he Real Spin on Mazda for 2013 - New Cars

Mazda makes it a habit of building fun-to-drive vehicles. But can Mazda, and its new SkyActiv technology, help translate this sporty nature into sales success?

By Nick Kurczewski

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You have to love a car company that came up with the Miata roadster, made a minivan that was actually enjoyable to drive, and persevered with an engine named “Wankel.” Whether you’re behind the wheel of a classic rotary-powered RX-7, or driving a brand new Mazda2 hatchback, this underdog of the Japanese auto industry is one of the best when it comes to building cars that make you smile. Even better is that Mazda doesn’t reserve the best bits for its most expensive offerings. Sure, the 2-passenger MX-5 Miata has wonderfully nimble steering and one of the best manual gearboxes in the business. But if you your budget doesn’t stretch to a drop-top – or you need way more load-lugging space – that same level of feel-some mechanicals can be found in the brand’s entry-level Mazda2, or the Mazda5 family wagon. With its new SkyActiv technology, Mazda is streamlining the way it builds cars. The goal is to offer improved fuel mileage and even better driving dynamics. Will that be enough to get Mazda vehicles zooming off dealership lots?
Reasons to Check Out a Mazda in 2013:

1. Mazda's SkyActiv technology is actually a suite of refinements, all aimed at reducing friction and weight throughout the chassis and powertrain. Think of it as Mazda building a car, then taking it to the gym to get rid of any extra pounds. In the 2012 Mazda3, SkyActiv helps boost overall fuel economy by approximately 30-percent, to 28/40-mpg in a Mazda3 5-door equipped with an automatic transmission.
2. The new CX-5 crossover has been a smash success for Mazda. Sales have already exceeded supply, and Mazda is busy churning out more of these agile and handsome little sport-utes as fast as it can. This is the first Mazda built from the ground up with SkyActiv and the result is class leading fuel economy, along with sharp steering and well-controlled suspension. A little more horsepower would be nice, however.
3. Big changes are coming to the Mazda6, the brand's worthy (but often overlooked) midsize sedan. Set to arrive for the 2014 model year, the next Mazda6 should borrow styling from the slinky Takeri Concept, first seen at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show. The Takeri's larger and more prominent front grille, along with its sweeping front fenders, should help Mazda's next family sedan turn some heads. The car will include a fuel-saving stop/start system and a regenerative braking system called i-ELOOP. Instead of a battery, energy is stored in a capacitor, which in turn provides power to the vehicle's electrical components. It's cool tech, but we wish Mazda hadn't given it a name that sounds like the Muppet's Swedish Chef telling us he's getting hitched tonight in Las Vegas.

Mazda Takeri Concept
4. If you think the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a 'girlie car,' then stop reading and go bury your head back in the sand. This rear-wheel drive roadster is one of the most perfectly balanced sports cars to be found in any price range. And yes, we said it, the Miata is a sports car – and we're totally comfortable with it. The next model will be co-developed with Alfa Romeo and will feature bolder styling, more cabin room, and possibly a turbocharged 1.3 or 1.5-liter 4-cylinder.

Mazda2