2011 Mazda SUV Minagi

The concept of mining had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 as an expression of new technologies and language SKYACTIV new concept Mazda Kodo. It is the first model that has characteristics that can be seen in the next generation of Mazda vehicles. For this reason, Mazda has fully integrated its SKYACTIV technology in all aspects of driving performance, including engine, chassis and body design itself. As the second concept of incorporating "Kodo - Soul Movement" new Mazda design language, mining challenge convention, with an emotional design and exhilarating performance.
 

2011 Mazda SUV Minagi

Although Shinari was a concept of pure design to express the full potential of Kodo Design, Minago glimpse of the next generation of products come from. As a concept car, Mazda's theme of Kodo, design elements combined with the expression of Minago pulsating energy throughout agility eager to move freely and smoothly the vehicle. His straight and compact, offers a vision Minago Kodo Shinari different design, but shares the same sinuous, powerful.

"I wanted to convey something other than Mazda Shinari," said Masashi Nakayama, chief designer, Concept Mining, "I feel a compact crossover SUV is the perfect way to express the agility and movement of discussion;. Flexibility of four members move in unison and a standing position. "

Mazda Mining is an elegant expression of the stored energy. In Japanese, its name evokes the image of an object that vibrates with energy and reflects the vehicle's speed, agility and fiery character. For mining, Mazda's designers looked at different aspects of cheetah hunting. The head of a cheetah is high, while the long-limbed, powerful and flexible thin keep your torso upright so you can change direction quickly at high speed. Mazda's designers set out to evoke the time when an animal contracts its muscles, ready for the sprint and the groove of their prey. Moreover, a slot can be in either direction, an idea that is the role of an agile SUV crossover darting nimbly in a townscape expanding.

The main features of the concept Mazda MINAG - a friendly city compact crossover SUV that combines an emotional design with interesting performances.

• Mazda mining is the first concept car Mazda to fully adopt new technology and Kodo SKYACTIV - Soul Movement "design and represents the next generation of Mazda products

• unique Mazda compact crossover SUV for a night fuses emotional design - leading a lively capacity to move quickly into action and head in all directions - with the driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance technologies SKYACTIV

• Kodo approved design elements, this compact crossover sport utility to express a vibrant energy and the ability to move freely flexible

Exterior Design - KODO embodied in the form of a compact crossover SUV.

Proportions.

• Vehicle squatting expresses the image of a cheetah in the state with his weight balanced on their hind legs, ready to pounce on its prey

• hold the traditional SUV, often reminds the vehicle wearing a backpack, while the figure presents both Minago muscle, the volume contains a well-toned neatly within the lines

• placement of stress-pillar behind the rear cabin area. This is in sharp contrast with an arc silhouette frontward and column placement, minivans, and emphasizes the driving position, focusing on the design of the concept Minago

• The inner position relative to the lower body is more backward than a conventional SUV. This highlights the movement in terms of its shape MINAG

Front View.

• "Blade of the signature" The chrome on the front bumper is shared with Shinari makes MINAG instantly recognizable as a Mazda and creates a strong impression

• Fishing grille slightly downward, while juxtaposing the design house lamp tilt upward, creating the intensity

• Increase the dynamic contours is an important front fenders - typical of Mazda cars - indicates Kodo idiom is a strong feeling to accumulate, and then immediately released pent-up energy. These elements are combined with the dynamic shape of the rear fenders further underscores the wheels, which are the legs of this predator

Side view.

• The sculpted lines along the sides of the bombing of the body by increasing the sense of power suggest that the strength and flexibility of a cheetah. These contours are extended and connected to the rear fender in an expression suggesting that connect the muscles of the shoulders and hips of cheetahs in the legs

• the overall impression is graceful and beautiful form, which directs the eye behind the front

• The character line running along the bottom of the side panels MINAG Kodo symbolizes the sense of being accumulated, and then quickly released

Rear View.

• The rear fenders boldly projecting outward to create a large stable position befitting an SUV

• Contrast the rear fenders and taut lines of the tail machine simulates a strong and seductive hip-toned athlete to coach
 

2011 Mazda SUV Minagi interior

Design of the headlights.

• As with Shinari "wing" chrome that sweeps from the bottom of the shell disappears in the middle of the spectacular lights

• The design of the projector and three-dimensional rear lights add a sense of depth

• Element 'signature blade' line of projectors and design come together to express the strong appearance of the eye of a wild animal

Interior design - high quality is expressed in every detail increases the anticipation of an exhilarating ride.

Target.

• Mazda designers set out to make a driver-focused cockpit and cabin environment that embodies a high level of reassuring strength and durability. The interior uses high quality materials with superior fit and finish work by hand detailed

• The above factors increase the anticipation of driving pleasure with the creation of a sophisticated and quality of the cabin

• The main color black interior is highlighted with red color in the rear seat back and bottom of the door armrests

Only for a compact crossover SUV.

• Four legs satin chrome spacers seem to support the instrument panel, each image stands in a vertical force that seem to defy gravity, which underscores the impression that the occupants are well protected MINAG

• The design of the dashboard and change emphasizes the pleasant surrounding, the sporting driver of the passenger-oriented, but expresses the ethos of Mazda sports

Handicraft.

Leather seats and door trim • have been trained using the best leather available

• skilled craftsmen have carefully made the strikers raised the folds, a touch that expresses the high quality interior

• "smoky black coating on the metal panel dark horizontal - positioned along the center of the dashboard - it shows the high quality of components inside

• Solid metal components, including door handles that are machined from solid aluminum and highly polished to give a smooth surface, improved surface quality. The door handles are designed to mimic the beauty and functionality of high-end components for racing bikes, and provide a quality level that ensures that they are a pleasure to use.

MSRP: See dealer for Princing

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2011 Mazda 2 Hatchback

Mazda2 is the latest in a line style, insightful and immensely fun to drive smaller cars from Mazda, and it will bring a whole new level of sophistication to this segment, like the Mazda3 compact C-car market. Mazda2 is a car that Mazda's engineers were able to create. It was designed and built from the ground up to be a pure Mazda offering the kind of driving experience, which could only come from the company that developed the MX-5 timeless two-seat roadster, and he brings a combination of a sporty design and dynamic performance of the class of subcompacts, which just does not exist at present.
 

2011 Mazda 2 Hatchback

Originally launched in 2007, became the new Mazda2 is the first time in Europe, Japan and Australia. Its launch has created a unique offering in the B-segment car (subcompact), notably through its distinguished design and excellent traction. Since then he has been acclaimed around the world, won 48 awards automobiles, including "Car of the Year" awards in many markets, including Japan, New Zealand, Chile, Bulgaria and Greece . In particular, the Mazda2 was voted "2008 World Car of the Year" (WCOTY) at the Salon of 2008 New York International Auto, and has established an enviable position in the B-segment car. To date, the number of business world total reached about 370,000 units in the three years since it was introduced, and the Mazda2 is now recognized as one of the global models, which symbolizes the essence of Mazda.

In developing the new Mazda2, Mazda took a holistic view of global trends and subcompact cars carefully worked to identify the values ​​that could be very beneficial in a world built B-Car. As a result, the new Mazda2 adds brand values, such as the ability to drive exciting Mazda design only appeal to the segment without sacrificing the basic requirements for subcompact vehicles: superior fuel economy, performance and passenger collision wide. Indeed, while other manufacturers have increased the size of small cars, Mazda's first mission was to analyze and define the optimal size of a compact car. This resulted in a very efficient size for the new Mazda2, without sacrificing the attractive features that consumers want.

A design that attracts customers worldwide.

Dynamic Performance.

With the Mazda2, Mazda has developed sportsmanship, which is characterized by the Mazda design DNA to a bold expression of movement and versatility. The basic format of the new Mazda2 is characterized by a combination of dynamic performance, sportsmanship, and simplicity that leaves a strong visual impression. While competitors focus on compact cars to produce square shape of the body to identify priorities, Mazda has reduced the shock body, and cut corners as much as possible as a way to provide a compact and sporty, to convey a sense of stability and confidence-inspiring. Carefully lays the groundwork for the form and then give the nature of the energy lines of a suitable B-car, Mazda has created a design that is very unique, and timeless.

Concentrated.

Mazda continues in a concentrated form and rigorous body as a virtue in itself, not only to reduce the size of the body of the car. This creative background has been beneficial in efforts to obtain the maximum dynamic performance of the new Mazda2 is compact. In other words, has the essence of Mazda Mazda2 spirit of compactness, dynamic sports performance -. "Zoom-Zoom concentrated"
 

2011 Mazda 2 Hatchback

Theme of the exterior design, "coordinated movement."

In search of a solid design and a richly expressive exterior, Mazda has created an exterior design theme of "coordinated movement." In line with this, the design team combines the visual movements created by the silhouette lines of the car body, and how the patterns of light incident on the body to create dynamic expressions, multifaceted generally not in the B-car. These expressions give off a powerful energy that makes the new Mazda2 seem to move while standing still. The main exterior design elements include: a sporty wedge shape, which expresses a strong sense of forward movement, a very sculpted in which the body is thrown forward and back within the pillars, and lines distinctiveness which extends from the front fender arches on the shoulders of the body.

Dynamic Performance Competitors can not find the segment.

Mazda focused on delivering the driver-oriented steering and driving dynamics that inspires confidence for the Zoom-Zoom driving experience that is unique in this segment. At the same time, developments in Mazda to maintain focus on their core competencies of high cost-effectiveness of daily driving situations, always a long weekend. In particular, the Mazda has worked to make the new Mazda2 cheaper in terms of fuel costs, fuel economy and improves stamina.

A drive train for athletic performance with great fuel economy>

Driving experience Zoom-Zoom Mazda endeavors has two important properties: 1) a sense of linear acceleration and deceleration, which reacts strongly on how far the accelerator is pressed, allowing the operator to control the speed of the vehicle as desired, and 2) a sense of liveliness in direct response to the accelerator pedal for quick off-the-line acceleration and passing. The development team spent a sense of performance reflects an improvement in both of these key properties, with no negative impact on the economy as a top fuel Mazda2 subcompact car.

Handling and stable handling.

The new Mazda2 inherits a highly respected suspension system, which has MacPherson struts in front and a torsion axle at the rear. With better management and braking systems, the dynamic behavior that is responsible management and consistent performance of a smooth and stable, which attracts many of the legendary MX-5.

The style and superior aerodynamics.

In order to create comfortable driving day-to-date, Mazda has taken several steps to obtain, through a quiet cabin environment. Mazda has also improved the values ​​of coefficient of drag for better aerodynamics, which not only contributes to the tranquility of the Mazda2, but for a sportier driving and fuel consumption.

The harmony between sporty driving and environmental and security services.

To provide the best balance between fuel economy, excellent handling and high level of security, the new Mazda2 reflects the attention to minimize weight through his body, small optimization of the structure, the extensive use of 'high strength steel in its body and many other weight-saving measures implemented in the car. Under this approach, Mazda makes the best use of weight gain know-how, which is equivalent to "gram" strategy employed in the development of the MX-5 sports car. Consequently, the Mazda2 was awarded the world's leading crash safety rating (five stars Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the highest score possible) without compromising driving performance and fuel economy.

B-safety car performance and handling.

Depending on how the B-cars are mainly used in the commute, a driver-oriented development philosophy, the Mazda2 has reached a level of leadership and agility that allows for easy maneuverability, even in a small covered parking and other tight spaces.

North American Specification Mazda2 / basic shapes.

• Body Type: 5 door

• Overall length: 155.51 cm

• Width: 66.73 cm

• Overall height: 58.07 cm (w / o roof rails)

• Wheelbase: 98.07 inches

• Capacity: 1.5 L

• Transmission: 4AT/5MT

• Suspension (front / rear): MacPherson strut / torsion bar

• Tires: 185/55R15

Detail. Price: See Dealer for Princing

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2012 Mazda Mazda5

2012 Mazda Mazda5

There's a reason you see the truck as the vehicle of choice for parents. You see, it is the perfect vehicle for schlepping around children and all that comes with them. No other vehicle can match the large minivan interior space, three rows of seats, sliding rear doors and a minimum height. However, as many as a mini-van may be exaggerated for families with only one or two small. Here comes the Mazda May 2012

Completely redesigned for 2012, the latest Mazda 5 is an evolution of its predecessor. Stand a little more powerful, more comfortable seats and swoopier style. Basically, however, 5 is a minivan for people with modest transportation needs of the family. With two seats in each of its three lines with a capacity of only six seats compared with the seven or eight passengers of a minibus large (which is an oxymoron). But if the times to carry several passengers rare, the design of the Mazda 5 is large (the size is the key word here) practical advantage over compact crossover SUV.

There is another advantage of the Mazda 5 has almost finished its family of mobile competitors - it's fun to drive. Like the Mazda 3, goes behind the corners of the control and posture. Some car manufacturers are able to boast that their state or off-road trucks, "treated like a machine", but the Mazda 5 is actually doing. In fact, it drives like a car really good. Because of its smaller size, it is also much easier to move tight spaces, and you do not have to think twice before squeezing into compact parking spaces.

However, the Mazda 5 2012 is definitely not for everyone. Some people really need spacious, and there is something to be said for the V6 power in hilly terrain or with a full load of people on board. Mazda 5 is not available with some features common to regular mini-bus, such as power sliding doors, umbrellas or factory-installed navigation systems and entertainment. However, the all-new 2012 Ford C-Max - also a mini MPV built on a platform shared with the Mazda 5 a variety of electronic functions. However, the Mazda 5 has everything you need and enough passenger and cargo space for most young families. Primarily the design of a hybrid between a van and a wagon, the Mazda 5 is a good alternative and deserves a look at these lean economic times.

Body styles, trim levels and options

May 2012 The Mazda is a line of three, six-passenger compact SUV available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The base Sport comes standard with alloy wheels, 16 inches, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic air conditioning (with rear outlets and fan controls), height adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel and telescope and a sound system with six speakers and CD player and auxiliary input jack.

5 Touring adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer and Bluetooth. For the Touring Package, Custom Audio & moonroof adds sunroof, satellite radio and six CDs. This package is standard on Gran Turismo 5, which also receives an automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, driver's lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

There are a number of dealer-installed extras which will be available later this model year, including the ignition remotely interface iPod, a portable Garmin navigation system and DVD entertainment system.

Propulsion and Performance

Every Mazda 5 2012 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the sport, while a five-speed automatic transmission is optional on Sport and standard on everything else. In performance testing, Grand Touring five went from zero to 60 km / h in 9.5 seconds - slower than the typical minivan, and many compact SUVs. With either transmission, fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg city/28 highway.

Security

Every Mazda 5 features standard stability and traction control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In brake tests, 5 came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet - a few meters above the average.

Interior Design and Special Features

While 5 is obviously less than the traditional minivan, yet it packs a lot of versatility within. Captain comfortable second row sliding and reclining chairs, and the passenger side seat has a center table and clever pop-up storage space that can be mounted between the seats (and later stored, creating a channel on the same level foot in the third row). The third row is big enough for children and is easier to get that all the third-row crossover, we can think of. At the same time the sliding rear doors for easy access, especially in parking lots.

Up front, the layout of the dashboard 5 again remained essentially the same general appearance and is thinner now. All controls are easy to reach and use, and using the 5 senses much like a regular car behind the wheel. The front seats offer comfort respectable, more people may wish to travel back over the seat.

Driving Impressions

To add some value, but do not want to give up the car's agility and maneuverability in urban areas, the Mazda 5 2012 is an excellent choice. Acceleration is slightly Pokey (especially in difficult terrain), but the handling is excellent 5. On winding roads, the five rewards the driver with precise steering and controlling the movements of the body. Passengers traveling with an amateur driver can also enjoy a revised suspension that can prevent them from slipping and swaying in their seats. The Test Track , 5 almost equaled the number of handling the small Mazda 2. In short, the 5 is fun to drive, something we can not say that any regular minivan.

Price $ 19,195

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Mazda Shinari Concept

The Mazda Shinari is a pure design concept model of a four-door, four-seater sports coupe which perfectly expresses the 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design theme in a graceful and carefree form.

The Japanese word Shinari describes the powerful yet supple appearance of great resilient force when objects of high tensile strength, such as steel or bamboo, are twisted or bent. It also refers to the appearance of a person or animal as it flexibly transforms its body to generate a fast movement. Within this movement, Mazda designers discovered the potential to realize 'KODO - Soul of Motion'.

One glance at Mazda Shinari Concept stirs the emotions. Its form expresses the powerful movement of a lean body with highly developed muscles, supple but at the same time filled with tension. Mazda's desire is to reach car lovers' hearts and go beyond the notion of rational logic. This form purely embodies that desire.

credit of Concept Carz

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Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style

When Mazda invited us to Milan to see its new concept car, we knew it must be something important. Normally concept cars get their 15 minutes of fame at an auto show, and then it's off to the next press conference to see what the following automaker will introduce. Not so with Mazda's latest styling endeavor. The Japanese automaker wanted our full and undivided attention, with the center of international design and fashion in Italy as a fitting backdrop.

The Shinari concept, which roughly translates to "resistance to being bent," will serve as a the basis for Mazda's new design language, and many of the styling cues will make it to future production vehicles. That means that the Shinari will essentially affect the design of every vehicle coming from the Japanese automaker for the next several years. An important car for Mazda? You bet.

The Shinari was officially unveiled earlier today, and we spent several hours talking with Mazda's artists about the design and how it will affect the automaker's forthcoming vehicles.

The creation of the Shinari Concept starts with Ikuo Maeda, Mazda's global head of design. Maeda was the chief designer of the RX-8 and the Mazda2 and has been with the company for nearly 30 years, but his connection with the brand goes back even further than that. His father, Matasaburo Maeda, headed the design of the first generation RX-7 back in the 1970s. Mazda runs in the Maeda family's blood and there's no one more qualified to define the look of Mazda's next generation vehicles.

While Maeda has had an influence on Mazda design in the past, 2010 is the first year in which he's had full control. The Shinari Concept represents the first styling concept under his new design theme, KODO, which replaces the controversial Nagare them from the past several years. While the Nagare-styled cars were represented by wavy, flowing lines, a trait that looked great on concepts but was tough to implement on production cars (see Mazda3), KODO is more of an organic style that still takes cues from the natural world, but in a much more solidified and powerful sense. Maeda describes KODO as form with a soul, or bringing form to life, with the three key terms defining the theme being speed, tension and alluring. "There are few products of industrial design that can be compared to living entities which convey energetic motion and which invite affection," he says. "It is this intrinsically emotional appeal of the car that I wish to express when creating Mazda cars."



While Maeda created the theme for the new stylistic direction, the development of the Shinari Concept was actually a collaboration between three of Mazda's design centers in Japan, Germany and the United States. The goal was to make the exterior a product of Japan, while the interior was left to the automaker's Irvine studio. However, each team had input on the final product.

Looking at the exterior, it's easy to tell that the Shinari shares little in common with Mazda's recent designs, although like almost every sedan built today, it has similarities to vehicles from other brands. It's almost as if the Aston Martin Rapide and a Mazda RX-8 cued up some Barry White, enjoyed a romantic evening and the Shinari came out nine months later. That's obviously a compliment, as the Rapide is a stunningly beautiful car and the RX-8 – even this far into its lifecycle – is still a looker. However, the Shinari has a much more complicated design, with more intersecting lines and a surface area that's constantly moving and changing depending on the lighting.



Those who dislike the smiling face of the current Mazda lineup will be glad to know it won't be a feature in future models (Huzzah! – Ed.). The Shinari front end features a "signature wing" that will become a new styling cue for the brand. The wing is formed by a thin aluminum band that starts from the bottom of the grille and goes out and up through the headlamps and continues with a bold fender line moving out onto the sides.

The most impressive aspect of the exterior design was the devotion to the theme in nearly every inch of the concept. The various aluminum pieces found on the exterior have a "twisted tension", and even the slots in the disc brakes follow the same theme. In addition, items like the headlights were designed to have a more natural look and fashioned to mimic the iris of an animal's eye. We're also big fans of the stylish rear view cameras in place of the standard mirrors as well as the trick door handles (although "button" might be a more appropriate description) that require only a simple press to open.



While the exterior is certainly a departure from previous designs, the interior is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Shinari. Easily the most attractive and stylish interior we've seen in a Mazda (concept or not), it's swathed in authentic aluminum trim, leather-covered surfaces and double stitching at nearly every turn and twist. We're again drawn to the Aston Martin Rapide comparison, especially with the design of the deep rear bucket seats. The gauges, modeled after popular watch designs, up the class quotient and the massive glass roof helps make the interior feel open and airy.

We know many of these elements won't make it into a production car, but Mazda's North American director of design, Derek Jenkins, who oversaw the development of the Shinari's interior, says it's Mazda's goal to add sophistication to future models. "Mazda is really an aspirational type of brand," he says. "Even though we are a mainstream brand we have a customer that wants a little bit more. We monitor premium segments, we monitor premium trends, and the question is ultimately how can get some of that feeling into a more affordable vehicle. We think our customer wants a little bit more sophistication."

One thing that can definitely be seen in future Mazda interiors is a driver-focused cockpit. A close look at the Shinari's interior reveals an asymmetric design that snugly surrounds the driver's seat while leaving the passenger seat more open and relaxed. Jenkins says this will be theme of upcoming Mazda vehicles and help set the brand apart.

Finally, the Shinari also features quite a bit of technology that looks forward to the new applications of driver-automobile interactions. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is split up into three modes: Business, Pleasure and Sport. Potential uses range from looking up bios of a business contact before a meeting to a rally-style co-pilot feature that could alert the driver of the characteristics of upcoming turns. It's nothing too far-fetched given the current levels of technology, and we wouldn't be surprised to see some of it implemented in the near future.



But more than the tech and the attention to detail, it's the Shinari's overall cohesion that impresses the most. Unlike other pie-in-the-sky concepts, the Sinari is a smart, well executed styling exercise that should be a solid design platform for future models. The muscular lines should translate well into a production car, and customers will always appreciate a more sophisticated interior. And what about the potential of a four-door sports coupe like the Shinari making it to production? Mazda wouldn't tell us whether one is in the works, but they did mention that the "business side of it" was considered when the Shinari was under development. That definitely means there's a chance, and we sure like the sound of a Mazda RX-9.

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Rumor: Mazda Working On Next Generation, Forced-Induction RX-7

If you’re an automotive journalist who’s also a gear head, it’s easy to despair over all the news coming from manufacturer’s these days. Like them or not, we’re about to be force fed a steady diet of hybrid automobiles in every shape, size and configuration. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-hybrid; they have their place in commuter cars. I AM anti-hybrid when it comes to building an enthusiast oriented sport sedan. I don’t want the added weight, complexity or cost of a hybrid drivetrain, especially when the increase in fuel mileage is only 10 to 20 percent.

So with that in mind, I really hope the latest rumor about Mazda, as reported on Autoevolution, is true. Sources at Mazda report work on a turbocharged variant of their Renesis rotary motor, for use in a new sports coupe dubbed the RX 9. The best news is that we’ll see the car as soon as 2013, and it appears that Mazda is taking it in the pure-sports-car direction of the last generation RX-7 Turbo.

There are some significant hurdles to overcome, including lowering emissions from the Renesis motor (now out of production in the EU because of stricter environmental regulations) and boosting the Renesis’ dismal fuel economy. Mazda has tricks up their sleeve to address these failings, but they’re not providing many details. An inside source reveals that Mazda is working on electric turbocharging as a way to reduce emissions, which will need to meet even stricter standards in the EU by 2014.

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First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality

Mazda says there's a little bit of Miata in everything it does. While it's easy to chalk that up as marketing frippery, when the automaker launched the Little Roadster That Could back in 1989, it proved that great things can come from a machine developed to be simple, reliable and driver-focused. Even now, none of Mazda's wares offer class-leading fuel economy or practicality, but they've proven to be some of the best drivers in their segments. And as enthusiasts, it's easy to exchange a bit of functionality for a larger helping of fun.

Now, Mazda hopes to achieve this same sort of positioning within the B-car segment – a class that's grown substantially in America and is projected to double in size within the next few years. The 2011 Mazda2 comes to town right on the heels of its sister car, the Ford Fiesta, but as we found out after a lengthy drive through the city of Montréal and the countryside of Canada's Québec province, it's a wholly different machine. And while the Fiesta is sure to provide some serious competition for the 2, there are plenty of other well-to-do B cars in the U.S. that are ready to be sized up against the minuscule Mazda.

If you only look at the stats, you wouldn't think Mazda has positioned the 2 to be anything overly special. Not only is it the least powerful car in its segment, but it doesn't offer some of the clever technology or unique packaging to make it stand out from its kin. But Mazda is immensely proud of the new 2, and though we looked on with skeptical faces, the people in charge simply told us that the little hatch's story is best told on the road. So let's get to it.

Like the Ford Fiesta, the Mazda2 isn't a new car – it's just new to us (or U.S., as it were). The 2011 model is the mid-cycle refresh of a car that's been immensely popular overseas, so much so that it won the World Car of the Year award in 2008. In reshaping the 2's design, Mazda wanted to break away from what it calls the "mini-minivans" of the world – cars like the Honda Fit that have tall greenhouses and expansive windshields. Instead, the automaker opted for a more coupe-like design (its description, not ours) with muscular front fender arches and a pronounced shoulder at the rear. Mazda's corporate face is nicely integrated on the 2, and we're glad it's not as overdone as the maw on the larger 3. The 2's face is extremely similar to that on the current MX-5 (ahem), but it still reminds us of shoving orange wedges into our mouth during our elementary school lunchtime.

Simple design cues like the swooping beltline, raked rear hatch and short overhangs drive home the point that its main purpose is to provide driver enjoyment before anything else. The 2 shares the Fiesta's 98.0-inch wheelbase, but the overall length is only 155.5 inches – 4.6 inches shorter than the five-door from Ford, and while this reduction in length hurts the 2's overall cargo capacity, it makes for a crisp, chic design.



While we're on the topic, we asked Dave Coleman, Mazda's product development engineer, exactly how much of the 2 is shared with the Fiesta. Obviously, the platform is the same, and while there are many interchangeable parts found on both cars, Coleman tells us that only three parts are exactly identical, although he wouldn't share exactly what they are. Truth be told, we were expecting the 2 to be more closely tied to its Ford brethren, and if we're honest, it only improves Mazda's business case for the car. This simply isn't another rebadge job.

Mazda's offering its diminutive hatch in two flavors – Sport and Touring – and in total, there are only four different configurations: one engine, two trims, two transmissions, no individual options (though there will be a raft of dealer-installed accessories for those who want to stand out). Starting at a base price of $13,980 (including $750 for destination and delivery), Sport models ride on 15-inch steel wheels wrapped in 185/55 Yokohama Avid tires, while the Touring model swaps the steelies for a handsome set of eight-spoke alloys, still measuring 15 inches in diameter. The Touring rings in at $15,435, and a fully decked-out 2 will set you back a cool $16,985 when all is said and done. That isn't too bad, and positions the 2 nicely below the larger Mazda3 sedan and hatch, a car which has an average transaction price of $19,364, according to Mazda's number crunchers.



Inside, the 2's cabin is a toast to simplicity and intuitiveness. Granted, the design is a bit bland, and we can easily see how a smattering of aluminum accents here and there would spruce things up. Still, the interior is a big step away from what you'll find in the Fiesta, and though the Ford's cockpit is more comfortable and comes packing more tech-rich amenities, that extra kit comes at a price. Notice the (cough, cough) MX-5-spec steering wheel, the console-mounted shifter (with a very Miata-like stubby shift knob on manual models), and easy-to-read gauge cluster – things you'd expect in a car that isn't trying to impress you with bells and whistles.

Mazda's focus on keeping cost down does leave us with some quaffs about overall refinement, however. Some of the dash plastics feel cheap and clunky, and those front seats are severely lacking not only support, but overall comfort. The driver's seat is adjustable in six different ways, which allows for a relatively good seating position, but Mazda's omission of a telescopic steering wheel deserves a demerit, especially for short-legged drivers.



Where the 2's squat dimensions really take their toll, however, is cargo capacity. Even with the rear seats folded flat (well, almost flat), there's only 27.8 cubic feet of space. A Honda Fit can schlep 29.5 more cubic feet of haulables (here's to you, Magic Seats), and even the Nissan Versa and Suzuki SX4 are capable of carrying more goods. Could you fit a bike or a full load of groceries in the back of the 2? Of course. But if capaciousness is your thing, best to look elsewhere.

Keep in mind, however, functionality isn't the Mazda2's forte. Where the deal really gets sweet is from behind the wheel. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter inline-four, and while output is only rated at 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque, don't let the meager numbers lead you to believe the four-pot isn't a total workhorse. When we drove the Fiesta earlier this year, we noted that the hatch could definitely benefit from an additional 10 or 15 horsepower, especially in the low end of each gear. But the Mazda, which is down by 20 ponies compared to the Ford, feels quicker and is more willing to – please forgive us – Zoom-Zoom when mated to either transmission. Chalk one up for Mazda's engineering team.

Speaking of transmissions, you may be a bit curious about Mazda's choice to offer a four-speed automatic rather than the five- or six-cogged auto-boxes becoming standard practice across the automotive landscape. Mazda knows that not offering a six-speed automatic will hurt the 2 in terms of fuel economy (not to mention marketing), but the engineers are confident that using a four-speed with taller ratios and fewer instances of gear hunting will keep the car feeling spirited and more enthusiastic on the road.



We drove both transmissions, and while we definitely prefer the manual with its nicely executed shifter and easy to modulate if somewhat vague clutch, the four-speed slushbox isn't as ancient-feeling or out of place as you might think. After all, when you're only dealing with 100 horsepower, its best to keep the engine revving in the heart of the powerband, and having fewer gears allows this to happen with ease. As we mentioned, fuel economy takes the biggest loss here, as auto-equipped 2s only muster up 27 miles per gallon in the city and a modest – more the class – 33 mpg on the highway. The five-speed manual models don't improve those figures by much, offering 29/35 mpg. In a time when 40 mpg is becoming the new standard for small cars, this is sure to hurt the 2's appeal to consumers shopping across the segment. But as Mazda told us, the real attractiveness shows itself during the test drive.

Like the majority of B-segment cars, the Mazda2's suspension employs MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam axle out back. Our drive route through the Québec countryside offered up a smattering of both smooth and broken pavement stretches, and the 2 never felt crashy, nor delivered high levels of harshness over the rough stuff. You'll bounce around more in a Honda Fit Sport, and even the Fiesta's suspension feels somewhat stiffer in terms of damping. While engineering the new 2, Mazda was committed to saving as much weight as possible, and managed to cut out a total of 220 pounds versus the previous model sold overseas. Sport models with the manual 'box only tip the scales at 2,309 pounds, which is seriously waif-like in this day and age. This weight reduction not only makes the 100-hp mill feel more powerful when blasting down highways and back roads, but it gives the car a feeling of nimbleness and agility through the bends. A fair amount of body roll is present, but it's better than what you'll get in a Yaris or Versa. A lot better, in fact. Most small cars in this segment are designed to be on their best behavior at lower, city-cruising speeds, but the 2 begs to be driven enthusiastically.



What impressed the most was how the electric power steering matched the feeling of lightness, and Mazda dialed in a lot of driver feedback – a good thing, since a lot of electric racks can feel overboosted, especially at initial turn-in. This isn't Mazda's first crack at EPAS, though – the RX-8 uses a similar system, and we have very little in the way of complaints when it comes time to steer that rotary rocket.

In terms of everyday drivability, the 2 is a charming little whip. The powertrain isn't nearly as buzzy as some of the four-bangers under the hoods of its competition, and even though Mazda's main focus was reducing overall weight, this doesn't mean sound deadening was put on the backburner. The cabin is seriously quiet at speed with minimal wind, engine or tire noise flooding the cabin. It's easily up to the task of long-distance trips, but we might still err on the side of the Fiesta for long hauls, if only for its more supportive seats.



Naturally, we couldn't help but ask about the possibility of a Mazdaspeed2 making its way into production, and while Mazda has teased the idea in concept form, don't hold your breath for the real thing. Sure, the engineers would love to build one, but they're worried that the consumer base just wouldn't be large enough to support it and Mazda thinks there's a possibility that 'Speed3 sales could take a hit. Doubtful, but disappointing nonetheless.

Mazda is hoping to move 20,000 2s annually in the United States, marketing it with the tagline "Zoom-Zoom. Concentrated." The biggest trick will be driving home the fact that the 2 is a driver's car first, and a good all-rounder second. If any brand is going to do it, Mazda has the best chance. After all, unlike the Fiesta, the 2 doesn't need to prove to the world that its parent is capable of making great small cars (take a bow, Mazda3). No, you can't get navigation, ambient lighting, satellite radio or many of the features becoming more important to shoppers, but if you really, truly need these extras, there's a whole world of aftermarket equipment out there. We'd love to own a Fit when it comes time for an Ikea run, but for everyday driving, Mazda's offering is just a bit sweeter. Functionality is nice, but enthusiasts want something better poised to handle the main task at hand – driving.

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Mazda RX-8 denied re-entry into Europe

According to the crew at Auto Motor und Sport, the Mazda RX-8 won't be coming back to Europe for the 2011 model year. Why? The rev-rific rotary can't pass the Euro-5 emission standards and a replacement won't arrive until 2013.

Mazda Germany exec, Joseph Alois Schmid, told AMuS that retrofitting the current engine would be too cost prohibitive and the Wankel can't adapt quickly enough to Europe's stringent emission standards.

Although a replacement is in the works – and a hydrogen version could arrive within the next few years – the next rotary mill will have to be significantly reworked to adhere to the new standards. But even a revised rotary could have problems in 2014, when the new Euro 6 emission rules take effect.



[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

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Geneva 2010: 2011 Mazda5

Mazda's Nagare design theme has infiltrated nearly every model in its lineup, with only a few lone hold-outs. Here in Geneva, one of the last unmolested models has finally gone under the knife and the result is the 2011 Mazda 5.

In addition to the new smiling fascia, five-point grille, deeper chin spoiler and flared front fenders, the new 5 gets a trio of dramatic, wave-live character lines sweeping from the front door and terminating into the deeply drawn rear tailamps. The combination ditches the somewhat anonymous profile of the previous model, it's just a shame the rear looks disproportionately top heavy.

The interior gets a quick once over, with thicker, wider seats, power sliding doors and a reworked center stack, with the standard seven seats carrying over and the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the new Mazda3 finding its way underhood when it hits the States later this year.

All-New Mazda5

The Eye-catching, Eco-Friendly C-MAV with 7-Seat Functionality – World Premiere

The next generation of Mazda's compact people-carrier, Mazda5, takes centre stage at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It replaces a successful model that has been popular with families looking for 7-seat functionality in a sporty and safe package. Since launch in 2005, Mazda5 has found 470,153 owners worldwide, 168,107 of them in Europe (as of December 2009). It has also won 37 automotive awards and has consistently been voted one of Europe's most reliable and safe small vans.

The all-new Mazda5 carries forth this tradition with family-friendly attributes and a new design that includes "Nagare Flow" elements. This design is optimally balanced with superb aerodynamics. There are also practical dual sliding rear doors and easy step-in access, more comfortable seats and instruments that are easier to use. For added convenience, power-sliding rear doors are available (according to version and country).

Compared to the original model, the all-new Mazda5 is easier on the pocketbook too. Its engine line-up has been renewed and now includes an eco-friendly 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with the Mazda i-stop system, evolved especially for this vehicle. This version delivers an approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol it replaces. It also features a 1.8-litre petrol engine, now with six-speed manual gearbox, and an economical diesel engine. Combined with one of the segment's lowest coefficients of drag (Cd: 0.30), the all-new Mazda5 uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions than ever before. Yet, despite this frugal nature, it is fun and predictable to drive with a stiffer body and suspension updates contributing to a linear driving feel. These features – and a host of new options – make the all-new Mazda5 even more appealing and even better at meeting the needs of families with active lifestyles.

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Tokyo 2009: Mazda RX-500

One of the coolest concept cars here at the Tokyo Motor Show isn't even new. In fact, it's almost forty years old. Originally displayed at the Tokyo show in 1970, this Mazda RX-500 Concept features styling similar to the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO Breadvan, gullwing doors that swing forward, and a 491cc rotary engine just behind the seats. Weighing in at just 1873 pounds, the 247-horsepower concept was said to have reached nearly 150 mph on Mazda's test track.

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