AutoSpies.com: LEAKED! The 2017 Mazda 3 Is Expected To Look Like THIS

According to the latest reports, the 2017 Mazda 3 will be receiving a modest refresh.

Considering it feels as though the Mazda 3 has been out for about three years, that sounds about right to us.

An image found of an all-new Japanese brochure clearly shows the updated face of the new Mazda Axela. While that name may not sound familiar to the US-based market, that is actually what the 3 is known as in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).

Looking closely at the brochure shot, it's clear that the updated 3 will receive some minor tweaks. Overall, it adds up to a much more sharp and aggressive looking 3. In fact, I think it makes the car look a bit more mean and a little less goofy.

Note the modified, three-dimensional grille, updated headights and new front valence.

While we only have one photo here, we assume that the 3 will get updated motors that have a slight bump in power and are more fuel efficient. In addition, we expect that its interior will receive a once over.

Source;
http://www.autospies.com/news/LEAKED-The-2017-Mazda-3-Is-Expected-To-Look-Like-THIS-88431/

Mazda rotary to go turbo

by Feann Torr of www.motoring.com.au

High-revving rotary engine on track, with strong indications it'll be a turbo warrior

Mazda is working on a next-generation rotary engine, an unorthodox configuration made famous by the Japanese brand’s RX cars, including the RX-3, RX-7 and RX-8.

But unlike the company’s last rotary-engined sports car, the naturally-aspirated RX-8, the new engine is looking very likely to be turbocharged.

Speaking to motoring.com.au, Mazda’s drivetrain and powertrain assistant manager, Tetsushi Marutani, said: “Personally, I think that a rotary with some turbo or compressor would be good.

“Because a rotary, in my opinion, they require more [torque at] low speed, low down torque. So if we have some small compressor or turbo it would help.

“I used to have a second-generation RX-7, and it was very quick,” quipped Marutani-san.

The senior powertrain engineer wouldn’t reveal when we’ll see the new rotary or how much power it will have, but he confirmed Mazda is indeed busily working on a new rotary engine concept, which as we’ve reported previously could be revealed in 2017 or 2020, the 50th and 100th anniversary of the rotary engine and the company respectively.

“We are still developing the new engines with rotary. So in the future we hope to release it, of course, yes. But it’s still under development. We can’t say anything about the [rotary] program; when, what type of vehicle, what is the horsepower, we can’t say anything about it yet,” stated Marutani.

He noted that the RX 2020 Vision concept revealed at the 2015 Tokyo motor show was a first step on the path to a new rotary engine, and with turbocharging it’s not likely to be underdone.

Mazda sources have previously talked about a twin 800cc (1.6-litre) rotary pumping out more than 300kW, which is entirely feasible, and Marutani said we can expect several other “surprises” for the company’s upcoming anniversaries – though he wouldn’t be drawn on which vehicles they’ll be deployed on.

“We will surprise the customer with new technologies, engines, transmissions and AWD systems,” said the senior drivetrain and powertrain engineer.

Whatever the outcome and timeline, it’s clear Mazda is once again turning its focus to high-performance machinery, and it appears it’s going to do so with a liberal amount of creativity.

Source;
http://www.motoring.com.au/mazda-rotary-to-go-turbo-101105/

Mazda unveils 2016 MX-5 Miata roadster

By Brendan McAleer

MONTEREY, Calif. – On one hand, an ambling seaside stroll along Cannery Row. On the other, dropping blind through the four-storey Corkscrew before realizing that the tricky corner actually comes right after the more-famous one.

There’s one car that’ll do both with ease, not to mention making the winding country route between the two a joyous experience. Clip the apex or slow your roll, it doesn’t matter: the answer is always Miata.

Er, that is, the answer is always MX-5. For a full quarter century people have had to endure enthusiasts waxing poetic about this modestly-powered, deceptively simply little car. The thing is, it really is that good. It’s inexpensive, they seem to last forever, the insurance and fuel to keep it going aren’t particularly expensive, and it might just be the most fun you can have on four wheels. Other cars are faster, more capable, grippier. Better? Perhaps not.

Now, here comes the new one. The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 will be revealed this evening at a ceremony featuring owners and enthusiasts who have travelled from all corners. Sister ceremonies will be happening across the globe in Barcelona, and Toyko. Duran Duran will even be here in California, for some reason.

You can see the new MX-5 bow on Mazda’s YouTube channel at a live-streaming event (above) and follow @Drivingdotca along as we tweet live from the reveal with more details and impressions immediately after the press conference.

Then, tomorrow, we’ll have a special piece celebrating the past twenty-five years of Miata/MX-5, including driving with the Skip Barber school at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and piloting some of Mazda’s heritage Miatas, including two of the cars that were on stage at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show debut.

Even if there isn’t room in your garage for an MX-5 quite yet, this car is the spearpoint for Mazda’s engineering philosophy, and a roadmap for the future. This new one has really big shoes to fill; we can’t wait to fling it through the Corkscrew before too long, and see what’s what.

Source;

http://driving.ca/mazda/mx-5-miata/auto-news/news/mazda-to-reveal-2016-miata-tonight-at-10-p-m

Mazda 3 MPS to have turbo 2.5-litre, AWD

Turbocharged Skyactiv Mazda 3 MPS could be in market within two years with all-wheel drive.

Increasing competition in the hot hatch segment has pushed Mazda plans for a Mazda3 MPS powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre, according to insiders in Japan.

While recent reports have indicated Mazda was considering a diesel drivetrain for the MPS -- which will face off against the VW Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and coming Honda Civic Type-R as main rivals -- an article in the Japanese magazine Holiday Auto suggests the MPS will stick with turbo petrol power in the form of a highly efficient Skyactiv-G engine.

“They have denied rumours about the turbo officially, but have continued their research," a Japanese industry source was cited as explaining. "It was said that the turbo and Skyactiv with a high compression ratio don’t work well together, but it has been already solved.” 

Mazda's Skyactiv petrol engine range optimises heat efficiency and high compression ratios with the aim of delivering excellent performance while still keeping the fuel economy figures low.

With European carmakers focusing on high-output, low-emission turbo engines to help meet their tightening environmental regulations, Mazda is said to be also looking in that direction to keep pace with the rest of the hot hatch field.

The Japanese source told the magazine the 2.5-litre turbo Skyactiv-G engine could be ready for release within two years, suggesting the Mazda3 MPS could arrive in 2016. The drivetrain is said to be all-wheel-drive with a six-speed manual transmission.

And the outputs? A bench test has confirmed 320ps (235kW) of power but final output is likely to be 300ps (220kW) depending on the tuning, according to the report.

This would give it a 30kW lift over the previous MPS which exited in 2013 with 190kW and 380Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.3-litre engine, which predates the Skyactiv push.

Source;
http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/mazda_3_mps_to_have_turbo_2.5_litre_awd_83590_20140519?origin=hpc3

Mazda Teases New 2 / Demio Supermini with "Hazumi" Concept

Japanese carmaker Mazda is giving hints that it's finally ready to replace the aging 2 supermini/subcompact hatchback. A teaser photo was released today, for a concept called the the "Hazumi" which going to be shown for the first time in Geneva next month.

Like the Takeri concept of 2011, which contained 95% of the Mazda6 sedan's design, the Hazumi is a close match for the next supermini production model. This could be ready within a year and will be based on Mazda's own Skyactiv technology instead of using Ford architecture like the current model.

From the teaser, we can tell the Kodo Design language has rubbed off well onto the smallest car Mazda offers. The Hazumi is sharp and lacks the idiot grin of older models. The grille appears to be placed high up, between the headlights, giving the Japanese concept a wider and more aggressive look.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mazda-teases-new-2-demio-supermini-with-hazumi-concept-77331.html

Rotary engine-powered Mazda RX-7 due in 2016 - report

Will have about 250 bhp

Mazda is reportedly planning an RX-7 revival with a newly developed rotary engine for a 2016 release.

Although in November last year we heard Mazda CEO Masa-michi Kogai saying the return of a rotary engine is highly unlikely, British media is reporting Mazda is already developing a new unit which will end up powering the RX-7 revival scheduled to come out in 2016.

The new rotary engine will allegedly be naturally aspirated with a capacity of around 600cc per rotor and chances are it will adopt a twin-rotor configuration which means it will have a capacity of 1.2 liters, representing the equivalent of 2.4 liters of a regular combustion engine. Output is expected to be somewhere in the region of 250 bhp (186 kW). Previous iterations of the rotary engine had problems with reliability and fuel economy but appearantly major improvements are being made for the new unit.

As far as styling is concerned, the new RX-7 will follow the same design philosophy of the next-gen MX-5 due in 2015 and most of the design has already been completed but still hasn't been signed off for the production model. In charge of the design is Ikuo Maeda whose father was responsible for drawing the original RX-7 back in the late 70s.

Note: 2018 Mazda3 concept drawing pictured

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114011268614/rotary-engine-powered-mazda-rx-7-due-in-2016---report

Mazda fails crash test demonstration: Japanese car maker suspends trials of automatic braking after potential customer injured in Japan.

Mazda's Smart City Brake Support system uses infrared and radar signals to automatically brake and avoid rear-end collisions at speeds under 30km/h.

by Andrew MacLean of www.drive.com.au

MAZDA has suspended public demonstrations of a high-tech safety feature following an accident in Japan where the occupants were injured.

The Japanese car maker issued a notification to cease customer test drives of vehicles fitted with its Smart City Brake Support system – which uses infrared and radar signals to automatically brake and avoid rear-end collisions at speeds under 30km/h – after a failure during a test drive of a CX-5 at a dealership in northern Tokyo.

The failure resulted in the vehicle colliding with a fence, injuring both passengers. Mazda has confirmed the potential customer suffered whiplash and the salesman has a broken arm. It is also actively working with the police as it investigates the cause of the accident.

Mazda's Smart City Brake Support system uses infrared and radar signals to automatically brake and avoid rear-end collisions at speeds under 30km/h.

As a consequence, Mazda has “decided to voluntarily suspend all such test drives until the cause of the accident has been established and countermeasures taken”.

It says it has provided its dealerships with clear guidelines on how to perform these demonstrations with a strict set of conditions that define elements such as the size, type and distance of the obstacle, the surrounding environment, vehicle speed and monitoring the actions of the driver.

“The circumstances and causes of this accident, including whether or not the demonstration test drive event… followed Mazda’s guidelines, will be revealed by the ongoing police investigation,” Mazda stated.

It claims this is the first reported instance of such a failure and that it has no reports of similar circumstances occurring on public roads.

Mazda Australia spokesman, Steve Maciver, told Drive that all local dealerships have been alerted to the issue, even though they are advised not to actively demonstrate the technology which has just been added to the popular compact SUV. Mazda's CX-5 has sold more than 16,000 units so far in 2013.

“This does not apply to Australia as we have not been participating in live demonstrations of the Smart City Brake Support system through our dealerships,” he said.

“We have obviously advised them of the situation and we are waiting on the outcome of the investigation, which will determine the circumstances under which this incident occurred, before offering any further correspondence.

“We are confident in the system and how it works, and watching carefully as to what happens from the investigation.

It is the not the first time an autonomous driving system, designed to override the driver, has failed in such a high-profile manner. A Volvo V60 SUV failed three from 12 tests while demonstrating its pedestrian avoidance technology at a media event in Sweden in 2010.

Source;
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/mazda-fails-crash-test-demonstration-20131113-2xga3.html

Mazda SUV With Automatic Braking Crashes in Japan Drive Test

I am not putting this up to slag on Mazda, I put this up as a point to having driver input be the final thing needed when incorporating this kind of safety tech, sure -- alert us, but let the driver stop, this tech is capable of false positives (stopping when on a roundabout with parked cars on the inside part) or just not working.  Relying too much on a machine to decide what is best for us has potential for big consequences....

By Anna Mukai and Yuki Hagiwara - Nov 11, 2013

 

A Mazda Motor Corp. (7261) sport-utility vehicle equipped with an automatic-braking system crashed in Japan on Nov. 10 during a dealership test drive, injuring the driver and front-seat passenger, according to the police.

The Mazda CX-5 was being driven by a prospective buyer on the dealership’s parking lot when it crashed through a urethane barrier set up to demonstrate the SUV’s automatic braking feature, according to the Saitama Prefectural Police, which is investigating the accident. The customer suffered a neck injury while the dealership employee sitting in the front passenger seat fractured his arm, the police said.

Mazda is investigating the case and will cooperate with police if asked to, Makoto Watanabe, a spokesman for the Hiroshima, Japan-based automaker, said by phone today. The company can’t comment on whether there have been previous cases where the auto-brake system for the CX-5 didn’t work, he said.

“For any safety function, it’s impossible to be 100 percent free of accidents,” said Hiroshi Ataka, a Tokyo-based auto parts analyst at IHS Automotive. “These technical functions aren’t always the easiest to understand.”

Mazda, based in Hiroshima, Japan, fell 0.2 percent to 423 yen as of 10:25 a.m. in Tokyo trading. The benchmark Nikkei 225 (NKY) Stock Average rose 1.2 percent.

Automatic braking first appeared in premium brands and is part of a move toward automated driving systems that carmakers are developing to help reduce human error and accidents.

Car Communication

Toyota Motor Corp. (7203), the world’s largest automaker, said last month it will introduce systems in about two years enabling cars to communicate with each other to avoid collision.

“When it comes to automation technology for driving through tight curves and changing lanes, I really feel that Japan’s technology is the No. 1 in the world,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Nov. 9, after riding in cars from Toyota, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. during test drives of their automatic safety technologies.

Mazda’s system, called Smart City Brake Support, uses a laser sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car to avoid or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes, according to its website. If the driver speeds up when an obstacle is detected, the system is designed to sound an alert while curbing engine output to stop unintended acceleration.

The automaker offered the technology as an optional safety feature for an additional price in the CX-5 when the car was first introduced in February 2012, and made it a standard setting after the model was refreshed in Japan last month, according to Mazda.

Source (via www.autoblog.com);
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2013-11-11/mazda-suv-with-auto-braking-crashes-during-test-drive-in-japan.html

Review: 2014 Mazda3 has more features for less money

by Jeremy Kato of www.theglobeandmail.com

I’ve driven the 2014 Mazda3 – a lot – and played with its many electronic features. The GT model, in particular, is a 184-horsepower package of dynamic pleasure: tight steering, balanced handling, progressive and stable braking and slick shifting.

And the 2014 Mazda3 looks the part, in both sedan and especially in hatchback form. The general theme here is based on what Mazda calls its “Kodo” or “soul of motion” design language. The look has just enough curves and shapes to grab your interest, but it’s not overwrought and, best of all, a much-maligned grille from a previous generation is nowhere to be found. No more clown-mouth grilles, which surely will please Mazda fans everywhere.

Pricing, as Mazda has just announced, starts at $15,995 and the best fuel economy is expected to come in at 4.7 litres/100 km on the highway.

Engine choices? There are two. The basic one is a 2.0-litre gasoline mill with manual and automatic transmissions available. This is a new SkyActiv engine, not the old 2.0-litre four-banger in the outgoing Mazda3. The Mazda3 GT gets an new 2.5-litre gasoline engine rated at 184 hp.

Even the least expensive Mazda3 is equipped with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, push button start and keyless entry. Air conditioning adds $1,600 and, while many will like the delightful six-speed manual, many more will want the six-speed automatic ($1,200). Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes, body-coloured power exterior mirrors, dual sport exhaust, auto-off headlights, audio and Bluetooth steering wheel controls.

Most importantly, Mazda is not raising the price for the 2014. The company is happy to say the 2014 price is “a full $200 less than it was 10 years ago when the Mazda3 debuted in 2003.”

Cool new features

 Mazda Connect infotainment system: Mazda says this can be used on its own or connected to a mobile phone or other mobile device that supports USB audio or Bluetooth connectivity. You want infotainment accessed from the Internet? Here you go.

Active Driving Display: The common term for this is “heads-up display.” Images are projected on what Mazda calls “the combiner” – a clear panel vertically mounted atop the back of the instrument cluster. There you’ll find your vehicle’s speed, automatic cruise control speed settings, navigation system turn-by-turn directions, and alerts from the advanced safety systems. Very high-end stuff in a compact economy car.

Mazda is also making available safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, regenerative braking and more. One that is particularly interesting is Smart City Brake Support. This feature uses a laser to warn of an impending low-speed collision and helps with braking – to the point of automatically applying the brakes.

Mazda has put plenty of thought into the 3 and it shows. The car looks the part of a small car with lots of attitude. The cabin has a handsome look and feel to it, too. Only the seats need some obvious work. The ones in the GT model I just drove for hours felt soft and lacked support all around – especially under the thigh and for the lumbar area.

Dynamic and appealing on many fronts, yes. Perfect. Ah, no.

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/new-car-reviews/review-2014-mazda3-less-expensive-more-features/article14645833/

Next Generation Mazda 2?

Looks like Mazda has really gone ahead with the Mazda6's corporate grill....  much better than the existing though.

Source (via http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/16/2015-mazda2-spotted-in-japanese-magazine/)
http://minkara.carview.co.jp/en/userid/1630409/blog/29251635/

2014 Mazda 3 Sedan Images Leaked

by Joseph Capparella of www.automobilemag.com

When the 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback was revealed last week, we were told photos of the inevitable four-door sedan variant would emerge in roughly two weeks. It appears the wait ended before it even began, thanks to Top Gear Russia, which just leaked photos of the new 2014 Mazda 3 sedan in Euro-spec guise.

The sedan’s appearance isn’t shocking, as it looks like a trunked version of 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback. The notchback’s profile does not diminish the swoopy lines of the hatch, though, and the 3 sedan looks just as sporty and fresh as its five-door sibling. The 2014 3 sedan also takes numerous cues from the larger 6 sedan with near-identical taillights and a similar greenhouse. Like the current 3 sedan, the new model maintains a high trunk lid, giving the car a wedge-like shape and a poised stance.

An interior image suggests the 2014 Mazda 3 sedan will continue to share its interior with the hatchback model. As such, the new car gains a vastly upgraded cabin, complete with a driver-oriented instrument panel and a new infotainment system, complete with an upright screen placed above the center stack and a rotary control knob located on the center console.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2014 Mazda 3 and the new models will go on sale in the U.S. sometime later this year. We will be driving the 2014 Mazda 3 in hatchback and sedan forms in a few weeks, and we’re hoping that our driving impressions live up to the surprisingly stylish lines. For now, check out the photos below.


Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2014-mazda-3-sedan-images-leaked-233289.html#axzz2YCy0upPw

Next Gen Mazda 3 Production Version (Diesel in North America?!?)

Diesel engine could reach U.S. market

Mazda has announced a sedan version of the recently unveiled 2014 Mazda3 will be launched.

The new generation of the Mazda3 was unveiled yesterday and the Japanese marque told AutoBlog that a sedan version will be available, without giving a specific launch date. For Japan, Mazda is also preparing a hybrid sedan variant of the new "3", while United States could receive the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine if the diesel-powered Mazda6 will be a success.

There are no details at the moment regarding a Mazdaspeed3 version, but previous rumors have indicated such a model will be launched after the regular variant.

Sales of the 2014 Mazda3 will commence this September in United States and will be followed shortly by other markets.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113062759354/2014-mazda3-sedan-confirmed

New Mazda 3 revealed in magazine

by Lewis Kingston of www.autocar.co.uk

Pictures of the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback have been spotted in print, ahead of the car's official reveal.

The images reveal that the car has adopted the styling of the new Mazda 6 and CX-5. According to AutoTribute, the pictures appeared in a Japanese magazine.

Previously, only spy shots and concept illustrations of the new Mazda 3 had been seen.

Mazda declined to officially comment regarding the images, but one insider confirmed to Autocar that the pictures "did look like the next Mazda 3".

It's expected that the new Mazda 3 hatchback, which will use a scaled-down version of the SkyActiv platform found in the CX-5 and 6, will weigh 100kg less than the model it replaces.

The engine lineup will most likely consist of SkyActiv 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel units, much like the more recent model ranges.

A new downsized 1.6-litre SkyActiv diesel is tipped to be available as well, offering a direct rival to the small diesels offered by Ford, Volkswagen and Vauxhall.

The new Mazda 3 is expected to arrive at some point between later this year and early 2014, with a preview possible at this year's Frankfurt motor show.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-mazda-3-revealed-magazine

2015 Mazda 3 Spyshots with Interior Photo

by Donny Nordlicht of www.automobilemag.com

The 2015 Mazda 3 isn’t too far out from its formal introduction – rumored to happen this fall – and has been caught testing again. This time, however, we finally have a good look at the compact hatch’s cabin.

While we can’t discern much more about the third-generation 3′s exterior, we finally have our first look at the car’s interior. Unsurprisingly, the 3 will carry on the same monochromatic and minimalistic theme from the larger 6 sedan and CX-5 crossover. However, in comparison to the other two models, the 3 looks to have more of an evolution of Mazda’s dashboard design – there is more brightwork, a floating infotainment screen, and different gauges. There are also new designs for the automatic transmission shifter and the screen’s rotary control knob. Chances are that the car our spy photographer caught wasn’t a finished prototype, either, as there don’t appear to any audio controls, although, there is a small knob on the center console that could be a smaller volume knob.

Also coming from a new parts bin are the climate controls and the new gauge cluster. The HVAC knobs and display look much more upscale than anything else in Mazda’s stable, and revive the chrome-ring trim from the RX-8. The gauges look like they’ve come straight from the new Volvo V40, with a large circular dial in the middle flanked by two squared off binnacles.

Despite infusing the 3 with the brand’s new Kodo design language, the hatch’s exterior styling appears to be quite evolutionary. The 2015 Mazda 3 will keep the current car’s long-nose/short-rump proportions and oversized headlights and grille. Expect that grille to get a softer treatment, with brightwork and black plastic similar to the 6 and CX-5. Around back, the taillight assemblies continue to wrap around the rear corners and protrude from the body, but look more simplified. Our guess is that the taillight graphics will be pretty similar to the other Kodo-shaped Mazdas.

Expect to see a choice of four-cylinder powerplants under the hood of the 2015 Mazda 3. The base engine is most likely to be the 2.0-liter unit that makes 155 hp in the current car; the automaker will probably offer the 168-hp 2.5-liter I-4 from the 6 as an upgrade option for the 3. Whether the 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder will join the option sheet is anyone’s guess. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions will probably carry over as well.


Source (with a few more pix);
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2015-mazda-3-spotted-inside-and-out-222799.html#axzz2SnpApPqh

Next-gen Mazda MX-5/Miata could get diesel (UK) power

Co-developed Alfa Romeo Spider and Mazda MX-5 to get bespoke engines; diesel option being considered for Mazda's new sports car

by Lewis Kingston of www.autocar.co.uk

The co-developed new Mazda MX-5 and Alfa Romeo Spider will each be sold with its own, bespoke engines, with even a diesel unit being a possibility for the MX-5.

Mazda intends to fit its version of the upcoming MX-5, due next year, with a new naturally aspirated SkyActiv engine as the staple unit. It is likely to be 1.6 litres in capacity, with an output of around 130bhp.

The Spider will probably use Alfa’s turbocharged 1.4-litre ‘TB’ engine. More powerful MultiAir or 1750 TBi units, the latter as found in the 4C sports car, may also be offered. Power could range from 120bhp for entry-level Spiders to 296bhp for top-end cars.

Mazda is insistent that the MX-5 will remain naturally aspirated, but turbocharged versions of previous-generation MX-5s have been produced. Alternatively, to provide more power without resorting to forced induction, a larger SkyActiv engine could be fitted.

A diesel option is being considered, but the lightweight and high-revving capabilities of a petrol engine are more desirable to Mazda. There are also concerns over the market viability of a small diesel roadster, which might prove difficult to sell.

It’s likely that a six-speed manual gearbox will be available for both cars, while an advanced paddle-shift six-speed auto could be offered.

Mazda hopes the new car will be the same size as the original MX-5. Modern materials and design techniques will help to reduce weight, while meeting modern crash regulations. This will help to achieve Mazda’s ambitiously low target weight of 800kg.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-gen-mazda-mx-5-could-get-diesel-power

Burlapp Find: Next Gen Mazda Miata/MX-5 Rendering

This is just a rendering, very close to a rendering that I saw way back in Aug 2012 from Car and Driver;

If this were the direction of the new Miata/MX-5, wow is all I can say....

Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2013/03/2015-mazda-miata.html

Woodyscarsite Find; Next Gen Mazda 3?

I really like the direction Mazda is going with this car, seems like they've toned down the front grill a bit and yet haven't lost that Mazda 'look'.

Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/

Spied: 2015 Mazda3 Hatchback Tester in the Wild

by Jason Ude of www.automobilemag.com

A 2015 Mazda3 hatchback prototype has been spotted testing. The Mazda3 is Mazda’s best seller, despite being one of the oldest models in the segment. Look closely at the camouflaged tester and you might be able to see Kodo styling elements.

The current car’s once-smiling face has been replaced with a more aggressive grille and sleeker headlights like those on the CX-5 crossover and 6 sedan. Also visible through the camo is the lower bodyline that kicks up as it travels toward the car’s sleeker taillights.

Details about the chassis haven’t been revealed, but the redesigned Mazda3 is expected to get the automaker’s full suite of Skyactiv technologies that include a lightweight chassis and efficient powertrains. A reworked version of the current car’s platform or a modified version of the CX-5 or 6 could underpin the 2015 Mazda3. While the 2.0-liter Skyactiv gas engine is already available in the current car, the new 2.5-liter Skyactiv gas or 2.2-liter Skyactiv diesel engine are possible for the new model.

Source (with wayyy more pix!);
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/spied-2015-mazda3-hatchback-tester-in-the-wild-205083.html#axzz2KsyEGk4m

Autoexpress: Mazda CX-3 on way

Not sure if this would be coming to North America but it sure is interesting....

Mazda is working on a chunky new supermini-SUV, and our image shows how it could look

Mazda is planning a new small SUV, based on the next-generation 2 supermini, and our exclusive image shows how it could look.

It’s expected to be badged CX-3 and is due in 2014, when it will join a line-up of new Mazdas, ranging from the new 2 supermini and next-generation 3 family car to a new MX-5 roadster and even a city car rival to the VW up!.

When it’s released, the CX-3 will take on crossovers like Ford’s Fiesta-based EcoSport and the Nissan Juke, and aims to be one of the most efficient and best-driving models in its class.

Engineers will use Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies, applying a focus on low weight and strong efficiency to everything from the chassis to the gearbox.

A new diesel – thought to be a 1.6-litre engine – will play a major part in reducing emissions. The most efficient version of the bigger CX-5 – which features a 2.0-litre diesel – manages 61.4mpg and 119g/km, but the CX-3 could be capable of around 80mpg and 95g/km.

Mazda is also thought to be developing a 1.3-litre petrol turbo, which could feature in the CX-3 line-up.

In this class, two-wheel-drive crossovers outsell four-wheel-drive versions by some margin, so the CX-3 may be offered as a front-wheel-drive model only.

As it did in the CX-5, Mazda will attempt to deliver a taste of the MX-5’s driver appeal, so the new car’s steering and gearbox will be set up for instant responses and feedback.

Our image reveals that the CX-3’s front end will borrow the CX-5’s ‘shield’ grille, plus its chunky underbody protection, while the sharp headlights are from the 6.

Practicality will be key to the CX-3’s appeal, so engineers are working on a clever seat layout, which sees the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button.

The newcomer will be priced from around £13,000, and we’ll get our first proper look at it in early 2014. Sales of the CX-3 are then expected to start later that year.

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mazda/61612/mazda-cx-3-way

Mazda will build a Toyota model at its Mexican plant

• By Christine Tierney of www.detroitnews.com

 Mazda Motor Corp. will produce a small car for Toyota Motor Corp. at a factory it's building in Mexico, the two companies said Friday.

Toyota intends to sell the car, a Toyota-brand subcompact based on the Mazda2, mostly in North America. Mazda will start producing it in the summer of 2015, turning out about 50,000 cars a year.
The production agreement reflects the difficulties of smaller Japanese brands in the U.S. market, even as Toyota and other leading Japanese automakers are strong competitors.

Toyota has been rebounding in the U.S. after a series of setbacks and natural disasters. It has 14 assembly and components plants in North America and also produces Toyota Camry sedans at a Subaru plant in Indiana owned by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. It developed the Scion FR-S jointly with Subaru, which produces it.

By contrast, Mazda recently withdrew from the Flat Rock venture in Michigan, where it had built cars jointly with Ford Motor Co. for more than 20 years.

This week, Suzuki Motor Co. said it was pulling out of the U.S. car market, where it has struggled with weak sales, unfavorable exchange rates and high costs to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements.

Mazda is planning to produce around 140,000 Mazda2 Demio subcompacts and Mazda3 Axela compact cars at the factory it's building in Salamanca in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

Its deal with Toyota is good for both companies, but Mazda stands to benefit more, said Noriyuki Matsushima, a Tokyo-based analyst at Citi Research.

Mazda will not only save on the capital investments required for the new factory, but the additional production for Toyota will lower the plant's fixed production costs per vehicle, he said.

Toyota is likely to benefit by shifting production of subcompact cars to Mexico. Its small car exports from Japan aren't profitable at current exchange rates, with the yen trading near record levels against the dollar.


Source;
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121109/AUTO0104/211090391/1148/rss25