on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Mazda6 i-Eloop to net 40 mpg hwy, 28 mpg city

Even before Mazda unveiled the 2014 Mazda6, it had introduced its innovative, non-hybrid i-Eloop (Intelligent Energy Loop) brake regeneration system. This technology converts kinetic energy into usable electricity using the alternator, a DC/DC converter and a capacitor mounted just behind the front fascia. During deceleration, the alternator captures energy that is then stored in the capacitor, which can later be used to directly power electric devices like climate control and audio systems. When i-Eloop power is used, it reduces the load on the engine and helps to conserve fuel.
Now available on the Mazda6, i-Eloop is only available on the $29,695 Grand Touring trim level as a part of the $2,080 GT Technology Package, meaning that buyers desiring i-Eloop will have to spend at least $31,775 (not including destination). The added price of this technology should be worth it for those looking for optimal fuel economy as the i-Eloop, combined with the package's active grille shutters, will bump the sedan's fuel economy numbers up to 28 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway - both are improvements of 2 mpg over the standard Mazda6 Grand Touring. The GT Technology Package also includes a Sport mode, lane departure warning, high beam control, radar cruise control and forward obstruction warning - the latter two technologies are currently offered in a $900 package that is being discontinued.
i-Eloop will eventually be offered on other Mazda products including the 2014 Mazda3. Scroll down for the official press release on the Mazda6's fuel-saving i-Eloop technology.

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Luggage Test | How big is the trunk?

The Mazda Miata would not be my first choice for a road trip car. Would probably be in the bottom 10, in fact. The interior fits me like a coffin, the seats pinch my back and the amount of passenger legroom is laughable. It's not exactly the most serene car, either.  But hey, there are sadists out there who may want to venture somewhere in it. I work with some of them. So, as they were the ones who requested this, here is the answer to the question: how much luggage fits in the Miata's trunk? Alright, so on paper, the Miata RF has 4.48 cubic-feet of trunk volume. The regular soft top Miata, the one you should absolutely get instead, has 4.59. Does that different matter? Probably not. However, when talking about trunks in this diminutive size range, the shape is the ultimate factor. For instance, the Porsche 911's 4.6-cubic-foot frunk is basically the same as the Miata's, yet it's narrower and deeper. My BMW Z3's trunk is 5 cubic-feet, yet it's wider, longer and much shallower. On paper, they'd seem to be the same, but you can't fit the same items within them.  Usually, I'd now list all the bags I have to test, but dude, in the words of Jay Mohr in "Go" ... This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Go (8/8) Movie CLIP - It's a Miata (1999) HD   Here's what I could fit ...     This bag is 26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep and you'd have to check it in at the airport (remember those?!?). It BARELY fit inside the Miata. The ever-so-slightly larger gray version of this bag I have did not fit.   By contrast, it slid very easily into my Z3 and as you can see (below left), the remaining area was far more easily accessed due to the wider trunk opening. However, this bag wouldn't fit at all in the 911's frunk as the space isn't wide or long enough.      Alternatively, shown above, I could stack two carry-on roller bags (one 24L x 15W x 10D, the other 23L x 15W x 10D). This time, the tight fit came from height.    By contrast, these two would fit with room to spare in the deep 911 frunk as Zac Palmer discovered with his similarly sized bags (below left). They also fit in my Z3 (below right), but were side-by-side and just BARELY fit due to the trunk's much shallower depth. Basically, the Z3 was worst here.

2019 Mazda3 Sedan Drivers' Notes Review | Moving on up

The Mazda3 enters its fourth iteration for 2019, replacing one of our favorite compacts on the market. As such, expectations were high for the new model. Like before, the Mazda3 is available as both a sedan and hatchback, though the big news for the new model is the available all-wheel drive system, a rarity for the class and and a feature more and more people are looking for in a car these days. At launch, power comes solely from a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, though Mazda plans to offer additional powertrains down the line. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte. Our tester was a well-equipped Mazda3 Premium front-wheel-drive sedan. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, a power driver's seat, leather seating and trim, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, an 8.8-inch infotainment system, Bose audio, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. The only added cost to the Premium Package is $595 for the paint. All in, our tester came out to $27,990. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: The Mazda3 is the sportiest in the segment and, as far as I'm concerned, it's dead-even with the Honda Civic for the top spot in the looks department. The steering, brakes and suspension all feel dialed-in and quick. Many compacts are sedate. The 3 makes you want to track it. The suspension is stiff enough that non-enthusiasts might prefer something else, though it's not abusive. The naturally aspirated four provides just enough getup. Mazda is good at the minimalistic approach. Tune a car well, make it look sporty, and don't try to overcompensate with horsepower. This thing looks great inside and out. For the price, you can't beat it. The cabin has the appearance and feel of a premium sedan, with pleasing materials and an enveloping cockpit. With a creased hood and huge, blacked-out grille, the 3's front end has a contemporary style with old-school panache. I might like the hatch better because it's a rarer body style. Still, this sedan is a well-rounded, sporty execution and a great value. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: Since its reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2019 Mazda3 has been my most anticipated car of the year, as well as the one I've been most worried about.