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Will Mazda sell diesel hybrids in Japan in 2016?

Could the "Zoom Zoom" automaker start making hybrids that go "glug glug glug"? Mazda, known for its fuel-efficient Skyactiv engine line, will be the first Japanese automaker to make a diesel-hybrid vehicle for Japan and Europe. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Mazda may start making its oil-burning hybrids as soon as 2016, and the powertrain may reach fuel efficiency levels of as much as 95 miles per gallon (one the more lenient Japanese driving cycle). That'd make such a vehicle line about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than standard diesels and about eight percent more fuel efficient that the Toyota Prius C compact hybrid (known as the Aqua in Japan). Mazda has been dismissive of hybrid and electric powertrains, instead focusing on Skyactiv technology to maximize fuel efficiency from conventional gas-powered engines. Diesel powertrains account for about half of the light-duty vehicles sold in Europe each year, while Japan's diesel sales of 76,000 vehicles last year were about three times as many as were sold there in 2012. In January, Mazda said that it would delay the introduction of its Skyactiv-D diesel engine from what was to be a spring 2014 debut. The reason was to fine-tune the engine's performance/fuel economy balance. Mazda representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from AutoblogGreen about the diesel hybrids.

2018 Mazda CX-5 spied testing in Southern California

It appears the replacement for the Mazda CX-5 is on its way. The current model, though a few years old at this point, is still one of our favorite crossovers on the market. Its combination of handsome styling, practicality, and a genuine fun-to-drive nature make it a winner in our hearts. Hopefully this new model doesn't stray too far from that winning recipe. At least on the outside, that seems to be the case. The spy photos reveal Mazda's Kodo design language in full bloom. The general shape is the same as the current model, but the curves are a little tighter and appear similar to the new CX-9 and Chinese-only CX-4. The grille loses the horizontal bars for a deep-set mesh pattern, while the whole fascia appears to be more upright. The headlights and taillights look to be slimmer and slightly re-sculpted versions of the current shape. Other details for the upcoming CX-5 are scarce. The crossover is expected to debut next year as a 2018 model. It's unknown what engines or transmissions will be available, though the current powertrains are likely to carry over. There's also the rumor of a Mazda diesel making its way over, but, as always, it seems like a long shot. Related Video:

Mazda Recalling Cars Due To Spider Webs In Engines

It seems that Yellow Sac spiders really, really love Mazda. Three years after Mazda recalled 52,000 Mazda6 sedans over spider webs obstructing the evaporative canister vent lines of 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 models, another recall has been issued for 42,000 more of the models built between 2010 and 2012 and equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. According to the automaker, there have been nine confirmed sightings of spiders in vent lines since the original recall. It seems that covers were applied at the factory to keep the arachnids from entering, but it hasn't quite exterminated the problem. A reflash of the ECU is required that "[changes] the logic behind how the car purges the charcoal canister during normal operation," says Jeremy Barnes, Director, Public Relations & Brand Experience at Mazda North American Operations. So far, Mazda has not recorded any fires, accidents or injuries due to this tangled mess of webs. Recall notices will be mailed out to owners later this month. This story original appeared on Autoblog. Related Gallery Utter Driving Delight: The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Recalls Mazda Mazda6