2013 Mazda CX-9 debuts before Australian show

Mazda will fully reveal the 2013 CX-9 SUV at the Australian International motor show in October. It appears that Mazda couldn't wait that long, as the company just released a few images of the redesigned people carrier, which now looks like the big brother to the CX-5.
It features the Kodo design language that we've seen at several auto shows, which lends it a sportier look than previous models. Mazda says it upgraded the interior design as well, though pictures weren't provided. Elsewhere in the cabin, the CX-9 uses Mazda's ominously named HMI (human machine interface), which is a voice-recognition system for navigation and entertainment. It will also feature safety systems such as lane-departure warning, forward-obstruction warning and high-beam control.
Like the previous version, the CX-9 will use Mazda's 3.7-liter V6 for power; last year's model made 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.
The 2012 Australian International motor show opens to the press Oct. 18 and to the public the day after

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2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4-Door Review Notes

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: The mildly redone 2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring sedan is a handsome car from the outside. The deep blue color matched well with the beige leather interior. The wheel package looks about right for the car. I like the styling on the front, even though it's a bit smiley. At the rear, Mazda now uses half-clear, half-red taillights. They look a bit too tuner to me and I think that's because of the two-color scheme. I'd like either all red or all clear, if it was my money.
The interior is plush with leather trim, power and heated seats, power windows and locks, and steering wheel controls. The upgraded radio is from Bose, which always sounds good.
The cabin is a comfortable place to be. Most of the road noise is blocked out and at idle it's extremely quiet—quiet enough that I double-checked the tach to make sure it was running.
I think the i moniker and Grand Touring trim make this one of the least sporty Mazda 3s, and you can really feel it in the steering. It seems lighter than the last 3 I was in. The suspension is a bit better, absorbing most of the blows while still giving a little feedback.
Mazda, like BMW, has its manual mode shifting in the up-is-downshift format, as it should be. And flicking the shifter left, then up for a downshift feels surprisingly rewarding. The downshifts come fast from the new Skyactiv transmission, but upshifts aren't nearly as quick. I'm sure it's for fuel mileage, and it returned almost 34 mpg on my fill-up, so I think it works.
The engine could use a little bump in power. The last Mazda 3 I drove had the more powerful and less fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 167 hp opposed to this 3's 155 hp from the Skyactiv engine. That car felt lighter on its feet, in my opinion.
If I was shopping for a Mazda 3, my advice would be to go for the Mazdaspeed 3. But for those looking for fuel economy and a decently entertaining small car, the 3 with the Skyactiv drivetrain is worth a look.

2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4-Door

Base Price: $23,095
As-Tested Price: $24,970
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4; FWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 148 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,950 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 33/33.6 mpg
Options: Technology package including blind-spot monitoring, Sirius satellite radio, perimeter alarm, rain-sensing front wipers, bi-xenon headlights with auto leveling, pivoting adaptive front lighting and auto on/off headlights ($1,400); compass auto-dim mirror with homelink ($275); interior lighting kit ($200)

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Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

When the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster debuted in 1989, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable roadster format that was once dominated by British automakers, the Mazda Miata introduced a modern approach to reliability and engineering. Buyers lined up outside Mazda dealerships and gladly paid sticker price-plus-some for the fetching new Miata.

Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Over the years, Mazda's little roadster has gotten bigger and heftier due to the addition of comfort and safety equipment. But it's also gotten more powerful and capable. The first major redesign came in 1999. Our editors found that Mazda improved the second-generation Miata with a larger interior, a stiffened chassis, exposed headlamps and more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.

The third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring inline-4 growl. If you're in the market for an affordable car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.

The current MX-5 Miata has gone upscale with the inclusion of an available power hardtop on Grand Touring, Touring and Sport models, with regular power soft tops standard in these models, as well as a value-filled Base version. This somewhat simplified new lineup replaces the six multiple personalities -- Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Limited -- previously offered since the third-generation redesign in 2006.

All Mazda Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower -- nearly as much as previous turbocharged Mazdaspeed high-performance models. Depending on trim levels you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic for shiftless types -- though with the automatic, horsepower drops to 166.

In terms of options, luxurious items like leather seats and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are available. But with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we feel "less" may actually be "more." If you're piling a ton of extras on this little sports car, you're missing the point: The essence of this Mazda roadster is about simplicity in design and operation, and about having fun and feeling unencumbered behind the wheel on a warm summer night.

If you're such a purist (or a racing enthusiast) and shopping for a used Mazda Miata, we suggest you save a few bucks and shop for a non-special edition or Club Spec model with just the basics like a five-speed manual, tilt wheel, CD player and power windows/mirrors -- or a simple Base model, which adds air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the mix.

To meet the ever-increasing demand for comfort and safety equipment, the MX-5 Miata was carefully redesigned in 1999 and improved over the original in almost every way. The following year, a streamlined model lineup included the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages available. In 2001, horsepower was bumped again to 155 and a six-speed manual was optional on the Miata LS. The MX-5 received a Mazdaspeed makeover and newfound life in 2004, featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and exterior styling enhancements.

The original Mazda Miata roadster of 1990 offered one engine, one transmission and three colors: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power and a stunning M-edition with Merlot Mica paint, tan top and matching leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels available in 1995. Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on R-Package-equipped Miatas introduced in 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this model was 1997, and there was no 1998 model.

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