Mazda 3
November 18th, 2008
The Axela is based on Ford's global C1 platform, which was developed by Mazda, Volvo and Ford and is shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Based on the styling of the MX-Sportif concept car, the Axela is available in two body styles, a four-door sedan, marketed as "coupé style" in Europe, and a five-door hatchback, branded the Sport version in Canada, Japan, and the United States.
Front suspension is by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Rear suspension is a Ford-designed "E-link" multi-link suspension, with four locating links per wheel and an anti-roll bar, suspended on coil springs that are mounted inboard of the shock absorbers to reduce suspension intrusion into the cargo area. Disc brakes are standard at all four wheels, with 300 mm (11.8 in) discs front and 279 mm (11 in) discs rear; ABS and electronic brake force distribution are available or standard, depending on the model. Wheel and tire sizes vary with model, from 15 in on base models to option 17 in wheels on upper-level models.
When first introduced, United States-market Mazda3 models were available in only two trim levels, i and s, with the 2.0 L and 2.3 L engines, respectively. Since then Mazda has introduced a proliferation of additional models under the Touring and Grand Touring labels. UK Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, Sport, and a top end 2.3ltr turbocharged Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) models. Since April 2008, when there was a mainly cosmetic facelift of the Mazda3, there have been some changes to the trim designations for UK cars, with the models now being the entry level S, then Takara (which replaces TS), the Tamara Special Edition and the Sport and MPS as before.
All 3 models use the inline-4 Mazda MZR engine, with various types, displacements and outputs including the MZ-CD turbodiesel, depending on model and market. Transmissions are a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission; since the 2006 model year, a five-speed automatic is optional on models with the 2.3 L engine. This transmission has now been made standard on the 2.0 L engine in Japan (FWD models only), as part of a minor facelift in early 2008 which includes different front/rear bumper designs, new wheel designs and bodycolors, stiffened chassis, and better interior materials.
The 3 received a minor cosmetic facelift for the 2007 model year with minimal exterior, interior and mechanical changes. On base models, the black plastic at the top of the grille became body-coloured. The front fascia and bumper were changed with a floating foglight design and the lower air intake opening was reshaped to better resemble the typical "Mazda five-point face." All Mazda3 sedans and five-doors gained the same "Altezza" clear-lens style rear tail-lights as the SP23 model, and also featured LED brake lights. The LED brake lights were added to compete with the growing trend of higher-end vehicles using LED tail lamps for a more visible and responsive light output. The range of alloy wheels were redesigned. The rear fascia was slightly changed adding a notch on the bumper cover of the sedan. Several new exterior colors were added, a lighter shade of blue, a copper red metallic (April 2008), a dark blue called Stormy Blue and a purple color. The Titanium Gray color was replaced with a darker Galaxy Gray color.
The interior of the Mazda3 was offered in several new interior color combinations, including piano black door and dash inserts which are very desirable. An audio jack, allowing the use of digital music players, was added in the center console. Also, Takara models which were introduced in the 2008 upgrade added climate control and 6 cd autochanger to the TS specification.
The 2007 model also includes less visible mechanical changes. The keyless entry system was improved. Reinforcements to the body shell improve overall chassis rigidity. The front dampers of the MacPherson strut suspension have been re-tuned to quicken steering response and reduce understeer. The hydraulic dampers of the multi-link rear suspension were also re-tuned to match the front suspension changes. Mazda engineers and designers addressed concerns regarding cabin noise level by redesigning or changing multiple systems and adding sound-deadening material to the roof lining and hood panel
The bumper-to-bumper warranty was reduced to 36 months / 36,000 miles while the powertrain warranty was increased to 60 months / 60,000 miles in most markets. In the UK all Mazda3's have a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.
Canadian Mazda3s received standard seat mounted side-airbags and body shell mounted side curtain airbags across the model range. Previously both airbag types were not available.
In November 2007 reports stated the Mazda3 would be completely redesigned for the 2010 model year. Current news reports have shown the 2009 model year will receive a minor facelift with exterior design modifications that includes chrome door handles, a new roof spoiler, expanded use of black moldings on the rear bumper and new alloy-wheel options. The full redesign will debut in 2010.
In October 2008 Mazda released pictures and video showing the next generation design of the Mazda3. Mazda has restyled the exterior to reflect its current design language, and incorporated LED tail lamps and a dual exhaust. The trim with the larger engine will use a 2.5L straight-4 shared with the second-generation Mazda6, while the less powerful trim will continue with the same 2.0L engine.
Mazda has not confirmed if the new design is based on the current C1 platform, the EUCD, or the CD3 platform. The new model is expected to be wider, longer and lighter than the current Mazda3. The North American market's base 2.0L engine is expected to receive a modest boost in horsepower. The 2.3L engine will be replaced with a 2.5L DISI engine that should produce at least 170 bhp (127 kW/172 PS). Both engines will be direct injected. Car and Driver had earlier mentioned a possible 1.6L rotary engine; it remains unclear if that will materialize.
Right now, Mazda 3 has recommended itself as a popular choise for mid-class people. Not very cheap, but it's certainly not expensive. Low fuel consumption, good speed and enough place for 4 people. And every year it's only getting better.
Mazda 6
July 9th, 2008
The Mazda Atenza was the first of the new generation of 'Stylish', 'Insightful', and 'Spirited' range from Mazda. It was followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006.
The Mazda Atenza is currently raced in the SCCAPro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings. Mazda Atenza/6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.
The model lineup consists of a four-door sedan, a five-door liftback and a five-door station wagon, marketed in North America as the "Sport Sedan", "5-Door" and "Sport Wagon". In Australia, the lineup starts with Limited, available only as a sedan. Then comes the Classic, available in sedan, hatch or wagon. The Luxury model is next available in sedan and hatch versions. Topping the range is the Luxury Sports model, available only as a hatch. When it arrived in North America, it was first sold as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada. In Europe, the luxury sports model was available as a 136 hp (101 kW) direct injection turbodiesel ("DITD") station wagon up until 2007. As of 2008, the European Mazda catalog lists only the "Sport" version of the 146 hp (109 kW) turbodiesel station wagon, while the "Luxury Sport" version has been dropped.
Drivetrain combinations include the Mazda MZR engine in configurations of 1.8 L(L8 European Model), 2.0 L(LF European Model) and 2.3 L(L3 European Model), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "Four-Speed Sport AT"). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine is also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "5-Speed Sport AT"). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6 with much improved fuel economy.
In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models is replaced by a 6-speed automatic from Ford for 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model receives a five-speed automatic in the following year. Power is directed to the front wheels only in most markets, although full-time all wheel drive models are available in Japan, Europe and Australia. Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia is available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, while the 626 which it replaced was available with a choice of four or six-cylinder engines. This was due to the Australian Mazda6 being sourced from Japan where the V6 engine was not available. The Duratec 30 V6 engine fitted to vehicles manufactured at Flat Rock, Michigan is only available in the US and Canadian domestic markets.
Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Atenza's CD3 platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybrid powertrain on the platform. For its part, Mazda themselves refer to this chassis as either the GG (sedan/hatch) or GY (wagon) series - following the previous 626/Capella in its GF/GW series.
North American Mazda 6 production is handled at the AutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda 6 rolled off this Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. Hofu plants in Hiroshima produce the Mazda 6 for Europe and some Asian markets, including Australia. There are also satellite plants building Mazda 6 models in China and Thailand for their respective local markets. (Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda.)
In September 2005, all Australian Mazda 6's received a facelift which included a feature upgrade, 5 speed auto and 6 speed manual transmissions, standard 16" or 17" alloy wheels and minor bodywork upgrades.
In China, the Mazda Atenza is used as the base for the FAW Benteng, also known as Besturn or Hongqi C301, manufactured by the First Automobile Works in Jilin Province.
The Mazda6 second generation made its premiere at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2007. The US version will be redesigned for the 2009 model year, which will be a larger car than the models offered in other markets. Mazda followed Honda's strategy in offering a larger sedan in America compared to the European version, and the company believes the new car will strengthen the brand significantly. Engine choices include a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and North American versions get a 3.7 liter V6 sourced from the CX-9.
The new Atenza is still based on the Ford CD3 platform and continues to provide three bodies, including 4-door saloon (sedan), 5-door hatchback and wagon. Despite its increase in dimensions, weight is not increased significantly and therefore the same overall driving experience is generally maintained. A number of journalists have already praised its electrically assisted steering for being considerably improved compared to the last generation, providing more feedback to the driver. The hatchback model even has a boot space which beats the larger rival Ford Mondeo (hatchback) by 200 liters with rear seats folded down. For the American market however, only a sedan model will be available.
