1990 Mazda Miata White Manual Convertible on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Will the new Mazda Miata be available with multiple engines?

At this point, the countdown until the launch of the all-new, fourth-generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata can be measured in hours until its September 3 unveiling as easily as it can in days. With the debut of such a highly anticipated model so close, the rumors about the new sports car are starting to boil over.
We recently heard that the new Miata would likely get a 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder with a six-speed manual, plus a decent drop in weight compared to the current gen. There's even the rumored possibility of a fastback coupe version sometime in the future.
Now, Australia's GoAuto is adding another dollop of speculation into the mix with the claim that there could be "potentially more engine options," according to Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders to the website. The more potent option would still be the 2.0-liter Skyactiv with a power bump from its current 167 hp to closer to 200 ponies. The other possible powerplant option would be a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder taken from the upcoming Mazda2 replacement. This version would also ditch some of the MX-5's more premium features to cut the weight and the price slightly.

Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ

In an attempt to help push vehicle safety to a higher level, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a stricter Top Safety Pick+ rating last year, which incorporates a brutal small overlap test and requires cars to get Good ratings in four out of the five categories (and no less than Acceptable in the fifth). Joining the list of the safest cars of 2013, the 2013 Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKZ, Honda Civic (sedan and coupe) and the 2014 Mazda6 have all received the coveted TSP+ rating.
The Mazda6 and Lincoln MKZ have both been completely redesigned, and both received Acceptable ratings in the small overlap test. The Honda Civic, coming off its emergency refresh for 2013, is the first small car to be subjected to the small overlap test, and IIHS says that one of the car's many upgrades includes a stiffer front structure allowing it to receive Good ratings in all categories. Similarly, the XC60 gets all Good ratings thanks to, according to IIHS, Volvo updating the airbag software allowing the side airbags to inflate during the small overlap test.
The 2014 Subaru Forester has not yet been subjected to the small overlap test, so it must make do with just a Top Safety Pick rating until the IIHS tests small utility vehicles, which is expected to happen later in the spring.

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.