Mazda is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the first MX-5 Miata roadster by creating yet another special edition. Unlike the production 20th Anniversary Edition, this MX-5 Superlight Edition will not be produced, but was created as a show car to demonstrate “how individual mobility can be maintained in a way that uses fewer natural resources,” according to Mazda.

The MX-5 Superlight Edition was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show today and shows off the possibilities and character of the MX-5 by coming in at under 1000 kg (2,204 lbs.) This is helped, of course, by the lack of a top, windshield, or windshield frame. The completely open top allows for other show-off attributes such as no door handles or side windows. Continue Reading…

Every so often, Mazda makes a more sporting concept vehicle of its much beloved MX-5/Miata. It looks like this years Frankfurt Auto Show will see the debut of yet another one of these highly interesting little sportscars that will make me wonder if Mazda will finally let something like this out on the streets.

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20 years? Has it really been 20 years since Mazda re-wrote the book about what a small, light and nimble sportscar should be? Damn, I guess it has. It seems like only yesterday that the sportscar was a fading automotive idea. Sure, sure, there were “sporty cars”, but something that was lightweight, with only two seats and most definitely rear wheel drive seemed to be a declining idea.

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Released in 2004, the Mazda3 is a huge success for Mazda. In fact out of every three Mazdas sold, one of them is a Mazda3. It’s gained incredible praise from automotive media as a great compact driver’s car and even won our 2008 Sport Compact Shootout. Now that competitors are evolving into better cars, Mazda needed to update the 3 to keep up.

I wouldn’t call the new 2010 Mazda 3 an upgrade; it’s more of an overhaul. While the dimensions of the compact car remain nearly identical, almost everything else has been changed. Most noticeably changed is the styling, which follows Mazda’s new “Big Smile” design philosophy in the front, and an overall more aggressive appearance. The body, while I despise the funny-faced front end and love the rest, was designed to decrease wind resistance. It works - it’s now the most slippery car in its class, and as a result they have increased fuel economy over the previous model despite being heavier and more powerful. From the side and rear it’s very attractive and aggressive, which is a pleasant change from the previous model’s outdated bland styling. Continue Reading…

When a 2009 Mazda MX-5 showed up on our review schedule, I was a bit concerned. See, I’m a little over 6′4″ tall, and shaped somewhat like a pear. I’ve never had much luck getting comfortable in smaller cars, and little compacts like the Honda S2000 and Mercedes SLK are completely hopeless. I figure the MX-5 (aka Miata) would suffer the same fate.

When they dropped off the MX-5, I was able to drive the car with relative comfort, assuming the top was down and seat was all the way back. But the size of the MX-5 is part of what attracts its buyers; being so small and nimble is what gives the driver such a close connection with the car, and the top down makes it a pleasure to drive. Continue Reading…

The mid-size family sedan segment is red-hot right now with an overabundance of vehicles to suit any driver’s taste. From America to Asia, consumers can choose from a soft and comfortable four-door to something that gets the blood pumping a bit. For the latter, Mazda says their recently-redesigned 6 sedan is the best choice out there.

First appearing in 2003, the first Mazda6 sedan offered a terrific sporty alternative to most family sedans. Offered with either a 160 horsepower, 2.3 liter four cylinder or a 220 horse, 3.0 Duratec V6, it handles curves beautifully while having room enough for a family of four and their luggage. The bigger engine even came with Mazda’s terrific five-speed manual, a rarity in this segment.

On the other hand, the 6 had some discernible qualities (or lack thereof) which left it far behind the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The interior layout and material quality was poor to put it politely, and the V6 ran out of steam too quickly compared to other engines in its class.

So where does the second-generation, released last year as a 2009, place this time around? Does this new Mazda6 improve on its faults while keeping the fun-to-drive personality? Continue Reading…