After 12 years at the top of the charts, Civic is about to lose its thrown spot. So far this year, sales of the Mazda3 are tracking ahead of the ubiquitous Civic. True, it’s a slim margin – Mazda leads by just a hair more than 100 cars so far – but if growth trends continue, Mazda could overtake Honda as the best-selling car in this country in 2010. The Mazda3 has seen its sales grow roughly 15 per cent year-to-date, while the Civic’s sales are down 1 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Dennis DesRosiers, the industry analyst who compiled the numbers, said “You can’t avoid getting one year older every year. When products get long in the tooth like the Civic, and you have a competitor that’s better priced and better equipped, then you have a hard time competing.”

The best-selling brands – Toyota, Honda and Mazda – have reliability in common, Mr. DesRosiers said. They can differentiate themselves by lowering prices, offering more features in a package, and updating the engineering. Honda has been unwilling to compromise on pricing and equipment levels; the Mazda model has the advantage of engineering that is four years newer than the Civic’s.

“The Mazda3 is just phenomenal. Every day we have a few dozen people coming in, and they just want to drive it,” said Alexandre Saillant, the general manager and co-owner of Laurier Mazda in Sainte-Foy, Que. A former Pontiac dealership, in the months since they began selling Mazdas Mr. Saillant said he’s seen a difference in how customers approach the car. “They’re not buying it because it’s the cheapest car around. They’re buying it because they desire it, they want to drive it,” he said.

America is known for some of the more stringent emissions requirements for engines throughout the world. The one place with even harder emissions ratings – Europe – which is where they’ve killed Mazda’s RX-8 The new rotory engine which powers RX-8 does not meet those tough European regulations.

According to Top Speed, “The car’s Wankel engine did not meet the necessary requirements of the EuroV emission regulations that came into force last September, so the Japanese company decided that instead of developing the current engine in the RX-8 at a substantial cost, the current generation will be axed.”

The current RX-8 is powered by a compact 13B twin rotor Renesis engine making 232 HP at a screaming 8,200 RPM and 155 lb-ft of torque. This allows the RX-8 to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 MPH.

Mazda plans to combine Toyota’s hybrid system with its new technology and car design, in hopes to produce their very own gas / electric vehicle by 2013. For now, a Mazda hybrid will only be available in Japan – as no word has been said on whether they’ll sell outside a home market.

Mazda has lagged these past few years in producing their very own hybrid technology. Upon signing the Toyota agreement, Mazda Executive Vice President Masaharu Yamaki stated; “We want to develop a hybrid car quickly.”

Toyota does not solely share hybrid components with Mazda. On the contrary; Ford, Subaru and Nissan have all been in partnerships with Toyota for sharing of hybrid research, production and design.

Gas prices in the United States may be lower then just a year or two ago, but hybrids are still in demand. Toyota alone manufactured 655,180 vehicles in February globally, up 83% from 358,573 vehicles in the same month last year.

Mr. Yamaki added his insight on the growing demand for hybrids in Japan, sparked by government buying incentives as well as Toyota’s Prius model.

Sources: WSJ | Mazdapedia.org

Mazda is releasing a special edition of their well-known roadster to celebrate 20 years on sale in France. The Mazda MX-5 Black and Matte will get its public introduction at the Salon du Cabriolet, Coupe & SUV in Paris.

The show car will feature logos, mirrors, and other accessories crafted by jewelers as a way of off-setting the effect of the matte black paintwork. The 2.0-liter model with an automatic transmission features darkened windows and black rims.

Mazda’s special edition was designed in partnership with fashion designer Laure Kczekotowska. Interior photos have not been released, but it could include the same “rhinestones, gems, [and] crystals” present on the designer’s LK Paris label dresses. Specifics about the edition size, sales date, and cost were not revealed.

Report via WorldCarFans

The auto maker showed off a few of their upgrades at the Philadelphia Show Mazda booth, but it all comes out in Geneva. Our pals over at Car & Driver talked to Robert Davis, Mazda North America’s senior VP of quality and R&D, in Geneva. Davis dropped some very interesting news on their i-stop power train, hydrogen power and other fun developments at Mazda:

i-stop

This is what Mazda calls its engine stop/start system, which kills the engine at stops and already is available on the Mazda 3 in Europe. Rather than using the electric starter to re-fire the engine, as in other manufacturers’ versions of the technology, Mazda instead stops one of the cylinders at an advantageous point near the top of its stroke and fires that cylinder to get the engine restarted once the driver steps off the brake. The reason we haven’t yet seen i-stop—or most other companies’ versions—on U.S.-market cars is that the tech simply doesn’t have enough effect on EPA fuel-economy ratings.

Hybrids

Mazda is toying with the idea of hybridizing more of its lineup beyond the slow-selling Tribute hybrid, which is a clone of the Ford Escape hybrid, but Davis didn’t seem particularly bullish on the idea. As mentioned, weight is a concern—as is overall performance—and since Mazda is confident that it can reach looming federal efficiency requirements with some or all of the measures discussed here, it’s not convinced that more widespread hybridization is the way to go. We think part of the brand’s hesitancy to go hybrid could be pinned on financials; it costs a lot to develop your own hybrid powertrain, and licensing one from another company wouldn’t be cheap, either. When/if Mazda decides to more fully hybridize, we were told not to expect anything for at least ten years.

Diesel & Hydrogen

As we said, the plans will include diesel, too, if not in America then certainly in Europe, where Mazda already sells oil-burners. We had a chance to drive a CX-7 with a 2.2-liter diesel engine while we were in Geneva, and came away fairly impressed. (Again. Check out our initial drive of the vehicle for a more in-depth look.) A fair amount of turbo lag was our only real complaint. But we won’t see that engine in the U.S. market, should we actually get diesel Mazdas. The company would wait until the SKY-D engine is ready, and it is said to be a lot more drivable—i.e. less laggy.

We didn’t discuss this with Davis in Geneva, but hydrogen seems to be where Mazda’s sliding a decent chunk of its chips. Witness the rotary-engined, hydrogen-fueled RX-8s and 5s that have gone on lease in Norway and Japan in the past year or so. But given the current lack of meaningful hydrogen infrastructure in the U.S., they won’t come here anytime soon.

The Source: Car & Driver

* New ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’ model on sale from 1 March 2010
* Priced from £16,850 (on-the-road), 1.8-litre model echoes true spirit of 1990 original
* Represents great value with 10 additional items of equipment and unique colours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’.

“British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade,” comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK.

“Launching in Spring when the prospect of open-top motoring has added appeal, the new Mazda MX 5 20th Anniversary model is the perfect way to celebrate this relationship during a year when we expect MX-5 sales in the UK to pass the 100,000 milestone since its launch in 1990.

“The Anniversary model will appeal to customers in search of pure driving pleasure who are also keen to enjoy the whole sportscar ownership experience while celebrating the unique MX-5 heritage. Over a span of 20 years, Mazda has sold more than 850,000 MX-5 sportscars worldwide and our roadster has won more than 170 awards. Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivaled as a rewarding, affordable sports car that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability.” adds Cameron.

In the true spirit of the original, the new Limited Edition model is based on the purest, back to basics MX-5, the entry-level soft-top 1.8 SE convertible, offering the best, fun-to-drive thrills along with a truly rewarding motoring experience. The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition also represents great value. Priced at £16,850 on-the-road, it features 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, just £55 more than the SE – and significantly less than the original Mazda MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades.

‘Stand-out’ additional equipment featured on the Anniversary model includes 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique silver finish, front fog lights, chrome trims (around the grille, headlamps and fog lights), body-coloured roll bars and a supporting strut brace. Inside, the stainless steel scuff plate features a unique ‘20th Anniversary’ logo and limited edition number, premium ‘20th Anniversary’ branded floor mats, a body-coloured front dashboard, aluminum pedal set, and manual air-conditioning.

MX-5 20th Anniversary drivers benefit from the generous specification of the SE model, on which it is based, ensuring comfort and convenience are not comprised. Featuring as standard, electric and heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking with deadlocks and remote boot release. The Limited Edition model also boasts a stylish, modern cabin with a leather steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake, plus an MP3-compatible Radio/CD audio system with six speakers, steering wheel controls and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 and iPod connection.

Mazda UK has secured 32 percent of the Anniversary model production destined for Europe, with around 600 units, reaching showrooms from 1 March 2010. Customers can choose from three colours which echo the original 1990 launch colours of red, white and blue. The ever-popular True Red is joined by two unique colours for the Anniversary model, Crystal White Pearlescent and Aurora Blue Mica, both available for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK, priced at £395.

Mazda dealers are currently offering Mazda MX-5 buyers three finance packages available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2010. Typical 0%*, 3.9% and 5.9% APR** finance are available depending on type of sale and duration of package.

The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary model is powered by a 126ps, 1.8-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Sportscar handling and legendary agility are complimented by a lively performance – 0-to-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph – and environmental responsibility with modest CO2 emissions (167g/km) and a combined fuel economy of 40.4 mpg.

Mazda announced today that sales of the facelift version of the 2010 Mazda Atenza would begin immediately in Japan. The car will be introduced internationally at the Geneva Motor Show as the 2010 Mazda6.

The mid-size car comes as either a four-door sedan, five-door, or five-door wagon. Its “grinning” front end, including a new front bumper, now brings the Mazda6 inline with the Mazda3 and recently revealed Mazda5. More dramatic changes at the back, where the car now sports a completely remodeled bumper, light clusters, and tailpipes. Changes were not just made to the outside, as the car now has a single color interior instead of the contrasting tones in the 2009 model. It gives the interior of the car a cleaner look.

Engine offerings on the car include a new, more efficient petrol 2.0-liter DISI1 unit replacing the current 2.0 engine. The MZR 1.8- and 2.5-liter petrol engines have also been updated a bit. The MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel, on offer ranging from 127 to 178 horsepower, has modifications to make it more efficient and clean. All six of the engines choices will be available in Europe, but the MZR 1.8-liter will not be sold in Japan.

Adaptive lighting, hill assist, and an adjusted chassis round out the changes. The Mazda6 will get its international premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will go on sale in Europe soon after.

This MacGruber Trailer (which has been linked since it’s a “red band,” aka, NSFW) features Will Forte in his well known spoof on MacGyver, along with puffy looking film vet and one time Batman Val Kilmer as villain Dieter Von Cunth. Get it, like CUN – oh ok, you got it. But what caught our attention the most is the little red Miata, brazened with a “Mac 1″ license plate. Maybe the Miata’s time has finally come? It hasn’t been this prominently featured on the big screen since Jay Mohr tried stuffing a body into one during Doug Liman’s Go.

As far as SNL movies go, they’re really hit or miss…or usually just a miss. Although, the preview is damn funny, so it looks like we’ll have to wait until April 23rd to find out if MacGruber and his Miata are a box office success.

Now don’t expect to see the same Furai concept model used in the production of Mazda’s RX-7. According to sources at Edmunds Inside Line, a “more conventional” design will be implemented for RX-7. RX-8’s replacement was originally slated to appear in 2012, but Edmunds claims you’ll see it as early as 2011.

Oh My Goodness – if you were able to check out the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show your eyes were lucky see an army of Mazda2 Concepts.

Press Release – Mazda 2Evil Special Concept – The Mazda Active2 Surf & Snow Special Concepts

This concept is inspired by the weekend track car but one that can function equally well as an urban commuter. The body has been modified to show a more aggressive front spoiler and a deeper side rocker for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance. A strong lower diffuser is added to enhance the rear proportion and more emphasis is placed on the exhaust tip. The rear upper spoiler was redesigned for both additional downforce and a race appearance. The dynamic MAZDA2 body is finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics. The graphics are finished off with the historic number 55, a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green. To top it off, the performance and stance are enhanced with 17″ wheels, 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magna performance exhaust.

The Active2 Surf exterior showcases a more aggressive front bumper and rocker. Adding to the sport theme, 17″ wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires and H&R coil over suspension were applied. The sheet metal is finished in Spirited Green and detailed with Active2 graphics. These subtle effects are displayed on the hood and driver-side fender. The graphics are finished in graphite and white, with matching wheels and mirrors. To support the overall concept, the Active2 Surf has been set up with a Thule roof rack system and a matching carbon fiber surfboard.

Via Worldcarfans