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2014 Mazda3 breaks cover early, in Euro-spec at least

We're set to get a closer look at the US-spec 2014 Mazda3 later today, but AutoExpress has the first peek at the machine's European cousin (after initial leaks reportedly came from a Czech outlet). The photos show a compact that's taken plenty of design inspiration from its older sister, the Mazda6. That's excellent news, as the larger car's dynamic front fascia, accentuated fender arches and long nose translate well to the Mazda3. Inside, there are are new and improved material choices, and the longer wheelbase means occupants get to enjoy more room than before. There's also a larger trunk with 12.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Buyers in the EU can get their hands on a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine with 99 horsepower, though the old 2.0-liter four-cylinder will still be available in either 118 hp or 163 hp configuration. A 2.2-liter diesel tops out the engine choices.
The 2014 Mazda3 is lighter than its predecessor and boasts disk brakes and a multi-link rear suspension on every trim. That means this thing should be fun to shuffle around. Stay tuned for details on the US-spec variant later today, including a lot more images of the good-looking hatch.

Mazda recalls 193k CX-9 crossovers over corroded suspension

An issue with the suspension on the CX-9 has prompted Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 193,484 vehicles across the United States. The campaign specifically affects units from the 2007-2014 model years, manufactured between October 24, 2006, and December 28, 2013. In those affected vehicles, the ball joints in the front suspension may corrode due to water leaking into the fitting. According to the statement below, if the ball joint rusts, the front lower control arm could separate, resulting in a loss of steering control. And needless to say, that could lead to a crash. To repair the issue, Mazda will have to replace both the left and right lower control arms, and will naturally do so free of charge, but will undertake the repairs in stages. First, owners of the affected vehicles will receive a notification that a recall campaign is under way. Then they'll get a second letter when the parts are ready and they can bring their vehicles into their local dealers. The company will start first with 2007-09 vehicles, specifically those registered in the snowy states of the Northeast and Midwest. Specifically: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, DC. (Oddly, states in the the western portion of the Midwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest, were not included in that initial phase. Nor was Alaska, for that matter.) After that they'll call in 2010-14 models in the same states before undertaking repairs on vehicles in other areas to the west and south. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Corrosion of Front Suspension Ball Joint Report Receipt Date: JUL 20, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 Component(s): SUSPENSION Potential Number of Units Affected: 193,484 Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations SUMMARY: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting. CONSEQUENCE: Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda 16X rotary engine two years away, will arrive in all-new model

We last reported on Mazda's next-generation rotary engine project in June of 2012 when the automaker built its last Renesis-powered RX-8, but rumors of this new engine's development had been around way before that final car left the production line in Japan, last year.
We now have enthusiastic confirmation that this next-gen rotary engine is really and truly going forward. It is still referred to as 16X and has several priorities. First is to lower fuel consumption compared to the RX-8's engine, while still making gains in terms of performance. The second is to reduce the burning of oil that was happening at the highest revs. And the third and final priority, and perhaps most key for enthusiasts, is to give the powertrain a big torque upgrade.
What we were told by a Mazda USA insider (while we are all here together at the festivities in Monterey) is that the first application of the new 16X engine will be happening in two years' time in an as yet undisclosed new model. Oh, the mind races to our eternal Mazda wish list...