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Rumored Mazda CX-3 may not be for US

Mazda has used its Kodo design language to make some of the most attractive, affordable cars in the world right now, with the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 (pictured above), but it still lacks a crossover in the smaller class, which are becoming popular on the world market. It seems like a natural fit then, that the Japanese company would shrink its CUV design even smaller for a CX-3 to fill the gap. However, a rumor suggests that the compact might not make it to these shores.
The Mazda2-based crossover is due later this summer in Japan and is launching in Europe and emerging markets later, according to Automotive News citing a report in Japan's Nikkei newspaper. The little CUV would cost between 1.5 million yen and 2.0 million yen ($14,700-$19,500) in Japan and be available with diesel and petrol engine options. However, the report made no mention of selling it in North America. There is a glimmer of a chance for the CX-3 here. Mazda is upgrading its Mexican factory to 230,000 annual unit capacity by 2016, which gives it the room to add the new vehicle.
While the midsize CUVs are hugely popular in the US, compacts like the Buick Encore are still a small portion of things. If Mazda could time the CX-3's launch right here, it could take advantage of the lack of competition.

Asian automakers still reluctant to use more aluminum

There's a logical progression of technology in the auto industry. We've seen it with things like carbon-ceramic brakes, which use to be the sole domain of six-figure sports cars, where they often cost as much as an entry level Toyota Corolla. Now, you can get them on a BMW M3 (they're still pricey, at $8,150). Who knows, maybe in the next four a five years, they'll be available on something like a muscle car or hot hatchback. Aluminum has had a similar progression, although it's further along, moving from the realm of Audi and Jaguar luxury sedans to Ford's most important product, the F-150. With the stuff set to arrive in such a big way on the market, we should logically expect an all-aluminum Toyota Camry or Honda Accord soon, right? Um, wrong. Reuters has a great report on what's keeping Asian manufacturers away from aluminum, and it demonstrates yet another stark philosophical difference between automakers in the east and those in the west. Of course, there's a pricing argument at play. But it's more than just the cost of aluminum sheet (shown above) versus steel. Manufacturing an aluminum car requires extensive retooling of existing factories, not to mention new relationships with suppliers and other logistical and financial nightmares. Factor that in with what Reuters calls Asian automaker's preference towards "evolutionary upgrades," and the case for an all-aluminum Accord is a difficult one. Instead, manufacturers in the east are focusing on developing even stronger steel as a means of trimming fat, although analysts question how long that practice can continue. Jeff Wang, the automotive sales director for aluminum supplier Novelis, predicts that we'll see a bump in aluminum usage from Japanese and Korean brands in the next two to three years, and that it will be driven by an influx of aluminum-based vehicles from western automakers into China. Only time will tell if he's proven right. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Sean Gallup / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Honda Hyundai Mazda Nissan Toyota Technology aluminum

Mazda seemingly confirms turbo Mazda3, plus reveal date

Yes, you read that right, Mazda seems to have confirmed that a 2021 Mazda3 turbo is on the way. The company replied to multiple tweets asking about such a car, including one from yours truly, with a teaser video and the phrase "Power comes to those who wait." This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.   That context is important since the teaser doesn't say anything explicitly. It does have a soundtrack of a mean sounding four-cylinder. It also has a date: July 8, 2020. So we should see the car in just a couple of weeks. Many reports have circulated about the turbo Mazda3. The most recent asserts that it will be available in both sedan and hatchback variants, but that it may only come with an automatic transmission. The engine will probably be the same turbocharged 2.5-liter unit from the Mazda6, CX-5 and CX-9, which makes 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That would put it in close proximity to the VW GTI and Subaru WRX. We'll be curious if Mazda also offers all-wheel drive, since it's available with the turbo engine in the CX-5 and CX-9. Odds are the car will also be tuned and marketed as a more mature vehicle than other hot hatches or the old Mazdaspeed3. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.