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Mazda3 versus BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in Euro diesel showdown

It's not exactly a Tesla Model S taking on a Ferrari, but for us green enthusiasts, a drag race and comparison between reasonably priced diesel hatchbacks does hold interest, and UK's Auto Express was kind enough to do the deed. When raced, the diesels actually laid a little rubber coming off the line, though the track was covered in rain. Did we mention it was in the UK? The comparison was between diesel hatchbacks priced at less than 22,000 British pounds (about $34,500 US), and Auto Express pitted a Mazda3, a BMW 1-Series and an Audi A3 against each other. The results are revealed in the 11-minute video you can watch below. In short, one car smoked the others. In order to set the tone, you should know that the Mazda's 150 horsepower is about 35 more than the other two entrants. The Mazda also earned points for its quiet motor (it sounds more like a petrol engine, the host says), standard equipment that would add about $4,000 to the other two cars if included and relative roominess in front and in back. The Audi gained points for its storage space, while the BMW had the only rear-wheel-drive car in the hunt. See for yourself how the competition stacks up. News Source: Auto Express via YouTube Green Audi BMW Mazda Diesel Vehicles bmw 1-series Auto Express

Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru expand global Takata recalls by 715k [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Subaru of America spokesperson Michael McHale tells Autoblog that the company is recalling 78,000 Imprezas from the 2004 and 2005 model years in the US. This is a national expansion of the company's previous regional recall for the Impreza. The Takata airbag inflator recall just keeps growing. The latest expansion encompasses 715,000 vehicles from Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. Many of the affected models are in Japan. The largest expansion from these three automakers comes from Mitsubishi. According to Reuters, the company is adding 100,000 vehicles in Japan and 412,000 outside of the country without identifying any specific regions. Mazda is issuing safety campaigns for 112,000 vehicles in Japan, and some of these include models that the company produces there for Mitsubishi and Nissan, according to Reuters. In statement to Autoblog (embedded below), Mazda said that it is still evaluating the situation in terms of a possible effect on the US. Finally, Subaru is calling in 91,000 Imprezas in Japan. At this time, it isn't clear whether Mitsubishi's or Subaru's expansions affect the United States, but Autoblog has reached out to them for more information. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, exposure to moisture can cause the propellant in these inflators to ignite too quickly and cause these dangerous ruptures. Takata has also been investigating the problem. Related Video: Mazda statement "We are aware of the NHTSA/Takata announcement, and are evaluating the effects of it on Mazda. As soon as we have had a chance to fully evaluate the situation – number of vehicles affected, age of those vehicles, where they're located, etc. – we will be able to share those details."

Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo reshapes a winning form [w/video]

In the history of endurance racing, there's only ever been one Japanese automaker to win the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, and as you might have guessed, that was Mazda in 1991 with the 787B – which was, incidentally, the only one ever to win the race under rotary power, or really anything other than a conventional piston engine. That racing success is something Mazda can be proud about, even over two decades later, and it's a badge of honor the automaker is revisiting with the LM55 prototype you see here. Only instead of unleashing it on the Circuit de la Sarthe – or really any actual race track – the Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo is bound only for PlayStation. The latest addition to the Vision Gran Turismo lineup, the LM55 takes inspiration from the aforementioned 787B but gives it a modern KODO design theme. The result is pretty stunning, taking a more radical approach than the Skyactiv Prototype the company is fielding in the United SportsCar Championship or even the dearly departed, head-turning Furai concept. But unlike that diesel prototype and the Wankel-powered 787B, Mazda hasn't specified any kind of novel powertrain for the LM55, fictitious or otherwise - saying only that it has "advanced drive train technology that offers the epitome of power, efficiency and durability and the result is an exceptional power to weight ratio exceeding that of most cars in its class." Just what that class would be we'll likely never find out, but if you don't have a PS3 loaded with GT6 (or, for that matter, even if you do), you can scope out the virtual action in the slideshow above and the rather Christmas-y video below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo View 23 Photos News Source: Polyphony Digital Toys/Games Mazda Concept Cars Racing Vehicles Videos Gran Turismo gt6 vision gran turismo