I have always been sceptical of the car awards bandwagon, until now. In the week I was testing the Mazda CX-30 I learned it is one of the SUV finalists in the 2020 World Car Awards, and it is probably justified being included. Even before it was introduced, CX-30 picked up a five-star Euro NCAP rating for its adult occupant safety and range of i-Active sense safety features such … [Read more...]
Mazda CX-30 order books open
The new Mazda CX-30 enters the booming SUV sector in January. Sitting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the newcomer is priced from £22,895 for the 26 models in five trim levels, with rear or 4WD and 122ps or 180ps 2.0 litre Skyactiv petrol engines, 6sp manual or automatic transmission. Both units feature the latest compression ignition petrol engine in two power outputs and have 24v mild-hybrid … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda3 2.0GT Sport 180ps
Some cars are just in your face, over-hyped and over-sold, but not the Mazda3. This refreshed and revised mid-sized model has an appeal with its restrained but attractive styling, purposeful fittings and ultra efficient powertrains. Oh and a growing list of awards, particularly with a “family” cachet to them. Perhaps, not surprisingly, its economy has won praise from those canny Scottish … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda3 2.0 122ps Sport Lux 5dr
A lot is being pinned on the all-new Mazda3 hatchback, and deservedly so. Launched in the UK in spring 2019, it is competing in a tough sector of family and company cars but its about to get a big boost this autumn. The new Mazda3 hatchbacks initially came with either a 122ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol or 116ps Skyactiv-D diesel engine, in five trim levels: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda6 Tourer Sport Nav+ 165ps
The Mazda6 has undergone a transformation this year. Announced in July, the new Mazda6 series is radically different and upgraded to the previous generation both outside and in, and the emphasis has been to ramp up driving enjoyment and safety technology with more features than ever before as standard. It’s an impressive package for a mainstream model which can stand wing to wing with much more … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX5 2.0 Z-Sport
Summer is never complete for me without testing the latest Mazda MX5 roadster, writes Robin Roberts. It is arguably the most successful modern sports car and exudes excitement from its simple but clean lines and combines ability with agility so it covers the miles and makes winding country roads a delight to drive as well. It’s really no wonder it was to Mazda that Fiat turned to when it … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX5 2.2D Automatic
Mazda has a thoroughly deserved reputation for quietly getting on with the job and building some great if unassuming cars, such as the CX5 SUV. It also proves it’s not a one-trick pony best known for the stunning sporty MX-5 two-seater. No, it also builds a very good SUV in the shape of the CX5 and you may consider it’s the natural step up from the sports car when family responsibilities kick … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX5 RF 1.5 Sport Nav
Somethings are worth waiting for. At the Mazda MX5 RF launch in February only the 2.0 litre versions were available and remembering how impressed I was by the lasting memory of the original MX5 with its 1.6 litre engine many years ago I was eager to try the 1.5 entry level model in today’s range. It was worth the wait. I have always liked the folding fabric roof of the original and … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX- 5 AWD 2.2
In an industry that thrives on awards and recognition, the trophy for modesty would go to Mazda, writes Robin Roberts To many it’s a one-model marque made famous by the sporting MX-5, but in reality and among those in the know, there is a much bigger range behind it including hatchbacks, business executive models, and SUVs. The CX-5 SUV is one of the least known of its type and probably not … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX5 SE-L Nav
Britain and sports cars go hand in driving glove, which explains the remarkable success of the Mazda MX-5. Since its launch in 1989, the agile two-seater has been a remarkable success among UK buyers and the latest fourth generation of the iconic car, which has won numerous awards for styling and engineering, is undoubtedly one of the best. Mazda has always kept to the original concept of a … [Read more...]
