Mazda calls the Mazda5 a "multi-activity vehicle infused with sports car inspiration" that "efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV."

We'll leave alone the question of whether the words "efficiently" and "large SUV" belong in the same sentence. It is a fact, however, that buyers who are attracted to the passenger and/or cargo capacity of an SUV may be put off by SUV bulk and SUV fuel consumption. A minivan does the same job more efficiently, but seems to carry a certain social stigma. Station wagons used to do the job, but have now all but disappeared.

So how does the style-conscious consumer transport spouse, children, parents and pets? Urban architects have known the answer for at least a century: Go vertical.

The skyscraper principle applies equally to motor vehicles. Start with a small-sedan chassis for handling, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency. Build the body tall to pack more people and things inside the same footprint. Then give it a clunky-funky look that says "SUV," or at least "SUV crossover," more than "minivan."

Europeans, who have lived with high fuel prices for decades, have been building and buying tall people movers since the 1950s. The Japanese, also, embraced the concept long ago. The idea is still novel in America, but vehicles as good as the Mazda5 just might help it catch on.

The Mazda 5, or Mazda5, is built on the same mechanical platform as the compact Mazda3 sedan. So it weighs less, and even covers a smaller patch of road than, say, Mazda's own mid-size sedan, the Mazda6. But the tall Mazda5 seats six, where even the Maxda6 sedan seats five at best. See how the game is played? And with the back two rows of seats folded, Mazda5 will hold far more than Mazda's own Mazda6 Sport Wagon. And it drives better than either a minivan or an SUV.

All-new last year, Mazda5 was offered in two well-equipped trim levels. Now for '07, Mazda has added the even more deluxe Grand Touring level with leather-trimmed heated seats and xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. The base Mazda5 Sport starts at $17,635, the mid-level Touring at $19,150. A totally tricked-out Grand Touring, with DVD entertainment, navigation, and Sirius Satellite Radio would still list for less than $26,000. Looked at this way, there's no competition.

Model Lineup

The 2007 Mazda 5 is available in three trim levels. All are powered by the same engine, a 153-hp, 2.3-liter inline-4. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport and Touring, with a four-speed automatic optional ($900). The automatic is standard on the new Grand Touring model.

Mazda5 Sport ($17,635) comes with air conditioning; power windows and central locking; four-speaker, multi-source stereo; steering wheel-mounted speed and sound controls; inboard armrests on the middle-row seats; four passenger assist grips; and carpeted floor mats. Cruise control, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, power outside mirrors and a six-way adjustable driver's seat with inboard armrest facilitate driver-to-car interfacing. An attractive and durable-looking fabric covers seats and door panels with seat side bolsters and insets wearing contrasting textures. The standard wheel-and-tire package consists of 205/50 V-rated all-season radials on 17-inch alloy rims.

Options include a power moonroof ($700), an MP3 player/CD changer ($500); and fog lamps ($300). One option package is offered, comprising an in-dash, six-disc CD changer, rear liftgate spoiler, and side sill extensions ($490).

Mazda5 Touring ($19,150) makes the moonroof, in-dash six-CD changer, side sill extensions, liftgate spoiler, and fog lamps standard; and further upgrades to automatic air conditioning, two more speakers for the stereo, leather cover for the steering wheel, and a combination fold-out table and cargo net bin for the center row of seats. Externally, the mirrors turn body-color (instead of black). A combined navigation and tire-pressure monitoring system is optional ($2,000).

New for '07 is Mazda5 Grand Touring ($21,300), which adds leather seats with matching cloth door inserts, heated front seats, and xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with manual leveling. Sharp-eyed observers might spot the GT's exclusive black light bezels, front and rear. Automatic transmission is standard, too, as we previously mentioned; the navigation/tire-pressure monitor is still optional.

Options for all models include several self-dimming inside mirrors with various built-in widgets ($230-300); Sirius Satellite Radio with a six-month subscription ($430); a rear-seat DVD player ($1,200); and pearl paint finish ($200). Additionally, Mazda dealers can install a range of accessories; a cargo net ($40), heavy duty all-weather floor mats ($60), a retractable cargo cover ($150), and wheel locks ($40) are just a few examples.

Safety features that come standard on all models include the required dual-action frontal airbags, plus front seat-mounted side-impact airbags for torso protection, and head-protecting side air curtains for all three rows of seats. Also, every seating position gets a three-point seatbelt and an adjustable head restraint. Be sure your passengers use those seatbelts as they're your first line of defense in a crash. The middle and rear seats have child safety seat anchors (LATCH). Antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist also come standard.

From : http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2007_Mazda_5&ReviewID=2066 Read More

The Mazda 3 is sporty, roomy and fun. It's available as a neatly styled four-door sedan or as a more adventurous looking five-door hatchback. The sedan has a sweet, rounded shape and smooth, cohesive design. The five-door looks more aggressive, but a lot of utility with its hatchback design and folding rear seats.

Quick, nimble handling makes the Mazda 3 (or Mazda3 as the company renders it) fun to drive on twisty country roads. The free-revving 2.3-liter engine delivers spirited performance. The five-speed manual transmission shifts beautifully, and there's an interesting automatic available with a manual-shift feature.

Model Lineup

The four-door sedan is available with a choice of 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The five-door hatchback comes only with the 2.3-liter engine.

The Mazda3i four-door sedan comes with the 2.0-liter engine ($13,680). Standard equipment includes AM/FM/CD, tilt and telescope steering wheel with audio controls, 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, a stainless steel exhaust system, wind-up windows and manual door locks. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, an automatic transmission ($900) is optional. Air conditioning is optional ($850). Also optional: power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control, remote entry, an upgraded driver's seat, upgraded audio with six speakers, and 16-inch alloy wheels, available as a package ($1,400).

Two-stage frontal airbags are standard. We strongly recommend the safety package ($800), which includes side-impact airbags for the front seats, side air curtains for head protection for front and rear-seat passengers, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). That would make a well-equipped (and commonly equipped) Mazda3i more like $17,275 (with the $545 destination charge), or $18,175 with the automatic.

The Mazda3s is more powerful and better equipped. Available in the four-door ($16,615) and five-door ($17,105) styles, the 3s comes standard with all the power conveniences plus air conditioning, cruise control, an upgraded stereo and foglights. The five-door hatchback gets sporty 205/50 all-season radials on 17-inch steel wheels.

Options for the 3s include the automatic transmission ($900), the safety package with side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, ABS and EBD ($800); leather upholstery ($590); xenon high-intensity discharge headlights with a tire-pressure monitoring system ($700); and a navigation system ($1,750). A Sport Package ($490) combining 17-inch wheels with sill extensions is available for the 3s sedan.

A package combining a moonroof with a six-disc CD changer ($890) is available on all Mazda3 models. Sirius Satellite Radio ($399) can be dealer-installed in any Mazda3, though there's also a labor charge.

The Mazda3i is available at no charge as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) that trades four horsepower (down to 144 horsepower) for significant reductions in emissions.

From :http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2005_Mazda_3&ReviewID=1662 Read More

The ingenious Mazda RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car, and its small but powerful rotary engine makes this possible.

The RX-8 drives like a sports car, with perfect 50-50 weight distribution for balanced handling and a high-revving engine. It reminds us of the brilliant third-generation RX-7, but it's $13,000 cheaper, and its muscular styling has a zoom-zoom edge.

Yet the RX-8 is surprisingly practical. It's perfectly capable of taking the kids to soccer practice, with ample passenger room for four full-size adults. There's enough room for a weekend's worth of luggage or two full-size golf bags, and the small rear doors and relatively spacious trunk make trips to the home improvement center possible. Granted, it's not as roomy as a sedan, but it can move people and stuff when needed.

The RX-8 was launched as an all-new model for 2004. While the manual transmission model carries over with few changes, but the automatic is far more compelling for 2006 than last year's model. The 2006 RX-8 offers a new six-speed automatic in place of last year's four-speed. What's more, the automatic model gets a significant boost in horsepower. The six-speed automatic comes with steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting. This brings the automatic closer in character to the manual version, making it much more appealing to those who don't always want to do the shifting themselves.

Still, the manual and automatic are two different cars due to the specific tuning of the high-revving rotary engine as paired to each transmission. The six-speed manual benefits from 238 horsepower at 8500 rpm and 159 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm, while the automatic produces 212 horsepower at 7200 rpm and 164 pound-feet at 5000 rpm. The automatic comes packaged with smaller wheels and brakes and a softer suspension. The bottom line is that the manual is for driving enthusiasts willing to sacrifice some comfort and convenience for performance. The automatic is for drivers more interested in the looks and feel of a sports car than in ultimate performance, drivers who have to contend with stop-and-go commuting.

Model Lineup

The 2006 Mazda RX-8 comes in two variants: the MT ($26,435) with a six-speed manual transmission and the AT ($26,435) with the new six-speed automatic.

Optional packages: The Sport Package (MT: $1,300, AT: $2,000) includes xenon headlights, fog lamps, DSC w/Traction Control (AT models add a limited slip differential and the same wheels and brakes found on all MT models). The Touring Package (MT: $2,975, AT: $3,775) adds Bose audio and an auto day/night mirror w/Homelink to the Sport Package equipment. Grand Touring (MT: $4,510, AT: $5,210) includes all that plus leather trimmed upholstery, faux leather door trim, six-way power driver's seat, heated seats, lumbar support, a moonroof, and heated mirrors. The Shinka Special Edition Package (MT: $6,165, AT: $6,685) adds urethane-injected suspension cross members, bright-finish alloy wheels, leather/faux-suede upholstery, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio equipment and a one-year subscription.

Additional options include a six-disc CD changer ($500), pearl white paint ($200), a DVD-based navigation system ($2,000) and an appearance package consisting of front air dam, a rear spoiler and side and rear aero flares ($1,100).

Safety features that come standard include frontal and side-impact airbags (for torso protection) for the front passengers, and curtain airbags (for head protection) front and rear.

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Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June 2008 sales of 23,771 vehicles, a 7.7 percent decrease over last year, but an increase of 3.7 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. There were 24 selling days in June 2008, 27 in June 2007. Despite a tough economic state in the automotive industry, Mazda’s year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent with 153,141 vehicles sold (up 0.9 percent on a DSR basis).

“Small, stylish, fuel-efficient – those are the buzz-words of the car business these days,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. “As always, customers want the right vehicle at the right price, and never has this been so true as today, as MAZDA5 and MAZDA3 sales are proving.”

Leading the way yet again, the MAZDA5multi-activity vehicle posted a 29.2 percent increase versus last June, with 1,416 units sold. Redesigned for 2008, the MAZDA5is a spirited vehicle that targets a very specific driver, with three rows, room for six passengers and up to 28 mpg (highway). Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 44.1 percent.

MAZDA3 also had a great month, recording its best June sales ever, up 8.9 percent with sales of 12,346.

Additionally, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever June with sales of 1,586 vehicles, up 30 percent versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door and MAZDA6 both had their best sales month ever. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 9,961 total sales, accounting for a 34 percent increase.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan. Read More

Mazda announced that a Job One ceremony was held at AutoAlliance International Inc. in Flat Rock, Michigan to celebrate the first United States production of the North American all-new Mazda6.

The all-new Mazda6 inherits and further evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market with handling and comfort being optimized for North American road conditions. Two spirited engines will be available: the newly developed 2.5-liter I-4 that drives the European and Japanese versions of the all-new Mazda6 and –for extra performance– the 3.7-liter V6 that powers the Mazda CX-9, the 2008 North American Truck of the Year.

Speaking at the ceremony, AutoAlliance International’s president and CEO, Gary A. Roe said, “The North American all-new Mazda6 has a special significance for us because it was developed exclusively to meet the needs of the North American market and is being built right here at AAI. Our dedication to build quality cars will ensure the Mazda6 succeeds amid a very challenging sales environment.

James J. O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations added, “The midsize sedan segment is crowded with many of the best vehicles from Asia, Europe, and the US. Even under these circumstances, we are confident the North American all-new Mazda6 will be highly competitive.
Mazda’s president and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, remarked, “It is an honor to be here at AutoAlliance International to celebrate the North American all-new Mazda6 production kickoff. AutoAlliance International symbolizes the strong cooperative relationship that has benefited both Mazda and Ford for many years. Going forward, we will continue to provide our customers with the highest quality products in order to further strengthen Mazda’s presence in North America. This will bring us closer to achieving the targets of our mid-term Mazda Advancement Plan Read More

Mazda Biante 20S (FWD model with 2.0-liter direct injection engine, five-speed automatic transmission and factory-installed options)
To date, 90 percent of orders have been for models equipped with the 2.0-liter direct injection engine. Approximately 65 percent of customers have opted for the 20S grade, followed by 26 percent who chose the 20CS grade and 9 percent who selected the 23S. While most customers who selected the Biante have families and are in their 30s and 40s, orders have been placed by a wide range of people. Customer feedback indicates that the main reasons for choosing the Biante are its exterior design, spacious interior*1 and quiet cabin. The flexible seat arrangements that include a ‘living mode’ (which enables the seats to be adjusted backwards to maximize interior space), the excellent dynamic stability, and the Biante’s affordability (due to regular gasoline being the recommended fuel*2) were also highlighted.

The most popular exterior colors have been the featured Lilac Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black and Crystal White Pearl Mica, which together make up 70 percent of orders. The most preferred factory-installed options have been the power sliding doors with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, selected by 90 percent of customers; the Clean Air package*3, chosen by 70 percent of customers; and the Comfort package*4, chosen by 60 percent of customers.

Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of Domestic Business and Customer Service, Masazumi Wakayama, said, “Mazda has waited for the optimal time to launch the Biante, and we are extremely pleased that it has attracted so many orders. We expect that its popularity will continue and this will have a positive impact on our overall sales results in Japan.”

1. The most interior space in the 2.0-liter to 2.3-liter engine minivan class (3 rows of seats, domestically manufactured passenger vehicle) based on cabin length, height and width. According to a survey conducted by Mazda in June 2008.
2. Includes all grades with the 2.0-liter engine (not the 23S).
3. Includes nanoe ion and Alleru [Allergy] Buster air filter, a ceiling-mounted deodorizer and a rear heater. ‘Nanoe’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. ‘Alleru Buster’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
4. Includes the Advanced keyless entry and engine starter system, Mazda’s auto-light system (which switches the headlights on automatically according to ambient light conditions), rain-sensing windshield wipers and water-repellent coating (on the windshield, front windows and door mirrors).

   New Mazda Biante Minivan Sales Take Off in Japan

   
   

   Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that orders for the new Mazda Biante minivan were more than double the sales target in its first month of sales. Orders have surpassed 6,000 units since the Biante was launched in Japan on July 8, 2008.
   
   
   Mazda Biante 20S (FWD model with 2.0-liter direct injection engine, five-speed automatic transmission and factory-installed options)
   To date, 90 percent of orders have been for models equipped with the 2.0-liter direct injection engine. Approximately 65 percent of customers have opted for the 20S grade, followed by 26 percent who chose the 20CS grade and 9 percent who selected the 23S. While most customers who selected the Biante have families and are in their 30s and 40s, orders have been placed by a wide range of people. Customer feedback indicates that the main reasons for choosing the Biante are its exterior design, spacious interior*1 and quiet cabin. The flexible seat arrangements that include a ‘living mode’ (which enables the seats to be adjusted backwards to maximize interior space), the excellent dynamic stability, and the Biante’s affordability (due to regular gasoline being the recommended fuel*2) were also highlighted.
   
   The most popular exterior colors have been the featured Lilac Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black and Crystal White Pearl Mica, which together make up 70 percent of orders. The most preferred factory-installed options have been the power sliding doors with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, selected by 90 percent of customers; the Clean Air package*3, chosen by 70 percent of customers; and the Comfort package*4, chosen by 60 percent of customers.
   
   Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of Domestic Business and Customer Service, Masazumi Wakayama, said, “Mazda has waited for the optimal time to launch the Biante, and we are extremely pleased that it has attracted so many orders. We expect that its popularity will continue and this will have a positive impact on our overall sales results in Japan.”
   
5. The most interior space in the 2.0-liter to 2.3-liter engine minivan class (3 rows of seats, domestically manufactured passenger vehicle) based on cabin length, height and width. According to a survey conducted by Mazda in June 2008.
6. Includes all grades with the 2.0-liter engine (not the 23S).
7. Includes nanoe ion and Alleru [Allergy] Buster air filter, a ceiling-mounted deodorizer and a rear heater. ‘Nanoe’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. ‘Alleru Buster’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
8. Includes the Advanced keyless entry and engine starter system, Mazda’s auto-light system (which switches the headlights on automatically according to ambient light conditions), rain-sensing windshield wipers and water-repellent coating (on the windshield, front windows and door mirrors).

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The Chevrolet Malibu and the Mazda CX-9 have been chosen car and truck of the year respectively at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The awards were presented Sunday on the first day of media previews for the show. It opens to the public next Saturday.

It's the second major award for the CX-9 crossover, which was named Motor Trend's 2008 sport utility of the year in October.

Mazda executive vice-president Robert Graziano says the CX-9 was designed for North America and that this award ``is recognition that the team delivered on the promise.''

General Motors' vice-chairman of product development Bob Lutz says GM is rapidly trying to add more production capacity to keep up with demand for the Malibu.
He says demand for the revamped Malibu has ``gone way beyond our expectations.''

Four of the six finalists for the awards were GM products.

The Malibu, Cadillac CTS and Honda Accord were finalists for car of the year, while the CX-9, the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid were finalists for truck of the year.

GM was a double winner in 2007, while Honda Motor Co. captured both honors the year before.

To be considered for the coveted honour, which often is used in automakers' advertising, vehicles must be new or substantially changed from the previous model. More than 50 new vehicles were eligible this year, but jurors winnowed that list to 15 cars and 13 trucks.

The winners were selected by a jury of 46 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. Jurors consider a variety of factors, including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.

The North American honours have been given annually since 1994. Read More