Minor Updates for JDM Mazda Premacy - Mazda5 MPV

The Japanese market version of the Mazda5 MPV, which continues to be named Premacy, has received a small number of upgrades for the 2010 model year. In particular, the range topping 20Z model grade comes with newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels and fresh seat and door trims while Mazda also introduced the Dark Plum Mica exterior finish pictured on the Premacy above.

Changes for the rest of the range include the addition of two new exterior colors, newly designed fabric seat and door trims, an upgraded trip computer that includes a fuel economy gauge as standard equipment and a glossy piano black trim for the center stack.

The subtly updated Premacy goes on sale in Japan today with prices for the front wheel drive models ranging from 1,820,000 to 2,195,000 yen.

VIDEO: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Meeting at Le Mans

During the second weekend of June, more than 200 Mazda MX-5 / Miata roadsters of all sorts of colors and types took part at the model's 20th anniversary birthday party, which was organized in cooperation with MX-5 clubs around Europe, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Our French friends from Supervroum2 participated in the event following the huge convoy of Miata roadsters to the Le Mans circuit. Watch the video after the jump.

Mazda Says it Will Add Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Drivetrains to Lineup

As the saying goes, if you can't beat them, you might as well join them. Following Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi's 180 degree turn on the embracement of hybrid technologies that came at the New York Auto Show in April, the company's Executive Vice President Philip Spender announced new details on Mazda's future hybrid plans during the Japanese launch event of the 2010 Axela (Mazda3).

"We've started to talk a lot more about it lately, in part because everybody else is," Spender said. "Mazda is responding partly to new government incentives and emissions rules," he added.

Spender revealed that Mazda will not develop a standalone hybrid model but instead the firm will offer gasoline-electric drivetrains as an option on existing models in its portfolio with the first cars expected in the "20-teens".

The Mazda executive did not disclose details on which models would get a hybrid drivetrain option, but we gather that the Mazda3 and Mazda6 as well as the firm's SUV/Crossover models will be among the first in line. And how about Mazda's sportscars like the MX-5 / Miata roadster? Your guess is as good as ours, but feel free to state your thoughts in the comment section below.

Via: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

New Mazda Axela - Mazda3 Goes on Sale in Japan, Also Available with AWD

Mazda has announced the domestic market launch of its all-new Axela which is known elsewhere as the Mazda3. In Japan, the newest version of the '3' is offered with two body styles, a four door sedan and a five-door hatchback powered by 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four cylinder gasoline engines that can be hooked up to a CVT or 4/5-speed automatic transmissions (depending on the version). Nothing exciting here, but unlike Western markets where the Mazda3 is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, Japanese buyers can opt for an all-wheel drive system.

At the top of the range is the Japanese equivalent of the MazdaSpeed3 (Mazda3 MPS for Europeans), called the MazdaSpeed Axela. It comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four with power being transferred to the front-wheels (no AWD option here) through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Japanese automaker said that suggested retail prices including sales tax for the new Axela range from 1,660,000 to 2,678,000 yen or about $17k to $27.5k at today's exchange rates. Mazda's target sales volume for the Japanese market is around 2,000 units per month.

Mazda Working on Small Roadster Model Based on the Mazda2

The latest gossip from the Japanese front is that Mazda is working on a new two-seater roadster model based on the underpinnings of the current generation Mazda2 supermini (see gallery after the jump) which is sold in Japan as the Demio. If true, the roadster would fit right under the MX-5 / Miata in Mazda's sports car range competing in Europe against the likes of the forthcoming Renault Twingo CC, the Opel Tigra and the Peugeot 207 CC.

No word on the roadster's top, but we gather that a retractable metal roof is the most obvious choice for a model of this sort.

The proposed two-seater is said to use the same front-wheel drive layout as the Ford Fiesta-sized Mazda2 with power coming from a similar engine line-up that in Europe includes 1.3-and 1.5-liter gasoline units as well as 1.4- and 1.6-liter turbo diesels.

Japan's Best Car magazine also came up with a preliminary computer generated rendering of the proposed roadster model which looks quite interesting sans the quirky headlight arrangement.

And while we have no way of confirming the report from Best Car, we believe that a roadster version of the Mazda2 is not only plausible but it also makes sense for Mazda to add such a version in its range.

Via: Best Car

Special Edition Mazda AZ Wagon XS Released in Japan

Mazda has announced the domestic market launch of a special edition version of its AZ Wagon kei car, which is based on the Suzuki Wagon R. Like many other models of the sort, the term 'Special Edition' translates to upgraded standard equipment and a few unique details. In the case of the AZ Wagon XS, this means colored door mirrors with embedded LED turn signals, chrome trim in the interior a fully automatic climate control system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, just to mention a few.

The so-called 'Violet Purple' color that seems to be catching on lately, is among the five available colors being offered on the AZ-Wagon XS, the other four being Pearl White, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Luna Gray Pearl Metallic.

Mazda to Celebrate MX-5 / Miata 20th Anniversary at Le Mans

It's been 20 years since Mazda blew the covers off the MX-5 / Miata roadster at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989 and to celebrate, Mazda's European arm is holding a special birthday party at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that takes place on 13 and 14 June. A total of 200 MX-5s from all over Europe will meet at the race track with Mazda promising to give owners and fans of the car a special treat. The package that Mazda has readied for MX-5 owners includes a place for their car, an anniversary polo shirt, a rally plate, dinner and breakfast and of course, the chance to experience the race live at a special Mazda Camp reserved for them bordering the circuit.

A "Best of Show" competition will also be held during the event with a special award going to the most beautiful MX-5. Those that wish to participate can contact their national MX-5 club or visit the Mazda France website www.mazda.fr for more detailed information on how to sign up for the event that costs €100 (about $140 US).

Mazda Updates JDM RX-8 with New Colors and Standard Features

The Japanese market Mazda RX-8 sportscar has been updated for 2009 with new standard features and two additional exterior body colors that appear for the first time and are called 'Aluminum Metallic' and 'Metropolitan Gray'. The equipment upgrades for the JDM RX-8 include rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-light system, water-repellent coating on the front door windows and door mirrors and Mazda's keyless entry and engine start system that now come as standard on all model grades.

Stud or Schlub? MonoCraft's Retro Styled Mazda MX-5 Miata

Even in its latest form, the Mazda MX-5 / Miata roadster has more retro-style charm than a pair of classic Rayban sunglasses, but if you're still not satisfied, you could always opt for an outfit in the likes of MonoCraft's MH1. The Japanese company offers a full makeover for the roadster with a new front fascia complete with uniquely styled hood, bumper and fenders. The result brings to mind several cars including the previous Lotus Elise and the Toyota MR-2. MonoCraft also overhauls the rear end that gains a new bumper, an integrated boot spoiler and a specific fascia with Lotus Elise-like tail lamps.

Customers can choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs while the company also offers numerous interior upgrades including a full leather treatment. Now, whether or not MonoCraft's proposal is worth the fuss (and the money), is something we'll leave for you to decide.

Mazda Refines the Verisa for the Japanese Market

The Mazda Verisa is a subcompact car based on the previous generation Demio / Mazda2 that was launched in 2004 and is available exclusively for the Japanese market. For the 2010MY, Mazda has 'polished' the Verisa by refreshing the hatchback's interior trim with new upholstery options and upgrading the car's standard equipment while there are also three new exterior body colors including the Lilac Silver Metallic, Metroplitan Mica and Sparkling Black Mica. The 2010 Verisa goes on sale in Japan today with prices starting from 1,560,000 Yen or about $15,700.

New Mazda2 1.6 Sport Diesel for UK Market

Mazda is enhancing its UK market Mazda2 citycar lineup with the introduction of a new 1.6D Sport model that is available three-door and five-door hatchback body styles. The new Sport models are powered by a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 90HP and 215Nm of torque launching the citycar from standstill to 62mph or 100km/h in 11.4 seconds while returning a 67.3mpg UK or 56mpg US on the combined cycle.

Priced from £12,817, the new Mazda2 1.6D Sport benefits from new projector type headlamps, a rather discreet bodykit, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as dark cloth door trim inserts and black-out instruments, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, dusk sensing auto-lights, rain sensing auto-wipers, and climate control air-conditioning.

First Recall for 2010 Mazda3 in the U.S.

The new 2010 Mazda3 has only been made available in the U.S. market since March 2009, but the subcompact model has already received its first recall. Overall, Mazda will be calling back to its dealerships 25,400 sedans and hatchback models because of a problem concerning the starter motor. More specifically, the company found that the clearance between the engine harness and the housing of starter motor may be inadequate as vibration during operation may cause a short-circuit between certain harness wires and the starter housing.

If this happens the fuse may blow out causing the engine to stall and not restart again. The Japanese firm's dealers will have the engine harness inspected and add a protector clip on the affected section of the harness while if deemed necessary, the harness will be repaired.

Refreshed Mazda CX-7 with new 2.5-liter engine makes US debut in New York

Having already premiered in Canada as well as in Europe at last month's Geneva Show, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 now makes its first appearance in the United States at the New York International Auto Show. The new CX-7 gains a new 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that returns an estimated 28mpg on the highway while the compact crossover also benefits from a 'light' exterior and interior facelift.

Most of the cosmetic changes concern the CX-7's fascia which like it or not, adopts the firm's signature smiley-face lower grille along with a more prominent Mazda badge, reshaped front and rear bumpers and newly designed alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2010 CX-7 features upgraded materials at various locations around the cabin, a new steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio, Bluetooth
telephone and cruise-control, new front and rear door armrests, a fresh multi-function display and a restyled meters for the instrument panel while Mazda also modified the vehicle's double-roof instrument panel.

For 2010, apart from the 244HP 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CX-7 will also be offered for the first time with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-pot that delivers 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 161 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. Available only with a front-wheel drive layout, the 2.5-liter unit is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission returning an estimated fuel economy of 21/28 mpg (city/highway).

Mazda's engineers also refined the CX-7's platform by incorporating improvements in body rigidity, lower noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) levels as well as reduced wind noise while the vehicle's suspension was also retuned.