Next, 150 hp petrol engine or the 115 hp diesel one will be the choice of powertrains for the Mazda5 Sport Venture models. The cars will alos boast equipment such as a Brilliant Black front grille, heated power-folding bright silver door mirrors and black leather seat trim with contrasting grey stitching.

The 1.3-litre 85 hp Mazda2 Sport Venture model is based on the Tamura, and adds 13 extra equipment items such as 16-inch Bright alloy wheels, front fog lights, dusk-sensing lights, rain-sensing front wipers and rear parking sensors. The interior of the car is adorned with sporty black cloth trim with contrasting grey stitching, a leather steering wheel with gloss dark grey inserts, gloss dark grey trim to the audio panel, door trims and outer air vents, electric rear windows and climate control air-conditioning.

Models are currently available at dealerships.

Source: Mazda

February 11, 2014

Two Colour Edition Models Added To Mazda2 Line-up

2014 Mazda2 Two new ‘Colour Edition’ models will adorn the Mazda2 line-up in 2014. This year the brand is giving the models enhanced visual appeal and standard equipment. Precisely, the Colour Edition models include three unique new exterior colours, and colored alloy wheels, interior colour-coded design cues and generous levels of equipment.

The names of the two new vehicles are ‘Colour Edition’ and ‘Sport Colour Edition’. Their production will be strictly limited to 1,000 units each. They will sport numbered sticker on the dashboard colour-coded to match the exterior paint, plus exterior badges on the front wings and tailgate.

Mazda’s 1.3-litre 75 hp (55 kW) petrol engine is what will power the Colour Edition. The latter also is equipped with 11 items of additional features including 15-inch dark grey alloy wheels, privacy glass and Jet Black door mirror housings and rear spoiler. Specific about the interior here is that it has black seat trim with red piping, a leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, gloss dark grey inserts to the steering wheel and audio panel, Parrot Bluetooth handsfree and body-colour door trim and outer air vents louvres.

Next, the ‘Sport Colour Edition’ hides under its hood the more powerful 1.3-litre 85 hp (63 kW) engine and over Colour Edition model adds 16-inch dark grey alloy wheels, Sports styling kit, Sports headlamps and front fog lights, 6.1-inch Mazda Navigation System with integrated Bluetooth, a trip computer, leather gear knob, electric rear windows, two additional audio speakers and an adjustable speed alarm, side and curtain airbags.

Both of the new models can be ordered in the choice of three finishes: True Red (solid), Crystal White (Pearlescent) and Aluminium Silver (Metallic).

Source: Mazda

February 4, 2014

2014 Mazda3 Kuroi Sports Package

Mazda has announced the Kuroi Sports Package for the all-new Mazda3 Hatchback or Sedan. It will be available exclusively for Australia with price tag at $2,678 AUD.

Kuroi Sports Package includes 18” black alloy wheels, new door mirror caps, rear lip spoiler, side skirts and front lip spoiler all with black finish.

“Kuroi” means “black” in Japanese and according to the manufacturer it is the first time when the Mazda3 is being offered with a sports package.

Also new on the compact model is the head-up Active Driving Display along with the MZD Connect system. Clients can now choose from four fresh exterior paints called Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Blue Reflex and Soul Red.

The Kuroi kit can be purchased separately.

Source: Mazda

January 29, 2014

Mazda6 To Enter 25 Hours Of Thunderhill

Mazda enters three modified-for-racing 2014 Mazda6s in the longest endurance race in America – the National Auto Sport Association (NASA)’s US Air Force 25 Hours of Thunderhill. The event will take place on 7th and 8th of December at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California.

At the race, the visitors will see how two teams of Mazda dealers are set against one team of MNAO employees, along with nearly 80 other teams. All of the three teams will race brand-new 2014 Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel racecars.

Of course the vehicles are based on the production models but have been modified for the competition and are ready to enter in NASA’s E1 class. To be more precise, the cars remain nearly stock, but the interiors were removed to accommodate an Anthony Woodford Racing roll-cage, a Sparco Pro-ADV racing seat, Safecraft racing seatbelts and plumbed-in fire systems and AIM MXL Pista dashes and data acquisition.

Under the hood, the cars hide the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual SKYACTIV-MT transmission. The suspension is custom-designed by ProParts USA and utilizes Koni dampers and Hypercoil springs as well as custom ProParts rear stabilizer bars.

Connecting all this to the track are 17×8” Enkei Kojin wheels wrapped in 245/40R-17 BFGoodrich g-Force R1 tires. The force of the Mazda6s is slowed down via four-piston STR-40 calipers and AeroRotors, delivered by the experts at StopTech.

Next, the drivers representing the Dealers in cars 55 and 56 will be Richard Fisher, Joel Weinberger, Taz Harvey, Chris Wilson, John Finger and Taylor Hacquard. The Factory Guys will be in car 70, represented by Randy Miller, Ken Saward, Dave Coleman, Nathan Edmonds, Mike Allen and Jason Meise.

The Mazda6s will race alongside 70 other cars competing in six different classes. In addition at the contest there will be also 13 other Mazdas.

Source: Mazda

December 4, 2013

BBR Shows Most Powerful Mazda MX-5 GT270

Brodie Brittain Racing or simply BBR proudly presents its latest and most potent creation – Mazda MX-5 GT270. The car is based on the 2013 MK3.5 (NC) 2.0-litre Sport Tech Roadster Coupe, and now features a breathtaking turbocharged engine.

Other enhancements here include advanced electronic upgrades and chassis improvements, and they contribute towards Mazda’s dynamics. The car’s production is limited up 100 numbered cars.

To main focus in this tuning here is the BBR GT270 2.0-litre engine, which has been subject to extensive development by BBR’s engineers. The unit produces 268 hp (197 kW) at 7350rpm, and has a peak torque figure of 308 Nm (227lb.ft) at 5100rpm.

The top speed here is 150 mph, while the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at 4.9 seconds. In addition, the unit sports quick spooling Garrett GT25 ball bearing turbo which provides superior torque, power and throttle response.

Another interesting fact about this car is that the tuners at BBR have worked together with the specialists at EcuTek in order to debut unique suite of ‘Starchip’ calibration software, which offers a greater range of functionality and control for the GT270 owner.

Of course they serve in terms of enhancing performance and functions like launch control, auto throttle blipper on the downshift and a full throttle gearshift. In detail, the EcuTek ProEcu system on the BBR GT270 offers four driving modes selectable via the MX-5‘s cruise control stalk, which activate the following functions:

BBR GT270 ECU Mode One – 98 Octane fuel maps for every day use (designed for use where fast road driving is the priority for the user.)
BBR GT270 ECU Mode Two – 98 Octane. Features include launch control set at 3800rpm, full throttle/no lift gearshift above 40% throttle, auto downshift throttle blip above 3500rpm (optimised for pure no-compromise circuit driving.)
BBR GT270 ECU Mode Three – 95 Octane cruise map (economy mode for longer motorway journeys.)
BBR GT270 ECU Mode Four – Valet mode, the engine is limited to 3500rpm in all gears (security mode to prevent unwanted third party driver abuse)

The exterior of the vehicle has a discreet ‘BBR turbo’ badging and BBR branded exhaust tailpipe trims. BBR Mazda MX-5 270 also offers other available options such as BBR Performance Suspension Upgrade, BBR Performance Braking Upgrade that includes EBC ‘Yellow Stuff’ pads, stainless steel brake lines and Castrol SRF brake fluid and BBR Performance Exhaust System Upgrades. The latter is suitable for those searching for a sportier exhaust note

BBR Mazda MX-5 GT270 Technical Specifications:

Bespoke BBR Garrett GT series ball bearing turbocharger (360BHP+ capability) – optional polished compressor cover available
BBR cast iron GT25 stainless steel turbo manifold (tubular option available)
BBR stainless steel downpipe (optional BBR stainless steel performance exhaust available)
BBR Hi-flow lightweight front mounted aluminium intercooler with factory look black intake pipes (polished and custom colour options available)
BBR high flow custom silicone turbo pipes in factory look black finish with stainless steel hose clamps (custom colour options available)
BBR lightweight aluminium battery tray in factory black finish (custom colour options available)
BBR Recirculating piston type dump valve in factory black finish
BBR / Bosch MAP sensor
BBR / Bosch high flow fuel injectors
BBR turbocharger heat shield (carbon fibre option available)
BBR high flow airbox (carbon fibre option available)
BBR stainless steel / Teflon oil and water lines
BBR Starchip EcuTek Pro ECU calibration software with driver switchable modes
BBR branded exhaust tailpipe trims
BBR / Exedy uprated clutch
BBR build number plaque

Source: BBR

November 26, 2013

Mazda Concepts At 2013 SEMA Show

Four Mazda concept vehicles created by Mazda North American Operations’ (MNAO) made their official debuts at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. As a basis were used 2014 Mazda3 and Mazda6 vehicles, which were refreshed in terms of design and performance.

Both a Mazda3 and Mazda6 were given “Club Sport” treatment. The general theme is a motorsports-inspired motif of neutral grays, blacks and reds. This includes Mazda Design-exclusive Composite Grey finish and Brilliant Black rooftop.

The Club Sport 6 Concept is equipped with a 14.0:1 low-compression SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine, which produces 175 horsepower (129 kW) at 4,500 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm.

The exterior paint is adorned with custom Club Sport graphics that include varying line frequency and width to create a sense of motion. Front, rear and side diffusers, and rear spoiler were also installed as a part of Mazda Design custom accessory aero kit. They were decided in a contrasting Brilliant Black gloss.

The Club Sport 6 vehicle runs on Rays 57 Motorsport G07FXX 20-inch Black and Machining-colored 10-spoke wheels coupled with sticky Yokohama S.drive 245/35R20 tires. New suspension is also at hand – H&R spring kit, while custom Brembo two-piece, six-piston 380×32 drilled brake rotors and a Racing Beat exhaust round out the entire sports-treatment.

Next, the Mazda Club Sport 3 Concept’s design is very similar to the previous one, but has a few extra robust features. Its exterior is decided in Slate White exterior finish, complemented by Metallic Silver lines that trace along the arches of the wheels, the base of the side skirts and the contours of the doors and C-pillars.

Contrasting texture and dynamic flow is delivered by the Vibrant Red vinyl which follows along with thin lines. Left unpainted are the dramatic alpha and numeric Black vinyl call-outs of the fuel door, tire size and SKYACTIV1 TECHNOLOGY pronounced across the hood.

Here was also used the aero kit which features Brilliant Black front, rear and side diffusers as well as a new rear spoiler style. The vehicle hides under its hood is SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, coupled with tuned SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed manual transmission.

The unit utilizes short 4.7:1 final drive ratio and a Wavetrac helical limited-slip differential for additional torque. Enhancements in terms of performance include a CUSCO coilover kit, a Racing Beat performance exhaust and Brembo two-piece, six-piston 380×32 drilled brake rotors.

This Mazda runs on Rays 57 Motorsport G07FXX 20-inch Black and Machining-colored 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 235/35R19 road-gripping performance tires.

The interior of the car features Red aniline leather treatment throughout – seat trim, door panel inserts, center console, IP decor and a steering wheel stripe. The steering wheel, arm rest, emergency brake and shifter boot are wrapped in Premium Black leather to make the perfect contrast.

Moreover, the front seats include perforated leather within the seat bolsters with a diffusing line pattern in the seat back creating a “3,” identical to the Metallic Silver numeral painted onto the vehicle’s driver’s side door.

Trapezoidal Momo-inspired contrast-Red stitching is visible on the steering wheel and double-stitched tonal deck seams on the doors, seats and IP. The steering wheel also features a single Red aniline leather strip at the minimalist but top-of-mind high-noon position.

The third vehicle is the Vector 3 Concept that offers a base exterior color decided in Soul Red. Mazda Design custom blend of Deep Crimson in varying shades of depth highlight the “fractured line” treatment of the paint finish’s vector pattern.

The car sits on a set of Rays Volk Racing Original G25 19-inch wheels. They were encased in road-hugging Yokohama S.drive 225/40R19 performance tires. Other performance enhancemets feature an H&R spring kit and Brembo two-piece custom four-piston 365×29 drilled rotors.

The last concept shown at SEMA is the Ceramic 6 Concept which continues the design philosophy of the Vector 3. Here, the exterior patterns are identical on both sides, and also come to revoke the racing spirit of the model.

The exterior paint finish is Ceramic White littered with Taupe Silver accent stripes. The vehicle’s matte white finish was achieved via the utilization of a base metallic followed by a satin quality clear paint.

The exquisite Ceramic 6 rides on Rays Volk Racing Original G25 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels finished in Taupe Silver. Additional performance accessories include an H&R spring kit, a Racing Beat custom dual-exhaust and custom Brembo two-piece, six-piston 380×32 drilled rotors.

Going inside the concept, one sees premium soft leathers, intricate stitching and overlapping weave patterns. The interior of the car is wrapped all-around in supple full-grain leather in White, while Black leather is used for the steering wheel, arm rests, emergency brake and center console.

Accents are provided via metallic details. In addition, the steering wheel also includes Light White Momo-style stitching and it is finished with a matching leather strip at the high-noon position.

The front and rear seat inserts include interwoven light and dark White leather. At the same time, the hand-sewn Burgundy stitching additionally highlights the dynamic contrasting design. Light White leather inserts featuring the same hand-sewn Burgundy stitching pattern adorn the doors. It is also featured along the instrument panel décor.

Source: Mazda

November 6, 2013

Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice At Road Atlanta

Christian Szymczak behind the wheel of Mazda MX-5 has achieved the fastest time in practice one of the preparation for Rounds 11 and 12 for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup. At the second and third place were Sebastian Landy and Elliott Skeer, respectively.

To be more precise, Szymczak recorded a time of 1:39.650 (91.761 mph) on the 12-turn and 2.54-mile road course. The driver aims that these numbers will be enough for the qualification for the pole, given that the track was slippery.

In addition, he also disclosed that the focus was put not only in the preparation for a particular session, but also on the development of the car, thanks to which the MX-5 will get better and better.

An interesting highlight about the MX-5 is that thanks to it mazda offers available at Lifestyle to its customers extra-satisfying handling and linear responsiveness. The latest facelifted version of the vehicle debuted at the end of last year. It has more aggressive road stance and is equipped with new and innovative safety technology. The car is powered by either a 126 hp (93 kW) MZR 1.8-litre matched with a five-speed manual transmission or the 160 hp (118 kW) MZR 2.0-litre with automatic or manual six-speed transmissions.

The second quickest lap was achieved by Landy, who needed only 1:39.830 (91.595 mph) to complete it. As a matter of fact, this is driver’s personal high score, when compared to those he achieved in any other official session of 2013.

He also confirmed the slipperiness of the track, but emphasized that the longer he ran, the more grip he had. The 30-minute session was ended by Skeer for a time of 1:39.854 (91.573 mph), which secured him the third place and who also have the desire to qualify for the pole.

Season’s final race taking is scheduled to start today at 8:10 a.m. (EDT).

Source: Mazda

October 18, 2013

Mazda CX-5 SE-L Lux Models Join The CX-5 Line-Up

The SE L Lux and SE-L Lux Nav new trim levels are currently joining the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV line-up. Both vehicles are fitted with the Brand’s innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, and utilize as a basis the 2.2-litre diesel 150 hp 2WD SE-L model with manual transmission.

However, they add on the top of it tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, full leather trim in Black or Stone, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats with three-stage temperature settings.

In addition, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 SE-L Lux will also offer to its customers 17-inch Alloy wheels, push button start, USB, iPod and AUX jack connectivity, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, front fog lights, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing front wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, Integrated Bluetooth system, 5.8-inch colour touch screen, Mazda Multimedia Commander, Smart City Brake Support, Cruise control, Black leather trim, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Integrated Navigation (only in SE-L Lux Nav models).

As a matter of fact, recently Mazda CX-5 had won the SUV category in the 2013 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards as well as in Auto Express, WhatCar?, Total 4×4 and Fleet World magazines.

The SUV will be offered with a range of petrol or diesel engines, manual or automatic transmissions, and 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The CX-5 is incredibly efficient – with fuel economy up to 61.4mpg., and emits just 119g/km CO2.

Mazda CX-5 Performance & Economy:

2WD Diesel	Power (ps)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top Speed (mph)	Combined (mpg)
2.2 SE-L Lux	150	380	9.2	126	61.4
2.2 SE-L Lux NAV	150	380	9.2	126	61.4

Mazda CX-5 Pricing:

2WD Diesel	‘On the road’ Retail	CO2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Insurance Group
2.2 SE-L Lux	£24,495	119	C	20 E
2.2 SE-L Lux NAV	£25,195	119	C	20 E

Source: Mazda

October 9, 2013

MZD Connect To Be Included In 2014 Mazda3

Mazda is now launching MZD Connect in the 2014 Mazda3 model. This is an exclusive new connectivity system which will offer a package of online services to go along with the completely redeveloped human-machine interface (HMI) in the cabin.

Precisely, MZD Connect works in combination with user’s smartphone, thus expanding vehicle’s existing range of navigation and SMS features. It includes readout and voice recognition and whole new scale of connected convenience.

The result is that the occupants in the car will enjoy carefree real-time access to infotainment services from Aha through the 7-inch display on top of the centre stack. In addition, a cloud-based platform is especially designed for in-car use and delivers more than 40 000 choices of content.

Some of these feature internet radio, news, podcasts and audio books as well as Facebook and Twitter feeds. The connection is managed via a free Aha application which in turn is connected in the car through a Bluetooth or USB.

Furthermore, MZD Connect also delivers vehicle’s own apps. Instances are the Eco-display and maintenance reminders. The new technology includes modular hardware structure and updatable software, which provides flexibility of the system.

The system also supports playback from other connected mobile devices, offered in 25 different languages for audio and 38 for text. Additionally, it’s ease of use ensured by the new human-machine interface (HMI).

The cabin setup featured Active Driving Display, which is Mazda’s new head-up display that delivers minimization of distraction potential and assists the drivers maintain a stable position and keep their eyes on the road.

Source: Mazda

September 27, 2013

Mazda3 Sedan With Public Premiere In Frankfurt

Mazda3 Sedan will be the main highlight on Mazda’s stand at Frankfurt Motor Show. The new model is equipped with generous standard features and it also includes brand’s new connectivity technologies, which aim to bring about an array of free mobile online content into the vehicle.

In addition, the new Mazda3 will be equipped with SKYACTIV technology and of course will be built according to brand’s award-winning KODO design language. The effect of the latter is a bold and powerful exterior as well as aerodynamic design.

The interior of this Mazda model offers safety and ergonomic comfort. In addition, it also includes optimized Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which features Active Driving Display, Mazda’s new head-up display and a new design of rotary commander.

The vehicle also has enlarged wheelbase estimated at 2,700mm which is the longest in the C-segment. The model line-up will include two bodystyles – hatchback and fastback. What is more, both bodystyles are 40mm wider and 15mm lower than the current model.

Furthermore, the new model is lighter with kerb weights starting from 1,190 kg. This of course contributes towards impressive fuel economy and emissions figures. The model will be offered with a choice of three naturally-aspirated petrol engines and one turbocharged diesel. They all will be equipped with i-stop, Mazda’s idle-stop system, as standard.

To be more precise, the 100 hp (74 kW) SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers up to 55.4 mpg (combined cycle) and emits only 119 g/km of CO2. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre will be available in standard (120 hp/88 kW) and high power (165 hp/121 kW) versions. The fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions are 55.4 mpg and 119g/km respectively.

At last, the 150 hp (110 kW) SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre clean diesel unit will provide excellent fuel economy and responsive dynamics, while at the same time significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOX) and soot emissions. In addition, it is also capable of generating 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800rpm, and has a fuel economy and CO2 emissions up to 72.4 mpg and 104 g/km.

Source: Mazda

August 20, 2013

Mazda Deep Orange 3 Concept Shows Innovative Engineering Inside And Out

Mazda Deep Orange 3 Concept vehicle was born out of the collaboration between Mazda and the automotive engineering students at Clemson University. We must admit that the car looks impressive and immediately stands put.

This next-generation Mazda concept vehicle features body panels designed by student Frederick Naaman at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. On the other hand, Derek Jenkins, who is the design director for Mazda North American Operations, shared that taking part in this college program of was automaker’s dream come true.

The students who took part in the program had free rein to push the boundaries of conventional design and engineering. The result is visible and extremely impressive: Deep Orange 3 includes a unique hybrid powertrain that automatically chooses front-, rear- or all-wheel drive.

In addition, the concept also features a load-bearing structure which is based on innovative sheet-folding technology patented by Industrial Origami. The very highlight of the car is the groundbreaking 3+3 seating configuration, which is to be seen for the first time in sports car architecture.

The collaboration program between the automotive brand and the university provides the students with experience in vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. In fact, a prototype vehicle is developed annually, and it focuses mainly on innovation.

Furthermore, the project not only displays advanced vehicle technologies but also provides students with the chance to cooperate and work directly with automotive industry companies in order to manifest their ideas.

Source: Mazda

August 9, 2013

Tag: Mazda