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Mazda3 versus BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in Euro diesel showdown

It's not exactly a Tesla Model S taking on a Ferrari, but for us green enthusiasts, a drag race and comparison between reasonably priced diesel hatchbacks does hold interest, and UK's Auto Express was kind enough to do the deed. When raced, the diesels actually laid a little rubber coming off the line, though the track was covered in rain. Did we mention it was in the UK? The comparison was between diesel hatchbacks priced at less than 22,000 British pounds (about $34,500 US), and Auto Express pitted a Mazda3, a BMW 1-Series and an Audi A3 against each other. The results are revealed in the 11-minute video you can watch below. In short, one car smoked the others. In order to set the tone, you should know that the Mazda's 150 horsepower is about 35 more than the other two entrants. The Mazda also earned points for its quiet motor (it sounds more like a petrol engine, the host says), standard equipment that would add about $4,000 to the other two cars if included and relative roominess in front and in back. The Audi gained points for its storage space, while the BMW had the only rear-wheel-drive car in the hunt. See for yourself how the competition stacks up. News Source: Auto Express via YouTube Green Audi BMW Mazda Diesel Vehicles bmw 1-series Auto Express

Turbocharged 2018 Mazda6 EPA mileage figures released

A few months after the reveal of the new turbocharged variant of the Mazda6, we now know how much more fuel the force-fed family sedan will require. The EPA rating puts it at 31 mpg on the highway, 23 in the city and 26 combined. That is less than the naturally aspirated model with either an automatic transmission or a manual, the former of which gets 35 mpg highway, 26 in town and 29 combined. But the naturally aspirated Mazda6's 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque are well short of the turbo engine's 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The turbo Mazda6's fuel economy also puts it right in the range of similarly powerful sedans in the mid-size arena. In fact, almost every 2018 2.0-liter turbocharged sedan in the segment gets 26 mpg combined, including Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Chevy Malibu, Buick Regal, and most versions of the Honda Accord, with only a difference of 1 or 2 mpg in city or highway results. The V6 Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima also hit this 26 mpg fuel economy mark. As far as power is concerned, the Mazda6 is also very even with the competition, most of which makes right around 250 horsepower, though the Toyota Camry's naturally aspirated V6 is a class-leader at 301 horsepower. But the 6's advantage is in torque. None of the mainstream family sedans touch the Mazda's whopping 310 pound-feet. The 2.0-liter Honda Accord and Ford Fusion come the closest at 273 and 275 pound-feet respectively. To beat the Mazda6 would require going for the Ford Fusion Sport, which is a unique step up in the segment with a turbocharged V6 making 380 pound-feet. The Fusion Sport takes a serious hit in the fuel economy department, though, getting just 20 mpg combined. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

More powerful 2019 Mazda MX-5 also more efficient

Bumping the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata's power from 155 horses to 181, plus little interior upgrades such as a telescoping steering wheel were more than enough to make the appealing roadster even more so. But there's yet another bonus in store for those that pick up the new Mazda: more efficiency. As initially spotted by industry watcher Bozi Tatarevic, the EPA released fuel economy numbers for the new model, and they're better than the 2018's. And between the automatic and manual versions, the manual sees the biggest increase. Now, these are, very, very minor increases in EPA fuel economy, but any increase is welcome when nothing is lost. The automatic continues to be the most efficient. While the city and highway ratings are unchanged at 26 and 35 mpg respectively, the combined rating increases by 1 mile per gallon to 30. The manual transmission model isn't far behind. City mileage stays the same at 26 mpg, as does the combined rating of 29 mpg. However, highway fuel economy picks up 1 mpg for a total of 34. So to recap, the 2019 Miata retains its good looks, and likely its playful handling and snickety shifter. But it also gets more power, better fuel economy, a better interior, and more options to customize than ever before. This is sounding like it could be the best Miata, yet. We can't wait to try it out. Related Video: Mazda Convertible Performance