Just when you think things couldn’t get better, Mazda has improved its acclaimed Skyactiv engine technology, writes Robin Roberts. Constant engine development and software revisions have improved combustion and power, reduced emissions and extended economy in the latest e-Skyactiv X. We tried it out in the newest popular Mazda3 186ps GT Sport, costing from just over £28,000. The … [Read more...]
First drive: Mazda MX-30
Making its move into the electric generation of modern cars, the Mazda MX-30 lands squarely in the middle-ground of the market. Based on the stable-mate CX-30 crossover costing about £2,500 less, the MX-30’s 35.5kWh lithium-ion traction battery has added weight to the platform. Mazda has kept this as low as possible and not utilised a heavier battery as in some rivals and last year, the MX-30 … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX-5 R-Sport SE
The world’s best selling two-seater sports car has just become much rarer. The Mazda MX-5 R Sport Convertible is limited to 150 examples in the UK, where it has consistently led the sector since introduced in the '90s with revisions and upgrades keeping it at the forefront of demand without diluting its simple and so satisfying basic design. This stand-out MX-5 Convertible features … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX-30 2.0 180ps 2WD GT Sport
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...]
