Mazda’s latest crossover concept revealed to the public

This week, Mazda unveiled the Koeru crossover concept for the first time to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Koeru is built on the same wheelbase structure as the CX-5. However, when it’s compared to the CX-5, the Koeru’s body is 2.4 inches longer, 2.4 inches wider, and 6.6 inches shorter in body size. It also strongly resembles the rest of Mazda’s KODO designed lineup, such as the Mazda6 and CX-3.

That makes it too small to be the next three-row CX-9 SUV, which is set to debut at this November’s L.A. Auto Show.

Could this be the return of the CX-7?

Mazda ended manufacturing CX-7s in 2012 after a six year production run and modest sales numbers. A refresh with the KODO Soul of Motion design language after a brief hiatus could help Mazda have a strong contender in the highly competitive crossover SUV market.

Whatever Mazda plans for the Koeru will be known in the future, as for now, we can have an idea of what the future of Mazda’s crossover plans look like.

We hope to have more news to share from the Frankfurt Motor Show as it continues through the rest of the week.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mazda vehicle models, check out our online Mazda model research center.

Source:  CarandDriver.com

2017 Mazda CX-9 sightings reported weeks ahead of its debut

Next week Mazda plans to unveil to the public the newly redesigned 2017 Mazda CX-9 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Some lucky auto fans were able to catch a sneak peek of it weeks ahead of the rest of the public by being at the right place at the right time.

The picture of the swirly zebra looking 2017 Mazda CX-9 below was taken at the end of August in California.

You can tell in the picture that it’s finally joining the rest of the SKYACTIV lineup with the similar KODO Soul of Motion design. However, this is actually based on the 2016 Mazda Koeru SUV concept that will debut alongside the CX-9 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The CX-9 has deserved a much needed refresher for years. It’s remained virtually unchanged since Ford sold their financial stake in Mazda in 2008. With the CX-9 getting the SKYACTIV treatment, Mazda will finally have a strong competitor in the full size SUV class.

While we won’t know the specs of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 until next week, YouTube user Carspotter Jeroen caught a glimpse of what appears to be a test mule CX-9 that doesn’t have the new SKYACTIV body style yet but can still give you a little insight to how it performs.


We’ll have more about the 2017 Mazda CX-9 after next week’s debut.

If you're interested in learning more about the smaller siblings of the CX-9, check out our 2016 Mazda CX-3 and 2016 Mazda CX-5 research pages.

Source: TopSpeed.com

2016 MX-5 Miata is the roadster the world has been waiting for

Mazda is on a hot streak.

Over the past few years, Mazda has been thriving in its Renaissance of SKYACTIV technology and modern elegance with the overhauls on the award winning Mazda3, Mazda6 and next year’s Mazda2.

On September 3, 2014, Mazda unveiled the latest model to join the ranks of SKYACTIV built vehicles, the iconic MX-5 Miata roadster.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Miata has gone through three generations of overhauls since its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. The next two decades and a half saw 940,000 of these hot convertibles produced and making it the most popular roadster ever created.

It only makes sense that a vehicle with such an iconic importance for Mazda would deserve the SKYACTIV treatment with an exterior overhaul inspired by the KODO – Soul of Motion design language developed by Mazda and used in the CX-5, Mazda3, and Mazda6.

What do we know about the new 2016 MX-5 Miata?

Not too much, but the details that have surfaced is surely set to get the hype train rolling for next year’s launch.

We do know that the fourth generation Miata will take on similar technology offerings found in the 2014 Mazda3 including the 5.8” touchscreen and commander switch.

Some of the improvements in the newest Miata over the third generation is the fully redesigned interior and a significant weight reduction by approximately 220 lbs according to Mazda.

The front of the 2016 Miata resembles high performance sports cars like the Dodge Viper, while from the side, it looks like a BMW coupe. The tires will come in 16 and 17 inch rims and are held on by 4 bolts.

Mazda will be adding sport mode to the automatic transmission version of the newest Miata while the manual transmission will be in sport mode, all the time.

A newly designed SKYACTIV-G engine that hasn’t been fully detailed by Mazda will be powering this roadster around curved roads across the world when it launches next year.

We’ll know more about the North American specifications of the 2016 MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2015.

RUMOR: Return of the Mazdaspeed3 in 2016?

Since the launch of the 2014 Mazda3 in September 2013, Mazda enthusiasts have raised their voices demanding a new Mazdaspeed3. Unfortunately, the launch of the redesigned 3 signaled the end of Mazda’s popular hot hatch.

The latest batch of rumors come straight from the Japanese motor magazine Holiday Auto which claims to have an inside scoop on Mazda’s plans for the relaunch of the Mazdaspeed3.

Recent rumors indicated that Mazda was aiming to outfit the Mazda3 with a turbo diesel engine which would be released as the new Mazdaspeed3. Word on the street, or at least Holiday Auto, now indicates Mazda has ditched the plan for a turbo diesel in favor of a turbocharged variant of the 2.5-liter gasoline engine currently found in the s Touring and s Grand Touring trims in the US for the 2014 Mazda3.

Mazda corporate in Japan has denied rumors about turbo, especially concerns that the high compression ratio of the SKYACTIV-G engine paired with a turbo would create problems. However, the source makes it clear that the problem “has been already solved.”

The source also told Holiday Auto that we can expect to see All-Wheel-Drive on the new Mazdaspeed3 which would be the first compact Mazda to receive the AWD treatment.

If the rumors are true, we can expect the return of the Mazdaspeed3 in 2016.

For more information about the current 2014 Mazda3, please visit our convenient research guides created by the Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, Florida.

Via: CarsGuide.com.au

Mazda’s Hazumi concept gives Geneva a glimpse at the new Mazda2

It’s time to move on. Ford’s 31 year partnership with Mazda ended in 2010 but there are still remnants of that past still ingrained in some of their models, especially the Mazda2.

Enter the Hazumi concept. The newest design concept by Mazda was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week and introduced as the new look of the second generation of Mazda2 subcompacts.

Images and details from the Geneva Motor Show has indicated that the 2015 Mazda2 will be similar in tech loadout like the 2014 Mazda3. Present on the concept model at the show was an active driving (heads up) display, new infotainment system, commander switch, and a backseat commander switch with miniature screen. The new 2015 Mazda2 will be equipped with Mazda’s newest car connectivity system called Mazda Connect 2. There is enough tech to make any driver that craves comfort and convenience envious.

Along with the introduction of the Hazumi concept was the announcement of a 1.5 liter small-displacement clean diesel engine named the SKYACTIV-D 1.5.

Currently there is no launch date for the Mazda2 but the launch window is anticipated for a Fall 2014 release.

For more information about the 2014 Mazda2 and other Mazda vehicles, visit the home of the Mazda Experts at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Mazda celebrates their 4-millionth Mazda3

Since June 2003, Mazda has built 4-million Mazda3s to date. To put that in perspective, there have been more Mazda3s built than there are people living in Oregon, the 27^th largest US state, by about roughly 70,000.

It’s been an impressive ten years and seven months of milestones since production first began on the first generation of Mazda3s. The first Mazda3 rolled off the assembly line in June 2003 at the manufacturing plant in Hofu, Japan. A fun fact about the Mazda3 is that in Japan it is not called the 3 but actually named the Mazda Axela.

In 2009, the second generation of Mazda3 debuted with an architecture formed from a collaboration with Ford and Volvo. By 2011, Mazda first debuted the SKYACTIV platform of technologies in the 2012 Mazda3. With fuel economy reaching 40 mpg while still maintaining a fun-to-drive sporty feel behind the wheel helped the Mazda3 grow in popularity over the next few years.

Last September, the 2014 Mazda3 released ushering in the third generation of Mazda’s best-selling compact.

Production is in full swing across the world in Japan, China, Thailand, and at Mazda’s brand new state-of-the-art plant in Mexico. At the rate the 3 is being built today, in the next 10 years Mazda might be celebrating the 10-millionth Mazda3.

For more information about Mazda3 specs and details, visit the Mazda Experts at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Mazda’s next concept set to debut at Geneva Motor Show

The Takeri concept set Mazda ahead of its competition by injecting a bold assertive style reimagining the look of the Mazda3 and Mazda6, as well as bringing life to the CX-5.

On March 4^th at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show, Mazda will unveil the Takeri’s little brother, Hazumi, which means “bound” or “spring up” in Japanese.

The Hazumi concept is slated to be the next design language of the agile subcompact Mazda2 which has remained unchanged since its launch North American launch in 2010.

Another announcement that Mazda has planned is the unveiling of the small-displacement SKYACTIV-D clean diesel 1.5 liter engine which is anticipated to power the next Mazda2.

We’ll know more about the future of Mazda diesel and the Mazda2 next month in Geneva.

For more information about Mazda vehicles or parts, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Consumer Reports strongly recommends the 2014 Mazda3

The verdict is in. Consumer Reports has added the 2014 Mazda3 to their recommendation list of must buy vehicles.

Consumer Reports used a midtrim sedan and a higher-end hatchback 2.0 liter engine models to conduct their road tests.

The 2013 Mazda3 was a recommended model last year due to its fuel economy, smooth transmission, and safety. Consumer Reports sings the same song with the 2014 Mazda3 stating that the fuel economy, which averaged 33 mpg during the test, is the best they have ever seen on a compact that was not a hybrid or diesel.

Road testers found the manual transmission to be one of the slickest shifters in the car industry making it an agile daily driver that comes alive on a track.

For more information about the 2014 Mazda3 specs and videos, visit us at SportMazdaOrlando.com which is home to the Mazda Experts.

Via: Consumer Reports

Kelley Blue Book gives Mazda the 5-Year Cost to Own Award

It’s easy to forget about maintenance and fuel costs when you are infatuated with a vehicle. New car shoppers usually think about affordability in terms of monthly payment, APR rate, and total cost paid at the end of the financing or leasing period without thinking of the long term costs over the years.

Kelley Blue Book has announced their annual recipients of their 5 Year Cost to Own Award which recognizes the top brands that retain the greatest value over the first five years of ownership.

The 2014 model lineup by Mazda earned them the 2014 5-Year Cost to Own Award as the best overall non-luxury brand for a second year in a row. This repeat success can be attributed to the rising quality of Mazda vehicles especially the reinvention of the Mazda3 which launched in September this past year in North America.

With depreciation, estimated fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, and maintenance and repair costs taken into consideration, the Mazda brand is at the top of the list.

Mazda ranked the lowest in fuel and insurance costs out of all the brands taken into consideration during the judging.

For more information about Mazda vehicles and the benefits of ownership, please visit us at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Mazda’s SKYACTIV diesel covered 2,826 miles in the Rolex 24

With two prototype SKYACTIV racers, Mazda has demonstrated that their diesel engine has come a long way since its debut at last year’s Rolex 24.

On Saturday, January 25^th, Mazda unleashed a duo of clean diesel powered prototype racers that saw years of research culminate into an impressive demonstration of endurance and engineering at Daytona International Speedway at the 52^nd Rolex 24.

Just like last year, Mazda was unable to complete the race but unlike last year, the engine was not a factor in an early retirement.

The number 07 car last the duration of the race up until the final hour when an oil-pump belt failure caused a loss of oil pressure and a forced retirement. The number 70 car also faced an accessory related failure when the radiator became clogged causing the car to overheat and forcing it to retire after completing just over 1,300 miles of continuous high speed racing. Combined, both cars lasted a total of 2,826 miles!

John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports, said that within the short amount of time the SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel prototype “we are very satisfied with the progress our team has achieved. That said, this is a multi-year development program and we won’t be happy until we start winning.”

The SKYACTIV-D is performing stronger than it has in previous endurance races and is a sign that Mazda is close to perfecting their diesel engine.

For more information about Mazda vehicles including technical specifications, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

2014 Mazda SKYACTIV racing prototype brings diesel back to Daytona

The SKYACTIV-D diesel engine returns to Daytona in the inaugural TUDOR United SportsCar Championship at the 2014 Rolex 24. Last year, a trio of turbo diesel equipped 2014 Mazda6’s failed to finish the 24 hour endurance race due to mechanical issues that have since been fixed and even earned Mazda the first diesel victory for the Grand Am class at Road Atlanta in July.

Next weekend, Mazda will be taking a pair of its latest racer dubbed the 2014 SKYACTIV Prototype through the paces around Daytona International Speedway.

The diesel engine used in the new prototype is identical to the specifications of the diesel engine found in the race modified Mazda6’s. The engine contains 51 percent of the original stock parts and weighs 37 percent lighter than the retail version.

At 451 brake horsepower with 581 pound-feet of torque, Mazda is squeezing every last bit of raw power that the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine is capable of outputting.

The Rolex 24 will run from January 25 to 26 with almost every automaker under the sun participating.

For more information about the benefits of SKYACTIV technology, please visit us at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Via: AutoBlog.com

SKYACTIV diesel engine delayed for North America

With several successful public demonstrations in the form of race victories using the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, Mazda has officially announced that its foray into the world of diesel power will have to wait a little longer before hitting showroom floors.

The Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda Orlando have been anticipating the launch of the SKYACTIV-D since Mazda’s intentions of introducing it in the as-of-then newly launched 2014 Mazda6.

Mazda has stopped hinting at possible release windows by taking the “when it’s ready, it’s ready” approach to focus more on finding a balance of fuel economy and driving performance which is a central theme in the SKYACTIV technology philosophy.

The reason for the delay is due to Mazda’s willingness to unleash every last bit of potential in the SKYACTIV-D, citing that they understand it “can meet emission regulation requirements.” Emission regulations vary in different regions of the world with Europe having strict regulations that call for strong improvements every five years.

The past year was a milestone for the Japanese automaker who saw the launch of two newly redesigned models built around SKYACTIV technology. If they release their diesel engine in 2014, it will be another memorable year of milestones Mazda.

For more information about SKYACTIV technology or the vehicles that use it, visit us on our website at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

IIHS certifies three Mazda vehicles as Top Safety Pick Plus

The most fuel efficient automaker in North America is also one of the safest! The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has certified the 2014 Mazda3, 2014 Mazda6, and 2014 CX-5 as Top Safety Pick Plus vehicles which distinguishes the safest autos on the road from the rest of the pack.

The safety found in Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology platform has helped revolutionize a brand famous for rotary engines into one that radiates safety, style, and performance. The three vehicles are the first Mazdas to be completely designed and built around SKYACTIV technology platform that has brought new life to the Mazda brand since the days when Ford was the majority stock holder.

In 2013, the only Mazda designated with the Top Safety Pick Plus status was the 2014 Mazda6 while the 2013 CX-5 only managed to earn a Top Safety Pick. Improvements were made to the CX-5 to tackle the newly introduced overlap test which prevented the Plus certification the previous year.

This is also the first year the Mazda3 has earned the Top Safety Pick Plus award which is just another trophy on the shelf of the Car of the Year for auto news sites like AutoGuide.com.

For more information about Mazda vehicles, visit our research center located at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Via: IIHS

EPA declares Mazda as 2013 most fuel-efficient automaker in the US

With a 27.5 mpg average across all models, Mazda has been declared the most fuel-efficient automaker in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda Orlando are used to educating curious car shoppers about the economical fuel saving advantages that Mazda’s proprietary SKYACTIV technology platform offers Mazda drivers.

This is the second year in a row that Mazda has been declared the most fuel-efficient automaker in the US by the EPA which noted a half mile increase in overall fuel efficiency over the vehicles produced in 2012.

Not only is Mazda the most-fuel efficient, but they also have the lowest carbon emission rate out of all automakers for two years in a row as well.

2013 was the year Mazda unveiled two game changers to their lineup. The launch of the 2014 Mazda6 in January, which was the first Mazda completely built around SKYACTIV technology, was the beginning of something great.

In September, Mazda launched the 2014 Mazda3 which was also completely built around the SKYACTIV technology platform and based on the Kodo “soul of motion” design language that the Mazda6 was adapted from.

Next year Mazda will be introducing a newer more fuel efficient MX-5 Miata which will contribute to the annual trend of Mazda’s shrinking carbon emissions and growing fuel economy.

For more information about Mazda vehicles, visit our website at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Via: AutoBlog.com

2014 Mazda6 is Popular Mechanics’ 2013 Car of the Year

Fuel economy, responsive slick handling and an upscale appearance has been rewarded in the 2014 Mazda6 sedan with Popular Mechanics’ 2013 Car of the Year!

At Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda Orlando, auto shoppers have found the perfect car they are looking for in the Mazda6 due to the fact it is one of the best equipped vehicles in its class while remaining affordable.

Popular Mechanics took every test drive over 2013 and narrowed it down to the top 10 cars of each segment. To help select a winner, the editors took the most important qualities to Popular Mechanics’ readers to make a final decision. They found that the 2014 Mazda6 met the affordability, utility, fuel efficiency, performance, innovation and design that their readers would appreciate.

Features like the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, SKYACTIV-G 2.5 liter gas engine, the SKYACTIV-MT manual and SKYACTIV-AT automatic transmission, and the striking beauty of the KODO “Soul of Motion” design language make the 2014 Mazda6 a clear choice for auto enthusiasts.

For more information about the 2014 Mazda6, visit our website at SportMazdaOrlando.com where you can schedule yourself an appointment with a Mazda Expert to test drive a Mazda today.

Via: AutoBlog.com