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Mazda3 diesel under consideration for US, hybrid not so much

It's been a long time coming, but we finally clapped our eyes on the real deal, officially official 2014 Mazda3 in hatchback form yesterday. Yet there's a lot more to learn about this next-generation version of what has always been one of our favorite compacts. We know that the US version will come with one of two Skyactiv engines, but what about alternatives? Will there be any... or will the gasoline-fed four-cylinders be powerful and frugal enough to carry the day?
According to Automotive News, the answer is a definite maybe. Mazda North America CEO Jim O'Sullivan has told the trade publication that his employer will consider adding the company's well-liked 2.2-liter Skyactiv diesel powerplant to the model down the road. However, the company first wants to see how the engine fares with American consumers in its big-brother Mazda6 sedan, a model that goes on sale later this year. As for a potential Mazdaspeed3 successor, mum is still the word.
Anything else? Uncharacteristically, Mazda will build a hybrid model of its new 3. We say "uncharacteristically," because the Japanese independent has long shied away from gas-electric powertrain tech. In fact, it's gone so far as to boldly announce its aversion to the technology, with auto show banners proclaiming "Not Electric. Not Hybrid. Not A Drag To Drive." Despite all that, this new generation of Mazda3 will in fact be the company's first full hybrid production model. According to AN, however, O'Sullivan says that the company has "no plans" to sell it in the US.

2016 Mazda CX-3 scores 29/35 mpg EPA ratings

Looking for a subcompact crossover that won't cost you too much at the pumps? Your best bet is now the new Mazda CX-3, according to fuel economy figures released by the EPA. Mazda's new baby crossover has been rated by the US government agency at 29 miles per gallon in the city, 35 on the highway, and 31 on the combined cycle. That's in front-drive spec, giving the CX-3 better fuel economy than anything else in its class (at least, that is, with an automatic transmission.) Option it with all-wheel drive and you'll take a slight penalty at 27 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway, and 29 combined. According to Mazda that still "makes it among the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles available in the US." Whichever drivetrain option you go for, the CX-3 packs a 2.0-liter inline-four with direct injection (Skyactiv-G in Mazda-speak) good for 146 horsepower and just as much torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The first examples will begin reaching American showrooms later this summer. Related Video: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Scores Class-Leading[1] EPA Fuel Economy Ratings - New Subcompact Mazda Crossover Has EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy of Up to 35 MPG Highway - IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover utility vehicle has been rated with an EPA-estimated fuel economy as high as 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway[2], which positions CX-3's fuel economy as class-leading1 among all 2015 and 2016 subcompact crossover utility vehicles. As Mazda's first foray into the quickly burgeoning subcompact crossover class of vehicles, CX-3 provides those seeking a purposeful, stylish and sporty vehicle option that bucks convention. CX-3 offers standard keyless ignition and backup camera, and is available with features that are unrivalled in its class like Mazda Radar Cruise Control, adaptive LED headlights and Mazda's signature driving experience. Front-wheel-drive models have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined, while models equipped with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV AWD have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. That makes it among the most-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles available in the U.S. "SKYACTIV Technology means we don't have to compromise when it comes to performance, efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.

Mazda Miata 25th anniversary display is roadster heaven on Earth

As part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the MX-5 Miata, Mazda has put together a rather large display at its New York Auto Show booth, showing off significant models from the diminutive roadsters history.
The display represents a healthy split of volume models, with cars 14, 15 and 17 sitting alongside cars 500,000 and 700,000. There are also more than a few concept cars in the offering, such as the Super20 Concept we drove a few years back, as well as older offerings, like the Club Racer concept from the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the M-Speedster from the 1995 Chicago show and the M Coupe from the 1996 New York Auto Show.
We've put together a gallery of images of the historical Miata display, which you can view above. Take a look and then let us know which of Mazda's awesome roadsters is your favorite.