Mazda has just released a flurry of new information about the 2012 Mazda3. The car has been outfitted with a new front fascia, a revised grille, round fog lights, restyled wheels, unique headlights, a metallic blue engine cover and the obligatory badging. The sedan is powered by a new Skyactiv-G petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission that develops 155hp (116kW/ 157PS) and 148lb-ft (200Nm) of torque. This engine configuration enables the Mazda3 sedan to return 27mpg city/ 39mpg highway. [YesYesCar]
Mazda has decided to recall over 65,000 Mazda 6 (2009) cars from the US, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The reason for the recall was over concerns about spiders spinning webs inside the car’s vents. The presence of these spider webs could clog the fuel tank’s vent, leading to fire. Mazda said that it hasn’t actually received any reports of accidents caused by the webs, but it has found more than 20 tanks with webs in them. [GearLog]
Mazda is about to release their newest hatchback ‘Mazda3 MPS’ in Malaysia on March 2nd. This compact car will be sold for MYR 175,000 (about $57,600). Performance-wise, the Mazda3 MPS is equipped with a 2.3-liter DISI Turbo petrol engine that outputs 260 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The car has a top speed of 250 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. [Autoevolution]
The new Mazda Minagi Concept will make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March 2011. Unfortunately, the Japanese car maker didn’t reveal any details on the concept’s specifications, simply stating that the Minagi is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis. Stay tuned for more updates. [CarScoop]
Mazda has finally revealed the US pricing for its upcoming 2012 Mazda 5. This compact multi-activity vehicle will be available in three different trim levels including Sport, Touring and Grand Touring along with two different transmission options: a six-speed manual (Sport model) or a five-speed automatic (Touring and Grand Touring models). Meanwhile, power itself will come from a 2.5-liter I-4 engine that generates 157 hp. Prices will range from $19,990 for the entry level Sport model and goes up to $24,670 for the top of the line Grand Touring model. The 2012 Mazda 5 will hit US dealers in January 2011. [GlobalMotors]
The Mazda Shinari has been introduced in the US market. This concept car is currently on display at the 2010 LA Auto Show. As a reminder, the Mazda Shinari Concept is a four-door-coupe study that shows the future design direction for the brand. The manufacturer will use the Japanese word “Kodo” to describe the new design language. The word “Kodo” means “soul of motion”. [egmCarTech]
