The Review of the 2014 Mazda 3

Since its 2003 debut, the Mazda 3 has always left us grinning. We even kept grinning after Mazda’s designers pasted an actual smile on the face of the second-generation model. That stylistic misstep turned out to be one of our biggest gripes with the old 3; others were essentially limited to a smallish rear seat and the so-so fuel economy when equipped with the 2.5-liter engine. Still, a 3 with the 2.5 finished a strong second behind the current Ford Focus and ahead of a Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze, and Hyundai Elantra in a 2011 comparison test.

No Bones about These Bones

The Mazda 3 has been thoroughly redone for 2014, and the result might stand a chance at unseating the 10Best-winning Ford Focus, a comparison-test darling, as king of the segment. Previously, this would have constituted a sibling rivalry, as the 3 shared a platform with the first-generation Focus. But with Ford and Mazda’s divorce finalized, the Japanese company whipped up its own lightweight Skyactiv architecture and slid it under the new Mazda 3. (The Skyactiv name is also applied to the platforms that support the CX-5 and new 6, but the 3’s structure, although conceptually similar, is unique.)

According to Mazda, the new structure boasts a 30-percent improvement in torsional rigidity, and curb weight is down by about 60 and 100 pounds, depending on trim level. We haven’t weighed the 3 on our scales, but Mazda’s numbers are generally within a few pounds of ours, so figure on a weight range of 2800–3050 pounds. Other pertinent numbers: The wheelbase is stretched by 2.4 inches, overall length is down by just over half an inch in the sedan version and 1.8 inches in the five-door, width is up by 1.6 inches, and height is down by 0.6 inch. Rear-seat space is now class competitive and comfortable for six-footers.

Back To School with Mazda Motorsports

 It’s back-to-school time for school kids across the county and the acclaimed R.A.C.E. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education outreach program is back in action. Parkway Family Mazda could not be more proud of this program launched by Mazda in January, the Racing Accelerates Creative Education (R.A.C.E.) outreach program has now positively impacted more than 10,000 middle and high school students. To date, there have been 22 interactive presentations at 12 schools local to the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship events.

“This STEM program has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve done at Mazda Motorsports,” enthused John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports and driving force behind Mazda’s R.A.C.E. STEM initiative. “We’re happy to report that our future is in good hands as the students that we’ve been fortunate enough to interact with are demonstrating the drive, initiative and curiosity that it takes to convert STEM education into global innovation.”

Earlier this week over 1,400 students from James Bowie High School and Akins High School in Austin experienced Mazda’s STEM presentation.  Thanks to the STEM advocates and leadership team at Circuit of the Americas, each student was given a free race ticket for this weekend’s race.

“Through the track promoter ticket giveaways, we’ve been able to bring students to the race events and take them behind the curtain to show how Mazda uses STEM in every aspect of our racing and engineering programs,” explained Joel Miller, Mazda factory driver, race team degreed engineer, and Mazda’s featured speaker at the schools. “We’re grateful to those promoters that have supported the program, because together, we’ve created not only new sports car racing fans, but we’ve made the connection between the classroom and the careers in motorsports. It’s fantastic.”

Mazda’s 2014 STEM campaign will close out with two more presentations in advance of the Road Atlanta Petit Le Mans race. Both will be held at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga. on September 30. Plans for the 2015 R.A.C.E. STEM schedule are underway.

2015 Mazda3 finally pairs 6-speed manual with larger engine

Parkway Family Mazda knows that with all of the hype and anticipation surrounding the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Japanese brand was able to sneak another driver-oriented model into its lineup. The company's spec page for the 2015 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan have been updated to list the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder as finally being available with a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to the previous six-speed automatic. The automaker had promised the row-your-own gearbox with the bigger engine back when it first announced the new Mazda3, but it waited a model year to actually put the combo on sale.

According to Mazda's specs, the manual gearbox trims 40 pounds off of a hatchback or 54 pounds off of a sedan in s Touring and s Grand Touring trims. However, shedding that weight doesn't necessarily boost fuel economy. The six-speed hatch is rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway, compared to 27/37 for the automatic. The manual sedan is rated at 25/37 city/highway mpg, versus 28/39 with the auto. Buyers can save a little money by opting for the manual, though. Regardless of body style, it's about $1,050 cheaper than the automatic. There are two, other minor 2015 model year changes, as well. The Mazda Connect infotainment system and rear camera are now standard on the i Touring model, and all buyers can get Mazda Connect upgraded to include navigation for $399.95 from dealers, if they don't already have nav.

Autoblog reached out to Mazda and learned that the 2.5L 6MT models started hitting dealers in August. The 2.5 wasn't initially available with the stick because, "We had to prioritize engineering resources and the 2.5L 6MT was not a high priority combination. Globally, smaller engines are preferred in terms of sales," a Mazda spokesperson explained via email. The automaker also notes that Austrailia will probably be the only other market outside of North America to get the six-speed gearbox with the larger engine.

Mazda To Launch New RX-7 And RX-9 By 2020

Parkway Family Mazda realizes that while there have been plenty of reports on the potential return of a rotary-powered sports car at Mazda, the latest has got to be the most ambitious yet. Motoring claims Mazda could launch not one but two rotary sports cars within the next several years, giving the automaker a three-tiered sports car lineup (when you include the MX-5 Miata) that could rival similar sports car lineups talked about by the likes of Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

The Australian publication is reporting that Mazda’s recent record profit ($1.88 billion for the year ending March 31, 2014) will be used to boost R&D spending, presumably in the area of sports car development.

In just a couple of weeks we’ll see the covers come off the all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata, and this will reportedly be followed by a new RX-7 in 2017. The date is important as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Mazda Cosmo Sport, Mazda’s first rotary-powered car and the first volume production car to feature such an engine.

Then, in 2020, with all eyes on Japan for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mazda will reportedly launch a new RX-9 halo sports car. The year is also a significant one for Mazda as it marks the automaker’s centenary.

"This is a very fantastic idea, 2017, [for] a new rotary," Mazda global sales and marketing chief Yasuhiro Aoyama told Motoring when quizzed about the possibility of a new rotary sports car arriving in 2017. "We celebrate the anniversary of rotary in 2017—then 2020 is the Olympics in Tokyo and the 100th anniversary of Mazda."

No details about the new sports cars were revealed, although the flexibility of the 2016 MX-5 Miata’s new SkyActiv chassis is mentioned. The last we heard, the new RX-7 would be powered by Mazda’s still-in-development 16X rotary engine and produce around 300 horsepower. The same engine has also been tipped for the RX-9 but with output boosted further by an electrically-driven turbocharger. Hybrid technology is also said to be a possibility for the RX-9, allowing it to keep up in the technology front with new hybrid sports cars from rival brands.

Introducing the All-New Mazda Miata!

The sheets are off the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, but many secrets remain.

Parkway Family Mazda could not be more proud of the Miata. It has set world records and has always been an iconic staple in the Mazda brand. The all-new car marks the fourth generation of the best-selling two-seat roadster of all time, with over 940,000 sold worldwide since 1989.

The car remains instantly recognizable as a Miata, but features the automaker’s new “Kodo” design language with sculpted bodywork, sharp edges, trim headlights and a five-sided grille. Under its very low hood is a four-cylinder engine mounted behind the front axle to help provide a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Mazda has not yet said how large or powerful that motor is, or exactly how much the car weighs, except that it is at least 220 pounds lighter than the current model, which would put it at no more than 2260 pounds and make it one of the lightest cars sold in the United States.

Aluminum bodywork and a new soft top design help trim the weight. Mazda has not confirmed if a retractable hardtop model will continue to be available, but despite the weight loss, the size of the cabin remains the same.

The MX-5 Miata will feature six speed manual and automatic transmission options, both sending power to the rear wheels, of course. Pedals and controls are said to be optimally placed for comfort and performance, and the tachometer is positioned front and center behind the steering wheel.

For the first time, steering is electrically assisted, but the front suspension retains a double-wishbone design, similar to most racing cars.

More details are expected to be announced at the Paris Motor Show in October, and the MX-5 Miata should go on sale sometime next year.

MAZDA FOUNDATION ISSUES $25,000 GRANT TO THE SPCA FOR MONTEREY COUNTY

The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. believes strongly in helping furry friends (and some not so furry) who find themselves neglected, homeless or injured. On Saturday, August 16th, the Mazda Foundation presented the local, independent SPCA for Monterey County with a generous $25,000 grant.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
"The work that the SPCA of Monterey County does is so important to this community – their doors are open to all animals in need - from dogs and cats to horses, wildlife, exotics, and more," said Robert Davis, president, Mazda Foundation. "We are happy that the Mazda Foundation can help support this worthy organization."

In recognition of this $25,000 grant, the Mazda Foundation will receive a plaque prominently displayed in SPCA's new Dog Adoption building where dogs and puppies wait for their new, loving homes.

With the SPCA for Monterey County and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca located just across Highway 68 from each other, Mazda and its employees have been longtime supporters of the SPCA. Since 2007, Mazda Motorsports has worked hand-in-paw with the SPCA to promote shelter adoptions at select race weekends. Promotions have ranged from having MUTTS Comics stars Mooch and Earl at the track, naming animals after Mazda racers, special guest drivers like Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan, and a Bunnies helping bunnies promotion with Playboy.

"The SPCA's relationship with Mazda Racing and the Mazda Foundation has benefitted the thousands of companion animals, horses, and wildlife rescued and cared for by the SPCA. Mazda always goes above and beyond in supporting our work for the animals," said Gary Tiscornia, SPCA Executive Director. "Mazda staff take animal protection personally. They bring drivers to the SPCA Adoption Pavilion to meet the pets named after them and always provide us opportunities to share in exciting Mazda programs at the historic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We are very grateful for their support."

Through the Mazda Foundation, Mazda and its employees are working together to proactively help communities build a better, brighter future. With contributions exceeding $8 million since its founding in 1992, the Mazda Foundation is playing a meaningful role in helping thousands of Americans realize their aspirations and dreams.

Mazda Foundation (USA) Inc.
Acting on a strong sense of responsibility to give something back to the communities in which it operates, Mazda established a philanthropic foundation. As the corporate foundation of Mazda North American Operations, it has awarded over $8 million to worthwhile causes across the United States since its initial grants in 1992. To learn more about the Mazda Foundation, please visit www.mazdafoundation.org.

The SPCA for Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization.  They shelter homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provide humane education and countless other services to the community. They are the local agency you call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress.

Are You Excited for the New MX-5 Miata?

Parkway Family Mazda fells that tech nerds are spoiled. Every year, there's a new iPhone that arrives following months and months of breathless speculation and rumormongering. We car folk have a more difficult life, because vehicles with the iPhone's cult-like devotion and following, while plentiful, only receive hefty updates after several years. Case in point, the all-new  Mazda MX-5.

There's a new one coming, and much like the iPhone 6, it'll arrive in just a few weeks. So, in lockstep with the tech folk, we're anxiously biding our time and waiting with baited breath for the expected debut date of September 3. Also, like Apple fanboys, we're clamoring over any hint or teaser as to what the next-gen Miata will bring, which is why we're showing you the above image.

That is, allegedly, the new MX-5 hiding under the sheet. Auto Motor und Sport has the image, which according to World Car Fans was released by Mazda. Of course, we've reached out to the Zoom-Zoom brand for verification of its authenticity, and will be sure to update as soon as we hear back.

Until then, what can we see on this sheet-festooned roadster? Well, the wheel arches look suitably flared, while the traditional long-hood, short-deck look of the past three generations of Miatas soldiers on. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the track has been widened, while the wheelbase has also been stretched. The big news is that the new car should trim around 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of body fat and that it will boast a perfect fifty-fifty weight distribution.

Of course, should we hear anything more, we'll be sure to update you. Stay tuned.