Mazda 2 News

Just as rear-wheel drive die-hard BMW prepares its first front-wheel drive models, Mazda could be plotting a return to the layout for future passenger vehicles.Mazda has never let go of rear-wheel drive for its sporty MX-5 and its light commercial BT-50 range, and Edmunds reports that there is a push from within the Japanese brand to revert to rear-drive for more mainstream models as a means of differentiation. Mazda, along with most other brands, abandoned rear-drive for its mainstream models in the early 1980s due to inherent cost, packaging, weight, and efficiency compromises. The last Mazda passenger car to send power to the rear wheels only was the top-line HE-generation 929 model, which bowed out in 1997.Nowadays, the mainstream Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6 models are all front-drive, with the CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs also using a front-biased transverse engine layout.Rear-drive remains the accepted choice on a purely dynamic basis, with the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus maintaining the layout as a design fundamental.A Mazda rear-wheel drive shift could enhance the brand’s appeal to enthusiast drivers, but the inherent challenges would need to be overcome to maintain mainstream appeal.Premium brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed to remain successful with rear-drive mainstream models, and look to continue limiting front-drive options to the smaller, more cost-conscious ends of their respective ranges.Significantly, BMW and Mercedes’ big-selling rear drivers sit well up the price scale from any Mazda offering – helping to justify their expensive development. The Mazda push is reportedly coming from within its engineering department, but top management is said to be cold on the idea due to the cost of rejigging platforms to suit. Justification could come thanks to Alfa Romeo’s own desire for more rear-wheel drive models, considering the two brands’ existing relationship for the upcoming Alfa Spider/next MX-5 duo. It’s a long shot at this stage, with no official confirmation of such a strategy, but the rumoured replacement for the defunct RX-7 and RX-8 sports coupes would be a logical first step.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

Mazda has dropped all three variants of the Mazda 2 -- Neo, Maxx and Genki – replacing them with two new ones: the Neo Sport and Maxx Sport. But buyers who expect handling or performance upgrades to match the new name will be disappointed.The Sport moniker is simply to differentiate the new range from the previous one. Unlike rivals such as the Suzuki Swift -- where the Sport name brings more power, reduced weight and upgraded suspension and braking --  the Mazda 2 Sport models offer only cosmetic and equipment changes.Under the bonnet is the same 1.5-litre 76kW unit as before, attached to either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. The entry-level Neo Sport matches the outgoing model's entry level price of $15,790 price for a manual or $17,440 for the automatic, but now includes 15-inch alloy wheels.The big winner is the Maxx Sport, which builds on the old Maxx equipment list and adds fog lamps, chrome exhaust and trip computer. A refreshed interior has also been added, with red stitching on the seats, and red leather steering wheel.Opt for the manual and you’ll also get a leather gear shift knob. The Maxx Sport also scores standard climate control, and an ambient temperature readout in the instrument cluster.The extra equipment on the Maxx Sport represents $1200 worth of value over the old Maxx model. To further sweeten the deal, Mazda has priced the Maxx Sport $760 lower than the outgoing Maxx. This brings the new range-topper’s price down to $16,930 for the manual and $18,580 for the automatic.The now discontinued $20,495 Genki ($22,145 for the auto) was the last Mazda 2 to feature automatic rain sensing wipers, side skirts, 16-inch alloy wheels and automatic headlights. Of these, only the side skirts are now available as optional equipment, with the rest of the equipment now discontinued from the range.Mazda sold 1106 of the Mazda 2 in July; 156 units behind the top-placed Hyundai i20, and just 50 behind the Toyota Yaris. Mazda hopes the refreshed range will help it claw back to the top of the sales ladder - a position it held until earlier this year.To help achieve this task, the Mazda 2 has also borrowed two new colours from its recently introduced bigger sibling, the Mazda 6. Available across the range at no extra cost are Jet Black Mica and Blue Reflex Mica, bringing the total colour choices to eight. 

So much for the push towards greener cars. In automotive terms Australia is about to become the 51st state of the USA.Australians are moving closer to North Americans in their taste in vehicles. For the first time ever there is now almost an exact 50:50 split between the sales of passenger cars – and utes and SUVs. The same ratio seen for decades in pick-up and SUV-loving USA. Twenty years ago passenger cars accounted for more than 70 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia.Official figures released today confirm January 2013 was the strongest start to a year in Australian automotive history, eclipsing 85,000 deliveries for the first time – and the previous January record set in 2008 before the Global Financial Crisis.The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reports 41,957 passenger cars were delivered in January compared to 41,595 utes, vans and SUVs – a slim gap of 362 sales, or the equivalent of just three days of deliveries for the top-selling car, the Mazda3.“The trend towards SUVs and away from classic passenger cars is all to do with their style and versatility and mass-acceptability,” says David Chalke, a cultural change analyst with AustraliaScan. “Everybody’s doing it, there’s now a fear of being left out.”Chalke says SUVs are no longer the heathens of the road thanks to their new levels of fuel-efficiency. “The new ones use comparatively so little fuel most people don’t think they’re driving a 4WD,” he said. “In fact in many cases they’re not. They are often two-wheel-drive with the appearance of a 4WD.”FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says the mining boom is also driving ute and SUV sales. “Part of is the mining boom, part of it is private buyers seeking new levels of flexibility and cars that better suit their needs.”Australia’s three local car makers – Toyota, Holden and Ford – failed to cash-in. January is typically a slow month for sales of locally-made cars but they dropped by 28 per cent to an all-new low.Just 2722 Australian made cars were delivered in January – which means the combined sales of the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Ford Territory, Toyota Camry and Toyota Aurion ranked third -- an unprecedented status. Mazda3 was the top-selling car (3345 sales), followed by the Toyota Corolla (2960), the Toyota Hilux (2747), and the Nissan Navara (2474).The Ford Focus (2364) had its best month ever -- and helped drive Ford to a 33 per cent sales increase – but it outsold the Falcon by three-to-one. The Falcon (778 deliveries) is now selling at the same rate as the Mitsubishi 380 in the year before the factory closed. Ford’s Broadmeadows throughput is topped up by the production of Territory (up 44 per cent) and ute (down 22 per cent), but sales of both models are well down from their peaks.Holden says it has scaled back production of the Commodore (1650 deliveries) ahead of a new model due in showrooms in June. Toyota sold just 557 Camrys and 227 Aurion V6 sedans (down 57 and 77 per cent respectively). The FCAI’s Weber dismissed the weak sales of locally mades cars as “just one bad month, let’ see where it goes”. “We’re going to continue to see more and more market segmentation,” Weber said. “We won’t see just one car reach the massive volumes of years past.”In other highlights:Toyota was down 5 per cent but is set to lead the market for the 11th year in a row;Mazda outsold Holden to be second in the market for the fourth time ever (previous monthly second-placings: April, September and Dec 2012);Nissan is closing-in on Ford, less than 500 sales behind, threatening to push the Blue Oval brand to sixth;Honda had a blinder month, up 141 per cent from a low base – but still well down on its best year;Audi outsold BMW for the fourth January (previous wins were in ’09, ’11, ’12) and the sixth time ever (after previous wins in Feb ’11, Oct ’11) but Mercedes was top luxury brand;Sales of passenger cars fell by 1 per cent in a market that grew 11 per cent driven by surges in utes (up 43 per cent) and SUVs (up 20 per cent);The delivery of 1878 heavy trucks (up 10 per cent) takes January tally to 85,430.Top selling cars in January 2013Mazda3 3345Toyota Corolla 2960Toyota HiLux 2747Nissan Navara 2474Ford Focus 2364Hyundai i30 2006Holden Captiva 2155Mazda2 1665Holden Commodore 1650Holden Cruze 1630Mazda CX5 1625Top selling brands in January 2013Toyota 13,375 down 4.9pcMazda 8912 up 5.1pcHolden 8811 down 2.8pcFord 7721 up 32.3pcNissan 7248 up 35 pcHyundai 6816 up 4.7pcMitsubishi 4449 down 2.6pcVolkswagen 3824 up 13.6pcHonda 3816 up 141pcSubaru 3104 down 3.2pcThis reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

The Wall of Death is normally reserved for lunatics, death-wishers, and extreme sports freaks. But the normally very sensible Mazda 2 took on the Wall of Death on April 1.The catch? Yes, this was done as part of the annual April Fools Day releases by carmakers all over the world. But this one was no hoax.“There’s no CGI, there’s no trick – the Mazda2 actually performed the stunt. It was done for April 1, but it’s the real thing,” Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver says.

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.

It takes just two days for Mark Webber to go from nearly-a-winner in the 2010 Formula One world championship to a dominant winner in the Spanish Grand Prix. He slaps his rivals through qualifying at Catalunya and then drives away from them on Sunday afternoon."It was my day today. It was a special victory. The first one is good but this one is right up there with it," says Webber.  Those two days of work also instal Webber as one of the favourites for this year's world title, as he and Sebastian Vettel share a Red Bull racer that is now clearly the fastest car in the field and unlikely to be threatened through 2010.Two days at home last week also brings a staggering contrast between two new cars: the latest Mazda2 and the new Volkswagen Polo.  I am impressed by Mazda's decision to price the new Two from $16,990 driveaway, even if the cosmetic and mechanical changes for 2010 are pretty minor. The car always drove well enough and the update is good for the class, although not a sharp as the Ford Fiesta and not as quiet overall as I had hoped.The new Mazda2 also picks up a sedan for the family, which could give a showroom edge.  Then I drive the Polo - and realise the rules have changed.  The new Volkswagen baby is a mini-Golf and clearly the best in the class, even ahead of my previous personal favourite, the Fiesta. It's even priced well, with a $16,690 bottom line for the basic three-door car.What makes the Polo so good is a quality feel, solid driving dynamics, and the sort of safety - six airbags, anti-skid brakes and ESP - which should be standard in every new car today.  Carsguide readers continue to question Volkswagen quality, and the spate of engine failures in the Golf is a big worry, but when it has cars as good as the new Polo it should be strong for the long haul.Follow Paul Gover on Twitter!

Small car sales were up more than 40 per cent last month as the industry tracks to a bumper one million-plus sales year. Budget buys continue to dominate, filling out seven of the top 10 sales spots in April.South Korean importer Hyundai was one of the stars, recording 16 consecutive months of month-on-month sales growth. Its sales are up 65 per cent this year. Hyundai's budget sub-$15,000 Getz and i30 hatch, which starts around $20,300, are the big sellers. Spokesman, Stephen Howard, said more buyers are chasing value for money with small cars. "And that's our whole philosophy," he said.Toyota's HiLux ute was the No1 seller last month, beating the Holden Commodore by just 254 cars. Despite the popularity of the workman's ute, the home-grown Holden remains the country's top selling family sedan. More than 14,500 Commodores have been sold this year.Solid sales delivered the second highest April result on record. Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that 81,401 vehicles were sold last month, up 27 per cent on the same month in 2009. FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said most segments were strong."It is certainly very encouraging and shows the competition between the brands is intense," he said. "But challenges still remain."McKellar warns that interest rate increases could dampen demand in coming months. "However, the industry is hopeful that they are now at a level where further increases will be more difficult to justify," he said.Toyota holds on to its top selling position with a market share of 20.5 per cent. Holden is in second spot with 12.2 per cent and Ford third with 10.1 per cent. This year-to-date, 333,228 vehicles have been sold.Top 10 sellers1 Toyota HiLux 34192 Holden Commodore 31653 Mazda3 30794 Toyota Corolla 28295 Ford Falcon 27636 Holden Cruze 25147 Hyundai i30 24838 Hyundai Getz 21929 Mitsubishi Lancer 191210 Toyota Yaris 1799

The baby of the Mazda lineup is going through a mid-life update and, as part of the changes, a three-box sedan will join the 2 range. But it will come at a price, as the three-door hatch will be dumped.Mazda Australia refuses to talk about the full implications of the switch, which comes as it changes the Mazda2 supply line from Japan to Thailand. "The opportunity was there. It seemed a reasonably straightforward business decision," says Mazda Australia's marketing chief, Alastair Doak. "They are building the car in Thailand for the Asia-Pacific region. We already get shipments of the BT50 (ute) from Thailand, so that makes it easier."Doak refuses to discuss the showroom implications of the Thailand change, even though it could lead to a better bottom line for buyers. There is a slightly cheaper import duty from Thailand and also the potential for a lower manufacturing cost. "Currently we're at $17,490 drive-away. We're more more than happy," he says. "Exchange rate has a much bigger bearing on prices than tariff rates."Doak says he is happy with the sales rate for the Mazda2, which appeals more to customers looking for quality than a super-low price. "It's going really well and the last few months have been very, very strong. The car is not down. A lot of cars in the baby segment are considerably cheaper, but that's not a space that we want to play."Doak admits the sedan will not be a huge seller for Mazda, but believes it can work. "The sedan market in Australia for these sized cars isn't huge, but there is a market there. It will potentially appeal to a slightly older buyer, and we think that's an opportunity. There is enough interest to justify bringing in the sedan."The Mazda2 sedan will come with 15 inch alloy wheels, airconditioning and power windows and mirrors. On the safety front it will have front-side-curtain airbags and anti-skid brakes. The engine will be unchanged with a 1.5-litre four that produces 76kW with fuel economy of 6.4 litres/100km.

The range will be built at the Auto Alliance Thailand plant - which already builds BT-50s for Australia and will build around 50,000 Mazda 2s for Asian markets - and it's expected to arrive in Australia from mid-2010.Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson wasn't prepared to talk in more detail about the pricing structure for the Thai-sourced Mazda2.  The AAT plant boasts Mazda's three-layer wet paint system and Mr Dickson said it was a good opportunity for Mazda to bring the sedan - which boasts a 450-litre boot - here."We are delighted to be able to offer Australians the all-new Mazda2 sedan and moving to Thailand production enables us to do this," he says.  "I can confirm one of the year's worst kept secrets - from mid 2010 Australia bound 2s will be built in Thailand.  The second part is we will be able to offer the Mazda2 sedan - it sits on the same wheelbase as the hatch, has the same 1.5-litre engine - we don't have any pricing or volume information yet," he says."It is too early to talk pricing, but we're not backward in coming forward and being competitive," he says.  Mr Dickson says the company was looking forward to 2010 after 2009, which he says should have been a disastrous year for the industry."October 09 was the first year-on-year in crease in 16 months, since July 2008 - for the balance of this year we're expecting a good November and December.  Mr Dickson believes 2009 will end up being between 10 and 11 per cent down.  "But that pales by comparison to the 35 per cent setback between 1985 and 1987, and the 17 per cent setback in 1991 - we have got off lightly this year," he says."We're very proud of what we've achieved, we'll fall back about six per cent in sales, but we've picked 0.6 percentage points since July 2008 - the second best market share improvement in the industry," he says.

The company debuts its small Kiyora ‘Sky Concept’ car today at the Tokyo Motor Show.  It is 100kg lighter and about 25cm shorter than the Mazda 2 and features the more efficient Sky-G (gasoline) engine and Sky-Drive automatic transmission.While Sky project boss Nobuhiro Hayama would not say which vehicles would be the first to receive the Sky-G or Sky-D (diesel) powertrains with Sky-Drive, he said they would be introduced as new models came to market.  The Mazda2 is possibly the next new model and is about the same size as the concept car.Hayama said Mazda’s Sky concept communicates three ideas.  “To provide joy of driving, environmental and safety to all customers under the beautiful blue sky,” he said.  “The sky is the limit. There is no limitation to our possibility.”Sky-G features direct injection technology and has 15 per cent more torque and 15 per cent better fuel economy than current petrol engines, matching current levels of their diesel engines.  The Sky-D diesel engines would also have better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions at ‘significantly’ lower costs, he said.  The Sky-drive transmissions would be lighter and smoother.Hayama also announced company targets for CO2 emission reductions of 20 per cent and fuel economy improvements of 30 per cent by 2015 and the introduction of electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered electric vehicles by 2020.  He said their electric devices would be introduced ‘step by step’.The first step is the introduction of ‘i-stop’ (idling stop) which is already available in Mazda 3 and the Biante in Japan.It will be rolled out with new models.  The technology uses combustion to restart the engine rather than a starter motor, resulting in a 0.35 second restart which is twice as fast as other stop-start technologies on the market.  The second step would be regenerative braking to recharge the main battery.The third step would be plug-in HEVs and battery-powered EVs, he said.  “It will be provided at an affordable price,” Hayama said.  “This is the most realistic approach.”Make One Degree of difference today by calculating your carbon footprint and finding out what you can do to reduce it.