Wondering what Mazda is doing for their part in making cars cleaner? In 2007 Mazda adopted the “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” long-term vision. Zoom Zoom is a philosophy in which they have committed to making cars that always excite, look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again. It also requires the achievement of a sustainable future for cars, people and the Earth. Mazda has announced a target date of 2015 for achieving their goal of improving the average fuel economy of Mazda cars sold globally by 30% above 2008 levels. To achieve this, they have begun to thoroughly improve base technologies including engines, transmissions and our weight reduction technology, and aerodynamics. By progressively combining these technologies with Mazda’s proprietary idling stop system “i-stop,” regenerative braking, and hybrid and other systems, they aim to offer consumers green driving along with excellent  safety and performance.

The 2010 Mazda5 is essentially a mini-minivan, with sliding doors and a vertical liftgate out back, in addition to styling reminiscent of minivan. And, while the overall popularity of minivans is decreasing, with the explosion of the crossover segment, small minivans may have found a spot in the American automarket.  Besides the Mazda5, there are not many models, it competes directly with the Honda Fit and Kia Rondo, yet big automakers will be rolling their own version out of the microvan, which will include the Ford C-Max and the Chevy Orlando.

The six-person Mazda5 features flexible seating that can be reconfigured to maximize occupant or cargo space. So what are the advantages of the Mazda5 over a traditional minivan? It is still aimed at young professional families with active lifestyles like other minivans are, but microvans get better mileage, are more maneuverable in the city and in parking lots, and come at a very affordable price.  At the same time they offer the same versatility and convenience features that larger minivans do.  The Mazda5 is powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 153 horsepower and 148 pounds-feet of torque. The Mazda5 is more utilitarian than fun, but it’s more fun to drive than any other minivans, after all it is a Mazda. The only change for 2010 is a significant one: stability control and traction control are now standard on all of the Mazda5’s trim levels. The 2010 has a starting MSRP of $17,995 – $23,005 and a fuel economy of City: 21 – 22   Highway: 27 – 28.

The Mazda Miata is sporty little vehicle that has met worldwide success over many decade.  Officially renamed the Mazda MX-5, it is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. In September, Mazda will roll out a special version of the MX-5, at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show.  Mazda is calling this version of the well known affordable vehicle the Mazda MX-5 Superlight.  Although the Superlight is purely a show car at this point, it will introduce a new level of lightweight technology that Mazda is famous.  This technology improves driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version will be a delight to see.

The results are in for Mazda and the new federal program commonly known as Cash for Clunkers. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has seen a marked increase in showroom traffic as a result of the week-old program.  And what vehicle is selling most as a result.  Very appropriately it is Mazda’s most fuel-efficient vehicle, the MAZDA3.  In fact, this model has made up fifty-seven percent of the Mazdas sold under the program.  While the program has boosted sales, it has also had a positive environmental impact, as there are now more fuel efficient Mazda model on the road and less gas guzzlers then there were just a few weeks ago. The MAZDA3, which gets up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, is replacing vehicles that in some cases don’t make one third of the mileage. The CARs program (its official name) has been controversial and unknown whether it would have an impact.  The conclusion so far is that it is boosting sales and aiding the environment; but the question remains how long the program will last.  The government has put an end date on the program in October – but it could be much sooner than that if it runs out of funds.  And seeing how popular the CARs program is so far, it is likely this will happen well before October.