2012 I Touring Used 2.5l I4 16v Fwd Sedan on 2040-cars

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Mazda will introduce a groundbreaking new diesel engine in 2020

Mazda is preparing to introduce its first series-produced electric car, but it's not sending the diesel engine to the automotive graveyard. The company remains committed to turbodiesel technology, and it will take its efficiency to the next level when it introduces a new range of engines in 2020. "We are sticking to diesel engines. In 2020, we have a new approach to diesel engines. We will show you how clean and very efficient diesel engines can be," pledged Christian Schultze, the head of research and development for Mazda's European division, in an interview with British magazine Autocar. He declined to provide specific details about the breakthrough that made a cleaner, more efficient diesel engine possible. Asked about how the engine compared to SkyActiv-X, the carmaker's newest and most innovative gasoline-powered engine, he pointed out "there are not so many differences between [gasoline] and diesel." His announcement falls in line with Mazda's belief that it's crucially important to consider real-world emissions over the life cycle of a car, not just local emissions. The company has realistically stated the internal combustion engine -- whether it burns gasoline or diesel -- will "continue to be the base power for 85 percent of all cars up until 2035." It might join forces with a 48-volt electrical system, or it might be part of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, but it will still be around in 15 years. To that end, it's important to keep improving the technology, and not to prematurely pen its obituary.  "We hope governments wake up and see that electrification is one way but there are others, too," Schultze concluded, adding that SkyActiv-X is a step in the right direction. Mazda will release more details about its next turbodiesel engine in the coming months, but it's too early to tell whether it will available in the United States, where demand for oil-burning cars has hit rock bottom. As of 2019, the only diesel-powered Mazda sold in America is an upmarket variant of the CX-5 (pictured). Auto News Mazda Diesel Vehicles

10 most memorable cars and SUVs of 2019

It's no surprise that a car reviewer will drive a large number of cars over the course of a year. Indeed, when the clock strikes midnight on Dec 31, I will have driven 75 new cars, trucks and SUV this year (and one old Peugeot) over the course of weekly evaluation loans and first drive events. That sure seems like a lot. Some definitely got more attention than others, and some came and went without leaving much of an impression – I completely forgot I drove a Kia Forte. Yet in the spirit of this day, I thought I'd pick the 10 that I would love to see under the Christmas tree tomorrow morning. You know, just in case you were looking to get me something. I'll also throw in a couple disappointments that were memorable for the wrong reasons. They'd get sent back to the store on Boxing Day. Lexus LC 500 Pictured below and resplendent in its Flare Yellow metallic paint, the car that would reach highest on my list is the divine Lexus LC 500. As a devout lover of GT cars, the LC ticks all the boxes. Muscular and characterful engine? V8, check. Beautifully made and memorable interior? It's gorgeous, to hell with Remote Touch. Check. Comfortable and reasonably practical? Superb seats and, uh, yeah. Makes me want to stand there and stare at it? You bet. Though I long figured my heart would say LC but my head "Porsche 911," after this go-around, that's no longer the case. LC, pretty please. 2020-lexus-lc500-f34-2 View 19 Photos Polestar 1 I actually feel lucky that I got to drive the Polestar 1. Only 150 will be produced each year, and it's a far more special thing than it would initially appear. And that's despite initially appearing to be a beautiful, classic two-door GT car with a roof so rakish it's only possible because it's made of carbon fiber. That itÂ’s a massively powerful plug-in hybrid with more all-electric range than any other PHEV is a thick dollop of whipped cream on a slice of Toscakaka. You know, Swedish dessert, Swedish car. Fine, I'll stick to Ikea references.  Polestar1_Launch_SanFrancisco-0014 View 44 Photos Volvo V60 Cross Country Speaking of Sweden, did I drive this car off the road there? Sure did! And despite this, the V60 Cross Country scratches that certain wagon itch and looks sensational to boot. I wish it were available with the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it's best not to get greedy at Christmas.

Junkyard Gem: 1992 Mazda MX-3

Back in the early 1990s, American car shoppers could choose from an extravaganza of sporty-looking front-wheel-drive coupes. The Geo Storm GSi may have offered the most performance per dollar, but the early Mazda MX-3 made a lot of sense as a reasonably fun commuter car. The MX-3, based on the 323/Protege chassis (and thus a close cousin to the Ford Escort of the same era) could be purchased in the United States for the 1992 through 1996 model years, and junkyard examples have become very hard to find. Here's a '92 in a Colorado Springs yard. MX-3 buyers could get a 1.8-liter V6 with 130 horsepower in 1992, but this is the SOHC 1.6-liter four with just 88 horses. Dual-overhead-cam versions of this engine went into the Miata and most members of the 323/Escort family. With an automatic transmission, you had a sedate, sensible commuter appliance that looked fairly sharp in the business-park lot. With the DOHC 1.6-liter engine (available for the last few years of MX-3 sales here), these cars were quick. In the early days of the 24 Hours of Lemons, a team with a pair of MX-3s dominated the Southern races for several years. They didn't have much power, but reliability and predictable handling wins endurance races. Not very close to the magical 200,000-mile mark. Another in my series of Junkyard Car With Pikes Peak photographs. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Such an adventurous car. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The small-displacement V6 was a big selling point in Japan. Related Video: