2013 Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv Off-Road Review & Drive

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv is all new from the ground up. It is the first car that features Mazda's new SkyActive approach to building lighter, more fuel efficient, and more responsive cars. It heralds a new style which in the industry is called a new design language. Unlike the former Mazda Tribute which shared a platform with the Ford Escape and had what many people thought was a Mazda's smiley face, the new 2013 Mazda CX-5 breaks all new design and performance ground. Check out this video as we review the 2013 Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv AWD both on and off-road.

Mazda's CX-5 sipper sets new standards

Often SUVs cop the "gas guzzler" slur but most aren't.

Here's one with a great comeback. It's the Mazda CX-5, a five-seater which sips as little as 5.7L/100km. That's for the diesel all-wheel-drive auto, my test car.

Wow factors include 1000km-apart visits to the bowser and a cutting-edge look and feel.

It's the first Mazda to embrace both new brand directions - Skyactiv fuel-saving technologies and a blank-sheet approach to aesthetics. Skyactiv melds myriad eco-tricks - weight-saving, engine and gearbox efficiencies, aerodynamics and an engine that automatically switches off at rest and on for take-off.

Messing with the aesthetics - which were among Japan's best - reflects the daring culture in the company.

The entry point is $27,800, which buys the 2.0-litre petrol manual Maxx driven by two wheels. Auto adds $2000. The 2WD is more for flinging into shopping centres than the scrub.

Stepping up to the Maxx Sport auto bumps the price to $33,540.

There are three petrol 4WDs - the $32,300 Maxx, $36,040 Maxx Sport and $43,200 GT, all autos.

Like the diesels, the petrols are lean burners, from 6.4-6.9L/100km.

Their zip is not special but OK for most buyers. If seeking real spurt the superb diesel engine would be the answer. It delivers surging, lag-free power with minimal noise intrusion.

The handling and ride are very good but the $39,040 entry seems steep at first. Rival Japanese diesels - Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Nissan X-Trail - start $3000-$4000 cheaper.

But keep in mind that these prices are for lower-spec manuals while Mazda kicks off it diesels with the mid-spec Maxx Sport.

This model provides auto, a reversing camera, dual-zone air, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio and a five-star crash rating.

At the top of the CX-5 tree is the $46,200 GT diesel, which adds leather, a sunroof, Bose audio, bi-xenon headlights and an electric driver's seat.

In my view, two of the Maxx Sport diesel's keenest rivals would be Koreans, the Kia Sportage Platinum ($39,720) and Hyundai ix35 Highlander ($38,490).

These, too, have excellent drivetrains, styling and interiors yet also have higher equipment and warranty offerings.

Other similar-size diesels include the Holden Captiva, Peugeot 4007 and Renault Koleos.

Most SUVs are good off-road but buyers are typically busy urbanites.

They love versatility, like being able flick open the tailgate, lay a seat flat and, abracadabra, have a new car - part four-seater and part ute, capable of carrying lengths of timber or a surfboard.

Then there's the lifted seating and hip image.

In this quality segment, buyers' decisions will come down to personal taste and the deal.

My test model, the punchy-yet-sipping Maxx Sport diesel, is a well-rounded piece of kit, with even Tom Tom sat-nav standard.

It's well worth the money if you can stretch that far.

VERDICT

The aesthetic and fuel-saving template for all Mazdas to come, the CX-5 is top of its class.

Mazda MX-5 Miata named top Road Trip Car

Mazda’s 2012 MX-5 Miata has earned a spot on the top Best Road Trip Cars list by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

The MX-5 has a demonstrated low cost for buyers within the first five years of ownership, earning the vehicle a Total Cost of Ownership Award from Kelley Blue Book in the Sports Car category earlier this year

This is the second time since 2007 that the MX-5 has showed up on the 10 Best Road Trip Car list. “Whether tracing sinuous back roads or circling simple freeway on-ramps, few cars can better transform those arcs into pure joy than the Mazda MX-5 Miata,” landing the vehicle on the short list in its ninth consecutive year, according to the editors of Kelley Book’s kbb.com.

“Time and time again, the MX-5 Miata proves why it is the best-selling two seat roadster in the world and Mazda is proud to receive this recent honor from kbb.com,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

O’Sullivan describes why the MX-5 is a promising purchase, not just for the athletic sports car enthusiast, but also for the everyday driver.

“Not only can the vehicle handle the Point A-to-Point B needs of a daily driver yet still offer the performance and athleticism demands to be a road racing champion, but all drivers can enjoy getting behind the wheel of a genuine sports convertible that is safe, dynamic, luxurious and attainable,” said O’Sullivan.

Headquartered in Irvine, automotive consumer guide Kelley Blue Book and its top-rated website kbb.com provide pricing information for consumers on new and used vehicles. Kelley Blue Book also provides information on the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) as well as the price of the cars dealer invoice, vehicle manufacturer. Kelley Blue Book is the best source for market-reflective values in the industry, according to MNAO.

The MX-5 Miata is sold in four different trims including the SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Each trim is lightweight and designed to sit lower to the ground coining it a low-slung vehicle.  Its rear-wheel-drive form smoothly handles corners and swerving when necessary as well as providing top notch features like their 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

The vehicle price starts at $23,470 MSRP with its soft top feature and $27,540 with its Power Retractable Hard Top feature.

Mazda at The 25 Hours of Thunderhill, 2011 | Mazda USA

During a cold two days this past December, Mazda execs and dealers—as well as more privateer racers behind the wheel of Mazdas than any other brand—"survived the 25."

Mazda and Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on next-gen MX-5 Miata

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will have a sibling, but it won't be a Mazda, it will be an Alfa Romeo. The Japanese automaker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alfa parent Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on the MX-5 platform that is expected to see production in Mazda's Hiroshima factory, with the Alfa version coming in 2015.

Pegged as "a successor to the MX-5," the production date will push the next-gen Miata's arrival back a bit. In 2010 it was predicted we'd see the new Miata this year, with its 2,200-pound weight target, 50/50 weight distribution and potential twin-backbone chassis structure. Obviously that isn't happening.

Whenever the new model and its Alfa mate do come, each brand will get "differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive," using in-house engines provided by their own brands.

The link-up is excellent news for Mazda, the small, independent company searching for just these kinds of "technology and product development alliances" to help rescue it from years of losses, and supporting CEO Takashi Yamanouchi's assertion that it's "partner or die." The negotiations also include further cooperation between the two brands in Europe.

Fiat head Sergio Marchionne's search for partnerships to provide scale is no secret, nor his desire to improve Fiat's position in Asia, which Mazda might also be able to assist with. And the idea of a properly sporting Alfa would be welcome round the world; with the loss of the Brera GT and Brera Spider in 2010, the Alfa line is down to two hatchbacks and a long-in-the-tooth sedan, none of them particularly sporty. With the 8C Spider beyond most budgets and the 4C still living in the ether, it's been almost 20 years since the then 33-year-old Alfa Spider represented (or was meant to, at least) the kind of purposeful, two-seater Alfa being announced here.

The final agreement should be finalized later this year, and you can scroll down to read the press release.

Mazda Press Release: Mazda and Fiat announce co-operation program

(23-05-2012) -- Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. (Fiat) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazda's next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The study calls for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight, roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.

The project assumption is that both vehicles will be manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan, plant with production for Alfa Romeo envisaged starting in 2015.

"Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda's corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognised as the best-selling roadster of all time." said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

"This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognised leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship." said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

The Final Agreement is expected to be signed in the second-half of 2012.

Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.

Thanks for the great 5-star review, Diana!

" I just purchased a 2012 Mazda3 sedan from Tracy Mazda and I could not have chosen a better car or better place to go to. Kendall was amazingly sweet and patient and offered excellent customer service. The entire staff at Tracy Mazda was wonderful!!! Kendall and actually the entire staff was so helpful from pairing my blue tooth to getting me a better rate than what my bank had offered me. Kendall and the entire staff go above and beyond and are definitely there for their customers!! If you're looking for a new car Tracy Mazda is the place to go and be sure to ask for Kendall!!! :) " -Diana

Car Review: 2012 Mazda CX-9 keeps its much-loved design

DALLAS, May 21, 2012 — While the 2012 Mazda CX-9 is unchanged this year, it’s still one to consider that offers a sporty feel even though it is just as much a family-friendly crossover as ever.

Competition includes the Ford Flex, Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, and the GMC Acadia all with third-row seat options.  Otherwise, for a smaller piece of the competition look at the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer, which offer similar features whether larger or smaller, but for this choice, it might really just be a matter of brand loyalty.

All the features you’d expect on the Mazda makes the CX-9 impressive in any of the three trims: the Sport, Touring or Grand Touring.

The Sport trim is the entry-level option with 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, power accessories, a remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a trip computer along with audio highlights like Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system.

The jump up is the Touring trim with the added automatic headlights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and comfy heated power front seats. For the top-of-the-line, the Grand Touring will give you 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, fog lights, automatic wipers, keyless ignition/entry, driver-seat memory presets, a second-row armrest, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a blind-spot warning system.

There are a number of options on the various trims as well as a sunroof, power tailgate, a navigation system that includes a rearview camera or the stand-alone rearview camera, remote ignition, and a back-seat entertainment system.

For audio junkies, you can also opt for an upgraded Bose surround-sound audio system, satellite radio and an audio display in the dash.

Under the hood the 2012 Mazda CX-9 there is a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. You get a six-speed automatic and a manual shift control and depending on your choice, you can choose front or all-wheel drive. For towing the CX-9 can take up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety in the CX-9 comes with antilock disc brakes, stability control including a rollover sensor, front-seat side and full-length side curtain airbags, and head restraints.

Once inside the 2012 Mazda CX-9, you will find an interior that offers style and design that you can’t argue with, including high end bells and whistles. The console in the middle has a split opening and there is plenty of room for storage inside.

There is also good space in the front and second rows, but for taller passengers the third row is not recommended. The second row seats also recline for added comfort and slide back for more legroom. 

The third row is also easy to get in and out of since the doors are spacious and the second row seats are easy to manipulate folding down and sliding.

Overall, the cargo space is 101 cubic feet at the maximum in this vehicle when the second and third row seats are both flat.

For driving, you won’t get a more comfy ride with easier handling than in this Mazda, and for long trips it’s a no-brainer. Not clunky like some SUV crossovers, the Mazda CX-9 takes the road with grace and ease, just as we have all come to expect in this brand.

Should You Need to Know: The standout here is the sporty handling despite the CX-9 being a crossover; you can drive it and feel like you own the road and that’s even with a look and feel of a family friendly car.

 

Courtesy of The Washington Times

2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv

Forget the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda3 still carries the sales gravitas that the CX-5 aspires to, but for now, the C-segment sedan and hatchback that has provided eight years of sales bedrock is still the most important Mazda model. That's why, after making hay with the debut of the CX-5 crossover and its innovative Skyactiv powertrain, the tried-and-true Mazda3 was the next in line for the engine, transmission and aero-tweak hat trick that's allowed the car to claim a 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy rating.

Putting a new engine in an older car as a way to boost interest and sales isn't a new idea, of course. Sometimes it works, and other times it's not enough to re-float sales that have run aground on the sandbar of customer ennui. The Mazda3 has also consistently pleased enthusiasts, so we wanted to find out how its comportment has changed after the heart transplant.
One thing is for sure, any newness within the Mazda3 is well hidden beneath a smiley-faced skin of same old, same old. There has been one generational rework of the Mazda3 since its arrival on the U.S. market in 2004. For all the RX-8 design cues and maniacally happy front grille, the 3 still remains a taut small car with little exterior embellishment. A few mild cosmetic changes denote 2012 Mazda3 models. Look for the updated headlights, tweaked grille and fascia, and a nipped and tucked backside to spot the '12s.

This second-generation Mazda3 has more swoopiness in it than the original, but the essence still remains, much like each generation of BMW 3 Series is distinctive yet familial. The upright compact sedan could only be a Mazda3, and the gimmick-free exterior can be dressed up or down without embarrassing you at the office or amongst your friends. What's not obvious is the careful attention to aerodynamics that Mazda engineers gave the 2012 Skyactiv-G model, dropping the coefficient of drag by seven percent from an already-good .29 to an even-better .27.
Inside, the story is the same. The design and materials are good, though there are lots of hard surfaces to find if you go looking. It would be great if Mazda were to try a little carefully sprinkled tenderness to go along with the newly sophisticated powertrain. The Grand Touring trim of our test car meant leather seats, standard Bluetooth, a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, sporty-feeling leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 265-watt Bose CenterPoint surround-sound deca-speaker audio system, Multi-Information Display and a teeny-tiny navigation screen tucked into the top of the dashboard.

The seats are nicely bolstered and comfortable, and Mazda keeps the ergonomics simple. Three knobs give you easy dominion over the heat and air conditioning system, but things are more complicated when it comes to the audio controls. A giant knob in the middle of the center stack is for tuning and track advancement with a play/pause button in the center, and it works well, but we found ourselves changing the station when we really wanted to adjust the volume. The problem is the much smaller volume knob hiding in plain sight to the left. When you're grabbing for stuff in your periphery, bigger wins.

That dwarf navigation system tucked under the dashboard's eyelid draws snickers and jeers, plus it's inscrutable to use. Still, it's a navigation system in an affordable car, and by making the nav rig tweakier to use, Mazda has kept the dashboard cleaner and less confusing overall.

The Mazda3i Grand Touring is the top-spec Skyactiv-equipped version, so it's equipped to near luxury levels. Buyers looking for the Skyactiv-G powertrain without the extra goodies can spring for the 3i Touring and only miss leather seating, the Bose audio system and a color information display. You can get yourself into a Mazda3i Touring with the 155-horsepower 2.0-liter Skyactiv for $18,700, though our 3i Grand Touring with the same engine carried a more weighty $22,050 bottom line.

If you want a manual transmission, you're limited to the 3i Touring; Grand Touring models are fitted standard with the Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission that has a few design tricks up its sleeve to combine the best attributes of manual, conventional automatic and continuously variable transmissions in a single gearbox. Skyactiv-Drive is smooth like an automatic, shifts crisply like a manual or dual-clutch automated gearbox, and realizes CVT-like efficiency without any rubber-bandy weirdness.

Mazda took a look at the conventional automatic transaxle and turned the torque converter into a bit player only used below 5 mph, where its slip and torque multiplication is desirable. At road speed, decoupling is handled by a wet multiplate clutch for decisive shifts, boosting efficiency significantly. The bigger clutch can handle the higher torque loads at low speed that come from being locked 80 percent of the time versus the 50 percent lockup of other automatics; the smaller lockup devices in those transmissions wouldn't be able to handle the duty cycle and strain. A larger vibration damper is also squeezed into the Skyactiv-Drive's torque converter housing to quell the vibrations that are soaked up in a mushy old-style torus. Attention has been paid to engine and transmission mounts to reduce bad vibes, too.

It's this type of attention-to-detail that has built the strong Mazda reputation among enthusiasts. The Skyactiv powertrain is lively and personable, even evincing a soul. Not bad for a highly economical compact sedan, and the rest of the driving experience follows suit. The ride is taut and well-controlled, the steering wheel rim chats openly about what's up at the road surface, and the brakes are firm and confident, even if instrumented tests report effectiveness that's not exactly outstanding. The Mazda3 may be a compact car telling an economy story, but the biggest impression it left was the enthusiast-pleasing driving experience.

All the wizardry under the hood caused worries of weirdness creeping into the experience. After all, you're talking about an engine that's squeezing its cylinders with a 12:1 compression ratio, a transmission that's handing off between its torque converter and clutch by way of a new mechatronics module that's built into the transmission, and an electrically assisted power steering system. The potential for something to go wrong was high, but engineers have applied a sweat-the-details approach that makes automotive harmony happen.

In truth, Mazda has taken a holistic approach that's more like a fairly thorough redesign under the same skin. The steering ratio has been increased along with the caster angle of the front suspension, the rear suspension mounting points have been moved up to improve impact absorption while keeping the back of the car planted, and there's a whole bunch more high-strength steel in the body structure. That all adds up to a car that's solid, stable and efficient.

While the big news may be the Mazda-fication of the small crossover segment with the CX-5, we say the Mazda3 Skyactiv may be the sleeper story of the year. While other players in this segment offer slicker styling choices and truckloads of equipment, choices are thin on the ground if you want to actually enjoy yourself behind the wheel.

 

Courtesy of the Autoblog.com

Mazda MX-5 Miata Named Favorite Fun Entry-Level Convertible

Just in time for summer top-down driving, the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) has named the Mazda MX-5 Miata its 2012 Favorite Fun Entry-Level Convertible.

For more than 20 years, the MX-5 Miata has offered sports car enthusiasts a pure, uncomplicated and fun-focused roadster at an affordable price. Sticking to that simple concept has made the MX-5 the most popular two-seat convertible sports car in the world with more than 900,000 units produced, qualifying it as a Guinness World Record holder.

"It is an honor to receive this award for the MX-5 Miata," said Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda North American Operations' (MNAO) President and CEO. "Whether you are commuting to work or taking a relaxing drive on the weekend, driving the Miata will put a smile on your face."

NEMPA President Keith Griffin said, "Mazda continues to stay true to its winning formula of fun-to-drive, affordable, light weight, sports cars with its third-generation Miata. It was an easy choice to name the Miata NEMPA's Favorite Fun Entry-Level Convertible for the second consecutive year."

The New England Motor Press Association was founded in 1987 to coordinate professional media coverage of the auto industry in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, whose 14.5 million citizens have unique demographics and automotive preferences.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

 

Courtesy of The Sacramento Bee

Read

more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/15/4492376/mazda-mx-5-miata-named-favorite.html...

Come and check out Mazda's Memorial Day Sales Event!

Our Memorial Day Event is huge! We've got great deals on all of our newest models too, like the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport, one of the most exciting crossovers hitting the road this year. How does 0.9% APR over 36 months sound? This is only the tip of the iceberg! You can check out all the deals right now online RIGHT HERE or give us a call at 877-412-7706. Don't wait, these deals will disappear faster than they got here!

Efficient sportiness for Mazda 3 Skyactiv

Today’s new car shopper demands better fuel economy and improved performance at the same time, and isn’t willing to give up anything to get it. Any more greedy and uncompromising, you’d expect these shoppers to be wearing diapers, eating cheerios from a Ziplock bag and soiling themselves.

The demand for higher performance and reduced fuel consumption is a humongous oxymoron that keeps many an automotive engineer up late at night. It’s also the same sort of demand that’s resulted in more and more models like the Mazda 3 Sport Skyactiv.

A special variant of the Mazda 3 5-door running the automaker’s new efficiency-boosting “Skyactiv” engine under the hood, it hits the market with an eye for both performance and fuel mileage. And it works to crush the ideology that better performance means burning through gas like a refinery fire.

Numerous enhancements comprise the Skyactiv umbrella of technologies in the Mazda 3.

For instance, the two-litre four-cylinder engine gets direct injection and dual variable valve timing to help maximize on-demand performance and mileage. Optimized piston cavities help the engine safely run a very high 13:1 compression ratio on regular-grade gasoline. The whole engine is itself lighter than Mazda’s standard two-litre unit, too.

The six-speed manual transmission has also been lightened and features numerous internal modifications designed to reduce fuel-sucking friction.

The end result is a fun-to-drive package with 155 horsepower, nearly as much torque, and all of the right stuff to maximize energy extraction from every molecule of fuel it burns.

But the 3 Sport Skyactiv isn’t some wimpy economy car, either—and performance remains an attribute. Open the throttle, and it responds with a gratifying leap forward. Steering is quick without being nervous, and the suspension is tight and sporty without ruining ride quality - slick shifter, too. This is another Mazda with a higher-than-average level of attention paid to making it fun to drive.

Rounding out the package on the ‘GS’ level tester were features like heated seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, steering-wheel mounted controls, a sunroof and automatic wipers.

The cabin looks fantastic, fresh and high-tech-- and electric blue and red lighting accents set things off after dark. Wind and road noise are about average for the segment, and a tight turning circle makes parking a cinch.

Minor complaints. I did wish for some more at-hand storage up front in the cockpit, the hatchback has an awkwardly-placed release button and requires a good slam to close, and audiophiles (myself included) will wish for a stereo upgrade.

Mileage? A 1,700 kilometre, highway-intensive, late-winter test turned in an overall average of 7.3L / 100km. Some factors worked against achieving a lower number on my test-drive, including the extreme cold, use of winter tires, and a low-mileage tester that hadn’t completed break in. I found the overall average respectable given the conditions, and owners can expect to do better in the long term.

End of the day, shoppers after a fuel efficient and fun-to-drive model should consider this 3 Sport Skyactiv—alongside competitors like the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Tracy Mazda Mother's Day Specials!

This Sunday is Mother's Day, and Tracy Mazda is pulling out all the stops! We've got deals galore this weekend in celebration of that special woman in our life we call mom. Bring mom by this weekend and let us help her find her dream car - Like this new MX5 Miata that you can have with 0% APR for 36 months, or lease for just $279 a month! Scroll down to see the rest of our deals, or click here to visit our website.

See the full gallery on Posterous

 

2013 Mazda CX-5 (Review)

This fun to drive sport cross makes a surprisingly good family vehicle. Check out the full review of the 2013 Mazda CX-5 below!

Joy on Joy: The Mazda Miata Super20

The Mazda MX-5 embodies a duality: it's both many a driving purist's platonic ideal and a hairdresser's special, a charming little sunny-day drop-top that will put a smile on the face of just about anyone who gives it a chance.

Despite the car's less-than-manly public reputation, we're suspect of Miata haters, blessed as the car is with an abundance of attributes that make automobiles, well, wonderful.

To celebrate the car's 20th anniversary a couple of years back, Mazda engineers added a hardtop, cranked up the horsepower, tightened up the suspension and upped the braking force and the grip. In short, they went about erasing any semblance of chick car-ness. The resultant one-off, known as the Super20, could've been a disaster, perverting the beloved roadster's sweetheart characteristics.

To be fair, the engineers did manage to pervert said characteristics—in the best possible way. Judiciously combining off-the-shelf components with an OEM budget, a bit of futzing and a Skip Barber school bus paint-and-decal job, the Super20 is a bit of a monster—a cranky, whizzing goblin.

In temperament, it recalls a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with the Ultimate Performance Package. The 16-by-eight-inch wheels shod with 245-section R-compound Toyos might have something to do with it; the Vette rides on similarly uncompromising Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber.

But whereas the track-day-special Vette seems to actively want to kill you, the amped-up Miata is a bit more of a jokester—“Oh, you thought it was all over? Yeah, just kidding. Don't worry, pal, I've got you.”

The heart of all of this delinquency is the Cosworth-built supercharged 2.0-liter engine. Mazda Development engineer Dave Coleman told us that while the company doesn't have a power figure from the flywheel, on a chassis dyno, the car was churning out 225 hp at the rear wheels. It's been clocked to 60 mph at about 5.5 seconds.

That 5.5 number doesn't seem particularly quick by today's X-15-hypercar standards, but trust us, with the gases roaring out through the Racing Beat exhaust, the sticky Toyos hooking up and the direct-connection-now behavior of the beefed-up clutch, one never feels at a loss for accelerative experience.

What's more, the car loves to be flogged—it's pure canned hoon. Scruff-of-the-neck inputs result in surprisingly smooth output. Nail a rev-matched downshift—which requires quick footwork because of the light flywheel—and the car simply powers out of a corner.

What's more, it doesn't feel as if such behavior is going to break the cutie. It encourages one to explore the limits of the car, an attribute that's always been a Miata strong suit. It's just that here, the limits are significantly higher.

Knocks? There are not too many. The car is exceptionally well-sorted for something that was thrown together for a SEMA display. The widened 16-inch Enkei wheels will occasionally scrub a tire on the inner fender. The off-the-shelf Racing Beat exhaust system was tuned for a Miata, with its soft top in place. In the interest of lightness, Mazda yanked the folding unit. At freeway revs, the resonant frequency of the exhaust makes the hardtop cabin a boomy and buzzy place to be.

It's not a serene car to drive, by any stretch, though the harder one hammers it, the more relaxing it becomes. Isn't that how a sporting machine should be? What's more, you could practically replicate Mazda's work yourself and still have more fun than guys in cars that cost more than twice as much.

It's a Miata. It's just more, and that's no bad thing at all. In fact, it's stupendous.

New 5-star review on DealerRater!

"I rated Tracy Mazda 5 out of 5 because they have excellent customer service. They were patient and friendly. They answered all of my questions and I did not feel any pressure to buy at all. They worked with me and what I told them I wanted, including my budget and the monthly payment I would accept. They didn't try to talk me into anything that I did not want." -Kandy A.

Don't forget about Bunco Night, sponsored by Ken Harvey Autos!

Ken Harvey's Auto Group is sponsoring a terrific event this month at The Barn, located at 3131 Pacific Ave, Livermore on May 11th at 6:30 PM. All proceeds will be going to benefit the Creative Autism Solutions Team and Good News Bears. In addition to Bunco, there will be live music, great food, a no-host wine bar, prizes and more! Register now, because space is limited.

See you there!

2013 Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV Ride and Review

The compact CUV market, one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S., gets a new contender from Mazda – the CX-5. Getting to dealers now it is unlike most others in this genre in that it shares architecture with nothing else. It is really all new. Mazda gathered journalists at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on the Monterey Peninsula to introduce it.

Mazda officials insist that starting from a clean sheet of paper and wrapping the whole design around their new SKYACTIV format has allowed them to create this fresh, well-appointed, small CUV that gets a best-in-class 35 mpg on the highway. That does not happen just with drivetrain technology, weight reduction or aerodynamics. Rather, it takes a comprehensive approach.

The SKYACTIV philosophy is to eschew the nearly universal trend within the auto industry to begin producing hybrids and electrics in anticipation of much more strict federal mileage standards looming on the horizon. They decided to continue to wring more efficiency out of existing gasoline and diesel engines as well as redesign every element of the car to achieve more efficiency. They’ll put none of their fragile eggs in the hybrid or electric car baskets, believing that, at best, those cars will constitute still just a tiny share of the market by crunch time.

Let’s start with the drivetrain.

With the new Mazda CX-5 they’ve upped the compression ratio of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder to 13:1 (higher than a Ferrari 458 Italia), added higher pressure direct injection, incorporated a big dimple in the top of the piston, designed a new tuned exhaust header, changed the timing of valve movements, integrated a much more efficient water pump and lots of other tidbits. They’ve not yet added a turbo but that could come later. With all those little tweaks they’re getting a decent (certainly not impressive) 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. More importantly, that adds up to 35 highway mpg and 29-mpg combined - numbers that means so much in the race to meet upcoming standards. A new lightweight 6-speed automatic transmission that rev-matches downshifts puts that power to the road efficiently. An improved lighter weight all-wheel drive system is optional. You can even get a six-speed manual transmission but only on the bottom-of-the-line model.

The CX-5 gets some changes in suspension geometry. Moving anchor points of front and rear suspension members to untraditional positions mitigates some harshness in on rough roads. While the suspension design is fairly conventional these tweaks really improve the ride and handling.

The CX-5 is easy to look at. Designers paid particular attention to the profile wanting a long hood, gently sloping A-pillar, raked rear window and distinctly sculpted sides. Bold creases in the sheet metal with flowing lines give it a dynamic look with lots of personality and the gaping grill with recessed fog lights give the front view a fresh, aggressive look.

Aerodynamics are good for a CUV, many of which have the aerodynamic efficiency of a brick. Careful attention to small and large details results in a slippery design with a coefficient of drag of 0.33. Body shape, low rolling resistance tires, underbody covers and exterior trim all contribute to this number.

Interior space matches the competition and beats some. Ingress and egress of the front seats are better that we might expect given the stylish slope of the A-pillar. Cockpit design is attractive, functional and driver-centric. Fabric and stitched leather compliment the inside and the fabric does not feel or look like a compromise. Rear passengers will not feel cramped unless oversized. Overall interior volume is about mid-pack compared to the competition. Cargo capacity is good and seat backs fold nearly flat.

Pricing begins at just about 20 grand for the base model and goes to about 28 grand for the Grand Touring. Add the extra packages and you’ll be just over 30 grand loaded. The base model is quite well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, six-speed manual transmission, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with controls, 60/40 split rear seatbacks.

Higher trim levels get a 40/20/40 rear seat back design with remote release inside the rear hatch particularly handy for loading skis.

The proof is in the pudding, as my grandmother used to say. So, how does it all come together on the race track, autocross course and open road driving? In a nutshell, it’s a bit underpowered but mighty competent in just about all other categories.

As you may surmise from the modest hp and torque numbers this is not a screamer, though being pushed hard on a rainy race track can be quite gratifying. As a practical matter Mazda CX-5 owners will never drive their CUV this way. We had both automatic and manual transmission cars with which to do plenty of hot laps, and I must admit it was fun. One element of auto design Mazda is known for is handling and performance that is focused on having fun, and they’ve continued that tradition with this one.

Our open road experience included the twisty, tight, scenic Carmel Valley Road winding through the middle of the peninsula. My co-driver and I agreed that it is one of the best handling of the small CUVs. Downshifting was accomplished quickly and precisely as we charged through the twisties trying to make the other guy motion sick. Another few miles and he would have had me. The CX-5 held the road admirably even with the low rolling resistance tires.

But again, that’s not the way owners will use their cars. The CX-5 is also rated with a 2,000 towing capacity. Seems like that’s rather optimistic with such limited torque. I think it is fair to say that very few customers will be disappointed in the acceleration and power, unless driving steep roads in the mountains or towing a full load. Otherwise, it is likely to satisfy the majority of buyers, particularly those who have become partial to Mazdas.

Mazda bosses say all their products will be rolled into the SKYACTIV philosophy within about 18 months and we were able to confirm that Mazda plans to bring a twin turbo diesel into the US fold as well. Big news both.

 

Courtesy of TheAutoChannel.com

'Better. Stronger. Smarter.' Behind The Scenes

The mission: create a TV commercial to launch the all-new Mazda CX-5 that depicts the engineering spirit that went into this inspired crossover.
Since the CX-5 is the world's first fully SKYACTIV® vehicle, we mixed together a little bit of Q's lab with the cult classic The Six Million Dollar Man to introduce it...
To help us bring the whole shebang to life, we called up eccentric, award-winning Scandinavian director Filip Engstrom. Then we headed out to the desert to make magic happen. Check out the behind-the-scenes madness that was the making of "Better. Stronger. Smarter."

New 5-star review on DealerRater!

"I went into this dealership looking to trade in my 2010 Mazda MX5 for a car that did a little better on gas due to a 2 hour commute I was having. I told Kendall what I was looking for and she had one in stock and explained in detail all the great features. Kendall knew this car well and when we went on a test drive took me on back roads as to show me the great handling on curves. I knew when I got back to the dealership this was a done deal. This dealership works as a team as they all help one another in making sure they can answer all your questions along with educating you in more detail on the cars features. When it is time to trade again I will go back as I love the Mazda" -Hesse

Mazda Achieves Fastest Year-to-Date Sales since 1994 with More Than 100K Vehicles Sold

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported April U.S. sales of 21,506 vehicles, representing an increase of 4.2 percent (up 17.2 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis) versus last year.  This is the best April sales month for Mazda since 2008.  On a calendar year-to-date basis, Mazda's sales are up 21.5 percent (22.7 percent DSR), with 103,529 vehicles sold.

Key April sales notes:

• Not since 1994 has Mazda reached 100,000 vehicle sales so soon in the sales year.
• The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, named "2012 Crossover of the Year" from Autobytel and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" is already a popular choice for customers. In its second full month of sales, 3,521 vehicles were sold in April. Mazda 6 sales are up 38.3 percent versus last year with 3,780 vehicles sold.
• Mazda's SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency, is already demonstrating strong sales through its fitment in the 2012 Mazda3 (up to 40 MPG highway) and the all-new CX-5 (highest highway (35 MPG), and best combined (29 MPG), fuel economy of any SUV sold in the U.S.). Mazda's total SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY sales for April account for 25 percent of total sales for the month.

Rounding out April sales for the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported its April sales of 1,849 vehicles, down 15.0 percent versus April of last year.

Mazda Researchers to Receive 2011 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal for New Technology

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation announces that five Mazda researchers are to receive the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) Medal for New Technology for 2011. An award ceremony will take place at Meiji Kinenkan building in Tokyo on Friday, April 20, 2012.

Awarded for:   Development of gasoline engine (1.3L) with a super-high compression ratio and achieving fuel efficiency of 30km per liter*¹

Recipients:               

   Mitsuo Hitomi                                  Powertrain Technology Div.

   Takashi Yoso                                  Powertrain Technology Div.

   Kiyotaka Sato                                  Powertrain Technology Div.

   Kunitomo Minamitani                       Powertrain Technology Div.

   Yasushi Nakahara                            Powertrain Technology Div.

 

Achieving a high compression ratio in conventional gasoline engines has been difficult due to the phenomenon of abnormal combustion, widely known as "knocking". The SKYACTIV-G 1.3, however, achieves a compression ratio of 14.0:1, the highest in the world*² for a mass-produced gasoline automobile engine. The award is in recognition of Mazda's discovery that a low-temperature oxidation reaction (in which bonds within molecules of fuel break and produce energy) occurs before ignition at high compression ratios. This leads to a reduction in knocking and increase in output. The reward also praises Mazda's innovative use of this discovery in the development of its vehicles.

Further, the fact that the face-lifted Mazda Demio (known overseas as Mazda2), equipped with the SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine, achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 30km/L*¹ without reliance on a hybrid system was recognized and highly praised. This outstanding achievement is thanks to a thorough reduction of mechanical friction, improvements to Mazda's unique idling stop system "i-stop", and precisely controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Every year, the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers awards JSME Medals for the best research papers in each field and for developing new technologies or machines. The awards are presented in an effort to encourage research activities and the development of mechanical engineering. Other awards presented by the Society include the JSME Award for Young Engineers and the JSME Education Award. This is the seventh time Mazda employees have received a JSME Medal for New Technology. Previous medals were awarded for the "Application of Automotive Rotary Unit," the "Development of Miller-cycle Engine" and "Development of functional integration modules using high-strength plastics with long glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene material and injection molding process" and "Development of rotary engine with side exhaust port layout for automobile (RENESIS)."