Mazda CX-3 over Honda HR-V, it's the details that count

One of the things that Mazda has excelled in is the details and nowhere is It more apparent than in the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3.  In Car and Driver Magazine, September edition, the CX-3 was proclaimed the “hands-down” winner in a full comparison over the Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, and Honda HR-V.  In another article, Torque News looks at the article and attributes the win to Mazda getting even the little things better.  In the article they used a head-to-head comparison between the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3 to explain why the details were important. 

 

Their first comparison was on performance. 

•  0-30 MPH Sprint:  CX-3 2.8 Seconds, HR-V 3.7 Seconds

•  0-60 MPH Sprint:  CX-3 8.1 Seconds, HR-V 9.3 Seconds

• 0-100 MPH Sprint: CX-3 23.8 Seconds, HR-V 29.1 Seconds

•  In terms of straight line acceleration, the CX-3 is quicker

In the slalom test, the CX-3 is also faster with a speed of 42.1 MPH compared to 39.7 MPH for the HR-V.  In terms of taking turns, the CX-3 is much faster.

They even pointed out that you would think that with higher speeds you would get less MPG.  But not so, the CX-3 tested at 28 MPG thru the tests, and the HR-V was lower at 26 MPG.

The article goes on to show comparisons in the performance of transmissions, torque and horsepower, even in weight. Lighter, more powerful and better transmission is what the comparison showed.

The conclusion that Torque News reaches is that it is the details or the small things that make the CX-3 the winner.  The article concludes with this, “The Mazda was just a tiny bit better in all the categories that add up to quickness and fuel economy. That is what Skyactiv means, and why Mazda talks about it so much.”

Check out the CX-3 on our website, www.SportMazdaOrlando.com or plan a visit to Sport Mazda and make an appointment for a drive.

Source:  Torque News Article: CX-3 Performance Tops Honda HR-V

Source: Car and Driver Magazine, September 2015, Pages 86-97

2016 Mazda CX-3 The Compact SUV Style Leader is Now at Sport Mazda

The completely new 2016 Mazda CX-3 has arrive at Sport Mazda. The auto industry websites are all saying the CX-3 is very stylish and is in a class of its own when it comes to design.  But don't take my word for it.  Check out what the New York Daily News had to say, and then check out the many new features that make this new small SUV the design leader.

“At first glance, there’s quite a bit to like. So much so, in fact that we’d say it’s the best-looking vehicle in the segment. Mazda’s “Kodo” design language has reached full maturity in the CX-3, and the beauty is truly in the details.”  New York Daily News, Friday, July 31- Click to read the entire review

• The beautifully designed exterior of the CX-3 presents a bold stylish look. The grille stacks seven fins with available silver-painted front edges that give the feel of energy waiting to explode. The signature wing grille has a strong border and forms the starting point for a powerful sense of speed that flows back through the entire body.

• The headlamps are a narrow, sharp design that reminds one of eyes gazing forward into the wind and the available LED illumination package connects the entire front and draws attention to the CX-3 taut lines.

• The front fenders peak and then push rearward to the base of the A-pillars which makes the side view look even longer.

• The license plate is on the upper part of the rear bumper to create a short overhand design that gives the rear a clean and solid look.

Careful attention to design and detail was used to create the rich feel of finely drawn changes in all body surfaces like:

• The front half of the body features a long nose with a flowing shape.

• The cabin section has a sleek look accented by blacked-out D-pillars.

• The solid rear body conveys a look of strength and power.

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is also available in the newly developed Ceramic Metallic body color, recently introduced on the 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5.  It looks like a finely honed metallic surface and changes in appearance depending on the angle and intensity of light hitting it.  The color joins the Soul Red with show-car-levels of paint quality.

For more information on the CX-3 and it’s many features, check out Sport Mazda's 2016 CX-3 Research Page.

It is hard to write about designs without sounding like an advertisement, so I will just close by inviting you to visit Sport Mazda and see and drive the new 2016 Mazda CX-3, crossover SUV, for yourself.  To check availability and make an appointment to take it for a drive, click here.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Has Arrived at Sport Mazda Orlando

The newest generation of the car that rewrote the record book for sports car sales worldwide , the Mazda Miata, HAS ARRIVED at Sport Mazda in Orlando.  The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is redesigned from the ground up and has a full-suite of Skyactiv technologies.  

Already the Auto Industry periodicals are full of praise for the Miata with comments like “a modern day reincarnation of the original Miata that stole our hearts in 1989….It’s comfortable. It looks great. And it drives like a Miata should. In other words, it’s perfect.”  Or, “the more time I spend with the new Miata, the more I like it.”  And, “I cannot stress it enough: The relationship between car and driver is stronger in the new Miata than perhaps any vehicle I’ve tested in recent years.” And finally, “I’ll cut right to the chase, it’s brilliant.”

Want more information on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata.  Stay tuned as I will be bringing you a series of blogs on features that set this car apart from the competition.  If you want to read more right now, check out these articles.

AutoGuide.com,2016 Mazda MX-5 Review

Edmunds .com,2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Review    

             

Sport Mazda is the highest-rated Mazda dealership in the U.S., based on customer testimonials and is a full-service, new Mazda and quality used car dealer at 6239 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida.  Contact us at (407) 851-8510.

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.

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.

2014 Mazda3 nominated for 2014 North American Car of the Year

North America’s car of the year could very well be the hottest compact to ever come out of Japan. The Mazda3 has been nominated as a finalist for North American Car of the Year award at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan next month.

Fourty-eight automotive journalists across the United States and Canada casted their votes last month to determine the three finalists for Car of the Year. 

The Mazda3 goes up against the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and last year’s Car of the Year, the Cadillac CTS. Out of the three nominees, the 3 is the most affordable with a base price of $16,495 for the sedan.

With its affordability, luxurious styling and technology, it’s easy to see why the 2014 Mazda3 has been nominated when compared to this year’s hottest autos.

For more information about the 2014 Mazda or other Mazda vehicles, visit us on our website at SportMazdaOrlando.com.