Mazda Perfects the Fun-to-Footprint Ratio Bigger used to mean better, but in the modern era, that old chestnut no longer applies. Mobile phones aren't the size of a brick, we can fit 2,000 songs in our pocket and this review was written on a computer that fits neatly on an airplane's tray table. Sometimes smaller is better, and here's a vehicle that proves it. While the 2011 Mazda2 might not be out to redefine the subcompact segment, it does offer something largely lacking from the rest of the pack: fun. But are Mazda's Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics enough to overlook its shortcomings ... Read More

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Podcast: Autoblog Podcast #241 1312321500

Drew Phillips photo tips, 2025 CAFE, Suzuki small pickup, Audi future products Episode #241 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready, and this week Chris, Dan and Zach are joined by Autoblog's photo maven, Drew Phillips. Our discussion starts with the new CAFE standards and then moves to Audi future products as discussed by Johan DeNysschen before finishing up ...
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Official: Mazda UK's Black edition MX-5 and Mazda2 can be had in any color... as long as it's not black? 1311717660

You'd expect a car labeled Black Edition to actually be, you know...black. Whether it's a Porsche, a Hummer or a Unimog. But then again Mercedes-AMG's top line of performance models are called the Black Series, and you can get those in any color you want. So maybe it's a page out of that playbook that Mazda has taken with its latest special ...
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Mazda prices facelifted Demio (Mazda2) at $14,240 in Japan 1309550400

On Thursday, Mazda launched the its slightly remodeled Demio (aka the Mazda2 in this neck of the wood) subcompact in Japan. The facelifted Demio is the first vehicle to get Mazda's fuel-saving 1.3-liter SkyActiv gasoline engine. The Demio, which starts at 1.15 million yen ($14,240 U.S. at the current exchange rate), returns the equivalent of 58.8 miles ...
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Mazda reveals facelifted Demio with SkyActiv 1.3-liter engine 1308257040

Mazda has revealed its updated Demio (known in the U.S. as the Mazda2) and has opened the order books for the freshened compact vehicle over in Japan. Along with a minor facelift, the five-door hatchback now sports the automaker's direct-injected, 1.3-liter SkyActiv gasoline engine. With an astronomical compression ratio of 14.0:1 and stop-start ...
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Official: Facelifted Mazda2 with SkyActiv 1.3L revealed in Japan 1307716140

Mazda has taken the knife to the company's Demio compact, known as the Mazda2 in this neck of the woods. Along with a minor facelift, the five-door now rocks the first production application of the automaker's direct-injection, 1.3-liter SkyActiv gasoline engine. With an astronomical compression ratio of 14.0:1 and an intelligent start/stop system that ...

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Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year 1295895720

Mazda is preparing a fleet of electric vehicles that will be available for lease in Japan. Based on the Demio/Mazda2, these EVs will utilize the automaker's new SKYACTIV powertrain technology. Mazda is shooting for a 200-kilometer driving range (about 124 miles) and plans to begin the leasing program in the spring of 2012. The target audience for the ...
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Review: 2011 Mazda2 1294073760

Mazda Perfects the Fun-to-Footprint Ratio Bigger used to mean better, but in the modern era, that old chestnut no longer applies. Mobile phones aren't the size of a brick, we can fit 2,000 songs in our pocket and this review was written on a computer that fits neatly on an airplane's tray table. Sometimes smaller is better, and here's a vehicle that ...
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Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series 1293217260

Racing is a rich man's sport, no question about it. Sure, there are some ways to get into a bit of wheel-to-wheel that cost less than others, such as the 24 Hours of LeMons, but even that is more expensive than you might think. But regardless of the cost, some people still need to scratch that racing itch. One way to keep costs down is to get into spec ...
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VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend 1291852440

Fuel efficiency is rapidly becoming one of the most influential determining factors when new car shoppers go looking for their next vehicle. And, as our friends at Consumer Reports correctly point out, earning top fuel efficiency marks generally means shopping in one of three categories: diesels, hybrids or subcompacts. As such, the consumer-oriented ...
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VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend 1291758840

Fuel efficiency is rapidly becoming one of the most influential determining factors when new car shoppers go looking for their next vehicle. And, as our friends at Consumer Reports correctly point out, earning top fuel efficiency marks generally means shopping in one of three categories: diesels, hybrids or subcompacts. As such, the consumer-oriented ...