With all of the hype and anticipation surrounding the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Japanese brand was able to sneak another driver-oriented model into its lineup. The company's spec page for the 2015 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan have been updated to list the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder as finally being available with a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to the previous six-speed automatic. The automaker had promised the row-your-own gearbox with the bigger engine back when it first announced the new Mazda3, but it waited a model year to actually put the combo on sale.

According to Mazda's specs, the manual gearbox trims 40 pounds off of a hatchback or 54 pounds off of a sedan in s Touring and s Grand Touring trims. However, shedding that weight doesn't necessarily boost fuel economy. The six-speed hatch is rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway, compared to 27/37 for the automatic. The manual sedan is rated at 25/37 city/highway mpg, versus 28/39 with the auto. Buyers can save a little money by opting for the manual, though. Regardless of body style, it's about $1,050 cheaper than the automatic. There are two, other minor 2015 model year changes, as well. The Mazda Connect infotainment system and rear camera are now standard on the i Touring model, and all buyers can get Mazda Connect upgraded to include navigation for $399.95 from dealers, if they don't already have nav.

Autoblog reached out to Mazda and learned that the 2.5L 6MT models started hitting dealers in August. The 2.5 wasn't initially available with the stick because, "We had to prioritize engineering resources and the 2.5L 6MT was not a high priority combination. Globally, smaller engines are preferred in terms of sales," a Mazda spokesperson explained via email. The automaker also notes that Austrailia will probably be the only other market outside of North America to get the six-speed gearbox with the larger engine.

By Chris BruceRSS feed

RUMOR: Return of the Mazdaspeed3 in 2016? | Maita Mazda Sacramento CA

Since the launch of the 2014 Mazda3 in September 2013, Mazda enthusiasts have raised their voices demanding a new Mazdaspeed3. Unfortunately, the launch of the redesigned 3 signaled the end of Mazda’s popular hot hatch.

The latest batch of rumors come straight from the Japanese motor magazine Holiday Autowhich claims to have an inside scoop on Mazda’s plans for the relaunch of the Mazdaspeed3.

Recent rumors indicated that Mazda was aiming to outfit the Mazda3 with a turbo diesel engine which would be released as the new Mazdaspeed3. Word on the street, or at leastHoliday Auto, now indicates Mazda has ditched the plan for a turbo diesel in favor of a turbocharged variant of the 2.5-liter gasoline engine currently found in the s Touring and s Grand Touring trims in the US for the 2014 Mazda3.

 Mazda corporate in Japan has denied rumors about turbo, especially concerns that the high compression ratio of the SKYACTIV-G engine paired with a turbo would create problems. However, the source makes it clear that the problem “has been already solved.”

The source also told Holiday Auto that we can expect to see All-Wheel-Drive on the new Mazdaspeed3 which would be the first compact Mazda to receive the AWD treatment.

If the rumors are true, we can expect the return of the Mazdaspeed3 in 2016.

 Via: CarsGuide.com.au

CELEBRATING THE 10 MILLIONTH MAZDA SOLD IN AMERICA

In 1970, Mazda sold its first vehicle in the U.S., a rotary-powered R-100 coupe. It was the start of a journey that has seen the automaker from Hiroshima design and build some of the most-loved sports cars, sedans and SUVs in America.

In October, Mazda reached another amazing milestone when Lauren Carter, a 26-year-old guitar instructor from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, bought her very first new car—a 2013 Mazda3. It was the 10 millionth Mazda sold in the U.S.

In October, Mazda reached another amazing milestone when Lauren Carter, a 26-year-old guitar instructor from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, bought her very first new car—a 2013 Mazda3. It was the 10 millionth Mazda sold in the U.S.

The hand-over event took place on October 22, at Mazda of Naperville, Illinois, where Lauren first bought the 10 millionth Mazda. With her family and friends there to help her celebrate, Lauren met Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America, to pick out her new car. After a few moments deciding which color she wanted (she chose Soul Red Metallic), Lauren and Jim swapped keys.

“I chose a Mazda because I did the research and learned that Mazda has some of the most reliable, feature-packed cars on the market,” Lauren said. “The Mazda3 is fun to drive, and I can fit my guitar and amplifier in the trunk. For me, there’s nothing better!”

While Lauren enjoys her new 2014 Mazda3, the 10 millionth Mazda is currently on its way to Irvine, California. There it will take its place among several other historic Mazda vehicles in the heritage collection, including one of the first MX-5 Miatas ever built, a 1967 Cosmo Sport 110s, and several Mazda race cars.

Check out the video and photos to see Lauren’s story, and how the connectivity and versatility of her new 2014 Mazda3 is a great fit with her job, her music, and her very large German shepherd, Briscoe.

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata

March 19, 2014

 With the upgrades to the Mazda6 midsize sedan and Mazda3 compact hatchback and sedan complete, the time has come for an update to Mazda’s popular and iconic roadster, the MX-5 Miata. The reveal of the next-generation car is expected to come soon, according to a report from Britain’s Autocar, with the debut believed to be at next month’s Chicago Auto Show.
Mazda initially targeted an ambitious curb weight goal of 2200 lb for the next-generation car, but indications are the final curb weight will come in closer to 2400 lb, a weight savings of between 150-200 lb compared to today’s car. Due to affordability considerations, the body is believed to be primarily steel, but with strategic lightening of specific components to keep weight low.
Initial reports suggested a turbocharged engine for the new Miata, but it now looks like naturally-aspirated I-4 engines of 1.5 liters and 2.0 liters will be offered in various markets. As with past Miata models, the focus will be more on balanced performance and andling rather than outright power.
The next-generation Mazda Miata is expected to be slightly longer than today’s car for a roomier interior, as well as making space for the Skyactiv engines, which have a long and bulky exhaust manifold design to enable their high fuel efficiency. Efficiency gains are expected to be in the neighborhood of 30 percent, which would translate to roughly 27 mpg city and 36-37 mpg highway, over the current Miata’s 21/28 figures.
The popular power retractable hardtop will continue on the new model, with a new design that preserves more trunk space. A canvas-top will still be offered.

2015 miata2015 mx-5

Future/New Mazdas