Autoblog

Click either image for a gallery of high-res pics.

Mazda's presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the great aftermarket emporium in the East, will be marked with three Mazdaspeed concepts that should give us an insight into what's in store for the automaker's in-house performance arm.

The Atenza/Mazda6 concept we saw last week will be joined by hotted-up Axela (Mazda3) and Demio (Mazda2) models that receive a fair share of body enhancements and interior upgrades. Unfortunately, Mazda has yet to release an English language press release on its Japanese site and Google doesn't seem to be keen on providing a translation. However, we know that Japanese tuning houses, Ken Style and DAMD, had their hands in the development, so we'll see what's released when the show gets underway January 11 through 13.

[Sources: Mazda, Carview]

Click image for Mazda2/Demio photo gallery

This always seems to happen in Japan -- a new model is formally announced (often right on the on-sale date), and after the ride's first month in dealerships, the automaker will put out a release touting how it has surpassed the company's sales expectations. It's no different with the all-new Mazda Demio (a.k.a. Mazda2 in other markets), which had a lot going for it to begin with. It's attractive and economical, and it's also racking up orders -- 15,000 between July 5 and August 5, to be exact. That's a sight better than the 5,000 units Mazda says it forecasted for the diminutive hatchback. The automaker also reports that the Demio web site has been pulling in big traffic, which would seem to indicate that interest in the car is indeed very high. All we know is that our interest in it is very high, as is our feeling of disappointment, since we won't be getting the Mazda2 here.

[Source: Carview]

In order to qualify its new Mazda2/Demio for Japan's Green Tax exemptions, Mazda has developed a trick new 1.3L Miller-cycle powerplant that's naturally-aspirated, of all things. Normally a supercharger is required in a Miller-cycle engine, which makes Mazda's new mill particularly intriguing. It will be combined with Mazda's first CVT, and thanks to a 222 lb. diet, the new Demio is expected to return 54 mpg. In the press release after the jump, Mazda makes a big deal about how efficient its new Miller engine is, but fails to mention how much power it makes. That's not surprising, since it's generally accepted that, compared to our traditional Otto-cycle engines, a Miller trades off power for increased efficiency (that's what the supercharger's usually for). With this new engine, however, Mazda further cements its reputation as an automaker with a penchant for alternative forms of internal combustion.

[Source: Mazda]

Click image for Mazda2 gallery

The executive-laden ceremonial kickoff of Mazda2 production has taken place at the automaker's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The Mazda2 was one of our favorites at the Geneva Motor Show, where it made its worldwide debut at the beginning of March. The small car is destined for Japan, Europe, Australia, China, and other markets, none of which uses the initials "U.S." Its architecture will also spawn the next Ford Fiesta, which we actually should see in late '09. Thank God for timeliness.

Mazda will back up Ujina 1 by starting production of the car at the Ujina No. 2 facility in June, as well, and the Mazda2 will arrive in Japanese dealers later this summer badged as the Demio. Exports to Europe and the others will follow, and the Chinese-market edition will be built in Nanjing. That the spiffy little ride isn't expected here at all sucks, frankly. But what do we know. Who wants/needs another stylish, economical, and practical little hatchback today, anyway?

[Source: Mazda]