2003 Mazda Mx-5 Miata on 2040-cars

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Mazda reports strong Skyactiv sales, plans to boost output 25%

Mazda is set to expand production of its Skyactiv engines after critical and commercial acclaim for the fuel-sipping powerplants. The Japanese manufacturer has a number of plans in the works to bump up production, with the first being a 25-percent increase in output from its Hiroshima, Japan engine facility.
Besides adding a new line, Mazda will modify the line that built MZR engines, a family of mills that includes the 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Mazdaspeed3 and the 2.0-liter found in the MX-5 Miata. The bump in production is just part of Mazda's goal of selling 1.7 million vehicles globally by 2016, with 80 percent of those vehicles expected to wear a Skyactiv badge.
Mazda also builds Skyactiv engines at a joint-venture facility with Ford, in Changan, China, while a Mexican facility will go online by March of 2014. Skyactiv engines currently power the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5.

Mazda 3 Sedan and Hatchback Luggage Test | Trunk comparison

A major reason for buying a hatchback is for added cargo space and versatility, right? Seems logical enough. It's certainly a reason I've been fond of them over the years. And since so many SUVs these days are just glorified hatchbacks, it certainly stands to reason the buying public has reached this conclusion as well. To test this hypothesis and potentially bust this myth, Mazda kindly provided three vehicles that are virtually identical apart from their body style: the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, as well as the Mazda CX-30 crossover that's really just a raised and rebodied 3.  On paper, in descending order, the CX-30 is tops at 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the back seat, the Hatchback has 20.1 cubic feet and the sedan has 13.2. OK, let's see how the order turns out once luggage is used. Here is the 3 Hatchback on the left and 3 Sedan on the right. Immediately, the sedan doesn't look that much smaller than the Hatchback. Actually, doesn't it look bigger? Below is the CX-30.  Note that this CX-30 did not include its rigid cargo cover, but already, you can start to see the difference between 3 Hatch and CX-30. The crossover has more space above the back seat line than the Hatchback. So, even if the 3 Hatch has more cargo area length, the CX-30 has more height. That's why you have virtually equal cargo capacity numbers despite having different spaces.  To that point, let's bring in the bags. As in every luggage test I do, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). CX-30 for the win (above right) as all the bags fit. The fancy bag and smaller roller are slightly blocking the rearward view, but you can still see out and the bags won't fly forward. Importantly, they also fit when closing the CX-30's hatch. They won't if you attempted the same formation in the 3 Hatchback, which can't fit the fancy bag or one of the midsize rollers. And no, you can't fit the fancy bag in the middle there — the hatch wouldn't close on top of it. A smaller duffel will, however.  So, although the 3 Hatch has a slightly longer space, the difference doesn't matter as much as the CX-30's extra height in this usage case.

2017 Mazda Model Year Preview and Updates

Driving Matters, Mazda's marketing pitch, certainly resonates with enthusiasts, although may not be relevant with the increasing number of drivers engaged in texting while steering. Regardless of that disconnect, for drivers Mazda brings to market the long-awaited Miata coupe in Retractable Fastback (RF) form, pictured above. And for those wanting/needing a new crossover, Mazda redesigns its well-received CX-5. MAZDA3: Mazda's compact sedan and hatch receive a revised front end and tweaked rear. Inside, an upgraded interior with more storage space, improved sound proofing and materials round out the enhancements. On the road, all trim levels receive Mazda's G-Vectoring Control for enhanced handling and stability. MAZDA6: G-Vectoring Control is standard across all trims. Inside, improved sound insulation, new tech (including traffic sign recognition), and available Nappa leather takes an already upscale environment a few steps further into near-luxury. MAZDA MX-5 MIATA: The RF (Retractable Fastback) is the biggest news, as it serves as the answer to the long-awaited Miata coupe. Club models receive Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross-Traffic Alert – presumably helpful when the top is up. And the RF Launch Edition (1,000 examples) delivers a Nappa leather interior and hand-painted black top. The package is further embellished by Mazda's choice of Machine Gray metallic exterior color. MAZDA CX-3: Mazda's subcompact crossover receives minor updates. The Touring trim gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the upmarket Grand Touring's available i-ACTIVSENSE is reduced in price. MAZDA CX-5: Mazda's compact crossover is all-new and on Mazda showrooms this spring as a 2017 model. Of particular interest to diesel fans is the introduction later in the year of Mazda's SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel, which arrives just in time for your Volkswagen buyback. MAZDA CX-9: Mazda's largest crossover is unchanged for 2017.