2011 Mazda 2 - First Drive Review

With lofty government-mandated fuel-economy standards coming down on one hand and a shaky economy spurring consumer interest on the other, carmakers are serving up more subcompact cars to U.S. consumers than ever. Among the most hotly anticipated (at least among Car and Driver staffers) is the 2011 Mazda 2, Mazda’s first America-bound B-segment vehicle since the 323 and arguably the best such car Mazda has ever built.


While Mazda is calling the 2011 model the “third generation” of the 2, it’s more or less a refresh of the second-gen car sold around the globe since 2008. Aside from redesigned front and rear fascias and sundry new interior bits, it’s essentially the same car as before, one which shares its architecture with Ford’s slick new Fiesta—which, incidentally, also arrives stateside for 2011.


Of the two platformmates, the 2 is the simpler machine: lighter, less powerful, and available only as a five-door hatchback in either “Sport” or “Touring” trim levels. Its Eurocentric cabin assigns ergonomic priority to front-seat occupants while giving rear-seaters (and cargo) the somewhat shorter end of the stick. The interior design is pleasing, but the features list is surprisingly short. Unavailable, for example, even on Touring models, are a telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, integrated navigation (a portable Garmin system will be available from dealers), a USB port, or a hands-free Bluetooth system. The only option beyond dealer accessories is special paint.

Mazda MX-5 Named UK’s Best Sportscar

Since its launch 20 years ago, Mazda MX-5 has been one of the UK’s most favourite cars. So no wonder that in the 2010 JD Power survey it was awarded as Britain’s ‘Best Sports car’. This little Japanese is probably the only successful copy of a true British roadster. It’s a very desirable car not for things that is has, but because of things that it doesn’t have!

The MX-5 is simple and honest and most importantly affordable. It offers unmatched level of driving fun in its class, mainly thanks to its lightness. It doesn’t ask what you need, it asks what you can live without! Of course these days it’s got caught up in the game and comes with retractable metal roof and all other stuff you won’t need, and that has made it heavier ans less fun, but still comparing to its rivals, it’s a true British sportscar, except its Japanese!

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen To Race At 24 Hour Le Mans

Mazda is making a big return to LeMans 24 Hours race in 2010 19 years after their memorable victory with a rotary-engine race car. This time too, they are coming with a groundbreaking car, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE sports coupe, powered by a petrol/hydrogen rotary engine. The car will get a special demonstration at “Le Mans vers le future” (Le Mans into the Future).

Mazda considering hybrid rotary for MX-5 replacement

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

According to reports coming out of Japan, Mazda is developing a hybrid
rotary powered roadster for 2012. The model is said to be a smaller and lighter replacement for the Mazda Miata MX-5.

Japan’s BestCar magazine reports that Mazda is looking fit its newly developed Sky-G Hybrid Rotary Engine in a 1.2L or 1.3L engine capacity for the Roadster. The magazine said that the move makes since the industry is being pulled towards a “Hybrid Sports” movement (yes, it’s pretty sad for us to hear that too).

MAZDA B2500 Pick-up Truck (2000) diesel 4WD

Mazda B2500 pick up truck from 2000. 4WD and diesel engine. Regular cab. I have bought the truck 5 yrs ago from International Motors. Car is in fairly good condition. 30000 miles

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