Mazda has finally made it official that the small Mazda2 is going to be sold in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2010. The 2011 Mazda2 will officially be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.

The Mazda2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta, which is also set to have its US debut at the show. Mazda has released one teaser of the subcompact, but didn't release any details about the engine lineup and what body styles we will receive. The preview shows the rear of the five-door hatchback model, so we can at least expect that model.

Mazda has released official images of its next-generation SKY powertrains and the Kiyora concept that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

The SKY-D' diesel engine, SKY-G' direct injection gasoline engine and SKY Drive' high-efficiency automatic transmission define "Mazda's approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda vehicles."

In addition to the new more efficient engines and transmissions debuting at the show, the Kiyora concept is Mazda's newest take an an eco-friendly, but fun to drive car. It's powered by the next-generation Mazda SKY-G 1.3 engine mated to the new six-speed Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission. The Kiyora concept achieves fuel economy numbers of 32 kilometers per liter and its compact body weighs 100 kilograms less than Mazda's current mass production model in the same segment.

When the current Mazda2 aka Mazda Demio was unveiled Mazda had no plans to sell it in North America, although many of us wanted it. Well times have changed and President and CEO of Mazda's North American Operations Jim O'Sullivan has now confirmed to Mazda dealers that the Mazda2 will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of 2010. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the upcoming Ford Fiesta.

O'Sullivan cited that changing attitudes toward small cars in the U.S. is what made it possible for the introduction of the Mazda2. The US-spec Mazda2 is expected to debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show later this year.

Now that Ford no longer holds a significant stake in Mazda, Mazda is needs to have a new source for its upcoming hybrid vehicles. Currently the only Mazda hybrid is the Tribute that borrows its hybrid powertrain from the Ford Escape. Inside sources are now claiming that Mazda is seeking a new partner and is reportedly in talks with Toyota.

The Nikkei business daily is reporting that the two automakers are in the final stages of discussion and that an announcement is expected soon detailing the plan to supply Toyota produced hybrid components to Mazda.

Toyota and Mazda are both denying the talks.

According to BestCar, there is a 55 percent chance that Mazda is going to finally unveil a RX-7 Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

If Mazda is in fact working on a new RX-7 it is expected to relieve the RX-8 of its flagship duties by becoming Mazda's flagship rotary powered car. Although the concept is expected this fall, it won't be until mid-2012 that production version will be released.

Mazda announced today that it is working on a new diesel engine that will be as fuel-efficient as some hybrids in 2011 as part of its plans to improve fuel mileage without the aid of expensive electrical systems.

Mazda has set a target of raising its global car fleet's fuel economy by 30 percent by 2015. It plans on doing so by relying on advances in internal combustion engines, automatic transmissions and through weight reduction.

The diesel engine that Mazda is working on is a 2.0L engine that would be as fuel efficient as a 660cc microcar or a mild-hybrid.

"We believe that improving today's conventional engines at a low cost is the most effective way to get fuel-efficient cars to proliferate," R&D Chief Seita Kanai told reporters in Tokyo.

According to Toyota tighter emissions regulations in the future could mean that the costs to clean diesel emissions from engines will be near or more expensive than gasoline-hybrid technology.

Kanai states that Mazda's diesel technology will cost less due to its proprietary single-nanotechnology, which reduces the use of precious metals in emission cleaning catalysts, and a new diesel particulate filter that means there will be no the need for expensive after treatment parts.

Mazda also plans on reducing the weight of its vehicles by 10 percent after 2011 and another 10 percent or more after 2016.

Mazda has announced the pricing for the all-new 2010 Mazda3.

The new Mazda3 starts at $15,045, which is only $355 more than the 09' model. The 2.0L 4-door Mazda3 i Touring starts at $18,350 and includes Bluetooth, Dynamic Stability Control, and Traction Control. The 4-door Mazda3 s Sport starts at $19,540 and the 5-door starts at $20,030. The Mazda3 s Sport features a 167 hp 2.5L engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with 4.1-inch monochromatic screen.

The fully-loaded Mazda3 s Grand Touring 4-door starts $240 less than the 09' model.

While most of the automotive press is focusing their attention on the Chicago Auto Show, Mazda chose to unveil the refreshed 2010 Mazda CX-7 at the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show.

For the 2010 model year the CX-7 gets a new base engine: a 161 horsepower 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, which is the same engine offered in the Mazda6 and 2010 Mazda3. On the outside the CX-7 receives refreshed front and rear fascias and on the inside there new gauges and higher quality materials. A Blind Spot Monitoring system is also available.

Mazda has announced the introduction of two new Mazda3 models at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

First is the 2010 Mazda3 MPS, which is known as the Mazdaspeed3 in the U.S. The more exciting version of the Mazda3 will feature the same 2.3 DISI turbo engine as the current Mazdaspeed3, but its not yet known if it will feature more power.

The second model to be unveiled is the Mazda3 i-stop is powered by a MZR 2.0 DSI (Direct-injection Spark Ignition) engine and features a fuel-saving stop/start system. The setup yields a 12 percent improvement in city fuel economy than the current Euro-spec. Mazda3.

Mazda has released the first official batch of photos of the Mazda3 5-door hatchback. The world premiere of the hatchback will be next week at the Bologna Motor Show.

The unveiling of the Mazda3 hatchback follows the unveiling of the sedan at the LA Auto Show last week.

European customers will be able to get an optional 2.2L turbodiesel engine.

Expect more details and photos next week.

Mazda officially unveiled the 2010 Mazda3 at the LA Auto Show today.

The all-new Mazda3 is powered by a choice of two engines, a 148 horsepower 2.0L engine or a 167 horsepower 2.5L. The 2.0L engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 2.5L can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto. The 2.0L with either transmission gets 33 mpg on the highway.

On the outside the styling is all-new, although it is easily recognizable as a Mazda3. The front-end features Mazda's new global face with a front-end that Mazda describes as "exotic".

The new Mazda3 is available with many features that are not available on other vehicles in its class, such as self leveling Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive front lighting system, and rain sensing wipers.

Now we have to wait to see the five-door hatchback.

Mazda has released more details about the all-new 2010 Mazda3 that is going to be officially unveiled tomorrow at the LA Auto Show.

The all-new Mazda3 will be available with a new 167 horsepower 2.5L engine, self leveling Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive front lighting system, push-button start and Bluetooth.

Now we'll just have to hold tight until we get the details from the new Mazdaspeed3.

Expect more photos live from the show tomorrow...

Ford has announced that it has sold off 20 percent of its stake in Mazda.

Ford's stake in Mazda has been reduced from 33.4 percent to just over 13 percent. This is part of Ford's plan to raise more money as the sale of the shares gives Ford an extra $540 million. The shares were bought back by Mazda and Mazda's strategic business partners.

Mazda is going to officially unveil the all-new 2010 Mazda3 at the LA Auto Show next month and now we have the first spy photos of the 2010 MazdaSpeed3, also known as Mazda3 MPS in Europe.

The MazdaSpeed3, which is based on the five-door version of the Mazda3 gets bigger air intakes, new grille and an air scoop, larger brakes and of course a more powerful engine. The current MazdaSpeed3 is powered by a 263 horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. It's not yet known what will power this all-new version.

Mazda unveiled the changes to the 2009 MX-5 at the Paris Motor Show. Although the changes were only to the exterior and inside of the roadster, Mazda has some big changes in store for the next-generation MX-5.

According to MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima, Mazda is looking at alternative powertrains for the next model and mazda hopes to cut its overall weight by 10 percent. By alternative powertrains, Kijima is referring to either a diesel or hybrid powered MX-5.

“I would say the chance of a diesel or hybrid engine is more than 50 per cent,” Kijima told Drive.com.au.

The main issue is that a hybrid powertrain would add a lot weight to the MX-5 courtesy of the battery pack. A diesel powertrain would make more sense, since diesels are more fuel efficient than gas powered engines and don't have the significant weight disadvantage that hybrids do. Kijima also stated that the next-generation must have a 50/50 weight distribution, which would be even harder with a hybrid powertrain.

Mazda has officially taken the wraps off the all-new 2010 Mazda3 before its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show next month.

The all-new Mazda3 continues Mazda's current design theme that is also the basis for the new Mazda6 (Sustainable Zoom-Zoom).

Mazda hasn't released the final details except for the fact that the car will be powered by either a 2.3L or 2.5L four-cylinder engines when it is released sometime next year. Those engines seem kind of big for this class. Let's hope Mazda finally decides to bring the Mazda2 here to appeal to the fuel conscious folks.

Yesterday Ford announced that the slow-selling 2009 Ford Flex would have an available $2,500 rebate to help move them off the lots. The Mazda CX-9 has also failed to reach the top in sales either, but Consumer Reports has announced that both vehicles are one of the top five three-row SUVs they tested.

“Ford’s new Flex wraps a versatile, cavernous interior in a distinctly boxy styling,” the magazine writes. “It is also lower and more wagon-like than the others in this class.”

Photos of the revised 2009 Mazda MX-5 have leaked onto the web thanks to km77. The photos clearly show the changes that Mazda has done to both the softop and hardtop versions of the MX-5.

The new MX-5 gets a new front end that draws cues from the RX-8 in addition to revised taillights. The1.8L and 2.0L engine choices are expected to remain the same although the 2.0L engine has been revised with lower friction parts and a new air intake that provides a more aggressive sound. The front suspension has also been modified to provide more steering feedback and traction control is now standard.

Ever since the current Mazda2 was unveiled we've been asking when the car will be available in the US.

Mazda is going to unveil the new Kiyora Urban Concept and the revised MX-5 at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Mazda has officially unveiled the Kazamai Concept in Moscow today.

The all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be in showrooms this month, but according to Mazda officials, there are no plans for a hybrid variant.

Mazda has released more photos of the all-new 2009 Mazda6 following an official press release a few days ago.

Mazda has announced the pricing for the all-new Mazda6.

Mazda has unveiled the Kazamai concept ahead of its official unveiling on August 26 at the Moscow International Auto Salon.

Mazda finally took the wraps off of its midsize 2009 Mazda6 sedan a few weeks ago. Pricing for the all-new sedan has leaked onto the web and Mazda6club.com has all the preliminary pricing info.

Kelley Blue Book has released its list of the top ten coolest vehicles under $18,000 for 2008. Most of us can think of a list of cars that we would "label" as cool, but most of these cars probably don't list for under $18,000.

Mazda has officially unveiled the 2009 Mazda6 for the North American market.

Mazda has unveiled the three-door version of its popular Mazda2 for the European market.

Mazda may be thinking about bringing its well regarded Mazda2 hatchback to the US in the not so distant future.

Mazda has unveiled the new three-door version of its popular Mazda2 that will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Mazda chose the Detroit Auto Show to officially unveil the revised 2009 RX-8.

Car and Driver's January 2008 issue is just starting to hit mailboxes and in it is their 10 best list for 2008.

It was rumored a while ago that Mazda is working on yet another small crossover to add to its existing lineup, the CX-5.

Motor Trend has announced the winner of the 2008 SUV of the year and the award goes to....the 2008 Mazda CX-9.

Mazda has unveiled a new Mazda3 MPS Extreme, which is a modified version of the Mazdaspeed3 at the Sydney Auto Show.

Mazda has unveiled its newest concept, the Taiki ahead of its official unveiling at this month's Tokyo Motor Show.

The all-new Mazda6 is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show that is right around the corner. Thanks to a leak we now get to see all the photos before the official unveiling.

The Mazda5 has been on the market for three years, so it is time for a refresh. Spy photographers have caught some photos of a 2008 prototype with a slightly revised front end and new rims.

Well sort of. Mazda has released a teaser image of the all-new Mazda6 sedan that will be unveiled this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Ford Mondeo based sedan gets all-new styling that is similar to the new Mazda2.

Spy photos of the next generation 2009 Mazda6 have surfaced in the recent weeks. World Car Fans has posted a photo rendering of what the next Mazda6 may look like when it is finally revealed.

Forbes has put together a list of the top 20 most dangerous vehicles on the road. The Buick Rendevous SUV/ Minivan topped their list as possibly the worst car to buy right now in terms of safety. Compared to other minivans the Rendevous is up to three times more likely to cause a fatality.

Ford has surprised the industry by posting a net profit of $750 million for the second quarter of 2007. After seven straight quarters of being in the red, Ford has managed to come back. Well don't get excited because it wasn't from actual car sales in North America, sales dropped 9 percent last quarter.

Brenda Priddy & Co. have managed to snap several shots of the upcoming Mazda flagship sedan. We've seen several photos of the car, but this is the first time that we can see the full shape. The new 2008 Mazda 6 is bigger than the outgoing version and will also have more power from a new V6.

Sales of subcompact cars like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris have taken off this year, due to the ever increasing gas prices. Honda has already sold approximately 28,000 of the 54,000 Fits that are allotted for the US this year. Last year Honda only sold 23,000 of the little cars. Now Honda dealers can't keep up with the demand, but even with that evidence Mazda still remains skeptical about the market.

The next generation Mazda 6 will debut at this years Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Sales will begin in November, in Europe. There are rumors that the new 6 will be based on the current Ford Mondeo, but with typical Mazda styling (zoom-zoom).

Lately it seems that hybrids get all the attention for being fuel-efficient, but there are a handful of non-hybrid cars that get close to the same levels as the hybrids. In the US this list is dominated by Honda, Toyota and Nissan. Only one European model made the list, the MINI. The big question is: Why aren't there any models from Ford, GM or Chrysler on this list?

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of their 2007 Initial Quality Survey. Porsche held the top spot with only 91 problems per 100 vehicles for the second time in a row. But it was Ford that made the biggest headlines.

Forbes has gathered what they believe to be the safest new cars on the market. They searched through Consumer Reports, Department of Transportation, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) to compile the list of the top 20 safest cars of 2007.

Edmunds.com has posted a list of the most wanted cars in 2007 based on reader feedback. Out of the 32 categories you may be surprised which automaker took home the most awards....

April's auto sales numbers have just been posted and almost every major automaker had a sales decrease last month. Even the Asian automakers that have been making headlines for their sales gains, took a hit.

Well apparently not everyone is happy with the power of the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3. According to Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press, the car has too much power that it inhibits the overall driveability of the car.

Kelly Blue Book has compiled their list of the top 10 coolest cars under $18,000. Today as the average car price is well into the $20,000's it is good to know that there are cheaper alternatives that are still cool to own.

Spy photographers have caught the new 2009 Mazda 6 during testing. The new car is bigger and more curvacious than the current model. As you can tell the new car will adopt many of the current styling themes of the current Mazda lineup. There is no word on the engine lineup, although there are rumors that the car will ride on the same platform as the new Ford Mondeo and Volvo S80. Also expect to see a version of Ford's 3.5L V6 under the hood.

The Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 crossovers have been a huge success for the company. Now Mazda is planning another crossover based on the Hakaze concept car.

Mazda has just released a few photos of the new 2008 Mazda 2. The new car will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, in March. There have been lots of rumors surrounding this car's release in the U.S., especially after Mazda showed the MX Micro Sport Concept at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.