Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Beauty, eh? Mazda2 reportedly headed for the Great White North]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/beauty-eh-mazda2-reportedly-headed-for-the-great-white-north/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/beauty-eh-mazda2-reportedly-headed-for-the-great-white-north/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/beauty-eh-mazda2-reportedly-headed-for-the-great-white-north/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Canadian carCanadianCarDemiohatchbackjames osullivanJamesOsullivanJim osullivanJimOsullivanMazda 2Mazda2Mazda3Takashi YamanouchiTakashiYamanouchiFri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/mazda-bringing-circuit-trial-rx-8-demio-and-atenza-to-tokyo-aut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/mazda-bringing-circuit-trial-rx-8-demio-and-atenza-to-tokyo-aut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/mazda-bringing-circuit-trial-rx-8-demio-and-atenza-to-tokyo-aut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atenzacircuit trialCircuitTrialdemiomazdarx-8tokyo auto salonTokyoAutoSalonMon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda's three 'Speed-enhanced models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/2008-tokyo-auto-salon-mazdas-three-speed-enhanced-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/2008-tokyo-auto-salon-mazdas-three-speed-enhanced-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/17/2008-tokyo-auto-salon-mazdas-three-speed-enhanced-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atenzaaxelademiomazdamazdaspeedmazdaspeed atenzamazdaspeed axelamazdaspeed demiomazdaspeed2mazdaspeed3mazdaspeed6MazdaspeedAtenzaMazdaspeedAxelaMazdaspeedDemiotokyo auto salonTokyoAutoSalonMon, 17 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mazda Demio exceeds expectations in 1st month of Japan sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/new-mazda-demio-exceeds-expectations-in-1st-month-of-japan-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/new-mazda-demio-exceeds-expectations-in-1st-month-of-japan-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/new-mazda-demio-exceeds-expectations-in-1st-month-of-japan-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demiomazda2new demioNewDemioTue, 07 Aug 2007 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda develops new NA 1.3L Miller-cycle engine for Mazda2/Demio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/31/mazda-develops-new-na-1-3l-miller-cycle-engine-for-mazda2-demio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/31/mazda-develops-new-na-1-3l-miller-cycle-engine-for-mazda2-demio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/31/mazda-develops-new-na-1-3l-miller-cycle-engine-for-mazda2-demio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demiomazda2miller cyclemiller-cycleMillerCycleThu, 31 May 2007 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda2 production kickoff celebrated]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/21/mazda2-production-kickoff-celebrated/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/21/mazda2-production-kickoff-celebrated/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/21/mazda2-production-kickoff-celebrated/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demiomazda2Mon, 21 May 2007 07:32:00 EST