Mazda CX-9

Bigger, longer, wider, heavier - it's still a Mazda Jim, but not as we know it

Local Launch
Victorian High Country

What we liked
>> Jewel-like transmission
>> Well equipped for the money
>> Feels smaller than it is

Not so much
>> Intrusive electronics
>> Wooden steering
>> Likes a drink

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
The CX-9 is Mazda's biggest SUV. It's the maker's first with seven seats, the first to roll on 20-inch wheels and it sports the biggest engine -- and brakes -- yet seen in a Mazda passenger vehicle. A number of other firsts for Mazda in Australia include rain-sensors, powered passenger seat and a reversing camera.

Mazda Australia also claims the CX-9 is the first crossover with SUV capabilities available in Australia with passenger car dynamics and a flat floor. The CX-9 is also Mazda's first SUV with Roll Stability Control. Much is also made of the wide apertures for the rear doors in an attempt to overcome accessibility issues to the third row of seats.

CX-9 has been on sale in the US since January and was recently awarded Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year, 2008. Australian dealers are receiving their first shipments about now.

Mazda 2 Genki v Toyota Yaris YRX

Toyota reigns in the light-car class, with Yaris scoring one in every four sales. Can Mazda's spunky, so-funky 2 topple the little boss?

Mazdaspeed MX-5 M'z Tune

Modest mods turn greatness to brilliance

Launched: Mazdaspeed MX-5 M'z Tune

Mazda's light, agile, dynamically blessed MX-5 is already one of those cars that tempts you to seek out that winding road and long way home. So how about this tricked up Japan market Mazdaspeed M'z Tune? Even better, is the verdict. It's a total blast from A to Z.

The work of in-house tuning wizards, Mazda E&T, this M'z Tune is a careful blend of go-faster bits to put more steel into the way the MX-5 goes, steers, stops and looks. But at the same time it doesn't upset that famed balance, response and all-round purity that are central to the MX-5 formula.

There's no turbo; instead, this is a subtly pumped-up version of the domestic six-speed Roadster RS, the raciest soft-top version of the MX-5 in Japan.

The engine mods don't look much on paper, but boost torque (up by about seven percent, as is power) and toughen up the exhaust note, it's crisp, zingy and rev hungry, surely the closest thing to a Mazda 'Type R' equivalent.

Body and suspension also feel amazingly taut. In come stiffer spring rates and new adjustable Bilstein dampers. Inevitably, the ride is harder now (the car rides over bumps instead of smothering them), but it's not jarring and brings another level of sharpness to what's already a wonderfully darty, intuitive package.

Despite standard 17-inch tyres, the M'z corners harder and faster and holds on longer before losing grip and drifting into mild understeer, so you'll need to work harder to push the tail out, at least in the dry. Steering remains unfailingly meaty, consistent and accurate, and competition pads have been included to boost stopping power.

So, what's not to like? Very little. At the equivalent of $31,300 in Japan, the M'z Tune is some 20 percent up on the standard model, yet can be bought and serviced through your friendly local Mazda dealer in Japan.

Worth it? Definately. This is easily one of the best-ever MX-5s, and one that really deserves a wider audience.

MAZDASPEED MX-5 M'z Tune
Engine:	1998cc inline 4, dohc, 16v
Max Power:	134kW @ 6700rpm (est.)
Max Torque:	200Nm @ 5000rpm (est.)
Transmission:	6-speed manual
0-100km/h:	7.5sec (est.)
Price:	A$31,300 (in Japan)
On sale:	Japanese market only
For:	Improves everything we already loved about the MX-5
Against:	Firm ride; destined to remain locked in Japan

Mazda3 for 2009

Larger Mazda3 will be built on the same platform as the next generation Focus

The car seen in these pics is a test mule for the ground-up re-design of the Mazda3, which will be built on the same platform as Ford's next Focus. That's the Focus that we will see as a locally manufactured car in 2010 or thereabouts.

According to our determined and persistent spy photographers at Carparazzi, the next Mazda3 will adopt the corporate look of the new Mazda6 (more here) and will be wider and possibly longer than the current car.

Attacking the RIM bumper covers at front and rear on the test mule appears to allow for a different cooling system and revised exhaust system layout, according to the Carparazzi blokes.

Word on the grapevine is that the current 2.0-litre engine will continue with some changes leading to improved power and the current 2.3-litre engine will grow to 2.5 litres, as is the case with the Mazda6.

It's unsubstantiated at this stage, but there's the possibility that both engines will adopt direct injection induction systems for improved economy and reduced emissions.

Mazda Mazda6 Hatch, Sedan and Wagon

Mazda's new 6 has delivered the best of both worlds -- for once more refinement doesn't mean less fun

Local Launch
Victorian and NSW Alps

What we liked
>> confident, neutral handling
>> quiet, serene and spacious cabin
>> sharp styling

Not so much
>> plenty of car for a 2.5-litre four
>> auto's second-third gear gap exacerbates above
>> diesel hiatus

Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality:4.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
Almost the default choice in the medium market it kickstarted, the new 6 is the first of the second-generation Japanese-sourced 'modern' D-segment cars to hit Australian roads.

We've already driven the 6 at its international launch (more here). Held in the south of France -- to help reinforce Europe's importance to Mazda, and the role the car has played in resurrecting the marque on the Continent -- we came away impressed.

Now after a day-long drive from Albury across the 'top' of Australia through the Alps to Canberra on a spectrum of roads including fast but rough dirt, we can safely say that our first impressions were the right ones. This is a cracking car.

It's quieter, more relaxed and somehow more 'grown up', yet at the same time it's handling and steering have a sporty edge that make the car fun to drive. The very same traits we liked in Europe have translated directly Down Under. Were that the case with every car, it would save us a lot of re-testing...

Mazda Furai

Mazda's elements-inspired design language erupts into life in the rotary-powered Furai concept - and hints at a possible Le Mans contender

To Russia with love: Mazda Kazamai

Compact crossover concept will take its bows in the world's largest nation

Burgeoning demand for compact SUVs in Russia has prompted Mazda to create an all-new sporty, compact crossover compact -- dubbed the Kazamai -- especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, which fires up on August 26.

In keeping with Mazda's evocative naming policy for its concepts, Kazamai means "swirling crosswinds" in Japanese, and the vehicle is meant to express the "powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover".

"The evolving Mazda design language 'Nagare' is evident on Kazamai's exterior, with panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness, fused with aerodynamic proportions," says the carmaker.

The sweeping wheelarches and thrusting nose with a novel interpretation of Mazda's five-point grille are an indication of where the brand's future design direction is heading and extend the styling themes established by earlier concepts such as the Furai, Kabura and Ryuga.

Mazda says the Kazamai embodies its long-term vision for technology development -- which it refers to as 'Sustainable Zoom-Zoom' -- and aims to provide a "unique balance between sporty driving fun, and superior environmental and safety performance".

Although the company stops short of confirming the Kazamai is a precursor to a full-fledged production model, it says the concept provides "a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover".

The swoopy two-door bodyshell will allegedly clothe a four-wheel drive powertrain consisting of a next-generation direct-injection engine and a newly-developed transmission.

If it were to be built, Mazda's latest showcar would deliver "exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions".

The fact Mazda is choosing the Moscow show to unveil its new concept is indicative of the growing significance of the Russian market, where compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 per cent of all new car sales. Consequently, the 2008 MIAS will also mark the Russian debut of Mazda's CX-9 SUV.

High-torque diesel for Mazda6

Sportier and quieter, the new diesel engine for the Mazda6 is now the benchmark for mid-size oilers under $45K

Mazda MX-5: Third Generation Update

Mazda MX-5: Third Generation Update

Local Launch
Otway Ranges, Victoria

What we liked
>> Rev-happy engine
>> Sharp handling
>> Sharper styling

Not so much
>> Noisy cabin
>> Still no reach adjustment on steering
>> Footwell's tight for all

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 3.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
Mazda's much-loved MX-5 is in its third generation and well on the way to one million global sales, including 15,000-plus in Australia alone.

This update comes well timed, bringing the popular sportscar back into the limelight after the third-gen model was released late 2006.

Mazda says the makeover is an evolution of the MX-5's "Jinba Ittai", or "one-with-the-car feeling". Indeed, retiring MX-5 Program Director of 23 years, Takao Kijima says the updated model has been designed to reach "max out" levels of driver enjoyment.

"We've always made the best efforts to realise its [MX-5's] 'fun' aspects," says Kijima. "While providing new functional aspects we must also provide some emotional aspects as well.

"To realise such fun, we designed the revolution point at an extra 500rpm. This is a kind of symbolic approach for our facelift," says Kijima referring to the extra revs Mazda's freed up in the engineroom.

The fun factor certainly remains, and the MX-5's 'affordable sportscar' catch-cry is yet more qualified with improvements to engine response, as well as the latest looks and onboard 'must-haves'...