February 19th, 2012 by admin
SPORTS cars used to be about fun and driving on the edge – hardly surprising then that in the days before crash safety became an issue, drivers of open-topped two seaters rated high in the road casualty charts.
Today things are very different indeed – while sporty drivers can still enjoy the thrill of open-air, high performance motoring, the cars they drive have to meet rigorous safety regulations and are, in fact, in many cases even safer and stronger than more mundane family cars.
Take the Mazda MX-5 – an iconic sports car which has earned its stripes by not just being tremendous fun to drive but also because of the way in which it protects its driver and front seat passenger in the event of an accident.
First launched in 1989, the MX-5 was put through Euro NCAP’s rigorous crash testing procedures in 2002 and emerged with a highly creditable four star rating.
At the time, the testers observed: ‘The MX-5 has had a recent facelift but the body and chassis remains much as it was when introduced in 1989. That being so, the car still proved safe enough to gain four stars, giving a well balanced performance in the frontal and side impact.’
Although the latest, third generation MX-5 has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP, the Japanese manufacturer will have every confidence that it will exceed the crash-test performance of the original.
The third-generation MX-5 comes in both soft top and Roadster Coupe models and is the first Mazda roadster to have side airbags as standard. These are installed in the outer section of the seatbacks and protect the head and thorax.
They consist of two chambers. Each chamber is activated at the same time by a common gas generator and a single inflator. This single inflation process delivers a decisive time advantage over conventional dual-stage airbag systems, in which both chambers are filled with gas one after the other.
Furthermore, the upper and slightly larger chamber that protects the head inflates firmer and for a longer time than the lower chamber. In this way, Mazda achieves a similar effect to vehicles with a permanent hard top equipped with curtain airbags.
Other passive safety features include ISOFIX anchors for securing a child safety seat in the passenger seat and the front passenger seat airbag can be deactivated with the ignition key.
Both the steering column and the brake pedals are designed to reduce the risk of lower body injury to the driver in a serious front impact and both seats have three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters.
In the unlikely event that the MX-5 Roadster Coupe could ever roll over, protection is provided to the passengers by bracing bars integrated into the A-pillars made of ultra-high-strength steel, a massive windshield frame and reinforcements behind the seats. Also, large body shell cross members protect passengers in case of side impact.
Some 58 per cent of the body shell is made of either ultra-high-strength or high-strength steel, both of which are three times stronger than normal types of steel and this allows for an ideal combination of thin, lightweight material that is extremely strong.
The bonnet is made of aluminium and has been optimized for pedestrian protection. Its inner bonnet panel is made of a shock-cone structure that effectively absorbs impact energy applied to the outside of the bonnet from above.
Given all that, Mazda will be hoping that the new, third generation MX-5 could become the first ever sports roadster from any manufacturer to achieve Euro NCAP’s coveted five star rating. Watch this space
Mazda MX-5 Mk 2 EURO CAP RATING
Adult occupant ****
Child occupant N/A
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February 18th, 2012 by admin
THREE years ago the entry-level Mazda2 cost £8,700 in comparison to £7,930 today despite a raft of significant improvements and added equipment.
Economy has improved by more than seven miles per gallon and CO2 emissions have fallen from 150g/km to 129g/km with a reduction in company car tax liability from 17 per cent to just 15 per cent.
The retained value of the car after three years has risen from 45 per cent to 52 per cent and it has gained electric windows and an MP3-compatible compact disc system.
The same is true of the diesel versions, which now cost from just £8,900 in comparison to £9,730 despite an improvement in economy to 65mpg and a reduction in CO2 emissions to 114g/km, which lowers the tax liability from 18 per cent to just 13 per cent.
The Mazda2 is typical of small cars that encompass large car benefits, with more than a dozen models in the range offering a choice of three or five doors, four different power outputs from two petrol engines and a high-efficiency diesel with performance of up to 115mph.
The 1.4 D TS2 five-door model costs under £12,000 and comes with air conditioning, alloy wheels, front, side and curtain air bags, electric windows and an MPS-compatible CD player.
In addition to half a dozen air bags there is a big-car safety rating of a maximum five stars for adult protection from EuroNCAP and four stars for child safety.
The latest incarnation of the Mazda3, which has found more than two million buyers in five years, has been designed specifically to embody big-car features within its compact dimensions.
Completely redesigned and with new engines, it comes in a choice of hatchback and saloon body styles plus a new i-stop version geared towards outstanding economy and ultra-low emissions.
In its current guise the Mazda3 costs from £11,200 for the 1.4 S hatchback and from £13,310 for the 1.6 Takara saloon.
The best-selling hatchback comes with a choice of three petrol engines of 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 and 2.3-litre capacity plus diesel options of 1.6-litres and 2.0-litres.
The new engines, including a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, improve economy significantly whilst reducing CO2 emissions. The i-Stop version with Mazda’s 2.0-litre direct injection spark engine improves economy by a further 12 per cent.
A direct rival for the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, the multi-award-winning Mazda3 comes with virtually all of the traditional big-car features including CD sound system, electric windows and front and side air bags.
Most models also have multi-disc CD players, full climate control and sophisticated safety features including traction control, electronic stability programme and curtain airbags.
There are top marks for safety and residual values are among the best in the compact class.
February 16th, 2012 by admin
SOME cars excite the senses in a way which makes them very special and for the man who could fathom what made them so, there would be a lifetime of very well paid work.
I’m not a car designer, but of a pair of cars, I can tell you which one excites and which does not within the first quarter mile down a straight road.
It’s not necessarily anything specific, just a feeling in the seat of the pants which many drivers would not get, because they are not attuned to it.
And so it is – yet again – with my large family ‘Car of the Year’ last year, the superb Mazda 6 two-litre hatch.
But the revised Nissan Primera I have also been driving, although very good in most ways, does not leave me wanting more every time I get out.
Mazda almost achieved a miracle with the “6″ when it first came out. So good was it that it immediately went to the top of the class.
And as far as I am concerned it is still there, despite new models coming out from other manufacturers.
The 6 drives virtually as well as a BMW 3-series, even though it is front wheel drive and the BeeEmm is rear wheel drive.
Both have the same intuitive feel for someone who enjoys driving, who enjoys handling a good car. Both instil confidence in the driver, and because of their excellent chassis, always feel tremendously safe even when pressed right to the limits.
The Mazda seems to blend with the road surface, hugging its contours and flowing over every dip and ripple.
It handles superbly, with excellent power steering feeding surface and grip information back to the hands, and wonderful balance aiding brilliant roadholding.
The seats hold in all the right places, and comfort is up with the very best in class, matching that available in the BMW – as long as it does not have sports suspension!
I drove the two-litre TS2, which has a marvellously smooth and tuneful engine that loves to be revved, and is always willing and punchy.
Performance is brilliant at all times, and although main power is higher up the rev range, there is enough for good acceleration lower down.
This Mazda is a beautiful car too, with great style both front and rear, and lovely lines from the side.
The Primera is also a good car, but it doesn’t shine in the same way as the Mazda. It offers as much power from the same size of engine, with good acceleration and plenty of verve.
But the chassis and steering are stodgy and uninvolving by comparison, even with the front suspension revisions which were carried out at the end of last year.
The steering is over light at times, and although the suspension allows fast, flat cornering, it seems too soft in a straight line, allowing slightly unexpected body movements.
Part of the reason why the Mazda feels more nippy is that it is over 40kg lighter than the Nissan – that’s 40 bags of sugar – and its economy is also better, averaging 35 to the Nissan’s 31.
But the Nissan does have a lot going for it. Acceleration is on a par with the Mazda’s, and it has more toys than you can shake a stick at, including in this SVE form, satellite navigation – £2,500 extra on the Mazda – and a rearview TV camera which is not available on any of the competition.
The single control centre for navigation, stereo, trip computer and climate control works well once one is used to it, but is a little daunting at first sight.
And the high quality interior and exterior matches that in the Mazda.
Equipment is on a par except for the Nissan’s sat nav, built-in ‘phone and leather upholstery, but if the Mazda has those items added from the extras list, it is £2,650 more expensive.
That said, the “6″ is so much more fun to drive, and to my eyes, better looking, that I would have it without those extras for a little less than the Primera.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 5dr
Price: £16,900
Mechanical: 141bhp, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
CAR STARS
How does it compare with the rest?
****** = Best * = Worst.
Comfort *****
Performance ******
Thirst *****
Handling ******
Safety ******
Equipment ****
Value *****
Fun Factor ******
Overall Rating: *****
FAST FACTS
Nissan Primera 2.0 SVE 5dr
Price: £17,750
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.8 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 208g/km
BiK rating: 27%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust
CAR STARS
How does it compare with the rest?
****** = Best * = Worst.
Comfort ***
Performance ******
Thirst ***
Handling ***
Safety ******
Equipment ******
Value ******
Fun Factor **
Overall Rating: ****
January 27th, 2012 by admin
Mazda’S stylish MX-5 roadster is the most popular car for women, according to an internet poll.
It came second only to Ford’s Puma, which is no longer on sale, and just ahead of the Nissan 200SX, Hyundai Coupe and Porsche Boxster.
In the survey, by internet consumer guide Ciao.com, Hyundai’s relatively inexpensive Coupe was perhaps the biggest surprise.
One comment on the website reads: “If you are looking for a car which moves, is good looking and a little bit different to the rest of the crowd, but don’t want to spend a fortune, then this is the car for you.”
Another said: “At this price it really is unbeatable value and it turns heads whenever I drive it.”
The UK has proved to be the biggest market for the Hyundai Coupe in Europe, with 6,213 having been bought here since its launch at the end of January 2002.
The Coupe, especially the top of the range 2.7 V6, has been hailed as one of the best value for money sports cars available, providing impressive performance at a sensible price.
The 2.7 V6 sells for £18,495 on the road, is capable of 136 mph and can accelerate to 60mph in eight seconds.
Standard equipment for all Coupes includes driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, six speaker radio/CD player and air conditioning. The SE and V6 are also equipped with leather seats and cruise control.
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January 21st, 2012 by admin
Mazda is pioneering a new direction for sports cars with an eyecatching four-seater concept at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Named the Senku, a Japanese term meaning pioneer, this eyecatcher from the Ford-owned company features an ultra-long wheelbase, minimal overhangs, a unique ‘floating’ appearance supported by large tyres, a smoothly dignified shape, and large flying wing electric-powered sliding doors.
And they all come together as part of an elegant coupe format in which personal space is designed to give priority to the people seated in the front, while the interior trim is finished in supple leather.
Between the front and rear axles is the next-generation direct injection gasoline rotary engine with a hybrid unit which achieves high power output and lower fuel consumption.
The Senku also boasts perfect 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and a low centre of gravity – a well-known characteristic of Mazda sports cars.
Also making its global debut in Tokyo will be the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle, expected to offer typical Mazda Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure combined with outstanding eco-friendliness.
It comes equipped with the next-generation MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo engine and Advanced Driver-Support Technologies.
Joining the new concept cars will be the Japanese debut of the Mazda MX-Crossport concept, previously shown at the Detroit and Frankfurt shows.
The Crossport – a new breed of vehicle that combines the merits of a sports car and an SUV – indicates a direction that Mazda’s future products could take and further expands the line-up of new generation products with production already confirmed for the North American market next year.
January 19th, 2012 by admin
Mazda has introduced a special edition of its Mazda6 model, called the Sakata, which is £500 cheaper than the model upon which it is based, and also adds £500 worth of extra equipment.
It is modelled on the entry-level 1.8-litre Mazda6 S, but costs £12,995 instead of £13,500.
The additional equipment includes a six-disc CD player, rear spoiler and two new colours of Strato Blue and Velocity Red.
The five door 1.8-litre model achieves 0-60mph acceleration in 11 seconds, has a top speed of 121mph and 37mpg economy. The insurance group at 7E is the same as that of the standard Mazda6 S model. Just 500 Sakatas will be on offer from March.
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January 19th, 2012 by admin
Mazda‘S new compact car, the Mazda3, has finally gone on sale with prices from £10,650.
It’s available initially in hatchback body style only with the choice of three petrol engines, but saloon and diesel models will follow in the summer when there will also be an automatic transmission option.
The three petrol engines are of 1.4, 1.6, and two litres. Coinciding with the arrival of the saloon versions in June will be a pair of diesels, offering power outputs of 90bhp and 110bhp.
Recognising that safety and security now sell, even the 1.4-litre petrol-powered S model has anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist, plus front side airbags and a category one alarm/ immobiliser.
The top of the range two litre Sport model takes the price up to £15,500 and comes with xenon headlamps, sports trim and a body styling kit, plus additional speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and automatic lights.
The new Mazda is based on the same platform as the forthcoming new Ford Focus which is not due to make its debut until much later this year. By way of comparison, the current Focus 1.4 CL starts at £10,795, whilst the cheapest Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Envoy is £11,475.
January 5th, 2012 by admin
THE UK’s best selling Ford Focus model is facing an increasing challenge from the rival Mazda3 model, which has virtually doubled sales here so far this year.
Last month alone the Mazda3 attracted almost 1,000 buyers in comparison to 585 during the same month last year.
Together with the Mondeo-challenging Mazda6 model, the Mazda3 is emerging as the star of the rapidly-growing Japanese range.
Last month the Mazda6 attracted 1,334 buyers in comparison to 952 during the same month last year.
The MX-5 and RX-8 sports models are selling in record numbers and the line-up will soon be boosted by the arrival of the Mazda5 people-carrier to replace the Premacy. It gives Mazda a sales total so far this year of 3,366 in comparison to 3,279 for the same period last year.
This has been achieved without either the Premacy or MPV models, which are now deleted and will be replaced by the all-new Mazda5 in September.
Meanwhile the Mazda3 range continues to expand and illustrates that so-called niche market players can gradually become mainstream rivals to established favourites.
Although currently available in five-door hatchback form only, plus a saloon, there are three petrol engines and a diesel option to choose from. Prices start at £10,650 for the entry-level 1.4-litre S model, rising to £15,600 for the two-litre diesel in TS2 trim.
Other engine options include petrol units of 1.6-litres and two-litres, with prices of £11,600 and £14,600. This means that the Mazda undercuts the Focus by virtually £1,000 and is generally regarded as an equally accomplished family model anyway.
Its real rival is the Volkswagen Golf, but that costs so much more that the Mazda is increasingly considered the best all-round bet, helped by rock-solid residuals into the bargain.
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December 29th, 2011 by admin
IT was the car which brought affordable open top motoring back for the masses and in the space of just 15 years the Mazda MX-5 roadster has created an enviable track record.
First launched in the spring of 1990 this remarkable rag-top has become the most successful open-top, two-seater sports car of all time. Through two generations and countless special editions more than 716,000 have been sold worldwide and no less than 67,000 examples have found their way on to British driveways.
Its success has hardly diminished with age and the original car changed little over the years, but now the MX-5 has been given a complete engineering makeover and sexy new styling to bring it roaring into the 21st century.
And the success looks set to continue. A Limited Edition run of 400 special launch versions of the newcomer have already been snapped up and the Japanese carmaker is targeting 21,000 sales of the new MX-5 throughout 2006 in a non-premium sports car sector which, surprisingly, grew by some 35 per cent last year.
Blessed with longer and wider dimensions than the outgoing model, the new MX-5 is much more occupant friendly with additional shoulder, hip and elbow room for six-footers while the extra width also provides space for side airbags, albeit a £150 option on some models, which were an important missing link from the original.
The MX-5′s boot has always been decently sized for weekend-away people, clear of intrusion from the weighty mechanics of an electric hood, and an extra six-litres in the newcomer has made it even more so.
If you need more stowage space, an extra £300 will get you a rear luggage rack with centre brake light, while a locking glovebox, three useful storage compartments, bottle and cup holders provide added practicality to the interior.
Lifting or lowering the high quality soft top is a relatively simple exercise with just one catch to cope with atop the windscreen.
The hood, which now folds in only two places as opposed to five in the outgoing model, can be folded back in around six seconds and sits flush with the boot lid. No tonneau cover is required and the whole operation can be carried out without getting out of the car.
Mazda has retained the simplicity of a neat and tidy look to the cabin with an added touch of quality provided by decorative piano-black embellishments.
The neatly-cowled binnacle houses easy-on-the-eye instruments while an attractive shield-effect centre console is simply designed to cause little confusion for the button-pushers seeking access to temperature adjustment and the sound system controls.
The Mazda designers have succeeded in providing a comfortable driving position from which you are nicely in harmony with the controls. Pedal positions have been changed to improve heel-and-toe operation of the throttle and brake pedals for the enthusiastic, sporty driver.
A brace of petrol engines are available – 1.8-litre 125bhp and 2.0-litre 158bhp – both of which respond swiftly to the electronic throttle, sending power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
In fact, while the Mazda technical data lists 9.4 seconds for 0-62mph for the 1.8 and 7.9 seconds for the two-litre, the difference didn’t appear so marked on the road.
Even more precision is available in the 2.0 Sport model which boasts a six-speed manual gearbox with precise flick of the wrist action and an even shorter shift travel.
With either engine in charge, handling is superb. The new MX-5 tucks in and powers out of corners in completely unfazed fashion, providing a composed and grippy performance with total driver involvement and plenty of fun thrown in.
The precise steering has stacks of feel and along with 50:50 weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity and increased torsional rigidity makes the new MX-5 very easy to control.
Topless driving is made more comfortable by the larger, more efficient aero board wind-blocker and additional heating vents at foot level.
Ride quality, too, is good, the additional interior space combines with comfortable and supportive seating to help you reach journey’s end in good order.
Five versions of the new MX-5 are on offer – 1.8i entry level at £15,600, 1.8i with option pack at £16,400, 2.0i at £16,600, 2.0i with option pack £17,400 and the 2.0i Sport which will set you back £18,900.
Although air con is a £560 option on all models, the entry level MX-5 is quite well kitted out and comes with electric front windows, four-speaker sound system with CD, powered and heated door mirrors, remote central locking with deadlocks, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser and ABS braking. The entry level model comes with a vinyl soft top and you have to notch up a grade for the cloth version.
In addition, items such as Dynamic Stability and Traction Control systems to help keep you on the long and winding roads don’t kick in until further up the range.
Overall, the new MX-5 continues to look the part with subtle changes differentiating it from the outgoing model.
Mazda has done a good job here in further modernising the MX-5 while maintaining the look that makes this legendary roadster instantly recognisable.
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December 27th, 2011 by admin
IT’S easy to understand why the Mazda6 Estate has piled up the awards.
The car achieves that rare trick of blending great practicality with style, as well as having good handling credentials.
More than 20 honours have come its way and are still arriving, a diesel version having been named Towcar of the Year 2005 by The Caravan Club.
For us non-vanners, there’s still plenty to admire. For a start, here is a estate that actually looks quite sleek, with lines and a sloping back-end that mean the Mazda6 avoids the boxiness that plagues so many of this breed.
Broad, eyecatching, wrap-around light clusters front and rear add to the smart look.
Not that design is allowed to interfere with the car’s main function of being a load carrier. Basic capacity is excellent at 505 litres and that soars to nearly 1,700 litres if you fold the rear seats by using the nifty one-pull lever.
The load area is broad, flat and virtually unobstructed, with a good entrance shape, and further stowage areas are available under the floor and in the flanks. Very impressive.
You might expect this cavernous behind to have an adverse effect on the car’s performance, but not so. In fact, in handling terms it is possible to forget the bulk is there.
The car’s stiff build has been teamed with a quite firm, sportyish suspension, which might not be to everyone’s taste but which gives authority to the drive. Steering feel is pretty good and, all round, handling is better than you would expect from this type of car. An 11.5m turning circle for a sizeable estate is another plus.
Performance in the test car was reasonably brisk, even with a fair load aboard, thanks to the willing 2.0-litre 16-valve 140bhp engine.
Standstill to 62mph is attained in less than 10 seconds – there’s a slick five-speed manual gearbox – and the car can go on to 126mph.
There’s some payback in economy but, although there is some road noise, distance cruising is relaxed. Comfortable, too, through the supportive seats. The upholstery and decor of the cabin echoes the smartness of the exterior.
The Titanium-look central controls console is a little cluttered but, above the basic S trim, steering wheel audio controls (cruise control is also sited here) compensate. I liked the big, clear dials, too.
Passenger space is good with fair legroom at the back and fine height throughout.
The test car was in TS trim and well equipped, with standard features including climate control, leather grips, front and rear electric windows, height and reach variation of the steering wheel, height adjustment and lumbar support for the driver’s seat, front, side and curtain airbags, armrests at the front (with double box) and rear, radio/CD player and remote central locking with deadlocks.
Externally, you get body-coloured everything, alloys, heated door mirrors and roof rails.
Mazda quality and reliability is always good and pricing is competitive for such a spacious and well-equipped car. Well worth checking out by estate-hunters.
FAST FACTS
Mazda6 2.0 TS2 Estate
Price: £16,400
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,996cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 192g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
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Mazda Approved Used
