2020 MAZDA6 SPORT WAGON REVIEW

Australians have loved station wagon for many decades. Our mobile lifestyles mean we like to carry bulky items, either on holiday trips or to move house from one place to another. These days traditional station wagons have largely been replaced by SUVs and 4WDs on many people’s shopping lists, but there are still those who prefer lower, more stylish wagons that give sedan-like comfort. Mazda may have what is generally the biggest selling SUV in Australia in the CX-5, but still offers a conventional wagon in the form of the… Read more

MAZDA CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

Celebrating 100 years since its foundation as a cork manufacturer in January 1920, Mazda Corporation will release a 100th Anniversary Special Edition series of its major models. The special edition models pay homage to the company’s first passenger car, the R360 Coupe. Mazda says it was designed to make car ownership accessible to many. It was powered by a four-cylinder engine driving through an automatic transmission. An R360 Coupe was best-demonstrated in Australia on a 1,500km Perth to Esperance and back endurance drive in 1961. As a nod to the… Read more

MAZDA CX-5 HAS ADDED OFF-ROAD APPEAL

In an interesting move Mazda CX-5 has answered the critics who say too many SUVs aren’t really aimed at off-road use. Leading the 2020 upgrades is a new Off-Road Traction Assist function in all AWD models. With the push of a button the AWD and traction control systems effectively electronically lock the rear differential in the same way rugged 4×4 vehicles operate. It then distributes the right amount of torque to the tyres that have grip to extricate the vehicle by suppressing tyre spin to maximise traction. The updated Mazda… Read more

2020 MAZDA CX-30 TOURING

  Mazda CX-30 is an SUV that sits neatly between Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in size and price. These days many so-called SUVs are only driven by two wheels — the CX-30 is offered with a choice between two and all-wheel drive. At the media launch of the CX-30 we spent two days and almost 500 km driving in Melbourne traffic, as well as on country roads and motorways on a roundabout trip to Cape Schenk. Now we’ve completed another 450 km during our week with the Mazda in our… Read more

MAZDA CX-8 NOW OFFERED WITH PETROL POWER

Mazda CX-8 is now offered with petrol power. Previously all came to Australia with turbo-diesel engines. At the same time as introducing the new engine more variants were added, safety was upgraded and convenience have been further improved. Petrol power for the 2020 update comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit (140 kW and 252 Nm ) driving only the front wheels. Mazda is promoting it as being for urban owners, while the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is for those planning a lot of country driving. We’re not sure if we agree… Read more

MAZDA CX-30 FIRST DRIVE

Mazda CX-30 is an SUV that sits neatly between Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in size and price. In times when fewer and fewer so-called SUVs are only driven by two wheels the CX-30 is offered with a choice between two and all-wheel drive. Interestingly its chief designer, Ryo Yanagisawa, who travelled to Australia for the media launch of the vehicle calls it, “a crossover SUV”. Mazda Australia chief, Vinesh Bhindi, says “All-New Mazda CX-30 is the perfect middle ground between small and medium SUV, giving customers a really sensible alternative… Read more

MAZDA CX-9 UPGRADES

Mazda Australia has advised of a series of worthwhile technical, infotainment and styling updates to its CX-9 large SUV. A hands-free tailgate using a simple kick gesture will make life simpler if you have a load in your hands. Mazda CX-9’s centre infotainment screen has been enlarged to nine inches. The addition of USB ports further improves third-row functionality. Third row access has been made safer and easier with the implementation of a switch that tilts the seat forward on the side of the seat cushion where third row passenger… Read more

MAZDA CX-3 2015 – 2018

Sold in Australia since April 2015, the Mazda CX-3 was classed as an SUV but is better regarded as a sensible crossover between a hatchback and an SUV. It was immediately popular so even the oldest ones are now available in quite large numbers on the used car scene. Styling is another major factor in the big sales numbers, with a continuation of the Mazda Kodo theme with its distinctive from and long bonnet. The familiar Mazda model names of Neo and Maxx are used for the CX-3, but are… Read more

MAZDA UPDATES MX-5

An updated Mazda MX-5 will go on sale in Australia in early 2020. However changes are relatively minor, with an emphasis on the interior. There are revisions to interior materials with RF GT models getting Burgundy Nappa leather punctuated with a light grey stitch to create a more luxurious cabin atmosphere. Across other parts of the range, both Tan and Black leather options have also been revised, adding perforations that give a sporty texture and boost to comfort. The GT range also gets stainless steel scuff plates to minimise damage… Read more

MAZDA2 GETS NEW LOOK, ADDED SAFETY

Mazda Australia has announced updates for Mazda2 which are based on feedback from owners and potential buyers and comes with grown-up styling enhancements and high-tech features never before available in the compact car segment. The smallest Mazda sold here has received a facelift that brings it into line with big brothers Mazda3 and Mazda6. The signature wing badge has been extended to the base of the headlamps and is chrome thickened, encasing a new mesh grille. Front and rear lower bumper sections are more horizontally aligned, with garnishes at the… Read more