Mazda Problems

After a period of building solid, but less than thrilling models Mazda has undergone a transformation in the last decade and now produces cars like the Mazda 2 that have plenty of pizzazz.Mazda has always produced nice cars, but there was often little to get excited about. There were exceptions of course, like the MX5 and RX7 to keep you thinking there just might be an exciting sedan coming, but for the most part they were staid middle of the road machines that simply didn’t get the juices flowing.That all ended with the Mazda 6 and the Mazda 3, and the release of the small Mazda 2 in 2002 completed the transformation of the range from ho-hum to hallelujah.MODEL WATCH There was plenty of small car history that preceded the front-wheel-drive, five-door Mazda 2 hatch, and plenty it had to live up to. The 121 ‘bubble’ car was an adventurous design with cute styling that stood out in the rather bland small car crowd and became a favourite with some sections of the market. That was followed by the clever 121 Metro, which went in the opposite direction in terms of styling, and was bland in the extreme.The Mazda 2’s job was to re-establish Mazda’s credentials in the small car field after the disappointing 121 Metro, and it did it well. So well, in fact, that it was hailed as the best small car of its time by many motoring scribes. It was upright in the way of the 121 Metro, but had none of the 121’s boxiness. It had style much in the way of the 121 ‘bubble’ without being too adventurous.Its lines were clear and precise, giving it an athletic look that was the very antithesis of the rounded ‘bubble’ car and the boxy Metro. The 2 was a car with a clean shape and purposefully flowing lines. It looked good, and still does.Inside it was a small car masterpiece, the dash was rated the best in a car on the south side of $50,000. That’s some praise and it was justified as the dash was attractively styled and practically laid out. Like the 121 Metro the interior of the 2 was roomy and flexible. The seats were comfortable and supportive; the rear seat was a 60/40 split-fold able to be slid back and forth for more room. Likewise the boot was roomy with a low floor for good storage capacity.Ample power came from a 1.5-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine that generated 82 kW at 6000 revs and 141 Nm at 4000 revs to give the little Mazda a generous amount of zip on the road.While it had variable valve timing it did need to be revved to around 3500 revs to get the most out of it. Under that it felt like it was lacking in torque. If asked, however, it would respond by sprinting to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds and account for the standing 400-metre dash in a reasonable 19 seconds.Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed auto, the latter a little soggy in use and not as smooth and flexible as some other small cars.There was nothing soggy about the Mazda 2’s on-road performance; however, it was well balanced, agile and responsive. Few small cars were thrown around on the road, they were mostly conservatively driven around town by people who couldn’t care less about handling, but there was fun to be had in the little Mazda if you cared, or dared, to explore its limits. The ride was also commendable. Well controlled, it was supple and very comfortable.All round, the Mazda 2 approached, and sometimes, exceeded similar sized European cars for its on-road sophistication. That was something few Japanese cars can claim. There were three models released at the launch of the Mazda 2: the Neo, Maxx and the Genki.The Neo opened the range and came with plenty of equipment, including a full array of dials, halogen headlights, air, central locking, a vast assortment of pockets, bins and holders to stow just about anything you might to carry, tilt-adjustment on the steering column, AM/FM radio and CD player, rear centre lap/sash belt among a raft of features.Step up to the Maxx and you found it also had alloy wheels, remote central locking, velour/cloth trim, in-dash six-stacker CD system and the driver’s window was powered. For more there was the oddly named Genki that added front fog lamps, ABS antiskid brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist to the list.IN THE SHOP Mazda build quality and design integrity means the Mazda 2 really only sees the dealer when it’s time for a service. Rarely does anything that go wrong. It’s worth checking for a service record to make sure it’s had regular oil changes... The all-alloy four-cylinder engine has a timing chain, not a belt; co there’s no call for a change.Other than that, test drive the vehicle and make sure the auto shifts smoothly, but positively. If it’s a manual make sure the clutch engages without slipping, it’s a little sharp in the take up so be aware that it’s normal. Make the usual checks for dings in the body, particularly at the extremities, which are the most vulnerable in parking lots.IN A CRASH Impressive primary safety performance was provided by the beaut chassis, its agility and responsiveness providing plenty of capability of getting out of trouble when faced with a crash situation. Beyond the crunch the seat belt pretensioners and load limiters, along with the front airbags came into play for the final layer of protection. An added bonus came in the knowledge that the Mazda 2 was given a five-star NCAP rating in its homeland.AT THE PUMP Mazda’s official fuel economy figures say the 2 will do around 6.5-7.0 L/100 km on average, which seems to be borne out by owners who report similar fuel consumption numbers.OWNERS SAY Kenn Sellick doesn’t plan to trade out of his 2002 Mazda 2 Neo manual any time soon. In the 145,000 km it’s done he’s only had to replace tyres, wiper blades and a wheel cover. He rates the 7.0 L/100 km he averages as disappointing, and doesn’t like the fact that it has a space-saver spare wheel.After owning a Mazda 121, which was utterly reliable for 16 years Jennifer Harris bought a Mazda 2 three years ago. She has now done 32,000 km in it, and says it’s the perfect car for her use. The interior is versatile and has plenty of room for four adults, and the seat height means she can slide in sideways without having to lower herself into it. She also praises the performance in second and third gear, saying it has plenty of pull.Greg Dower has done 25,000 km in his 2005 Mazda 2 Maxx and says it is great, but a little under-powered. He says the air works well in summer, and he likes the steering wheel controls for the sound system, but criticizes the wind noise around the rear view mirrors, the space-saver spare, and the odd tyre size with the alloy wheels that are expensive to replace.Paul Rolands bought a Mazda Neo manual new in 2003. It has now done 130,000 km and he says he is more than happy with it. It copes really well with the twisty roads he regularly drives on and he says it’s head and shoulders above the 1998 Hyundai Excel it replaced, the gearshift is very good, and the fuel consumption varies between 6.3 and 6.6 L/100 km. There have been no problems apart from an erratic fuel gauge, the clutch feel, and he would like more torque at low range to improve the low-end performance.LOOK FOR • Stylish looks• Roomy and flexible interior• Good fuel economy• Low-end performance soggy• Brilliant handling• Good build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINE Small wonder, this little Mazda is a gemRATING 85/100

Mazda has undergone a reincarnation in recent times with a raft of new and exciting models like the 3. The respected Japanese company has renewed its entire range in just six years or so, from the diminutive 2 in 2002 to the exhilarating RX8 in 2003, and then the 3 a year later.The 3 replaced the highly regarded 323 in the old range, a car that had won the hearts and minds of many Australians over the previous 30 years, but brought with it a touch of the Mazda ‘Zoom-Zoom’.MODEL WATCH While it was a popular small car the 323 had lost much of its gloss by the time the 3 was launched amid Mazda’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’ renewal. As a result the 3 faced a big task. It had to win back 323 buyers to the fold and make new conquests to keep the Mazda resurgence zooming along.At first glance the 3 was unmistakably new, from top to bottom, bumper to bumper. It looked good from all angles with its striking lines and balanced proportions. Mazda offered two body styles, a five-door hatch for the young and progressive, and a four-door sedan for older motorists who liked the familiarity and security a sedan offered. It not only looked different to the middle-of-the-road 323 it replaced, it was also bigger in all dimensions compared to its illustrious predecessor.The larger exterior dimensions resulted in a roomier interior with good front and rear shoulder room and plenty of leg room for the five adults it’s capable of accommodating. Add to that a large and flexible luggage compartment, and a number of useful storage options and the Mazda 3 is more than capable of satisfying the needs of a modern family.The upright design of the 3, along with a higher seating position also makes its easier to get in an out, an important consideration for ageing motorists who might be thinking of a 3.There were two engines offered in the Mazda 3. The first was a 2.0-litre all-alloy, double overhead camshaft unit boasting 104 kW at 6000 revs and 181 Nm at 4500 revs, respectively 13 per cent and eight per cent more than the 1.8-litre engine in the old 323.A 2.0-litre engine powered the Neo, Maxx and Maxx Sport models, but the sports SP23 had the extra zip of a 2.3-litre engine, which featured variable valve timing, and gave out 115 kW at 6500 revs and 203 Nm at 4500 revs.Buyers could choose between a four-speed automatic tuned for lively acceleration, or a five-speed manual with improved synchronisers for smoother shifting and a cable shift for quieter operation and less vibration. Underneath there was new front and rear suspension that was tuned for a more dynamic drive, new electro-hydraulic power steering and more powerful brakes for better stopping.The 3 range began with the Neo, which came with air, a CD player, remote central locking, tilt and reach adjustable steering column, and a height adjustable driver’s seat. Go to the Maxx and you got side and curtain airbags, ABS anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, a six in-dash CD player and steering wheel-mounted controls. If you went for the Maxx Sport you also got front fog lamps, side skirts, rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels.Then, at the very top of the range sat the SP23 sports hatch. It had everything, from a full body kit, 17-inch alloys, climate control air, sports trim, to a leather wheel and shift knob.IN THE SHOP Mazdas generally cause their owners little concern; they are robust and reliable. The only complaint that is regularly aired by owners is the level of road noise that is audible in the cabin. It is of more concern to hatch owners than it is to those who own sedans, but there’s little that can be done about it. Make the usual checks for evidence of a bingle, and carefully check around the fringes for parking scrapes.Under the bonnet check the oil. Missed oil changes can lead to sludge and ultimately cause the demise of the engine. Make sure of servicing to ensure your car of choice has regularly seen the inside of a service garage during its life.IN A CRASH All models in the 3 range had dual-stage front airbags for the driver and passenger with seatbelt pretensioners, load limiters, and lap/sash belts for all five occupants. For more protection in the Neo you could option it up with a Safety Pack, which gave you front side and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. All of that came standard on the rest of the range.AT THE PUMP The Mazda3 is in the small car mix in terms of fuel consumption. It will return 8.5-9.0 L/100 km in manual form; the auto will sip about half a litre more per 100 km.LOOK FOR • Dynamic styling• Roomy interior• Zippy performance• Good build quality• Respected brandTHE BOTTOM LINE Good-looking, well-built small car with plenty of room and economical performance.RATING 78/100

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.