Mazda Archives

Mazda has announced the pricing for the 2013 CX-5 compact crossover, which starts at $20,695 for the entry-level Sport model with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2013 CX-5 is the first model in Mazda's lineup to fully feature Mazda's Skyactiv technology, which helps it get up to 35 mpg on the highway. The 2013 CX-5 is powered by a Skyactiv 2.0L engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. A diesel-powered CX-5 is expected to show in the U.S. in early 2013.

The base CX-5 Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-speaker audio system, push-button start, power everything and a USB connection port. Accing a six-speed automatic bumps the starting price up to $22,095 and all-wheel-drive pushes the base price up to $23,345. Adding Bluetooth will cost an extra $400, but comes with Bluetooth, a 5.8-inch touch-screen monitor and HD radio.

The Touring model starts at $23,895 with front-wheel-drive and $25,145 when equipped with AWD. It adds the Bluetooth package, upgraded seat fabrics, a six-speaker audio system, a Blind Spot Monitoring system and the six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Moonroof/ Bose package ($1,130) adds a moonroof and a 225-watt Bose audio system. The Technology package ($1,185) adds a TomTom based navigation ssytem, bi-zenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting system and rain sensing wipers.

The Grand Touring model starts at $27,045 for the front-wheel-drive model and $28,295 for the all-wheel-drive version. It comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, rain sensing wipers, leather seats, a Bose audio system and a moonroof. The same Technology package on the Touring model adds $1,325.

Next week Mazda is going to unveil a special edition version of the 2012 MX-5 Miata at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition features a black-only hard top, which is the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America. It also gets two new exterior colors (Crystal White or Velocity Red), new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The special edition MX-5 Miata is based off the Grand Touring model is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Miata Special Edition and include features such as Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Mazda is limited production to just 450 units.

Car and Driver recently spoke to Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes, who confirmed that a diesel-powered Mazda will be offered in the U.S. in early 2013. "It'll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3." The Mazda 3 with the Skyactive-G gasoline engine arrived in October, so you can expect to see a diesel in Mazda's U.S. lineup between January and April of 2013.

Which model will get the diesel engine? Barnes did not confirm which Mazda would get the diesel, but according to sources it will be the new CX-5. In Europe and Japan the CX-5 is already offered with a Skyactiv 2.2L diesel. In Europe the diesel is offered with either 148-hp and 280 lb-ft. or 173-hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque.

Until then, Mazda recently announced that the 2013 CX-5 in the U.S. will be powered by a 155-hp 2.0L Skyactiv engine that gets up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Mazda has announced the fuel economy figures for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, which is headed to dealerships this spring.

The front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual equipped CX-5 models are rated at 26 city/35 highway/29 combined mpg. When its equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission those numbers drop slightly to 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. The all-wheel-drive CX-5 gets 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

All CX-5 models are powered by a Skyactiv 2.0L engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque.

Mazda says that pricing for the 2013 CX-5 will be announced closer to its launch date.

New reports are surfacing that Mazda is working on a new four-seat coupe version of the next Mazda6.

The next-generation Mazda6 is set to be released in January 2013, but according to What Car? the coupe version will not debut until about a year later in 2014. The coupe version is expected to be powered by the same SkyActiv engines as the four-door version.

It's not known if the Mazda6 coupe will be sold in the U.S. Mazda previewed the next-generation Mazda6 with the Takeri concept at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

According to Autocar, the next Mazda MX-5 Miata will be powered by a turbocharged 1.3L SkyActiv engine, which will replace the current 167 horsepower 2.0L.

The new 1.3L engine will employ SkyActiv technologies like variable cam phasing with lower friction parts to boost performance and fuel economy. The 1.3L will also be mated to reduced-friction transmissions.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the 2014 MX-5 Miata is expected to be based on the new rear-wheel-drive S-platform. Mazda's engineers have been tasked with dropping the MX-5's weight significantly. One insider claims that Mazda has a goal of dropping the curb weight to 800 kg (1,760 lbs). The next MX-5 will be smaller and get Mazda's new Kodo design theme, which was first shown on the Shinari concept.

Mazda has unveiled the Mazda Takeri next-generation midsize sedan concept car, which is set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on December 3rd.

Last year Mazda unveiled the Shinari concept, which was our first look at Mazda's new design language, Kodo, which is Japanese for soul of motion. The new Takeri concept also uses the new design language and takes many design cues from the Shinari.

Under the hood the Takeri concept uses Mazda's new SkyActiv technology, including the new SkyActiv-D diesel engine. Other technology includes Mazda's idling stop system, i-stop, and a new regenerative braking system.

The Takeri concept is basically a preview of what can probably expect as the next Mazda6 sedan. What do you think?

Mazda has announced that the Mazda RX-8 will soon end its production run, but before the RX-8 says goodbye, Mazda has announced the Spirit R special edition model. Mazda is going to produce 1,000 units of the Spirit R Edition that will go on sale in Japan on November 24, 2011.

The Spirit R Edition based on the RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and Type E (with six-speed automatic transmission). It is named after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7. All versions of the Spirit R Edition get head and taillights with black bezels, red brake calipers and Spirit R badging. The six-speed manual version gets bucket seats from Recaro and 19-inch bronze alloy wheels. The six-speed automatic equipped model gets black leather seats with red stitching, a sports suspension with larger brakes and 18-inch gun metallic alloy wheels.

There are three exterior colors for the RX-8 Spirit Edition: Aluminum Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

Production of the RX-8 ends in June 2012.

Mazda has announced the pricing for the refreshed 2012 Mazda3, which starts at $15,200 for the Mazda3 i SV sedan. The Mazda3 i SV is powered by a 148 horsepower MZR 2.0L engine, but the bigger news is the introduction of the 2.0L SkyActiv engine that gets 40 mpg.

To get the new SkyActiv engine you have to step up to the Mazda3 i Touring models, which starts at $18,450 for the sedan. The SkyActiv 2.0L engine packs 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. The all-new engine offers five percent more horsepower than the standard MZR 2.0-liter engine as well as 10 percent more peak torque, 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque and up to 21 percent better fuel economy. The hatchback is also available with the SkyActiv engine and starts at $18,950.

Mazda is going to officially unveil its newest crossover, the CX-5 in Frankfurt next month.

Mazda has released the photos of the CX-5 that is debuting in Frankfurt, but we have yet to see the US-spec CX-5. Mazda's manager for the CX-5, Hideaki Tanaka recently gave some new info about the US-spec CX-5 at a press event.

The CX-5 will hit our shores in early 2012 with a starting price around $20,000. The CX-5 is more than five inches shorter than the CX-7 crossover and will compete with the Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The CX-5 will be powered by a 2.0L gas engine, which puts out 165 horsepower in the Euro-spec CX-5. A 2.2L diesel will also be offered in Europe and will come to the U.S. in 2014.

The US-spec CX-5 will debut at the LA Auto Show in November.

Automotive News is reporting that Mazda has stopped production of the RX-8 sports car due to falling sales and higher emissions standards.

Production of the RX-8 reportedly ended in July and sales are expected to end, by the end of the year. Sales of the RX-8 last year were 49 percent lower than in 2009 and sales through July 2011 were down an additional 21 percent.

The RX-8 was powered by Mazda's 1.3L rotary engine, which put out 232 horsepower. The death of the RX-8 means that Mazda is again without a rotary powered model in its lineup. Mazda claims that the rotary engine will appear again in a future Mazda, while sources claim that engineers are currently working on a next-generation 1.6L code-named 16X.

Mazda has officially started production of the facelifted 2012 Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan). The 2012 Mazda3 gets a revised front fascia that tones down the smiling grin that no one really likes. The rear end also gets updated with revised taillights.

The biggest and most important update lies under the hood of the 2012 Mazda3. Mazda has given the 2012 Mazda3 a version of its new SkyActiv-G engine, which in the Mazda3 is a 2.0L with 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. The best part about the new engine is that it gets up to 40 mpg, which is a nice improvement over the 33 mpg that the current 2.0L gets. The new SkyActiv engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed SkyActiv automatic transmission.

The 2012 Mazda3 should reach U.S. showrooms by October.

Mazda has officially unveiled its newest crossover, the 2012 Mazda CX-5 ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The CX-5 is the production version of the Minagi concept that was unveiled earlier this year in Geneva and it's also the first Mazda to get Mazda's newest design language, Kodo "soul of motion." The CX-5 will be powered by Mazda's new SkyActiv engines and transmissions, which includes both 2.0L gasoline and 2.2L diesel powered engines. Europe will likely get both types of engines, while the U.S. will most likely only get gasoline engines.

Sales are expected to kick off early next year. Stay tuned for more info next month.

Mazda has introduced the Black limited edition versions of the MX-5 and Mazda2 for the UK market. What's interesting is that the two limited edition models aren't actually "black."

The Black limited edition models are inspired by the MX-5 GT race car. The MX-5 Sport Black gets a black retractable hard-top, while the rest of the car can be selected in Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica. The MX-5 Sport rides on "gun metal" 17-inch alloy wheels and the interior is decked out in black with black leather and a Piano black steering wheel.

The Mazda2 Black five-door is available in Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and True Red. It gets a black vinyl roof, matte black 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a rear bumper sports trim.

Mazda is only going to produce 500 units of the MX-5 Sport Black and 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black.

Mazda and Nissan have entered a new partnership in Japan and the fruit of that new partnership is a minivan for Nissan. Nissan has decided to rebadge Mazda's Mazda5 minivan for sale in Japan as the Nissan Lafesta Highway Star.

The Nissan Lafesta Highway Star is basically the same as the Mazda5, but with a new three-bar grille. Other than that it still has the same dual sliding doors and three rows of seats as the Mazda5. The Lafesta Highway Star is powered by a 2.0L engine and unlike the Mazda5 that we have here, the Lafesta is available with all-wheel-drive.

The Nissan Lafesta Highway Star is only for consumption in Japan. Don't expect to see this in our Nissan dealers anytime soon, although it would be a good alternative to the ugly Nissan Quest.

The Mazda RX-8 is soon to retire. The RX-8 is the only model in the Mazda lineup that is powered by a rotary engine, but Mazda is reportedly working on a new Wankel engine. It's been reported that Mazda is working on a new rotary engine for the RX-8's successor, the RX-9, that will be powered by a rotary engine mated to Toyota's hybrid drive system. Now there are new rumors that Mazda is reportedly talking to Audi about its new Wankel engine.

Inside Line is reporting that there are at least 100 engineers working on the new Mazda engine. One new advancement for the engine is the adoption of a laser ignition system that does away with the need for spark plugs, boosts efficiency and lowers emissions. There isn't much information about what Mazda and Audi have discussed, but Audi did unveil the Audi A1 e-tron Concept in 2010, that was powered by a Wankel engine mated to an electrical generator.

There could be a possibility that Mazda may be talking to Audi about supplying a version of its new Wankel engine for use in a future Audi.

The good news is that it looks like the rotary engine will still exist beyond the RX-8.

Mazda is hoping to put the next-generation on an extreme diet compared to the current model. According to an insider Mazda's engineers have been given the task of cutting at least 720 pounds from the 2,480 pound curb weight of the current Miata. Mazda hopes that the next-generation Miata will be more closer in character to the original 1989 model. The original Miata weighted 2,178 pounds.

According to the inside source that spoke with Inside Line, the goal will probably not be met, but engineers have made some progress. Some of the methods that the engineers are using is high-strength steel for the body and a smaller, lighter engine. Other things are going to be deleted from the next Miata, like a dashboard glovebox and an owner's manual.

The next Miata will also be smaller and narrower. The engine is also going to be downsized and could be as small as 1.4 liters. Of course a turbocharger and direct injection will boost the power of the tiny engine.

It was reported last week that Mazda was planning on ending its partnership with Ford at the AutoAlliance International plant in Michigan plant that currently produces the Mazda6 sedan. Mazda has now officially confirmed that the next-generation midsize sedan will be produced in Hofu, Japan.

Mazda decided to move all production of the Mazda6 to Hofu "in order to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business." The current generation Mazda6 will continue to be produced at the Michigan plant until the end of its current life cycle.

New plans have been unveiled that Mazda plans on dissolving its joint venture with Ford, which will result in the end of US-built Mazdas according to Japan's Nikkei.

Currently Mazda and Ford have a 50/50 partnership for the AutoAlliance International plant in Michigan. According to sources, Mazda is considering selling its stake in the plant to Ford as Mazda seeks to restructure its global production. The plant currently produces the Mazda6, but around 2013 Mazda cars sold in the US will come from Japan and Mexico.

The Mazda and Ford partnership was lessened last year when Ford lowered its stake in Mazda from 11 percent down to 3.5 percent.

The latest reports confirm that Mazda is working on the rotary-powered RX-9, but according to sources Mazda has placed most of resources into developing its new SkyActiv powertrains and the next MX-5. So much so that there aren't much resources left for the RX-9.

According to one insider, ""We want to take the RX-9 to the next level but just can't find the man-hours to do it. We have a guideline. We know what we have to do. But as we must give priority to the next-gen MX-5, we only have a small band of guys working on the RX-9."

The RX-9 will be a coupe when it is released, unlike the RX-8 with its unique rear doors. This means that the RX-9 will be more like a modern day RX-7, but with a hybrid system under the hood thanks to a new partnership between Mazda and Toyota. The partnership will see Mazda's rotary engine mated to Toyota's hybrid drive system.

It will be sometime before we see the RX-9, since the next MX-5 is due before it. Will it look like the Shinari Concept from last year's Paris Motor Show? Lets hope so!

Mazda has announced the introduction of its newest engine, the SkyActiv-G 1.3L engine. The new 1.3L gasoline engine will be the first of its next-generation SkyActiv engines to be introduced.

The 1.3L engine features direct-injection and according to Mazda achieves a high record high compression ratio of 14.0:1. The 1.3L engine will be the first direct-injection gasoline engine to be equipped in a compact car made in Japan, when it is introduced in the Mazda Demio in Japan. The engine puts out 83 horsepower and manages to get 30km/L under Japan's 10-15 mode test cycle thanks to Mazda's unique idling stop system, i-stop, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Mazda Demio is known as the Mazda2 in the U.S., but it hasn't been announced if the Mazda2 will be available with this engine here. Mazda has announced that the 2012 Mazda3 will be getting a SkyActiv-G engine. The SkyActiv-G engine in the Mazda2 is a 2.0L engine that puts out 155 horsepower and gets up to 40 mpg.

Yesterday the Japanese newspaper, Nikkan Kogyo claimed that the slow selling Mazda6 would soon get the axe, but now Mazda is refuting those reports.

Mazda recently told Car and Driver that "there is no intention to discontinue" the Mazda6. Mazda's U.S. CEO, Jim o'Sullivan also stated that the current generation Mazda6 will be around for the next several years. Although the Mazda6 is here to stay, there are no big changes planned for the sedan in the next two years, beyond the addition of the new four-cylinder SkyActiv engine.

Mazda has no plans to discontinue the Mazda6, but it may change where it's currently built. The Mazda6 is built in a facility in Flat Rock, Michigan, that Mazda shares with Ford. Mazda may move production to Mexico, where it would be cheaper to produce the Mazda6.

Nikkan Kogyo is reporting that two U.S.-built Japanese vehicles may soon be cut from their respective lineups. The Subaru Tribeca and Mazda6 will soon be cut according to the Japanese newspaper.

According to Nikkan Kogyo, Subaru has decided to stop work on the next-generation Tribeca SUV and production will end after the current model's run is over. Subaru has only sold 910 units through April and the SUV is currently taking up production space at Subaru's plant in Indiana. Subaru will needs the extra production space for the more popular Outback and Legacy models. It's not known when the SUV will be dropped, but it has been on sale since 2005.

The Mazda6 sedan has failed to meet expectations. Mazda planned on producing 100,000 units a year at its Flat Rock, Michigan plant when the redesigned sedan was introduced in 2008, but of course that was right when the industry went south. Last year Mazda only produced 45,168 units. Supposedly, the Mazda6 is the reason why Mazda hasn't been able to produce a regional operating profit in North America. Mazda's plans are not yet known, but it could include producing a different model at the Michigan plant or stopping production at the plant completely.

The 2012 Mazda3 is getting a nice bump in fuel efficiency thanks to Mazda's new SkyActiv-G engine and SkyActiv transmissions.

The current Mazda3 only manages to get up to 33 mpg with its non-direct injected 2.0L, but thanks to the new engine the Mazda3 now gets up to 40 mpg. The direct-injection SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter engine puts out 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. The engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic SkyActiv transmission. The SkyActiv engine is available on either the sedan or five-door, but the current 2.0L will still be around, but only on the sedan. The MZR 2.5-liter engine is also still available.

The Mazda3 can now take on the new competition from the Focus, Cruze and Elantra. Mazda has also given the 2012 Mazda3 a slight refresh inside and out. The restyled front fascia tones down the smiling grin that everyone hated on the current Mazda3.

We already knew this, but Mazda has officially confirmed that its upcoming compact crossover will be called the Mazda CX-5.

Mazda gave us a sneak peak at what we can expect the CX-5 to look like with the Minagi Concept that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, last month. The crossover will be the first Mazda to incorporate Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion.' The design theme debuted on the Shinari concept.

The CX-5 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, with sales starting in early 2012.

Mazda has unveiled a GT version of the Mazda MX-5 that will race in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship 2011.

The MX-5 GT is going to take on Aston Martin, Porsche and BMW with a total weight just over 1,700 pounds and a 275-hp 2.0L engine that is mated to a six-speed sequential paddle-shift transmission. That combination is good enough for 0-60 mph in three seconds and a top speed of 160 mph.

Carbon fiber doors and polycarbonate windows help keep the weight down. The Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship is this weekend, March 26th.

Haha. This sounds like a joke, but it's true. Mazda has announced a recall of 52,000 Mazda6 sedans spiders have been building nests in the fuel system.

Mazda is recalling some model year 2009-2010 Mazda6 vehicles that were built between 2008 and 2010 due to the fact that a specific species of spider can weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, which could restrict the line. If the line is clogged, the fuel tank pressure could become excessively negative, which could cause the fuel tank to crack.

To fix the issue, Mazda dealers will inspect and clean the vent line and install a spring to prevent the spiders from entering it.

It's widely known that Mazda is currently working on a new smaller crossover that will slot in below the CX-7 in Mazda's current lineup. This week Mazda is showing off the Minagi concept in Geneva, that is basically a preview of the new small crossover.

The Minagi concept combines the new Kodo styling language of the Shinari concept with Mazda's new next-gen Skyactiv engine and transmission. The production version of the Minagi, the CX-5 could be released as early as this fall. According to some sources, the production version will be slightly smaller than the concept.

Mazda has announced that the 2012 Mazda3 will be the first Mazda model to get the brand's new Skyactiv engine and transmission.

Mazda's new Skyactiv engine and transmission provide higher torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds, which results in better drivability and higher fuel economy. In addition to offering the new engine and transmission in the Mazda3, the 2012 Mazda3 gets refreshed with new front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. There are also new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The 2012 Mazda3 is going to debut at the 2011 Canadian International AutoShow.

Mazda has now produced 900,000 MX-5 Miatas and to celebrate the milestone and the 22 years that the MX-5 Miata has been produced, Mazda has unveiled a new Special Edition model.

The 2011 MX-5 Miata Special Edition gets an exclusive interior with gray door trim and heated leather seats with gray stitching, a black leather-wrapped parking brake and steering wheel with contrasting gray stitching, chrome treatments to the air vents and instrument cluster as well as aluminum pedals on the manual transmission equipped MX-5 Miata. The Special Edition MX-5 Miata is only available in Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica.

Only 750 units will produced with prices starting at $30,925.

Mazda is going to be debuting a new concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The Minagi concept applies the styling of the Shinari concept to a crossover.

Although details are scarce, the Minagi concept previews a new crossover that will be smaller than the current CX-7 in Mazda's lineup. It's likely to be named the CX-5.

Stay tuned...

Back in 2008 gas prices were insane and automakers were scrambling trying to release more fuel efficient models. Two years later, we have the much anticipated subcompact Ford Fiesta and the popular Honda Fit and Nissan Versa models, but sales aren't quite as strong as most expected.

The Ford Fiesta has been on sale for a few months, but sales have not been quite as high as most expected. Last month the Ford Fiesta was only the fourth best seller (3,473) in the segment behind the Nissan Versa (6,724), Honda Fit (4,180) and Hyundai Accent (4,052). Chevy's aged and soon to be replaced Aveo was only a few hundred units behind the Fit.

Although buyers have been drawn to smaller vehicles in the past two years, the compact segment is doing much better than the subcompact. Chevy sold 8,066 units of the new Cruze last month and VW's sales of the new Jetta increased 49 percent.

Mazda has announced the pricing for the all-new 2012 Mazda5 that goes on sale in January. Pricing for the Mazda5 will start at $19,990.

The 2012 Mazda5 will be offered in three versions, the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The base Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers. Stepping up to the Touring ($21,990) you will get a five-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport side still extensions, rear liftgate spoiler, fog lamps, Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The top of the line Grand Touring ($24,670) adds a power moonroof, xenon (HID) headlights, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front seats, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and leather-trimmed seats.

The Mazda5 is powered by a 157-hp 2.5L four-cylinder that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Car and Driver has announced top 10 best cars of 2011. As usual the BMW 3 Series and Honda Accord are on the list, but there are some newcomers as well like the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Volt.

Check out the list after the jump....

Ford has announced that it is going to reduce its stake in Mazda from the current 11 percent down to 3.5 percent.

"Ford will remain one of Mazda's largest shareholders with a 3.5- percent stake, and both companies are committed to continuing our strategic partnership which spans over 30 years," says Mazda's Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi. "Mazda and Ford will continue to collaborate on areas of mutual benefit such as key joint ventures, joint projects and exchange of technology information."

The change is expected to take place tomorrow. By selling 7.5 percent of its stake in Mazda, Ford will become more flexible. Ford plans to remain one of Mazda's largest stake holders.

Earlier this year we got our first look at the new Mazda5 at the Geneva Motor Show. Now Mazda has confirmed that the US-spec version of the Mazda5 will debut at the LA Auto Show later this month.

The 2012 Mazda5 adopts Mazda's new Nagare design language. Under the hood it will be powered by a 157-hp 2.5L four-cylinder that can be mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. Inside there's an all-new interior that still fits up to six people.

The Shinari design concept will also be unveiled at the LA Auto Show. The Shinari concept was originally unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show. The concept is supposed to be our first glimpse at Mazda's new design language.

Mazda finally decided to bring the Mazda2 to the US and to celebrate the launch Mazda has teamed up with Foursquare.

Just in case you don't know what Foursquare is...its a new social networking app on smartphones that allows people to check into their favorite venues and let their friends know where they are. By using Foursquare you can discover new hot spots, get mayor badges. and let your friends know how exciting your life is.

So back to the contest, which is titled the Mazda2 Inner Driver Challenge.

Here's how you can win:

1. Follow Mazda on foursquare

2. Check-in at relevant locations to unlock any 2 of the following 3 badges: MAZDA2 Beat Junkie (concerts and music spots), MAZDA2 Style Guru (nightlife haunts, boutiques and fashion events) and MAZDA2 Button Masher (gaming competitions and retailers)

3. Once step 2 is complete you will automatically unlock the special MAZDA2 Inner Driver badge and learn the next, important step to easily qualify to win a brand new MAZDA2

The only downside is that the contest is only available to people that live in these cities: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Washington/DC, Portland.

With the departure of Mazda's design chief Laurens van den Acker comes the end of Mazda's Nagare design language. Mazda's new designer Ikuo Maeda is bringing a new design theme to the brand named "Kodo". Kodo, which is Japanese for soul of motion will debut on the Shinari concept at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

The four-door Shinari concept shows off the new styling direction for Mazda, which is ditching the smiley face look of the current Mazda lineup.

The Mazda2 is finally being offered in the US and now Mazda has released the first official photos of the European model that is getting a facelift.

The refreshed Mazda2 will appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show with a new face, upgraded interior and powertrain and a new automatic version.

Mazda has announced the pricing for the much anticipated 2011 Mazda2 hatchback. The Mazda2, which shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta is going to start at $13,980 when it hits showrooms this July.

The Mazda2 will be available in two trim levels, the entry level Sport and top grade Touring. Both trim levels are powered by a 100-hp 1.5L four-cylinder that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Even though the Mazda2 starts under $14k, it comes standard with traction control, 15-inch wheels, power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning and a four-speaker stereo. If you step up to the Touring model, which starts at $15,435 you get upgraded seat fabric, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and an upgraded stereo.