Mazda has finally announced pricing on its new 2013 CX-5 5-passenger compact crossover, which is currently on its way to dealerships with the company’s first full suite of SkyActiv technologies.

Prices start at $20,695 for the base model with a SkyActiv-MT 6-speed manual transmission. it comes standard with Sport trim, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff, body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps, door handles, a roof spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna. On the inside you get Black or Sand Beigh cloth seating, push-button start, power windows with driver’s side one-touch auto open/close, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level Control (ALC) as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports. All that is standard.

Check out more news on the Mazda CX-5.

“The 2013 CX-5 is a look to the future of the Mazda brand,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Our achievements in Research & Development have led to breakthrough engineering with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It shows not only in the CX-5′s impressive fuel economy but also with its dynamic handling and performance, which only Mazda can bring to the compact crossover SUV segment.”

Moving up a notch, buyers can go for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport model with a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic starting at $22,095. When you add all-wheel-drive – the price jumps to $23,345. A Bluetooth Audio Package will cost you $400 and will give you hands-free phone and audi connectivity and a 5.8 inch touchscreen display along with HD Radio Technology.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring model gets all the above as standard and adds fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, rearview camera, an upgraded 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering- wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders. SKYACTIV-Drive automatic becomes standard on Touring models. Prices start at $23,895 for the front-wheel-drive and $25,145 for the all-wheel-drive.

Buyers can add the Moonroof/Bose and Technology Package to the Touring model for $1,130. The package adds a 9-speaker Bose Centerpoint sound system, a moonroof, in-dash TomTom navigation, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing windshield wipers, an anti-theft alarm and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring basically adds everything above and gets 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather heated front seats, and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Prices for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 start at $27,045 for the FWD and $28,295 for the AWD. Buyers can add the Technology package for $1,325 – adding a TomTom navigation, bi-xenon headlamps – adaptive and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

Power for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 155-hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 26/35 mpg (city/highway).

- By: Omar Rana

One of the outstanding visual features of the model is that it comes with a Power Retractable Hard Top coated in black paint, regardless of body color. This is a first for paint schemes in the U.S. Two new body-paint colors are also being released for the limited-edition, along with a set of gunmetal alloy wheels sized at 17-inches, black accents on the exterior and interior, and black heated leather seats.

Check out more news on the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Both six-speed Sport automatic with paddle shifters, and six-speed manual with short-throw shifter transmissions are available. Standard features for the Special Edition MX-5 include the Premium and Suspension packages, which come with Bilstein shocks, a sport-tuned suspension, Bluetooth, and Sirus Radio.

By: Alexandra Koken

Squashing this past summer’s rumors, Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes has confirmed that the U.S. will be getting its first diesel-fueled model, and even adds a rough release date.

Barnes says “It’ll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3.” Since the Skyactiv-G 3 hit showrooms in October, this puts the estimate in the early half of next year.

Although it has not been confirmed, it is likely that the CX-5 will be the first U.S. diesel model, as the model boasts a 2.2-liter diesel in Japan and Europe, already. The European version comes in two variants, both four-cylinders with a two-stage turbocharger, making either 150hp at 280.2 lb-ft that does 0-62mph in 10 seconds, or 175hp at 309.7 lb-ft that cuts the 0-62mph down to 9.2 seconds and tops out 3 mph faster, at 126mph. Either way, a 6-speed Skyactive-MT manual transmission comes standard, with an option for a 6-speed automatic.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CARandDRIVER

To some it may not be a shock, but to a concerned mass of Miata/ MX-5 fans, the following is good news: the next MX-5 will be rear drive, weigh under 1,000 kg and power will remain similar. So theoretically, the new car will drive differently, but performance will be similar if not slightly better thanks to the newer and lighter (by 15% over the current lightest model) aluminum spaceframe chassis.

The next engines most likely will be lighter and naturally aspirated, once again, not much of a departure from the original, but the point is to shed weight instead of crank out more power. The entry level SkyActiv 130 bhp will be all of 1.5 liters; the current entry level engine is a 1.8 with the larger option being a two liter. The more powerful engine will probably also be a 1.5, but will be turbocharged.

For those who cannot wait to see a new MX-5, a freshened version will appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoCar

In lieu of all the news that’s been hitting the desks from the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mazda announced the official EPA fuel economy figures for their latest auto, the 2013 CX-5 compact SUV crossover.

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Rated at 26 mpg’s for city runs, 35 mpg’s for the highway and a combined cycle of 29, the new 2013 Mazda CX-5 is said to be the car with the best-in-class fuel economy for all transmission and drivetrain configurations without the help of hybrid technology.

The engine powering the CX-5 that allows these feats is Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV-G 2.0L four-banger. And thanks to the world’s highest compression ratio for a mass-produced vehicle rated at 13:1 and a low curb weight of just 3,208lbs for the entry model and 3,426 for the heaviest, the CX-5 sounds like it will keep fuel sippers who need some space and ground clearance happy.

Check out more news on the Mazda CX-5.

But also being a Mazda, I’m sure that it will also keep the driving enthusiasts satisfied as well. Mazda has yet to announce pricing for the CX-5. But they said that we could expect to see those numbers pop up closer to the CX-5’s launch date in the spring of 2012.

- By: Chris Chin

Click here for more news on the Mazda CX-5.

In addition, customized models based on special editions of the Mazda Axela and Mazda Premacy will also be present. The company will also (once again) show of its range of SKYACTIV engine and transmissions.

Check out the complete list after the jump.

Mazda’s Exhibits at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

1. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s new-generation products to adopt Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion – design theme and breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, encompassing the powertrain, body and chassis. Its dynamic design, predictable and refined driving experience and outstanding environmental and safety performance signal a clear departure from existing SUVs. The CX-5 is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese market in spring 2012.

2. Mazda CX-5 – customized
Based on the standard model grade of the new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV, this special edition combines a red exterior body color with alloy wheels painted in matte-black (incorporating the same design as the base model) and slightly lower body height.

3. Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish-2012
Based on the Special Edition Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish, this model’s low center of gravity is expressed through M’z Custom aeroparts including front underspoiler, side skirts, and rear underskirt.

4. Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV-2012
The Mazda Demio with the 1.3-liter SKYACTIV gasoline engine has been customized with chrome garnished parts to heighten the impact of the red exterior. The interior features beige synthetic suede seat covers (by DAMD), and door trims, A-pillars, roof and sections of the steering wheel are wrapped in the same beige suede. The high gloss center panel and door panels (both by DAMD) in the same color work to enhance the cabin’s sophisticated atmosphere with soft-toned colors.

5. Mazda Axela Sport 20S-SKYACTIV-2012
Based on the facelifted Mazda Axela equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY (2.0-liter gasoline engine version), this Axela comes with a range of aeroparts including front air dam skirt, rear bumper, and rear roof spoiler for the exterior. Black is the base color for the genuine leather seat upholstery, door trim and center console. The entire surface of the center panel is finished in piano black and the same finish is applied to the meter hoods and door switch panel.

6. Mazda Premacy 20S Prestige Style-2012
This model features exclusively designed front bumper and head lights, a new signature wing, a motif of Mazda’s new design theme ‘KODO – Soul of Motion -,’ 19-inch alloy wheels (by weds), KENSTYLE rear under skirt, as well as a chrome rear reflector garnish and muffler cutter. Based on Mazda Premacy 20S Prestige Style, quality and sportiness has been enhanced in this customized model.

7. Mazda Biante GRANZ-2012
The base model of this customized version was exhibited as a reference model at the Tokyo Motor Show this year to exhibit the model’s superior strength and quality. This dress-up model features KENSTYLE aeroparts, WORK 19-inch alloy wheels, GRACE seat upholstery and a black wood-patterned interior panel.

8. Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED-2012
Based on the Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED, which adopted black-based special features for both interior and exterior, this tuned model offers a full range of exclusive spec including BBS lightweight alloy wheels, Bilstein height adjustable dampers, brembo brake system (painted in gold for the front) and RECARO seats.

9. Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R-2012
This model is an expression of our further pursuit of superlative driving performance, a further evolution of the limited edition Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R with 6-speed manual transmission. In addition to the base model’s unique sporty design and dynamic performance, the model features BBS 20-inch alloy wheels, brembo brakes and rotors, and vehicle height lowered by 20mm.

10. Mazda Roadster NR-A ‘Jimba-Ittai’ (rider and horse as one)
This racing-spec version of the lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car, Mazda’s Roadster – aka. Mazda MX-5 – features exterior coloring used exclusively by the Mazda team that participates in the annual four-hour endurance race for the media. This NR-A spec was the standard spec for this year’s race, and includes ENKEI 16-inch alloy wheels, Blidgestone 16-inch tires, Bilstein dampers for the 20-milimeter lower vehicle height, Endless brake pads, TAKATA four-point seatbelts, etc.

- By: Omar Rana

New reports suggest that Mazda is planning to introduce an all-electric vehicle in the United States by 2018. Currently, Mazda is leasing the Mazda2 EV subcompact in Japan on a trial basis – the company says it needs an electric vehicle to meet California emissions guidelines before bringing an EV to the states.

The Mazda2 EV runs on a lithium-ion battery and has a range of 124 miles on a full charge. It is capable of hitting a top speed of 87 mph.

“At least by 2018, but we will try to do it earlier,” said Chief Engineer Mitsuru Fujinaka. “Sooner or later, we will have to have these electric vehicles. Otherwise, we can’t sell in California. That is the biggest reason for pursuing this.”

The electric Mazda2 prototype vehicles can charge in 30 minutes using a fast charge system and 8 hours through a 200-volt slow charge.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

All of the editors over at CARandDRIVER have sat down and chosen their top 10 cars for 2012 that are available for sale in the United States.

As always, the cars on the list don’t have to be the newest, and they don’t have to be expensive as nothing over $80,000 is even allowed to make the cut.

Audi, Ford and Honda all had two models that made the list.

So who made the list this year?

CARandDRIVER 2012 10Best Cars:

• Audi A6/A7.
• BMW 3-Series / M3.
• Cadillac CTS-V.
• Ford Focus.
• Ford Mustang / Boss 302.
• Honda Accord.
• Honda Fit.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata.
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman.
• Volkswagen Golf / GTI.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda showed the new Takeri Concept, a study of how the next-generation Mazda6 sedan will look. According to WhatCar? Mazda will also offer a coupe version of the Mazda6.

The next-generation Mazda6 will debut in 2013 and will be followed closely by the station wagon variant. In 2014, Mazda will also offer a four-seat coupe variant of the 6.

Like the rest of the lineup, the Mazda6 Coupe will also use the company’s new SkyActiv technologies with power coming form a 2.0 liter gasoline and a 2.2 liter diesel engine. It will also feature fuel-saving technologies that Mazda unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show known as i-ELOOP.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WhatCar

Rotary enthusiasts have surely been on the edge of their seats waiting for Mazda’s next move with the upcoming retirement of the RX-8. After a recent announcement at the 2012 Tokyo Motor Show, we’ve learned that there may still be a future for the alternative power.

The RX-8 will be getting a successor, which may be derived from the next generation MX-5, a confirmation made by Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s president and CEO, but it may not be powered by a rotary. The brand feels that if they do release another model with rotary, improvements will need to be made first.

Yamanouchi says “We need a measure a plan to upgrade the [fuel] efficiency and torque [of the engine] otherwise we don’t see much progress [from the current rotary in the RX-8].”

As for the RX-8 successor, he adds “Production of the RX-8 does stop in 2012 but what comes after that I’m not in a position to say. But I have been saying everywhere that we will continue research on the rotary engine. We will not extinguish the flame of the rotary engine. That kind of product is iconic for our brand. So the current MX-5 or RX-8 we have decided in the future to maintain that type of [sports car] product. I can’t say, however, that they will be separate … they may be merged into one.[We] can’t rule out the possibility [of a rotary-powered MX-5].”

It was also mentioned that technology is in the works for a hydrogen-powered rotary, for an electric powered version.

Before the RX-8 is even retired, Mazda is already trying to keep its iconic rotary alive. At this point, it might be more surprising to learn that they were not releasing another model in the future powered by a rotary motor.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CarAdvice (via WCF)

With Ford giving up most of its 33.4 percent stake in Mazda back in 2008, the brand has released its first model featuring its new architecture, with the CX-5 compact crossover.

As an independent automaker, Mazda planned to reestablish themselves with new engines and underpinnings, and fresh designs, starting with Kodo, on the 2010 Shinari concept and March’s CX-5 concept.

his parallels Volvo’s strategy after its break from Ford last year, as well, which was sold for $1.5 billion to Zhejiang Geely Holding Co. The current designs have yet to be named, but will be for front- and all-wheel drive vehicles for release in Japan in March, and Europe in April.

Click here for our post on the Mazda CX-5.

The scaleable vehicle architecture will also be featured in the upcoming Mazda3 replacement, Mazda 6, and the CX-7, and will eventually span 80 percent of the brands worldwide volume.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Automotive News

Known to the Japanese market as the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish, the model celebrate reaching two million units of total global production.

The Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish comes with a Clear Water Blue Metallic body color and special seats with red stitching. It also gets tinted glass on the rear door and liftgate window along with Mazda’s advanced keyless entry and start system.

Click here for more news on the Mazda2.

Power comes from Mazda’s new direct-injection 1.3-liter SKYACTIV-G 1.3 gasoline engine.

The Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish is on sale now at dealerships throughout Japan.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will debut the new Takeri Concept, which previews the next-generation Mazda6 sedan. The concept will also debut the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor.

Known as the i-ELOOP, the system will start appearing in Mazda’s vehicles in 2012 – the company says that in real-world driving, with frequent stop and go, the i-ELOOP improves fuel-economy by approximately 10 percent.

“Mazda’s regenerative braking system is unique because it uses a capacitor, which is an electrical component that temporarily stores large volumes of electricity,” Mazda said in a statement. “Compared to batteries, capacitors can be charged and discharged rapidly and are resistant to deterioration through prolonged use. ‘i-ELOOP’ efficiently converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates, and uses the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and numerous other electrical components.”

The i-ELOOP system consists of a 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter.

By the way, ‘i-ELOOP’ stands for “Intelligent Energy Loop”

- By: Omar Rana

The CX-5 is a preview of whats to come for Mazda’s future designs and handling, efficiency, functionality, and design. “Entering an extremely competitive segment,” Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO MNAO says, “the all-new CX-5 has to offer more than just flash and features, but also has to preform and provide consumers with the dynamic response they’ve come to expect from Mazda – and it does.”

Power for the CX-5 is provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 155-hp, mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Direct fuel-injection helps improve fuel economy with 26 mpg/city and 32 mph/highway on front-wheel drive, six-speed automatic models.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Interior features include plenty of interior space, a 5.8-inch in-dash touch screen, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Release is currently scheduled for early 2012, when we see how the CX-5 does against cars like the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Mazda is working quick and hard to increase its market share in the United States to 2.5 percent with hopes to have sales reach 400,000 units by 2014. The Japanese automaker has never sold 400,000 vehicles in its nearly 40 years in this country.

In the works are four new or majorly redesigned vehicles by 2014.

The plan will kick off with the new redesigned Mazda CX-5 crossover. That will be followed by the new Mazda6, which was recently previewed by the Takeri Concept.

Following those two models will be the redesigned versions of the Mazda3, Mazda MX-5 and the CX-9 in 2013.

All of Mazda’s redesigned and new vehicles will offer fuel-saving Skyactiv technologies on lightweight platforms.

Personally, I believe Mazda’s are overlooked by consumers. Why? The company just definitely needs to improve its marketing.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

“Its 3dCarbon/Air Design body kit is manufactured in high-pressure polyurethane injection molding and either pre-primer or pre-painted in all-factory colors,” Mazda said at the press conference. “The customized body kit includes a front air dam, side skirts, a rear lower diffuser and Mazda2 Touring-spec upper rear spoiler.”

The 3dCarbon Mazda2 features Spirited Green Metallic paint and gets some additional style with a vinyl graphic design from of Sticky Fingers Design. 3M Color Stable Metal-Free Window Film is used on the side and rear windows while the front windshield features 3M Crystalline Nanofilm.

Click here for more news on the Mazda2.

The compact SEMA car rides on 18-unch Gunmetal wheels wrapped in Yokohama S.drive 215/35R18 tires. Oh, and it also has an Eibach Springs Pro-Kit that improves handling. Sweet!

- By: Omar Rana

While there is no word of official production, Mazda is likely testing public reaction to see if the company can make a business case for a high-performance Mazda2.

Click here for more news on the Mazda2.

The Mazda Turbo2 is fitted with the 2.3 liter MZR Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine from the MazdaSpeed3. In the 3, the engine is good for 263-hp at 5,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 280 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm.

The Mazda Turbo2 also gets an HR coil over suspension kit, Corksport sway bars and customized Brembo front brakes with 13-inch ventilated and slotted rotors.  The rear brakes remain Mazda stock parts. It rides on 17-inch OZ Racing Wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN Neova 215/40R17 performance tires.

Of course, we’re going to help out Mazda here and ask you guys what your thoughts are – should Mazda produce a Mazdaspeed2? Let us know in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

While no performance figures are available, the Mazda MX-5 Super20 gets an upgraded 2.0 liter 4-cylinder featuring a Cosworth supercharger, Racing Beat 304-stainless steel header and exhaust, Racing Beat hollow front and rear anti-roll bars, ACT organic street clutch, MAZDASPEED coil overs and a shock tower brace, Power Slot slotted brake rotors, StopTech stainless steel brake lines and street performance brake pads, SpeedSource front brake ducts, black 16-inch Enkei RPF1 twin-spoke racing wheels and a remapped ECU.

Click here for more news on the Mazda MX-5.

On the outside the soft-top is replaces with permanent glossy black hardtop. The interior gets a color-matched roll bar, black leather seats feature suede seat inserts and channel stitching and orange contrast stitching.

The new Mazda MX-5 Super20 Concept is joining the Mazda MX-5 Spyder at this year’s SEMA Show.

- By: Omar Rana