Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Review
The Mazda MX-5 turned 30 in 2019 and to celebrate, Mazda has produced a limited edition 30th Anniversary model. Only 3000 will be made and distributed worldwide with just ten of those cars making their way to Ireland. In December I had the pleasure of spending a week with car #16 of that limited production run.
Finished in exclusive Racing Orange paint, the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary edition is a showstopper. Priced from €40,995, this model now sits at the very top of the range and is a significant investment over the entry level MX-5 (available from €28,195). But it’s special y’know.
So what's so special about the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary?
The orange paintwork and 2.0-litre petrol 184 hp engine are non-negotiable. Yes, the MX-5 30th Anniversary edition gets by default the more powerful engine in the range - the 2.0-litre petrol engine has been improved to output more power – up from 160 hp to 184 hp – since we last tested the MX-5 in 2017. This is paired to an ultra-precise and mechanical feeling six-speed manual gearbox. Bilstein dampers, a strut-brace and limited slip differential mean best possible performance from the tiny two seat roadster.
Other special features include exclusive 17" wheels, orange brake calipers with Nissin brakes on the rear and Brembo brakes on the front wheels, and a 30th Anniversary badge displaying the model’s serial number. It’s one very cool looking machine.
What's the MX-5 30th Anniversary like inside?
The black interior has been laced with orange trim for a modern, youthful feel. There’s orange piping on the Recaro seats with Alcantara trim, orange trim around the air vents and on the inside door panels, steering wheel, dashboard and gear lever. The infotainment screen is controlled via steering wheel mounted controls and a rotary controller on the centre console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.
The cabin of the MX-5 is snug and sporty. You’ve got to enjoy tight spaces. Feet stretched out in front of you on the pedals, press the start button to fire up the engine, left hand on the gear shifter as you slot the car into first gear…there’s a tactile, raw feeling to the Mazda MX-5 that stays for the entire journey.
Driving it
A perfectly balanced chassis translates to lightening quick steering and chassis responses in corners that account for the magic feeling only a true sports car like the MX-5 can give you. This car flows through corners with just delicate movements on the steering wheel and a lightness of touch that's absolutely thrilling when the roads get twisty and you give it a bit more throttle. Sitting so close to the ground means you feel like you're flying all the time. There’s lots of engine noise through the gear changes and the lack of refinement from the fabric roof just adds to the atmosphere.
This is a stiff set-up and can be teeth jangling on very rough roads. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.1 l/100 km, which is remarkably good.
The Mazda MX-5 is a wonderful sports car for people who love driving for the fun of it. It's small, a bit uncomfortable at times...but I doubt you will ever regret buying it other than the day you are asked to do an airport run.
You do pay a premium for the 30th Anniversary model but the orange theme adds a surprising amount of energy. A fantastic birthday makeover for an icon!
Caroline says sayonara from the cabin of the MX-5 30th Anniversary - we have our memories
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary 2.0 Skyactiv-G
Price: €40,995
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Power: 184 hp
Torque: 205Nm
0-100km/h: 6.5 seconds
Top speed: 219 km/h
Economy: 6.9/100km
CO2 emissions: 161g/km
Motor tax: €570 per year
Mazda MX-30 Prototype Review
In 2020, Mazda will launch the brand's first ever electric vehicle, the Mazda MX-30 all-electric SUV. I had an opportunity to preview the new MX-30 in Portugal, and test drive Mazda's new EV technology in a prototype vehicle.
Mazda has set out to bottle up the company's Jinba Ittai - driver and car as one - engineering ethos, and produce an electric vehicle that delivers ‘outstanding driving pleasure’. The MX-30 will be the third new generation Mazda - after the 2019 Mazda3 and CX-30 - when it goes into production towards the middle of 2020.
At Mazda's Technology & Design Forum in Lisbon, we had the opportunity to speak in great detail with the MX-30 European product development team, led by the passionate and articulate Christian Schultze, Director and Deputy General Manager at the Mazda Motor Europe R&D Centre. Schultze has been working with Mazda in Europe since 1990 and told us about the product development that saw the European team in consultation with their Japanese colleagues from an early stage. The MX-30 will be a global car but will launch first in Europe in 2020 and has been developed for this market.
The MX-30 uses the brand's new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture and employs a number of new technologies and innovations to create the most natural feeling EV powertrain. Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) is an evolution of a system already found in Mazda's fleet and promises a feeling of more natural feedback by precise torque control and sound that lets the driver know exactly what the car is doing. Mazda has developed its own bespoke motor pedal concept for the Mazda MX-30 for a more natural feel relative to the driver’s intended amount of acceleration and deceleration. They have also developed special sound or ‘aural feedback’ through the audio system corresponding to the driver’s pedal action that helps the driver to more precisely control vehicle speed and adds to the driving pleasure.
Power will come from a 35.5 kWh battery giving a power output of about 140 hp, torque of 265 Nm and an electric range estimated somewhere in the region of 200 km. Mazda engineers also spoke to us about the possibility of a rotary engine being installed as a range extender.
The test vehicle provided to us in Portugal on a bright December morning was an e-TPV (electric technology proving vehicle) using the chassis and body of a CX-30. The MX-30 and CX-30 are closely matched in size and wheelbase so this was a realistic preview of what the MX-30 is going to feel like on the road.
I was accompanied by a member of the Mazda event team who briefed me on the vehicle. He was monitoring the technical underpinnings of the car through a tablet and the big red button on the dash you can see in the photos was where he could cut the power to the car, should any warnings or faults appear on the system. Before we set off on the test route on a beautiful mountainous road through the Sintra region, he let me know that the only safety equipment the test vehicle had was ABS - no airbags, no lane departure warning, no ESC, etc. I looked down the ravine to the left and thought...okay... just before I met one of the locals who thought he was driving in my country.
I was so excited to be driving this new electric car from Mazda that feels like no other. The Mazda DNA is very quickly apparent. The steering was natural and fluid, the car willing to play ball among the twists and turns of our test route with a pleasant amount of grip through the front tyres in fast cornering.
The most interesting and frankly, brilliant, innovation here is the aural feedback from the car and sensations through the pedals as you accelerate and decelerate. Electric cars are typically devoid of any feedback through the pedals or controls. Not so with the CX-30 EV prototype. It feels and sounds not much different than a petrol CX-30 in typical stop/start driving. Up and down inclines, I had the opportunity to experience this new technology and I loved it: gurgles and resistance like a good old-fashioned ICE.
The nature of the weight distribution of an EV versus a front engined mid size SUV was apparent in the way the car shifted its weight around corners, but it was remarkably good to drive. Certainly I felt the relative 'low' power of the CX-30 EV prototype (140 hp) versus some of the similarly sized EVs I've driven at home, as it doesn't feel quite as lively off the line.
Mazda is persevering to push a 'right sized' battery approach that they claim is kinder to the environment when you look at where battery and EV technology is right now. But there are obvious shortcomings to this approach in an era where many rivals are pushing out EVs with 64 kWh batteries and range in excess of 400 km.
This wasn't an adequate test of battery range and practicality in every day life but from an engineering perspective, what we drove in Lisbon was really promising for the future of EVs and the Mazda brand. It's worth noting that the MX-30 is just one part of Mazda's 'multi-solution approach' to the debarbonisation of transport. The brand is also working on improving engine efficiency with innovations such as Skyactiv-X, the world's first petrol engine with compression ignition, and a new clean diesel coming next year. Mild hybrid technology has already begun to be rolled out in the brand's newest product ranges and Mazda will offer more electric, plug-in hybrid and range extender vehicles in the future.
Caroline Kidd
Mazda MX-30 Preview In Lisbon
Mazda Ireland brought me to Lisbon, Portugal, to preview their exciting new electric vehicle – the new Mazda MX-30.
What is it?
The MX-30 is Mazda’s first ever electric vehicle and it’s debuting in the form of an SUV. The car is still in development and is due to hit production around the middle of 2020. We can expect to see the MX-30 in Ireland in January 2021.
What does it look like?
We had an opportunity to view the new Mazda MX-30 up close, fresh from its reveal at the 2019 Toyko Motor Show. From a design perspective, it’s more of an SUV coupé than a conventional SUV with distinct ‘freestyle doors’ that hark back to the Mazda RX-8 of the Noughties. Mazda has evolved its famed KODO design philosophy for the company’s new EV line. As a result, the car looks more futuristic and suburban than say the CX-30 or CX-5 in the current Mazda SUV range.
What’s it like inside?
Mazda has given the MX-30 interior the feel of a cool lounge. The MX-30 shares the same carefully considered cockpit design found on all Mazda cars, with a horizontally symmetrical layout centred on the driver. The focus is on eco-materials: unique fabric from recycled plastic, vegan leather, and natural cork. For the first time in a Mazda, the MX-30 adopts a touchscreen air-conditioning control panel on a 7-inch screen in the lower centre console.
So how far will it get me on a full charge?
The MX-30 introduces a new electric drive technology to Mazda, called e–Skyactiv. The power output of the car is about 140 hp and there will be about 265 Nm of torque. The MX-30 will be powered by a 35.5 kWh battery with a range estimated somewhere in the region of 200 km. In an era where many mainstream EVs are now debuting 64 kWh batteries with a range in excess of 400 km, this might appear short-sighted but Mazda like to do things differently. The company is famous for its ‘right-sized’ engine philosophy, which has seen the Japanese brand buck the trend for small turbocharged units in favour of large capacity naturally aspirated engines. Now Mazda continues to challenge conventional wisdom with their ‘right-sized’ battery approach to electric vehicles. Their research has shown that 48 km is the average daily drive of the European customer, well within the Mazda MX-30’s range. But they also cite this battery size as kinder to the environment right now, resulting in lower life cycle CO2 emissions.
How about charging?
There will be a 6.6kW onboard charger for charging at home and 50kW rapid charging through a CCS connection.
Will it be good to drive?
We expect so and we actually got an opportunity to test drive the technology in an EV prototype in the body of a CX-30. The MX-30 will be the third new Mazda after the Mazda3 and the CX-30 to use the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture. It’s an EV designed to deliver ‘outstanding driving pleasure’ based on the company's Jinba Ittai - driver and car as one - engineering ethos. Mazda technologies like electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) are fitted as standard. This system gives the car a feeling of more natural feedback by precise torque control and sound that lets the driver know exactly what the car is doing.
How cool is the EV technology?
Mazda has developed its own bespoke motor pedal concept for the Mazda MX-30 for a more natural feel relative to the driver’s intended amount of acceleration and deceleration. They have also developed special sound or ‘aural feedback’ through the audio system corresponding to the driver’s pedal action. Mazda engineers also showed us the place where under the hood a rotary petrol engine can be added to extend the range.
Is it safe?
The MX-30 has no centre pillar because of the freestyle doors but safety is not compromised due to the MX-30's high strength bodyshell. The suite of i-Activsense advanced safety technologies will be enhanced by a new Smart Brake Support (SBS) system to help to prevent collisions at intersections in the traffic and technology designed to help keep drivers on track on roads with kerbs or discernible edges, even in the absence of lane markings.
How much will it cost?
We have no indication of pricing yet for Ireland but in Germany the MX-30 will go on sale from €33,900 before grants.
Caroline Kidd
Mazda CX-30 Review (2019)
The Mazda CX-30 is a new compact SUV from Mazda that will slot between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the brand’s SUV line-up. The CX-30 is one of the new generation of Mazda vehicles alongside new Mazda3 and features the latest in Mazda design and technology, including the exciting new Skyactiv X engine. Caroline travelled to Girona, Spain, to test drive the new Mazda CX-30 ahead of its arrival in Ireland at the end of the year in time for January 2020 registrations.
Styling
The new Mazda CX-30 features an evolution of Mazda’s famed KODO designed language with more refined surfaces. Mazda use clay modelling to achieve the beautiful curved surfaces that distinguish Mazdas from other mainstream manufacturers. The CX-30 has a neat, compact profile and unique design features that make it stand out. In fact it’s more of a high riding hatchback in the metal than a chunky SUV. A thick piece of grey plastic cladding around the lower sills and wheel arches gives the CX-30 the attitude of a modern compact crossover. 16” alloy wheels and LED headlights feature as standard. Signature colours include Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey.
Watch a video of the new Mazda CX-30:
Interior
The interior of the Mazda CX-30 is a sophisticated and premium offering that is hard to find in this class of vehicle. The dashboard has a horizontal, minimalist design characterised by plenty of good quality soft dashboard panelling. The CX-30 features the latest Mazda infotainment system that comes with a slick looking, wide screen 8.8 inch central display that is controlled by a rotary controller with shortcut buttons to access different menus. A digital driver information panel is also included as standard. The new CX-30 is available in two colour schemes: Dark Brown or Dark Blue. Leather is available in Black or Pure White.
Practicality
The CX-30 is a five seat SUV. Mazda has delivered on the promise of creating a roomier SUV. The CX-30 is a more spacious and practical vehicle when compared to the CX-3, though there are other SUVs in this segment that feel more spacious in the rear. Access and egress is easy thanks to generous door openings and the positioning and shape of the seats in the vehicle. There is 430 litres of boot space, which is more than in the equivalent Mazda3 hatchback. A powered tailgate is available.
Engines
There are two petrol engines (Skyactiv G and Skyactiv X) and one diesel engine (Skyactiv D) available for new CX-30. CX-30 is a front wheel drive SUV, with all wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.
Skyactiv G is a 2.0-litre petrol engine with new Mazda M Hybrid Technology and Cylinder Deactivation systems. Skyactiv G has 122hp and is available with automatic and manual gearboxes. On the road, the Skyactiv G works well in the CX-30 being both refined and delivering smooth power. Over a short test drive over rural roads and a short motorway stint we averaged 6.8l per 100km.
Skyactiv D is a 1.8-litre diesel putting out 116hp and 270Nm of torque. The torque of the diesel offers a pleasant punch and this engine offers superb economy in the CX-30. We averaged 4.8l per 100km over a long, mixed test route. Skyactiv D is available with automatic and manual gearboxes.
We also had an opportunity to take Mazda’s exciting new Skyactiv X on a short test loop in pre-production vehicles. Mazda claims this engine combines the benefits of a spark-ignition petrol engine with those of a compression-ignition diesel engine, and is both fuel efficient and powerful. Skyactiv X also comes with the new Mazda M Hybrid System. The extra power is evident on the road (180hp) but we are still on the fence as to whether this engine fully delivers. We will reserve judgement until we have had an opportunity to take this car for a longer drive on Irish roads!
On the road
The new Mazda CX-30 is based on a new generation of Mazda’s Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture that also underpins the new Mazda3 hatchback. Front wheel drive models feature G-Vectoring Control Plus for better handling. A torsion beam at the rear provides better refinement over a variety of road surfaces. On the road the Mazda CX-30 is easily one of the most quiet and refined cars in its class with minimal road and wind noise entering the cabin. It's comfortable and good fun to drive with excellent composure through bends and well judged steering.
Equipment
For Ireland there will be a choice of four trim levels: GS, GS-L, GT and GT Sport. Standard equipment is expected to include air con, an 8.8-inch colour entertainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 7-inch digital dashboard, rear parking sensor, window projected colour Active Driving Display, 16” alloys, LED headlights with High Beam Control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring with rear traffic alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, E-Call and Lane Keep Assist.
GS-L includes a reversing camera, smart keyless entry, front parking sensors, powered tailgate, dual zone climate control and heated front seats.
The GT model is equipped with 18” alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, power adjustable driver’s seat and a black leather interior.
At the top of the range the GT Sport adds adaptive LED headlights, front and rear signature LED lighting, frameless rear view mirror, rear privacy glass, piano black exterior detailing and Bose® twelve speaker audio system.
Pricing
Mazda Ireland has confirmed that the new CX-30 range will be priced from €29,495 to €43,115. The range starts at €29,495 for a 2.0-litre petrol Skyactiv G. Both the 1.8-litre diesel Skyactiv D and the new Skyactiv X petrol are available from €31,915.
Rivals
The new Mazda CX-30 will go head to head with the Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, Toyota C-HR and segment leaders, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-30 fills a niche for customers seeking the compact dimensions of the CX-3 but with a more spacious and practical interior. The CX-30 delivers on that and features the same high-end design and finish that we have come to expect from Mazda.
It’s also one of the most fun and engaging crossovers to drive with excellent refinement on the move.
The CX-30 is now one of the most modern and advanced models in the Mazda range and features the full complement of Mazda engine technology – Skyactiv G, Skyactiv D and the new Skyactiv X.
Mazda Ireland expect the CX-30 to become its bestselling model and we can see why. This is the sweet spot of the market and the CX-30 is high in desirability.
We look forward to bringing you a full road test in 2020.
Caroline Kidd
Mazda3 Review (2019)
Caroline drives the new Mazda3!
Mazda has recently launched an all-new generation of the Mazda3 hatchback and saloon. Since I began testing cars, the Mazda3 has always been one of my favourite cars in the compact class for its stylish looks, high quality cabin and fun, sporty drive.
But it was time for a change. Reflecting the current move in the industry to integrating hybrid technology to boost efficiency, the news is that Mazda has also launched the Mazda3 with mild hybrid technology. There’s also a revolutionary new petrol engine due to arrive shortly (‘Skyactiv-X’) that promises the free-revving performance of a petrol engine with the response and fuel economy of a diesel.
Mazda has gently progressed the styling of the Mazda3 with stunning results. The curvature of the sheet metal around the rear quarters of the hatchback is particularly interesting. The new Mazda3 is clearly one of the style icons of its class!
The interior of the new Mazda3
Inside, the interior has progressed to a more cohesive and stylish design. The material quality is excellent and the new digital instrument panel is modern and easy to read. The infotainment has also been updated and improved with a new screen and rotary controller on the centre console. In terms of space, the new Mazda3 will seat five and is reasonably spacious in the rear for this class of vehicle. At 351 litres, the boot is about average for the compact class.
For Ireland there will be a choice of four trim levels for the hatchback: GS, GS-L, GT and GT Sport. Standard equipment includes air con, an 8.8-inch colour entertainment screen, 7-inch digital dashboard, window projected colour Active Driving Display, 16” alloys, LED headlights with High Beam Control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring with rear traffic alert, E-Call and Lane Keep Assist. Every model in the line-up also features navigation, Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ and an eight speaker audio system.
GS-L includes a reversing camera, smart keyless entry and heated front seats, while the GT model is equipped with 18” alloy wheels and a black leather interior. At the top of the range the GT Sport sees an enhanced cabin with additional chrome detailing, a frameless rear view mirror, rear privacy glass and Bose® twelve speaker audio system.
At launch the new Mazda3 is available with the 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol (122hp) and the 1.8 Skyactiv-D diesel (116hp). These are not new engines, but the 2.0-litre petrol now has support from a 24 volt mild hybrid system and cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency. The new 2.0-litre petrol Skyactiv-X will join later with 180hp. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.
My test car was a Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv-G GT Sport with a list price of €30,795.
On the road in the new Mazda3
The new Mazda3 has been built upon a new vehicle architecture that promises better handling, ride comfort and refinement. According to Mazda, every element of the car - the seats, body, tyres and suspension - has been developed with “a human centred approach” to ensure that Mazda’s famous ‘Jinba Ittai’ sense of oneness between car and driver is more finely balanced than ever before.
A torsion beam rear suspension has been used to improve refinement over a variety of road surfaces and we can say that is has worked because road noise is gone in this new generation. The Mazda3 is comfortable for the most part but doesn’t take the edge off potholes, manhole covers and other bumps and ridges in the road surface you will encounter around town. The car feels sporty and flat through bends and the steering is also well-weighted.
Bucking the trend for small turbocharged petrol engines, the 2.0-litre petrol in the Mazda3 is a naturally aspirated affair because Mazda believe this is still the best way to get good fuel efficiency from a petrol engine. It is certainly more efficient than what one might think for an engine of this capacity. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 6.6l/100km, while motor tax is €200 per year. However, it does deliver its power differently and I did miss the in-gear punch of a turbo unit. It can feel a little more lazy, though it is very quiet and refined on the move!
The new Mazda3 is positioned near the top of the compact class in terms of price but it comes with a high-quality interior and plenty of standard equipment. The Mazda3 offers an excellent drive and cabin experience. Engine choice is a little bit left field in the Mazda3 range but in terms of power and efficiency, perfectly acceptable.
The new Mazda3 is a sophisticated machine that looks good just about anywhere!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv-G GT Sport
Price: €30,795 (Range from €26,295)
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol mild hybrid
Power: 122 hp
Torque: 213 Nm
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 197 km/h
Fuel economy: 6.3 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 142 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition
Mazda Ireland has introduced the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition MX-5, priced at €40,995 and available from selected Mazda dealerships.
Unveiled for the first time at the 2019 Chicago Motor Show, three decades after its debut at the very same motor show in 1989, this special anniversary edition has been produced to celebrate 30 years of the world's bestselling two-seat roadster.
Global production of the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition are limited to 3000 models, with only 10 cars coming to Ireland.
The 30th Anniversary Edition is exclusively offered in the newly developed Racing Orange body paint and also features forged aluminium Rays wheels and a 30th anniversary badge displaying the model’s serial number. Other unique features include orange brake calipers with Nissin brakes on the rear and Brembo brakes on the front wheels.
Inside there are orange accents on the seats, door trim, dashboard, steering wheel, air vents and gear lever, as well as Recaro seats with Alcantara trim. The 30th Anniversary Edition also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The Mazda MX-5 range is available from €28,195 in Ireland.
Commenting on the launch of 30th Anniversary MX-5, Mazda Motors Ireland Managing Director, John Perry, said: “The MX-5 is the very essence of the Jinba Ittai driver-and-car-as-one philosophy that goes into every Mazda. With its unique detailing, generous equipment levels, exclusivity and bold Racing Orange paint, the 30th Anniversary Edition is the perfect way to celebrate three decades of this iconic sports car”.
The Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition features the new 184 ps version of the 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engine, and is available only as a roadster. There's also a six-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein dampers, strut-brace and limited slip differential.
Mazda6 Review (2019)
Caroline drives the 2019 Mazda6!
The Mazda6 just keeps on evolving and towards the end of 2018 it was time for another update. Arguably the Mazda6 has always been a great example of a large saloon, but to a refined nose the gentle tweaks do keep the car current and fresh.
In 2012, the Mazda6 ushered in a new era with its striking KODO ‘Soul of Motion’ design philosophy. Over the years, Mazda have made some minor refinements but you would have to be eagle-eyed to spot any major styling changes in the Mazda6’s sensuous silhouette.
But we are reliably informed that there is a new ‘3D’ grille with mesh positioned deeper within the surround. The LED headlamps integrate new signature ‘wing tips’ from the grille surround. The lower bumper has also been redesigned for a sleeker profile and an aerodynamically efficient air intake.
At the rear, the 2019 Mazda6 Saloon has a remodelled boot lid, while both the Saloon and Tourer have cleaner rear bumper styling with more body coloured areas. Soul Red Crystal is available for the first time, a deeper and enhanced version of the signature Soul Red the car was launched with.
Inside the 2019 Mazda6
The cabin of the 2019 Mazda6 has also been reworked a little to include upgraded seats, instrument panel, door trim and materials. Can we pause for just a second to appreciate the refined sophistication of the cabin of the Mazda6? It just keeps getting better and better inside the Mazda6 - even more premium. This current iteration is a fine mix of upmarket materials and stylish, refined design. There is an 8” centre screen for infotainment and it’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is space for five inside though the rear legroom does not appear as generous as in some rivals. At 480 litres, the boot comes in a little behind rivals also but by most standards that’s still a lot of space.
In Ireland the updated Mazda6 goes on sale from €31,945 with three equipment levels: Executive SE, Platinum and Platinum+. New features for the 2019 Mazda6 range include ventilated seats, projection active driving display and 360° parking display. The range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems now include Radar Cruise Control.
What are my engine options?
Engine options for Ireland include the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel with 150hp or 184hp and the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine with 165hp. Both petrol and diesel engines are available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G has been enhanced with new intake ports, new pistons and revised fuel injection and cooling. In its highest output, the popular 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel now produces 184hp (up from 175hp).
My test car was a 2.2 diesel manual with 184hp in Platinum+ trim, retailing from €42,865. Active Driving Display with integrated Satellite Navigation, Adaptive LED Headlights and Blind Spot Monitoring come as standard. All models now feature Blind Spot Monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Advanced Smart City Brake Support.
Other features on my test car included leather interior, dual zone climate control, 19” alloys, keyless entry and Bose sound system.
What else is new in the 2019 Mazda6?
Under the skin, Mazda has made some adjustments including suspension fine tuning and component upgrades, designed to improve ride comfort while maintaining the Mazda6’s famed driver engagement. Bump stop characteristics have been revised, the front dampers have increased in diameter and rebound springs have been added, while a new urethane rear damper top mount has been fitted for smoother vehicle behaviour and improved ride quality. The steering knuckles have been lowered for more neutral steering characteristics and rigid mounts now attach the steering gear to the suspension cross-member for a more precise response to subtle steering wheel actions.
Mazda has also made some refinements to improve cabin insulation with thicker body panels, natural sound smoother technology and noise absorbing materials. New vibration absorbing material has also been added to the centre tunnel and the roof lining. A flatter underbody, plus new bumper and engine undercovers claim to streamline airflow under the car, while ducts introduced in place of the fog lights in the front bumper create a flow of air to the front wheels, improving aerodynamic performance. SKYACTIV-G models are also fitted with an active air shutter that closes when the engine does not need cooling to improve real-world efficiency.
So what does all this translate to on the road?
Well, it’s all good for the Mazda6. The diesel model tested is super smooth to drive, with a lovely spread of power and works effortlessly with the manual gearbox. The engine is not too noisy and the Mazda6 makes a refined and comfortable long-distance cruiser, with just a whisper of road noise. It’s economical too and over a week of driving my fuel consumption was 5.5/100km.
But the real marvel of the Mazda is just how much fun it is to drive for a large saloon – at times I was having so much fun I thought I might be driving an MX-5! The handling is superb with pleasant agility and steering that’s sharp and communicative.
Refinements to the new Mazda6 raise its profile even more as a segment leader in terms of driving dynamics and cabin ambience. This car is also a true alternative to premium rivals like a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Jaguar XE in my opinion.
The Mazda6 is the large executive car for all seasons: the one you will enjoy driving day in, day out.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Mazda6 2.2 SKYACTIV-D Platinum
Price: €42,865 (Range from €31,945)
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel
Power: 184 hp
Torque: 445 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 227 km/h
Economy: 4.7l/100km
CO2 emissions: 124 g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Mazda CX-3 Review
The Mazda CX-3 was launched in Ireland back in 2015 as Mazda’s new challenger in the ever-growing compact crossover/SUV class. Now in 2018, Mazda is launching an updated version of the CX-3 citing increased quality, refinement and elegance. There’s also a new 1.8-litre diesel engine introduced for the Mazda CX-3. Priced from €21,295, the updated Mazda CX-3 goes on sale in Ireland from 1st October. I travelled with Mazda Ireland to Malaga, Spain, to find out more about this new model ahead of its Irish arrival.
Styling
The CX-3 has a neat, compact presence. Exterior updates are minimal for the new Mazda CX-3, though if you look closely the grille now has fins comprising two lines of differing thickness! The fog lamp bezels, pillar garnishes and side garnish mouldings are now finished in gloss black. The rear combination lamps now have a ring shape combined with horizontal lines. There are also new alloy wheel designs and two new colours - Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey.
Interior
The interior of the Mazda CX-3 has an upmarket feel with good quality materials used for the segment and an attractive horizontal design punctuated with circular air vents that now have a red surround. The centre console has been redesigned a little around a new electronic parking brake and the Mazda Multimedia Commander has been moved forward for improved usability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available and can be retrofitted. The front seats now have high-damping urethane foam cushions that improve comfort and support, while the rear seats now feature a central armrest with built-in cup holders.
Practicality
The dimensions have not changed during this update. The Mazda CX-3 has seating for five, though the rear legroom is on the small side. Boot space is about average for the class at 350 litres and there was no problem fitting two small suitcases.
Engines
In Ireland, the updated Mazda CX-3 will be available with a new 1.8-litre diesel engine with 115hp and the 2.0-litre petrol with 121hp. Both of the 2018 CX-3’s engines are homologated according to the requirements of the new WLTP/RDE test cycle and meet Euro 6d temp emissions standards. A manual transmission comes as standard though an automatic gearbox is offered with the 2.0-litre petrol. Front wheel drive models are available in Ireland; there is no all wheel drive option.
At the launch, I sampled both engines. The petrol engine is smooth and quiet, with adequate power for the CX-3. The 1.8-litre diesel is more economical, with plenty of power though it gets noisier under hard acceleration.
On the road
For this update, Mazda engineers have focused on enhanced handling and improved ride comfort. There are new coil springs and dampers, while the front anti-roll bar has also been changed. The electric power steering has also been recalibrated for more consistent weight transfer and improved shock absorption.
On the road, the Mazda CX-3 is an agile and composed drive. There is some audible wind noise reaching the cabin from around the wing mirrors, but comfort and refinement is generally good for this segment. The steering is light but precise, and it is one of the most engaging cars in its class with a sporty, hunkered down feel on the road.
Equipment
There will be four trim levels for the updated Mazda CX-3 in Ireland: SE, Executive, Executive SE and GT. Standard equipment includes Emergency Brake Assist, keyless entry, electric windows and air con. Executive adds 16” alloys, cruise control, 7” touchscreen, Bluetooth and push button start. Executive SE adds LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lights, Lane Departure Warning, rain sensing wipers, automatic air con, Advanced Smart City Brake Support, heated front seats, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights. GT adds 18” alloys, heated steering wheel, half leatherette upholstery, rear view camera, front parking sensors, BOSE sound system and chrome effect front bumper and side trim garnishes.
Pricing
The updated Mazda CX-3 range starts at €21,295 in Ireland for the 2.0-litre petrol SE. Executive models start from €22,770, Executive SE models from €24,770 and GT models from €26,570. Diesels start from €24,770 in Executive trim.
Rivals
Competition for the updated Mazda CX-3 includes the Peugeot 2008, Volkswagen T-ROC, SEAT Arona and Hyundai Kona.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 remains a very stylish compact crossover. Refinements to the interior and driving character are subtle, but enhance what is already an upmarket choice in this segment. The CX-3 is not the most spacious among its competitors but it offers a mature driving character and a stylish cabin that makes it very desirable!
Caroline Kidd
Mazda MX-5 RF Review
Read Caroline's Mazda MX-5 RF review for everything you need to know about buying Mazda's classic sports car.
The Mazda MX-5 needs little introduction being one of the most iconic and influential sports cars of the last 30 years.
There are few cars that are as fun and extrovert as the Mazda MX-5 roadster. With pricing starting from €27,995, the Mazda MX-5 remains utterly desirable for men and women of all ages.
Recently, I test drove the Mazda MX-5 RF. This model ditches the canvas roof for a more sophisticated folding metal roof. In the brochure the RF may just seem like a more expensive MX-5 – it’s priced from €31,495 – but as I found out during my time with this car, it offers much more for the sports car connoisseur.
My test car was finished in exclusive Machine Grey, which shows off the slick fastback styling to great effect. The RF model is altogether more masculine looking. My GT model was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit with 160hp (from €36,695). The Mazda MX-5 RF is also available with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 131hp.
Inside, the metal roof adds more comfort and insulation to the cabin of the Mazda MX-5 RF. The cabin is small and entry and exit can be challenging (!), but once seated there is no doubt you are at the helm of an exciting sports car!
There is the option of tan leather, which adds even more sophistication. There’s no glovebox or door pockets and storage is slim. There is a token 127 litre boot for the shopping or two small suitcases, but this is not a car you buy for space! You buy it for fun!
The dash has a nice layout and the quality is good in the cabin. Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, LED headlights, MZD Connect, cruise control and auto aircon. The 2.0-litre GT is differentiated by 17-inch bright alloys wheels and body coloured wing mirrors. GT models also feature rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, 9 Premium Bose® Surround-Sound and heated leather seats.
The 2.0-litre engine roars into life when you press the start stop button and the novelty never wears off thereafter. The 2.0 sounds meaty in the diminutive sports car and it’s pure joy extracting every last rev through the short throw of the excellent 6-speed manual gearbox.
The 2.0 GT adds a limited slip differential as well as Bilstein dampers and strut brace. The car moves beautifully laterally through corners with perfect balance and quick responses. The feedback from the steering is nothing special yet it’s impossible not to feel fully engaged with the car. Sitting low means that you feel like you’re flying all the time and there is a wonderful purity and abandon to driving the MX-5 that can brighten up the dullest of commutes.
The hard top gives the feeling of more security in our harsh Irish winters and adds refinement while not diluting any of the fun. The roof folds back electrically when stationary or at speeds below 10kmh.
The addition of a hard top to the Mazda MX-5 RF is no gimmick and adds a more refined and sophisticated character to the Mazda MX-5. The power and execution of this car makes it an absolute must for anyone looking for a genuine sports car.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Mazda MX-5 RF GT 2.0 SKYACTIV-G
Price: €37,745 as tested (RF range from €31,495)
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Power: 160hp
Torque: 200Nm
0-100km/h: 7.4 seconds
Top speed: 215km/h
Economy: 6.9/100km
CO2 emissions: 161g/km
Motor tax: €570 per year
Mazda6 Review (2017)
After dropping back the Mazda CX-5, I next picked up a Mazda6 for review. It was interesting to take these two cars back to back because you could consider the Mazda6 saloon now an old-fashioned format. SUVs are very much of the moment, and the CX-5 was certainly very impressive, so how would the Mazda6 follow?
The Mazda6 is one of the best-looking cars in its segment, in particular in the Soul Red signature colour, which shows off the cars flowing lines and elegance to great effect. The Mazda6 has the grandness of a large saloon, and the space to match, with generous accommodation in the front and back. The cabin is robustly made with plenty of soft touch materials that give the Mazda6 an unmistakably premium feel.
For 2017, Mazda has refined the Mazda6 slightly. There is not much to shout about in terms of updates to the design inside and out, but under the skin, Mazda has added something called G-Vectoring Control, more sound insulation and worked on the diesel engine to make it more refined.
In Ireland, the Mazda6 is offered with a 2.0-litre petrol with 145hp and a 2.2-litre diesel (150hp or 175hp). Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.
My test car had the 2.2-litre diesel with 175hp matched to an automatic transmission and it’s close to perfection in terms of power, refinement and the slickness of the automatic gearbox. Though in this combination, the Mazda6 is not cheap – my Platinum trim car has a list price of €38,695 - it’s truly premium levels of refinement in the cabin of the Mazda6.
Sitting lower than in an SUV, a saloon like the Mazda6 immediately engages the driver. The Mazda6 is certainly one of the most accomplished large saloons in the handling department. Small movements on the steering wheel control the Mazda6 with ease and the responses are lightning quick. G-Vectoring Control monitors steering and throttle position when you enter a corner under power and for a moment reduces the amount of torque delivered to the front wheels, thereby transferring a fraction more weight onto the front axle which allows the front wheels to turn more precisely. The car grips willingly in corners and body roll is well contained making it a fantastic sporty drive.
On the motorway, the power and flexibility of the 2.2 diesel Mazda6 and the noise isolation in the cabin make it a serene and relaxing experience. The suspension is supple and works well over changeable Irish road conditions.
In terms of pricing, the Mazda 6 range kicks off at €29,295 for a 2.0 petrol and €29,995 for a 2.0 diesel in Executive trim. Standard equipment includes leather steering wheel, cruise control, air con, 7” inch colour screen and front fog lamps.
Executive SE models start from €31,295 and include parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, rear privacy glass, climate control and Smart City Brake Support.
Platinum models start from €35,695 and include heated, electrically adjustable, front seats, heated steering wheel, LED headlights and rear lights, Bose stereo, reversing camera and keyless entry.
As a refined long distance cruiser the Mazda6 is faultless, but off the big roads the Mazda6 will engage the driver and flits around corners with style. The improvements in refinement bring the Mazda6 to truly premium levels of ease and comfort, and with the 2.2 diesel under the bonnet, there is power in spades without the diesel clatter. Saloons like the Mazda6 might be an endangered species but the Mazda6 is a joy to drive.
Model tested: Mazda6 2.2 SKYACTIV-D Platinum Auto
Price: €38,695 (Range starts at €29,295)
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel
Power: 175hp
Torque: 420Nm
0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 216km/h
Claimed Economy: 4.8l/100km
CO2 emissions: 127g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Caroline Kidd