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Mazda3 to showcase CNG, Hybrid versions in Tokyo

Mazda has made huge gains in its competitive set with the introduction of its Skyactiv technologies, and the Japanese automaker appears to have no plans on slowing down. While we're still waiting for the Mazda6 Skyactiv-D diesel to go on sale in the US, Mazda announced that it will debut new Skyactiv-Hybrid and Skyactiv-CNG versions of the Mazda3 (standard US-spec model shown above) at next month's Tokyo Motor Show.
Matching up with what we heard earlier in the summer, the Mazda3 Skyactiv-Hybrid is intended for Japan only, but there are no details about this system regarding fuel economy, electric components or specs. Likewise, there are no details for the Mazda3 Skyactiv-CNG Concept, which is a bi-fuel version of the car running on both gasoline and compressed natural gas. As this car's name suggests, the CNG model is a concept vehicle, and there is no indication that Mazda plans offering such a model here in the US.
In addition to these two vehicles, Mazda will also have an Atenza (Mazda6) on display showing off some vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) safety systems, called the ASV-5 (Advanced Safety Vehicle). Scroll down for Mazda's official press release.

Mazda introduces gray-themed Carbon Edition because black is overdone

Automakers have rolled out a parade of blacked-out special editions lately, from Nightshade Toyotas to Midnight Edition Chevrolets to Black Edition Ram pickups. Mazda is taking a different — but not too different — path with its just-announced Carbon Edition models. These special versions of the 2021 Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9 feature an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior hue with blacked-out trim and a black metallic finish for the wheels (hey, you knew it had to be somewhere). Inside, the gray exterior is contrasted with a red leather interior — which actually sounds kinda cool. There are more black accents in the cabin, continuing the theme. Mazda has not yet released details of the 2021 lineups for these three models, so we don't exactly know where the Carbon Edition stands within the trim hierarchy. Mazda did say that all Carbon Editions will have Bose premium audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Nor do we have pricing, which should be announced with the rest of the 2021-model-year info for these vehicles. If Polymetal Gray just isn't dark enough for these admittedly dark times, rest assured that all three of these Mazdas also are available in Jet Black Mica, for those who can't resist the urge to paint it black. Related Video:

Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru expand global Takata recalls by 715k [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Subaru of America spokesperson Michael McHale tells Autoblog that the company is recalling 78,000 Imprezas from the 2004 and 2005 model years in the US. This is a national expansion of the company's previous regional recall for the Impreza. The Takata airbag inflator recall just keeps growing. The latest expansion encompasses 715,000 vehicles from Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. Many of the affected models are in Japan. The largest expansion from these three automakers comes from Mitsubishi. According to Reuters, the company is adding 100,000 vehicles in Japan and 412,000 outside of the country without identifying any specific regions. Mazda is issuing safety campaigns for 112,000 vehicles in Japan, and some of these include models that the company produces there for Mitsubishi and Nissan, according to Reuters. In statement to Autoblog (embedded below), Mazda said that it is still evaluating the situation in terms of a possible effect on the US. Finally, Subaru is calling in 91,000 Imprezas in Japan. At this time, it isn't clear whether Mitsubishi's or Subaru's expansions affect the United States, but Autoblog has reached out to them for more information. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, exposure to moisture can cause the propellant in these inflators to ignite too quickly and cause these dangerous ruptures. Takata has also been investigating the problem. Related Video: Mazda statement "We are aware of the NHTSA/Takata announcement, and are evaluating the effects of it on Mazda. As soon as we have had a chance to fully evaluate the situation – number of vehicles affected, age of those vehicles, where they're located, etc. – we will be able to share those details."