Mazda3 MPS Test Drive

It’s new, it’s got 256bhp and it’s one of the fastest hot hatches you can buy. In this video, Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if the Mazda3 MPS is as mean as it sounds.

Mazda's MZR 2.3-liter DISI turbocharged engine with 191 kW (260 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h comes in 6.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Other performance features include a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a revised six-speed manual transmission with wider gear ratios, and improved drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

2010 Mazda CX-9 improves

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s CX-9 seven-passenger crossover SUV debuted in 2007 and it is one of the more nicely styled vehicles of its ilk. Its sculpted lines flow better than some of its utilitarian competitors and it has undergone several appearance changes for 2010 inside and out.

Most noticeable is a new grille and front-end design as well as new taillights and mirrors. We tested the 2010 CX-9 Grand Touring, the highest trim level, which wears 20-inch wheels and has a nicely appointed interior with some new upgraded features.

The CX-9 has a solid, refined feel with nimble handling that belies its not-so-insignificant proportions. With optional allwheel drive, only the front wheels are powered until slippage is detected, then up to 50 percent can be routed to the rearwheels; the CX-9 proved sure-footed in snowy conditions.

Mazda CX-7 2.5 Dynamic

Mazda CX-7

Mazda CX-7
The SUV market is, at the best of times, plainly incomprehensible to me.

If you wish to go off-road, well, purchase a dedicated off-road wagon with low-range reduction gearing and some lockable axles. If you need loadspace and all-wheel traction security on dirt roads, buy an all-wheel drive station wagon.

Conversely, the idea of a Crossover (sedan platform, pseudo-SUV style) is completely beyond my faculties of reason.

Of course, the Crossover’s appeal is in combining the aspiration to an outdoor, active lifestyle (Camel trophy "lite", if you’ll excuse the tobacco-driven adage) without any of the solid axle ride harshness or ponderous on-road performance.

Crossovers are, mostly, a hapless compromise. Some manage to find the golden mean between faux dirt-road performance and urban usability better than others.

Mazda CX-7 With these vehicles spending so little time on even the most unchallenging of dirt-roads, perhaps there is space in the market for more front-wheel drive derivatives?

Subsequently, Mazda CX-7 after two weeks testing Mazda’s facelifted CX-7 (in 2.5L Dynamic guise) I pondered the issue: was it a hapless compromise or golden mean pseudo-SUV style wagon?

Mazda CX-7 hailed as good family car

The Mazda CX-7 has been flagged up as a good option for families for want to travel in a transporter.

According to the Hamilton Advertiser, the vehicle can carry more than 700 litres of luggage, as well as mum, dad and all of the kids.

The newspaper said the vehicle was particularly easy to handle on town roads, which could be an asset on the mandatory trip to the supermarket.

It also noted that the Mazda CX-7 performed equally well on the motorways, where its motion was said to be "smooth-flowing and effortless".

Indeed, reviewer John Connor stated that the vehicle "really grew in my estimation" when he took it onto the motorway.

"Mazda has another winning model in its line-up," he commented.

2010 Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary

2010 Mazda MX5 20th Anniversary

Mazda3 MPS Test Drive

It’s new, it’s got 256bhp and it’s one of the fastest hot hatches you can buy. In this video, Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if the Mazda3 MPS is as mean as it sounds.

Mazda's MZR 2.3-liter DISI turbocharged engine with 191 kW (260 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h comes in 6.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Other performance features include a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a revised six-speed manual transmission with wider gear ratios, and improved drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

2010 Mazda Axela and Biante

As part of celebrations marking its 90th anniversary, Mazda Motor Corporation today launched special edition versions of the Mazda Axela sports compact (known overseas as the Mazda3) and Mazda Biante mid-size tall ‘high-roof’ minivan for the Japanese market. Both models are equipped with Mazda’s unique idling stop system, i-stop, and go on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan.

Founded in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., Mazda will reach its 90th birthday on January 30, 2010. The two commemorative special edition models feature the award-winning i-stop system and offer outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance as well as Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive attributes. In Japan, i-stop’s list of accolades includes the 2009 Eco-Products Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the 2010 RJC Technology of the Year award.

Both special edition models qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program and 75 percent tax reductions under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program.

The Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the four Axela grades that come with i-stop. It will be the first Mazda in the Japanese market with the exclusive exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica. The Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition, also launched to celebrate Mazda’s 90th birthday, is based on the 20CS model grade. Its features include i-stop, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry System.

Main features of the Mazda Axela 90th Anniversary Special Edition

Base models
Mazda Axela Sport 20C and 20S grades, Mazda Axela Sedan 20C and 20E (FWD) grades (all grades equipped with i-stop)

Special features
Special exterior body color, Gunmetal Blue Mica (new to models for the Japanese market)

Main features of the Mazda Biante i-stop Smart Edition

Base model
Mazda Biante 20CS (FWD model)
Special features
•i-stop
•Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system
•Dual power sliding doors
•Advanced keyless entry and start system (with answer-back function and automatic rear liftgate)