Autoblog

Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon, Design/Style

While the Tokyo Motor Show is a stage for the world's manufacturers to strut their production models, the Tokyo Auto Salon allows designers and engineers to stretch their legs with custom hardware. This year, Mazda is bringing 10 special models to the Tokyo Auto Salon, including a custom version of the recently-released CX-5.

The custom CX-5 wears special paint, a lowered ride height and unique wheels for a significantly sportier appearance. Likewise, the company's Demio also receives a little attention, and visitors to the show can expect to see the Demio 13 Skyactiv Smart Stylish bow alongside the CX-5. The pint-sized hatch makes use of a few aero treatments including a front underspoiler, side skirts and rear underskirt.

The new Axela Skyactiv will also be on display, complete with a body kit of its own, along with a sharp-looking set of wheels. Visitors can take a closer look at a pair of custom Roadster models as well, including the Black Tuned version and a racing-spec version called the Jimba-Ittai, or Rider and Horse as one. We like the sound of that. Hit the jump to read the full press release.

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Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda planning EV for U.S. market by 2018

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hatchback, Mazda, Electric

We don't have a clue what 2018 has in store for us, but automakers' product plans extend well into the future, giving us a glimpse of what may or may not come. Automotive News reports that Mazda is planning to offer an electric vehicle in the United States by 2018, in part to satisfy California's zero-emissions vehicle requirements.

Mazda engineer Mitsuru Fujinaka reportedly told AN that the regulations make a U.S.-bound EV a near certainty, adding, "otherwise, we can't sell in California." And since California has the highest population of any state in the Union, we're thinking Mazda doesn't want to lose such a huge market. Of course, 2018 is more of a deadline than a target, so it's possible that Mazda could offer an EV in the U.S. before then.

The U.S.-bound Mazda EV may be a long way away, but that doesn't mean the automaker doesn't already have electrification plans underway in its home country. In the spring, Mazda will begin leasing an all-electric version of the Demio (the Mazda2 in the U.S.), which offers a range of 124 miles and a top speed of 87 miles per hour. The Demio will be a lease-only affair with a planned monthly take rate in the three-digit territory. The Demio EV can fast charge in 30 minutes, and a full charge takes about eight hours.

Mazda planning EV for U.S. market by 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facelifted Mazda2 with SkyActiv 1.3L revealed in Japan

Zach Bowman — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Mazda

Mazda Demio - Click above for high-res image gallery

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 requires less fuel to re-initiate the combustion cycle, the small-displacement four-cylinder promises to be one of the most efficient mills to ever wear a Mazda badge. The company says that the Demio returned the equivalent of 58.8 mpg on the JC08 evaluation cycle.

The engine uses a range of clever tech to help with efficiency, including a cooled EGR system that helps reduce knock, multi-hole fuel injectors that help cool the combustion chamber, a uniquely designed piston, dual sequential valve timing and lighter engine internals for reduced friction losses.

Mazda hasn't released any power figures for the Demio at this point, and it's unclear whether the thrifty little 1.3-liter four-cylinder will show up in U.S.-spec Mazda2 models anytime soon. We've got our fingers crossed. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Facelifted Mazda2 with SkyActiv 1.3L revealed in Japan

Facelifted Mazda2 with SkyActiv 1.3L revealed in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Mazda, Electric

2011 Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

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 vehicle will be local government groups and fleet customers. Mazda's ultimate goal of the program is to refine its knowledge of electric vehicles by collecting data on EV requirements and powertrain technology. For the full details, follow the jump for the automaker's brief press release.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2: Review

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year

Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beauty, eh? Mazda2 reportedly headed for the Great White North

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Hatchback, Mazda

Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new article in Canada's Globe and Mail, Mazda president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has confirmed that the Mazda2/Demio subcompact hatch will be sold in Canada. While there is no firm timeframe, the GaM's sources suggest that it is likely to go on sale within the next year, although it is not yet clear which bodystyles will be sold.

That doesn't mean U.S. drivers should get their hopes up, however. There are a number of models sold in Canada that that have never been brought over to the States, including Nissan's XTrail and the Acura CSX (admittedly a gussied-up Honda Civic), and Mazda enjoys a significantly larger presence on the Canadian scene than it is in the States. Back in February, Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda's North American president and CEO, told Autoblog that Mazda's share in Canada sits around 5 percent, while in the U.S. they've only recently cracked two percent. Given that news, we can see the logic in trying out the Mazda2 in the land of hockey and Gordon Lightfoot before bringing it south to us Yankees. In the meantime, we'll have to slake our green minihatch Jonses with Ford's new Fiesta. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

Beauty, eh? Mazda2 reportedly headed for the Great White North originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a high-res image of the Mazda RX-8 Circuit Trial

Traditionally, Mazda has a large presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and the 2009 show won't be any different. Mazda will have 13 vehicles on hand in January to showcase the automaker's continued commitment to its "zoom-zoom" philosophy, along with concepts carrying the theme (and we quote) "Driving-oriented environmental technologies for endless driving pleasure." Mkay.

Headlining the show will be three "Circuit Trial" models, including an RX-8, Demio and Atenza (Mazda6), along with the all-new Mazda Roadster (MX-5) kitted out in NR-A trim and packing Bilstein dampers along with other race-ready parts. Mazda hasn't released any details on what the Circuit Trial models will consist of, but its safe to assume that reworked suspensions, brakes, fascias and engine components will be part of the package.

The other featured model this year is the Mazda Biante people mover, which benefits from production accessories provide by Wagonist, Rota, DAMD, Kenstyle and others. Mazda also plans to show of its Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept and will be exhibiting the new 2010 Mazda3 in Japan for the first time. The show gets underway January 9th and runs through the 11th. Check the press release below the fold for all the details.

Continue reading Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon

Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda's three 'Speed-enhanced models

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon

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]

Gallery: Mazda Mazdaspeed Concepts - Tokyo Auto Salon

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda's three 'Speed-enhanced models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Mazda Demio exceeds expectations in 1st month of Japan sales

Alex Nunez — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Mazda

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]

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

New Mazda Demio exceeds expectations in 1st month of Japan sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda develops new NA 1.3L Miller-cycle engine for Mazda2/Demio

John Neff — Thu, 31 May 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Mazda

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]

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

Continue reading Mazda develops new NA 1.3L Miller-cycle engine for Mazda2/Demio

Mazda develops new NA 1.3L Miller-cycle engine for Mazda2/Demio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda2 production kickoff celebrated

Alex Nunez — Mon, 21 May 2007 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, 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]

Gallery: 2007 Mazda2

Continue reading Mazda2 production kickoff celebrated

Mazda2 production kickoff celebrated originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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