Mazda Car Reviews

Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese car manufacturer which began as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd. in 1920.

main article image
article image 1 thumbnail article image 2 thumbnail article image 3 thumbnail article image 4 thumbnail article image 5 thumbnail

Mazda Car Reviews

Mazda Overview

Brief History

Mazda Motors began as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. back in 1920 as a Japanese machine tool manufacturer. In 1931 they introduced the Mazda-Go, moving them from tools to vehicles but it wasn't until 1960 that they produced a four- wheeled car.

Following on from this, in the early 1960s Mazda put a major engineering effort into development of the Wankel rotary engine. This was a way of differentiating themselves from other Japanese auto companies. Beginning with the Cosmo Sport in 1967, and continuing to the present day with the RX-8, Mazda has become the sole manufacturer of Wankel-type engines.

Mazda’s success continued until the oil crisis of 1973, when they had to focus more of their energy on piston engines, as customers were looking for more fuel efficient cars.

In 1996 the Ford Motor Company took control of 33.4 percent of the company and held the majority of the controlling interest. Mazda enjoyed a good level of success in the 1980’s but saw a decline in sales during the 1990s.

In recent years however, the company has prospered and in 2007 alone the Mazda produced nearly 1.3 million vehicles for global sales. Mazda has also had success in the racing world.

Model Range

Mazda2

The Mazda2 is a small family car introduced in 1996, which is now in its third generation, as it has been since 2007.

The Mazda2 is available as a 3- or 5-door hatchback and as a 4-door saloon. There is a diesel engine option available to maximise efficiency. The car is versatile in that it makes for a great family car, and serves well as a first car for young drivers.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a medium sized family car.

The car was first produced in 2004 and has been in its second generation since 2010. The Mazda3 is available with a range of transmissions and engines. The European model includes the i-stop feature for the 2.0L diesel engine. This feature stops the engine each time the car comes to a complete stop, and quickly starts up again without the need of a starter when the vehicle proceeds. It is set to increase fuel economy by 12%.

Mazda3 MPS

The Mazda3 MPS is a small, 5-seater sports hatchback that has been in production since 2007.

The second generation has been in production since 2010 and is equipped with a 2.3 litre diesel turbo engine and 6-speed manual transmission. This enables it to top out at an impressive 155mph. The car has received critical acclaim for its balance of good performance and low cost.

Mazda5

The Mazda5 is a large MPV.

The car has been in production since 1999 and is currently in its third generation. This model received revised styling, marketed by Mazda as Nagare and Furai concepts. In Europe the new Mazda5 is offered with either a 1.8-litre four-cylinder or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with direct-injection and Mazda’s i-stop technology. This technology will reduce emissions by 15%.

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 is a 2-seater roadster that has been in production since 1989.

Currently in its third generation, as it has been since 2005, the MX-5 boasts good performance and quality-build. The car is an incredibly stylish one, which is also very reliable and features a comfortable interior. Furthermore, a key advantage is the affordability of the car compared to its competitors.

Mazda6

The Mazda6 is a large family car that comes in 5-door estate and hatchback form as well as 4-door saloon.

It has been produced since 2002 and been in its second generation since 2009. The model is available with a wide range of engines and transmissions, whilst making for a perfect family car with luxury interior and space in abundance.

Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is a small crossover 4x4 which was introduced in 2012. The CX-5 features Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, which bestows it with astonishing fuel economy and sharp handling. The CX-5 is a very real contender in this market segment.

Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 is a large 4x4 that was introduced in 2007.

The CX-7 is one of only a few 4x4s with a turbocharged petrol engine. This combined with the cars stunning aesthetics make it one of the best 4x4s on the market.

Moreover, the CX-7 is incredibly spacious and fairly quick for a 4x4 – it can accelerate from 0 -60mph in less than 8 seconds. The car is also fairly economical in terms of fuel consumption.

The CX-7 combines performance and style brilliantly.


NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update