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Mazda teases CX-4 for the Beijing Motor Show

Mazda will unveil the CX-4 crossover at the Beijing Motor Show in late April, and the company's single teaser image (above) suggests the CUV might borrow styling cues from the larger Koeru concept. Mazda kept details about the CX-4 light for now but says in the announcement, "this is a new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives." The teaser photo offers some hints about the design. For example, the rear pillar comes to a point and features chrome accents, which are elements from the Koeru and production CX-9. The arching roof rail suggests a coupe-like shape because it arcs downward to the hatchback. The name also hints that this model slots between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the lineup, but the CX-4 appears to prioritize style over utility. We can't wait to get a better look because this picture doesn't offer much detail. The company will also show versions of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 for the China Touring Car Championship at the Beijing show. Related Video: Mazda to Debut New CX-4 Crossover SUV at Beijing Motor Show - Twelve models on display including new-generation Mazda3, CX-5 and Mazda6 - HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the all-new Mazda CX-4 crossover SUV at the Beijing Motor Show.*1 The automaker's stand at the show will feature twelve vehicles, including new-generation models such as the Mazda3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, and race cars prepared for the Mazda-sponsored MZ Ruisi Racing Team competing in the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC). The CX-4 is the latest addition to Mazda's new-generation lineup of models featuring the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. With a striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the functionality modern users expect and Jinba-ittai driving thanks to Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, this is new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives. In addition to the CX-4, Mazda will display other vehicles and technologies that represent the brand. Mazda aims to enrich people's lives through a variety of touch points and become a brand that maintains a special connection with customers. *1 Also known as 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Press days are April 25-26. Special invitation days are April 27-28. Open to the public from April 29 through May 4.

Autoblog readers meet the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata [w/video]

Mazda dropped off a 2016 MX-5 Miata at our office this week with only two stipulations: don't break it, and don't talk about driving impressions until 3:01 AM Eastern on Monday, June 1. Easy enough. But rather than hold our notes until the embargo lifts, we decided to do something different. By now, you've no doubt read all there is to know about the 2016 Miata, including our review of the Japanese-spec car with the 1.5-liter engine that isn't coming to North America. You know it's smaller than the outgoing NC model. And you know that, at 2,332 pounds, it's nearly as light as the original. But what you, and we, didn't know, is what Miata owners think about the 2016 model. The MX-5 group is incredibly enthusiastic, and they love their cars. Hell, they love each other's cars. So we gave them an opportunity to not only get together, but to get an up-close, informal look at the ND Miata outside of an auto show, several months before it officially goes on sale. Here's what we did. Cars And Coneys Anyone who's familiar with the Woodward Dream Cruise in metro Detroit has no doubt heard of Athens Coney Island in Royal Oak, MI. It's an iconic place, known for its top-notch coney dogs, quick service, and the fact that, on pretty much any warm-weather weekend, you can find cool cars in the parking lot. We called the folks at Athens, told them about our Miata meet-up, and they were immediately on board with coneys, soda, and coffee for our gathering. We first published our meet-up info late last week, and sent the details out on our social media channels, as well. But without any formal RSVP system, we had no idea how many people would show up. And since Mother Nature decided to provide us with gray skies and chilly temperatures, we figured a lot of would-be attendees opted to bail at the last minute. Needless to say, we were surprised to see several Miatas already lined up in the Athens parking lot when we arrived with the ND at 4:40 PM, 20 minutes before the listed 5:00 start time. No one kept a formal count, but our best guess is that something like 50 or 60 cars showed up over the course of three hours. Some folks stayed the whole time, some people only stopped by for a quick cup of coffee. A couple people drove long distances to attend – a few Miatas hailing from southern Ohio, and many from western Michigan. We had a huge mix of cars, too.

2014 Mazda6: July/August 2013

Our newest long-termer - the Soul Red 2014 Mazda6 seen here - arrived in my driveway at the end of June. Without hesitation, I immediately put it to work as a daily driver, carpool bus and family vacation sled, and it accomplished all of those tasks with aplomb. Now, more than 4,000 miles down the road, I am left convinced that Mazda's latest midsize sedan is one of the best in its segment.
During the past 60 days, I have subjected the Mazda6 to scorching travel across Southwestern deserts, wheezing climbs over 8,000-foot-high Sierra Nevada mountain passes and basking in the cool ocean breezes of Malibu. It traveled with four passengers and a full load of luggage from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, and it braved the bumper-to-bumper freeway congestion on a weekday trip down to San Diego. It accomplished everything that was asked of while hardly skipping a beat - it has only required a regular sip of unleaded fuel to keep it moving forward.