2001 Mazda Mpv Lx Standard Passenger Van 3-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Remember that diesel Mazda has been promising? It's coming in the CX-5

Mazda has been talking about bringing a diesel to the US since the current Mazda 6 debuted. It's been delayed, delayed some more, and then seemingly forgotten, but now comes word that the diesel four-cylinder will arrive here in the second half of 2017. It's just coming in the CX-5 first, not the 6 sedan. The diesel in question is Mazda's Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter four, which makes 173 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque in other models. Putting it in a small crossover makes some sense, especially considering the recent announcement of a diesel Chevy Equinox. It's good news for choice and another sign that the diesel scandal brewhaha's effect on diesel decisions is blowing over. If it works in the CX-5, we may see this option spread throughout the Mazda lineup. Now if only someone could make a case for that rotary... Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mazda CX-5 View 9 Photos Green LA Auto Show Mazda Crossover Diesel Vehicles mazda cx-5 2016 LA Auto Show

2014 Mazda6 i Sport

In an automotive landscape dominated by platform sharing, technology exchange and any number of other cross-fertilization/cost-saving/amortization exercises, it's actually pretty rare that we get to drive a new car that is as "all-new" as this, the 2014 Mazda6. With brand-spanking new Skyactiv architecture throughout - engine, transmission, body and chassis all included - this 6 represents a new era of flexible production and cutting edge running gear for the happily lithe car company.
Our own Jonathon Ramsey did a cracking job of running the Mazda6 through its First Drive paces a few months ago, and sufficiently impressed upon us just how good looking a car this is for the midsize sedan segment. Suffice it to say, now, then, that this is easily the most interesting (and quite possibly the most beautiful) midsize sedan in the segment today. However, as Mr. Ramsey reviewed a fully contented example of the 6 - one equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission - we took advantage of Mazda's North American launch event of the car to suss out the base Mazda6 i Sport, complete with its six-speed Skyactiv manual gearbox. This may not shock you, but the stripper's pretty good, too.
Driving Notes

2018 Mazda6 refresh takes the car further upmarket

The 2018 Mazda6 is, on the surface, a very mild refresh. The front grille has been given more depth, and the fascia is generally cleaned up a bit, putting the design inline with the new CX-5 and future Mazda products. The interior has been given the same treatment: cleaned up and modernized. But throughout the car, some important updates under the skin make the 6 a more compelling product, and one that continues the company's push upmarket. The biggest change has already been partly revealed, and that's the addition of Mazda's turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It's the same engine found in the CX-9, and Mazda has now revealed it will make the same 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The engine will also happily accept 87-octane, in which case the engine will make 227 horsepower. Though the addition of this engine is welcome, we're a bit disappointed to learn that it will only be available with a six-speed automatic transmission. If we're lucky, we might see Mazda add a manual option, since when Mazda launched the current Mazda3, the larger 2.5-liter engine was initially only available with an automatic. But try not to get your hopes up too high, either. The good news is that Mazda will continue to offer a manual transmission as well as an automatic with the base, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine will now feature cylinder deactivation, as will the 2018 Mazda CX-5. This system will shut off the cylinders on each end at cruising speed to improve fuel economy. Official fuel economy ratings for both engines have yet to be released. Aside from the powertrain, Mazda says it has made a few other mechanical improvements. The suspension has been retuned, and the steering rack rigidly mounted to the chassis to improve handling. Thicker sheet metal for the rear wheel wells, thicker trailing arms, and a bevy of braces have also been added in order to reduce noise for a more refined driving experience. The interior has also been updated for more refinement, particularly on the new Signature trim model. The sleeker interior design on all Mazda6s is joined by redesigned seats Mazda says are more comfortable. Those seats are now available with optional ventilation. A windshield-projected heads-up display, adaptive cruise control that can bring the car to a stop and resume accelerating, as well as an instrument panel with a configurable 7-inch screen are other options.