O Rly? Mazda Toying With Diesel For Next Generation Mazdaspeed3

The Mazdaspeed3 is one of the few pocket rockets that actually deliver on the performance end. The Honda Civic Si and Chevrolet Cobalt SS might try their damndest, but they really don’t measure up to the Mazdaspeed3 or the GTI.

As good as the Mazdaspeed3 is, it’s not without its faults. For instance, the turbo lag is almost as bad as the turbo lag in the Saab Viggen. And on top of that, it’s trying a little too hard to seem boy racer-ish, doesn’t it?

Well it seems that Mazda is going to give the new Speed3 quite a big change that will probably address neither of those problems. Well done, Mazda.

Anyway, according the VP of product development of Mazda USA Robert Davis, the next generation Speed3 could get a diesel in its engine bay. Say whaaaaaat?

Actually it’s not a bad idea. Since diesels are inherently torque-y there will likely be minimal or no loss of performance and the Speed3 would get excellent mileage to boot. In fact, I wonder why it’s taken other manufacturers (besides the Europeans) so long to figure this out. Mazda is undoubtedly concerned about the new CAFE standard and needs to do something about its sporty lineup. That’s why the RX8 is getting the axe next year. Don’t worry, the RX8 will return in 2013 with a new efficient engine.

[Car and Driver photo credit: edmunds.com]

FAIL: Not-So-Safe Safety Car

The picture says it all.

FAIL.

[Edmunds]

This Is the Only Reason to Ever Opt For An Automatic

Those who know me well, and those of you who frequent this blog, know that I am an avid manual transmission fan and an avid automatic transmission hater.

After seeing this commercial for the new Mazda2 however, I will concede that there is one reason to opt for an automatic transmission.

Check it out above.

[veryfunnyads.com]

Mazda3 Was Best Selling Car in Canada in April

Mazda’s 3 took top selling car honours in Canada last month.

The Honda Civic usually beats its competitors by a fair margin, but it seems as though Canadians are feeling that the Civic is a bit long in the tooth as Volkswagen was able to unseed the Civic back in February.

But don’t expect the new tougher competition to force Honda into redesigning its Civic. Even though Honda rigorously completely redesigns almost every model on a strict five year schedule, the Civic will be missing its redesign by a year or so. Honda claims new efficiency standards are to blame for the delay, but clearly it’s because the competition is churning out some decent product, and Mazda besting Toyota is the perfect example.

The Golf, the Corolla, upcoming Focus and Cruze aren’t going to wait around for you to reclaim the top spot, Honda.

Umm… Mazda2 Yozora Limited Edition Is A Bit Unfortunate

So…does Mazda hate Canada or something? What did we do to deserve this?!

You are looking at a Canada-only option for the otherwise sweet Mazda2.  Why the hell are there so many 2′s for decals? In case you forget what you’re driving? In fact, why is there even decals to begin with?

In addition to the ridiculous decals, the Yozora Edition will get you 16 inch silver and black eight spoke alloys, a ‘unique’ Yozora spoiler, and Yozora badging…everywhere. Even the floor mats.

So why is this Canadian only? Well because Mazda is also going to throw in 15 inch steel wheels with winter tires should you decide on the Yozora package. Where else rocks steelies 6 months of the year!

Thankfully, the Yozora edition Mazda2 is limited to only 500 units.

Canadian Black Book Announces Best Retained Value Winners

If you want to get the most back from your car when selling it after four years, Canadian Black book has made it a bit easier for you to decide what to buy in the first place.

They have compiled a list of cars that best retain their value from MSRP four years later into 17 categories.

Find out who got the honours after the jump.

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World Car of the Year 2010: Top Ten Entries Revealed

What is the best car in the world? It’s all relative and subjective and thus, impossible to determine. But that doesn’t stop automotive journalists from trying.

52 automotive journalists representing each continent in the world (except Antarctica – Penguins can’t legally drive yet) have gotten together and submitted their top ten choices for World Car of the Year in two categories: Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year. There will then be three finalists chosen for both categories.

Find out what car made the top ten and what our pics are for the finalists after the jump!

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