Cars Information

There is one more review coming up today.


Introduction: The Mazda 6 began in 2003 replacing the old 626 with a new direction. The old 626 was not a noteworthy vehicle and was often considered bland and boring. In an effort to fit with Mazdas new slogan zoom zoom, the Mazda 6 was designed to be more sporty in order to give it a characteristic over its competitors. Mazda also gave the 6 the option for a wagon when many other similar vehicles do not offer it. Lastly Mazda produced a high performance version of the 6 called the Mazdaspeed 6 in 2006-2007 where it was given a turbo engine, all-wheel drive and a Mazdaspeed tuned suspension.

By the time I got the drive the Mazda 6 Ive already driven the Protege knowing that Mazda does make pretty good drivers cars. When I got the chance to drive one, I took it with high expectations.


Performance: The Mazda 6 I drove had the 2.3L 4-cylinder producing 156 hp and 154 lb.ft of torque. Due to the design of the car, the 4-cylinder is capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in a matter of 8 seconds which is very good with so little power. The engine is noisy on 1st gear, afterwords its very quiet and refined. Knowing the data now, its certainly faster than the old Fusion.

My Score: 8/10 - A good 4-cylinder engine, surprisingly well powered

Handling: This is where the Mazda 6 takes its place as one of the more fun mid-sized cars. Most other cars in this segment go after the Accord and Camry which have lately gotten heavier and are less concerned about fun. The Mazda 6 has very good handling for a FWD mid sized sedan, it takes the corners quite well without a lot of the expected items like understeer and body roll. The steering wheel is actually on the light side, yet due to how sharp the car handles this light wheel actually doesnt lose feel like what Ive experienced with Honda and Toyota.

My Score: 9/10 - An excellent FWD platform which makes this normal sedan more fun than others.


Interior: The Mazda 6 does not have the greatest interior, in order to keep with its sport image the vast majority are black interiors. Mazda was mindful not to make the atmosphere depressing making the pillars and roof white. Beige cars however had beige interiors with some of the black remaining. The radio is a good unit but lacks a auxiliary plug which it should have by now. The lighting in the Mazda 6 might annoy some since it uses only red LED lighting. The Mazda seats are also reasonably comfortable but more importantly rather supportive. Build quality in general is quite good but I noticed some small problems with some panels, all Mazda 6s sold in North America are built in the United States. Many dont like that the Mazda 6 is very mid sized, the interior room is not as big as a Camry or Accord. Im not fat so I didnt notice.

My Score: 7/10 - A decent interior, not brilliant but one that doesnt embarrass.

Styling: The Mazda 6 does not change all too much from the previous 626, yet despite this the modest styling I think works very well. The 6 is rather sleek yet muscular in its appearance with its rather round body. Theres not much I can criticize about the styling, it looks good but not still remains pretty inoffensive.

My Score: 8/10 - Not horribly exciting, but regardless it has a modern look that will age well.

Value for the money: The Mazda 6 is truly a bargain compared to the Accord and Camry. You get the option of a wagon along with a mid sized car that acts like its a sports car. Both the Accord and Camry do not offer this, the Camry particularly is not sporty. If youre not a fat person the size should be more than adequate and better for fuel economy too. While it doesnt have the reputation like the Accord or Camry, the fact it offers a different experience sets it apart from the others. The most versatile of all the mid sized cars without breaking the budget.

My Score: 10/10 - Offers many options its competition doesnt and doesnt overcharge due to the badge.

Overall: 42/50 - A very good car, if you dont need luxuries its more than enough to satisfy the family man who initially wanted a sports car.

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Mazda Tribute
It must be tough for the 2011 Mazda Tribute at family get-togethers. Like the red-headed stepchild, this compact crossover sticks out as the oddball among its fellow Mazdas with their rakish profiles, beefy fender flares and wide-mouth grilles. Thats because the Tribute has been adopted from a different family. Remove the badges from the Mazda Tribute and what you have is a Ford Escape, except without the Fords many appealing high-tech features.

The Tribute and its Ford twin date back to the turn of the millennium, and you can tell, as this vehicles blocky shape and upright driving position are indicative of the truck-based SUVs that used to rule back in Y2K. The Tribute has been thoroughly updated since then with refreshed styling, dramatically improved interior quality and more potent engines, but the underlying vehicle has remained the same. That means it lacks new, now-common features like a telescoping steering wheel or a reclining and sliding rear seat. And it drives with a truck-ish demeanor that seems very un-Mazda-like.

More important, its also a little hard to fathom why someone would opt for a 2011 Mazda Tribute instead of a Ford Escape, since the Ford can be equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, excellent self-parking technology and the innovative Sync electronics interface, which includes cell phone and iPod connectivity along with voice controls.

However, note that the Escape is far from a top pick among compact crossovers. It might have the admittedly appealing option of Sync, but its still an aging design that lacks many of the beneficial attributes of competitors like the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV-4. Either way you cut it, though, this 2011 Mazda is a Tribute to neither its adopted nor birth families.
INTERIOR
The well-equipped, entry-level Sport trim offers all the convenience, safety and utility today’s young SUV buyers demand. Standard features include automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, ambient temperature gauge, remote keyless entry system and power mirrors, door locks and windows. Cruise control is standard on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A roof rack and auto-dimming rear view mirror complete with compass, or Homelink® are also available.

The mid-level Touring trim builds on the Sport trim with the addition of privacy glass, a standard roof rack, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with manual adjustable lumbar support, overhead console with dual storage bins and front seatback map pockets.

Offering the highest level of comfort and convenience found in the Tribute lineup, the fully loaded Grand Touring trim comes standard with everything found on the Sport and Touring trims, plus Satellite radio and much more. Additional standard exterior features include heated side-view mirrors and a power-sliding moonroof. A more sophisticated and cozy interior features leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, garage door opener, electrochromatic mirror with rearview backup camera display and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For the most part, the Tributes cabin is virtually identical to that of the Ford Escape. This isnt really a bad thing, as the control layout and build quality are generally impressive. The straightforward climate and stereo controls are split, with readouts placed high atop the dash in legible blue and white characters. Unfortunately, the Tribute does not offer the Escapes excellent available navigation system or the innovative Sync electronics interface, which includes Bluetooth, iPod interface and voice controls.

The Tributes front seats are well-bolstered and comfortable, though a tilt-only steering wheel might prevent some from finding an ideal driving position. The rear seat, although roomy enough for adults, has an uncomfortably flat bottom cushion in order to create a flat load floor when the seatback is laid down, and the seat itself is devoid of reclining and sliding adjustments. Folding down the seat is a bit of a chore, as the headrests must be removed and the bottom cushions tipped forward before the seatbacks can be lowered (its that flat load floor thing again).

Cargo space stands at 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 67.2 cubes with the 60/40-split second row folded. This is a bit larger than Mazdas own CX-7 and smaller crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson, but the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are bigger.
EXTERIOR
The Tribute’s sporty behavior also comes from its unibody construction and the fully independent coil-sprung suspension, as used on many sports cars. Many rival SUVs use truck-like body-on-frame chassis, which flex more and provide a much less stable platform for the suspension. The Tribute’s unibody construction provides superb structural rigidity, improving ride and handling, as well as contributing to fewer rattles and a much tauter driving feel.

The fully independent coil-sprung suspension – MacPherson struts at the front, multi-link at the rear – ensures each wheel responds independently to road conditions, increasing the sure-footedness of the vehicle, improving handling and road holding. It gives the vehicle more poise in difficult conditions, including at high-speeds and on unpaved surfaces, and also improves ride comfort.

The track, front (60.7 inches) and rear (60.2 inches) is wide, which also benefits stability, handling and road holding. Nitrogen gas-charged shock absorbers give superb wheel control, on- or off-road, and maintain their composure even after tough use. The Tribute handles like a well-sorted sedan, but with all the extra benefits of an SUV.

Another sports car touch is the use of rack-and-pinion steering for greater steering precision and response. Variable power assistance means low-speed maneuvering, such as parking, is easy. Yet at higher speeds, reduced power assistance preserves road feel and steering feedback. Electric Power Steering (EPS), which improves vehicle sensitivity, is standard, and, improves NVH and fuel economy by eliminating the power steering pump.

All Tributes have ventilated 11.9-inch front discs for strong heat dissipation which improves braking performance after repeated use, such as a long downhill stretch with many bends. Both Tribute i and s models are equipped with standard Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up and skids, and to help maintain steering control under braking. The four-channel system is more advanced than a conventional three-channel set-up, as every wheel has its own sensor to provide individual braking control. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) varies the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels depending on the load to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.
ENGINE
The Tribute takes some naming queues from the Mazda6 utilizing " i " and " s " monikers to designate which engine is under the hood. Perspective Tribute owners have their choice between a 171 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which comes with models dubbed " i " and an " s " model which comes with a 3.0-liter V6 model providing 240 horsepower.

Most other vehicles in this small SUV segment have similar four-cylinder or V6 engine options available. The Tributes main competition comes from the Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, and of course its Ford and Mercury half-brothers.

Like other Mazda models the Tribute has three trim levels available. A base "Sport" trim, an upgraded "Touring" trim, and the top of the line "Grand Touring" trim are offered.

The standard drive train for the Tribute is front-wheel drive. An electronic four-wheel drive option is available with any trim level as well. Standard safety features consist of six airbags, stability and traction control systems, and Anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution.
SAFETY
The 2011 Mazda Tribute comes with standard antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing of the Tributes twin, the Ford Escape, we found that it came to a stop from 60 mph in an unacceptably long 154 feet, which is about 30 feet longer than it should be.

Thankfully, the Tribute and Escapes crash ratings are strong. The government gave them a perfect five stars in all front and side crash categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tribute the top mark of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side crash tests, but the second-lowest rating of "Marginal" in the roof strength test.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com,www.autospectator.com

19 years after the first and only victory of a race car with a rotary engine in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Mazda returns with the next revolutionary concept on 12 June at the site of previous success. The Japanese automaker takes the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the demonstration race "Le Mans vers le future - Le Mans looks to the future" part.
Le Mans vers le future
The 24-hour race at Le Mans has always been a technological testing ground for new vehicle and engine designs of the car manufacturers. In line with this tradition poses "Le Mans vers le future", which celebrates this year Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen rhyme opening act of the race premiere, a look into the future and presents various vehicle concepts with alternative drive systems such as electric, hybrid, natural gas - and hydrogen systems.

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE
The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE has a rotary engine that can run either on hydrogen or gasoline. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen use is for a perfectly balanced circuit in which no harmful emissions. The sports car is being offered in a leasing program in Norway and Japan.

Mazda MINAGI Concept

Mazda is primed and ready to hit the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, the Minagi. This new concept car previews the next generation CX-5 SUV and now, the Japanese automaker has finally pulled the covers off of the new concept SUV .

As seen in the Shinari concept, the design of the Mazda Minagi takes its cues from the automaker’s new Kodo design language. Inside the Minagi, the concept has plenty of high-end features that also taps into the Kodo’s seamless flowing design.

Only a few days after some rumors began spreading the word about the origins of the future Mazda CX-5, the Japanese automaker unveiled in North America the Minagi concept, the model on which the future CX-5 is expected to be based on. The new era for Mazda will extend far beyond the exterior aspect of the car.

The MINAGI Concept makes its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as the expression of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technologies and new KODO design language. As the second concept vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design language, MINAGI challenges conventions with emotional design and exhilarating performance.

While SHINARI was a pure design concept to express the full potential of KODO design, MINAGI gives a glimpse of the next generation of products to come. As the second concept car to adopt Mazda’s KODO design theme, MINAGI’s design elements combine the expression of energy pulsing throughout the vehicle with the keen agility to move about freely and nimbly.

The Mazda MINAGI is a stylish expression of pent-up energy. For MINAGI, Mazda designers looked at different aspects of cheetahs as they hunt. Major features of the Mazda MINAGI Concept – An urban-friendly compact crossover SUV which combines emotional design with exhilarating performance

Mazda MINAGI is the first concept car to fully adopt Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies and new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design and it represents Mazda’s next generation of products. KODO design elements adopted by this compact crossover SUV express pulsating energy and a nimble ability to move about freely. Exterior design – KODO design embodied in the form of a compact crossover SUV
Proportions

The chromed signature wing on the front fascia, shared with SHINARI, makes MINAGI immediately recognizable as a Mazda and creates a strong impression. Angling the front grille slightly downwards, while juxtaposing the headlamp housings design to slant upward, creates intensity

Adding more dynamic contours to the prominent front fenders – highly characteristic of Mazda cars – expresses KODO design language’s forceful sense of accumulating, then instantly releasing, pent-up energy.

The rear fenders project boldly outward to create a wide, stable stance befitting an SUV
The contrast between the rear fenders and the taut lines of the car’s rear end mimics the strong and seductive hip line of a toned athlete

As with SHINARI, the chromed ‘signature wing’ that sweeps up from the bottom of the front grille disappears into the center of the headlamp housings dramatically. The design of the three-dimensional headlamp and rear combination lamps add a heightened sense of depth

The line of the signature wing element and the headlamp design combine to express the intense look of a wild animal’s gaze . Interior design – High quality expressed in every detail heightens anticipation of an exhilarating drive

Mazda MX-5 2013 addressed to the Japanese domestic market. Refresher Mazda Roadster (official name in Japan) includes soft-top models and retraceable hard top (RHT).

Revision of the front face starts from a wider aperture grille, redesigned fog lamps, chin spoiler and new. Mazda to offer a new Dolphin Gray Mica color so that there are seven total color options.

New Glossy Dark Gray color is used for expressive decoration panel and steering wheel. Door handles in the cabin for the type of black soft top and aluminum for the type of RHT. Meter dome cluster in redesigned soft top models.

Make Mazda MX-5 manual transmission when accelerating in bends over so that was nimble. Improved braking on all models.

Now, install the Active Bonnet Mazda MX-5 in 2013. At a certain speed, the rear of the hood up when the car hit a pedestrian. The rise of the hood is to create space between the bonnet and the engine that acts to absorb the energy of the collision and reduce the severity of pedestrian head injuries.

MX-5 2013 still 2.0 liter DOHC engine equipped with the system and rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Type soft top equipped 5-speed manual transmission and 6-speed. While RHT 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed Activematic.
Mazda Roadster at the cheapest price 2013 yen 2,330,000