1994 Mazda Rx-7 Touring 5 Speed 89k Miles Montego Blue Runs/drives Great! on 2040-cars

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The Mazda MX-5 Miata is truly a four-season sports car

For all intents and purposes, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a product of California. I know it says Hiroshima on the shipping container, but the car belongs to the Golden State as it was dreamt up in Irvine and honed its driving skills on the roads near Santa Barbara. And logic would dictate the Miata would be useless in any situation other than direct sunlight. That's what drivers from other states would think, anyway. It's the time of year when those of us from the west coast fly out to places where it's snowy and icy and everyone laughs at us because the cold and white stuff essentially shuts us down. Make fun of Californians driving in the rain or freaking out when the outside temperature dips below 55 degrees. What can we say, we're just out of our element. Perhaps, then, it's surprising the Miata handles snow a lot better than I do. I found this out when Mazda sent me to Crested Butte, CO, for a little fun on a frozen track. Yes, there was a lot of sideways action, but it had more to do with the two California residents inside than with the car. The company really invited journalists to Colorado to get an idea of how its all-wheel-drive crossovers perform when things get snowy and icy. But the real show was watching how we navigated the autocross course they set up for the rear-drive Miatas that Mazda brought along. The Miata had a good heater, but it was my laughter caused by immense admiration that kept me from freezing my fingers off. Armed with a set of Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires, the Miata performs just about how you'd expect it to – if you're light on the gas and quick with the steering and have a good amount of patience in you. It all works well if you're a pro driver, less so if you're not a frequent track visitor, regardless of the weather. But fortunately we were using the fourth-generation Miata, which has to be the most forgiving sports car ever. On pavement, it behaves like a compact hatchback. Put it in sixth and it's relaxed and compliant, with a ride that doesn't beat you up and an engine that knows when you just want to get where you need to go. Provoke it, however, and it rewards you with predictable responses from the controls. It does the same thing on ice, if you have a firm grasp on how a car responds to the frozen stuff. Starts are tricky, even in second gear, if you underestimate the power from the 2.0-liter four.

Mazdaspeed2 supermini hot hatch under consideration

Though the Ford Fiesta ST and Fiat 500 Abarth (and arguably the Mini Cooper S) may stand pretty much alone in the North American market, in overseas markets, supermini hot hatches are a big deal. Unfortunately, challengers like the Volkswagen Polo GTI, Seat Ibiza Cupra and Renault Clio RS 200 Turbo never make it to our showrooms, but word has it that there's soon to be a new entry on the market.
That would be the Mazdaspeed2, which would be badged in certain markets as the Mazda2 MPS. Speaking with Australian site CarAdvice.com.au at the launch of the Mazda2 on which it would be based, the Japanese automaker's global sales chief and the hatchback's deputy product manager hinted that such a product is definitely being discussed, even if it hasn't yet been approved.
This wouldn't be the first time such a notion were entertained, as Mazda has shown numerous performance concepts based on the previous Mazda2/Demio over the years, but none have come to fruition.

2016 Mazda CX-9 images leak online

We will get a complete look at the next-gen Mazda CX-9 during the big debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show within the next couple of days. Until then, these newly leaked images from Carscoops provide a great preview of the upcoming three-row model ahead of the event. These shots echo the design from the recent teaser sketch quite closely, but the headlights aren't as sharply defined on the real thing. The single photo of the front end largely hides the grille, but it appears to follow the shield-like styling of the latest CX-3 and CX-5. The two images of the rear show narrow taillights like the brand's other CUVs, but with a thin strip of chrome that runs over the hatch to visually connect both sides. Bulging fenders at both axles lend some extra toughness to the shape. The CX-9 looks to continue Mazda's recent knack for great interior design. The stylists finish the dashboard in a mix of copper and black, and metallic trim helps lighten things. The infotainment system rises from the center, and comfortable looking leather seats pick up the brown in the color scheme to lend a luxurious atmosphere. The leaked photos didn't come with any technical info about the CX-9. However, rumors suggests a powertrain with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. More details should arrive during the crossover's imminent launch in LA.