Behind the Wheel | 2007 Mazdaspeed 3: Hatchback Slathered in Hot Sauce March 10, 2007
The Mazdaspeed 3, a higher-performance version of Mazda?s compact hatchback, is a standout in the ranks of pocket rockets. WHEN they introduced the Mazda 3 sedan and four-door hatchback-cum-wagon in 2003, the Mazda people had a spiel that went something like this: “The kids these days! They want everything! They’re paying 16 grand but they want a mini-Mercedes, so that’s what we have to give them. Even though, back in our day, entry-level cars had cardboard steering wheels, and if you wanted a sunroof you had to wait for a rust hole to form above your head — which usually …
Design: Mazda and Volvo Try on New Genes March 9, 2007
Recent concept cars from two of Ford?s foreign subsidiaries are pushing the envelope, envisioning more expressive and more extroverted cars. STEVE MATTIN has a problem with old Volvos: there are so many. “There are millions of boxy ones out there,” Volvo’s new vice president and director for design grumbled in a recent interview. “We want to move beyond the box.” One might assume that Volvo would view an abundance of old cars on the road as a rolling testament to the virtues for which it is known: durability and a functional design that transcends fashion. But Mr. Mattin …
‘NEMESIS’ – THE THIRD SPECIAL EDITION MAZDA RX-8 September 26, 2006
Mazda is introducing a third special edition model of its Mazda RX-8 rotary powered four‑door sports coupé. Called the ‘Mazda RX-8 Nemesis’ the latest model builds on the success of the earlier Mazda RX-8 Evolve and Mazda RX-8 PZ. The ‘Nemesis’ features unique paint colours and interior trim, plus an exclusive accessory package, all at the extremely attractive price of £22,995 (on-the-road), £330 less than the model on which it is based – when similarly specified.
Taking the standard 192ps version of Mazda RX-8 with leather and a five-speed transmission as its foundation, the Nemesis has several unique exterior and interior …
2006 MX-5: More Miata, Minus the Name August 13, 2006
The 2006 MX-5 is an exceptional sports roadster, one certainly worthy of carrying on its predecessor?s reputation. Unless, that is, you have spent much time behind the wheel of the original. FIRST, a disclaimer: I am a former Mazda Miata owner and a confirmed lover of the breed of sports cars it represents. So the opinions expressed henceforth must be weighed against the reality that the 2006 MX-5 is an exceptional sports roadster, one certainly worthy of carrying on its predecessor?s reputation. Unless, that is, you have spent much time behind the wheel of the original.The best way I …
Mazda invests in Ford’s Chinese joint venture April 4, 2006
The Chinese government has approved Mazda’s investment in Ford’s Chinese joint venture Changan Ford Automobile. Read more
Mazda launches new SUV in US
Mazda is preparing to move even deeper into the traditional stronghold of the US’ ‘big four’ car manufacturers with the launch of its CX-9 SUV. Read more
Lexus.com: It’s speedy and friendly February 20, 2006
Lexus has the most user-friendly Web site for new-vehicle shopping among auto manufacturers, according to the latest survey of automaker Web sites by J.D. Power and Associates.
Pontiac and Suzuki tied for second.
Lexus.com “scores at the top by upsetting the fewest shoppers,” said Dennis Galbraith, senior director of digital marketing for J.D. Power, of Westlake Village, Calif.
Power released its results this month. They were based on evaluations by 11,800 shoppers who indicated they would be in the market for a new vehicle within 24 months. Many manufacturers subscribe to a detailed version of the study and say that it helps them …
2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 February 15, 2006
In-house tuner fever continues its sweep through the automotive world this spring, with new models popping up everywhere from AMG to SRT, from Ralliart to Mazdaspeed. The latest speedster from Mazda is the Mazdaspeed 3, the fourth vehicle to come from the in-house team (following the Protege, the MX-5 Miata, and the recently-released Mazdaspeed 6.) Mazda says the vehicle, which is powered by the same 2.3-liter turbo from the 6, will provide “a double dose of Zoom-Zoom driving fun.” That should be plenty of zooms, but unfortunately they will all be forced out through the front wheels, since all-wheel drive …