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2016 Mazda CX-3 First Drive

If there's any doubt in your mind about the importance of B-segment crossovers, consider this: our review of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 arrives on your screen less than 24 hours after our first test of the 2016 Honda HR-V. Both of these vehicles are hugely important entries for their respective automakers. And while they take a similar shape and will compete head to head, the truth is, they're very different products. The HR-V is a knockout because of its excellent packaging and added versatility over Honda's own Fit and Civic. It's a wholly competent product, and we imagine it'll be one of, if not the best-selling vehicle in the class. In terms of being desirable for customers, it checks all the necessary boxes: frugal, functional, efficient, and affordable. Mazda takes a similar approach, but focuses instead on its key strength of offering cars that are great to drive, and look damn good. What's more, the CX-3 won't have to share showroom space as the HR-V does with the Fit – the all-new Mazda2 isn't slated for the US right now. Instead, the new CUV will serve as an entry point into the brand. Because of this, Mazda is betting big on the CX-3. That all starts with a product that's appealing to the eye. Design director Derek Jenkins says Mazda "didn't want to do the funky route" with its compact CUV – a nudge to the Nissan Juke and Fiat 500X, right there. Instead, the CX-3 uses the Kodo design language that Mazda has perfected since its production debut on the CX-5 in 2012. Across the board, the company's products look incredible, and the CX-3 is right at home amongst Mazda's latest beauties. Notice the long hood with a flowing character line that runs over the front fender and down the body side, chiseled off at the end with tight rear proportions and a small overhang. Huge arches draw focus to the premium 18-inch wheels found on our Grand Touring CX-3, but swallow up the 16-inch rollers used on lesser models. The glass area is kept to a minimum, but visibility from inside is still quite good. Details like the LED accents in the head- and taillamps look premium and aggressive. From all angles, this is an attractive crossover. It's a bold, dynamic entry in a class filled with cutesy, oddball, and bland designs. Underneath the CX-3 is the Skyactiv chassis found in the new Mazda2. At 168.3 inches long, 69.6 inches wide, and 60.7 inches tall, the CX-3 is smaller than the Mazda3 in every dimension except height.

Fiat 124 Abarth Spider spied, may get Alfa 4C power

We've long been excited to see, hear, and drive the car that results from the in-process Fiat-Mazda partnership. The Italian brand has had access to the excellent 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata on which to base its own roadster, and the fruits of that labor will soon ripen. Spied here is not only the ensuing Fiat 124, but a hotter Abarth tuned version of the spider. At least, that's what we're hoping. Our spy shooters indicated that the car seen here not only sounded more aggressive than 'standard' 124 mules seen previously, but that it also accelerated away from their long lenses with a smartness. The 124 Spider is already rumored to make use of the 1.4-liter turbo I4 that makes 160 horsepower in the Fiat 500 Abarth, and this version may have a still-more-powerful engine. Another tell about the added output are the quad tailpipes in place of the lesser car's set of two. There's no hard evidence to support exactly which engine might be under the 124's hood, however. It's possible that the 1.7-liter turbo from Alfa Romeo 4C could be in play – with its 237-hp output – as the 124 was originally going to wear an Alfa badge. If that were to happen, however, the Fiat would almost certainly get a dual-clutch transmission instead of the purer manual box. In any event, more details about the car will no doubt crop up closer to the expected reveal this fall. Related Video:

Mazda recalls 1.37 million older vehicles for ignition switch short [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Mazda has confirmed to Autoblog that NHTSA's figures and list of effected models are accurate. Mazda is recalling 1,368,500 older vehicles in the US that date as far back as the late '80s because a potential short circuit in the ignition switch could cause a fire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the models include: 1990-1995 323 1993-1998 626 1993-1995 929 1989-1998 MPV 1993-1997 MX-6 1992-1993 MX-3 1990-1998 Protege Mazda reports that over time the grease around the switch's contact points can carbonize and become conductive, which can eventually lead to a short circuit. In some cases this results in smoke, but it could also lead to a fire. According to company spokesperson Tamara Mlynarczyk to Autoblog, there're no accidents, injuries, or fires in the US. Once the vehicle is running, the potential fault also doesn't affect drivability. Documents from NHTSA (as a PDF), indicate there was a fire in one of these vehicles in Japan in 2002 that could have been linked to this issue. The recall should begin in December. In its announcement of the issue below, Mazda reports 1.2 million vehicles affected and includes the 1990-1996 323/Protege. Autoblog has reached out to the company to understand the discrepancy. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Ignition Switch may Overheat Report Receipt Date: OCT 19, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V674000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,368,500 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) MAZDA 323 1990-1995 MAZDA 626 1993-1998 MAZDA 929 1993-1995 MAZDA MPV 1989-1998 MAZDA MX-6 1993-1997 MAZDA MX3 1992-1993 MAZDA PROTEGE 1990-1998 Details Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations SUMMARY: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat. CONSEQUENCE: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire. REMEDY: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.