2012 Mazda3 with Modest Styling Tweaks and New Skyactive-G Engine Debuts in Toronto

Mazda has dropped the first photos and details on its 2012 model year Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback models that are making their world premiere at this week's 2011 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. In addition to receiving a cosmetic pick-me-up, the refreshed Mazda3 gains the Japanese firm's new Skyactiv-G gasoline engine and Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.

The automaker has not yet released specific details on the new powertrain, but said that this is the first application of its Skyactive engine and transmission technologies in a production vehicle. All we know for now is that the engine will feature direct-injection tech and a high compression ratio, while the transmission is said to be compact in size and light in weight, with both contributing to an improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

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Mazda3 gets Revised 1.6-liter Diesel in Europe, Returns 4.4lt/100km or 53.5mpg

Mazda has updated the 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine offered in the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan models, making it Euro 5-compliant, more powerful (115 hp vs 109 hp) and even more economical. The new version needs just 4.4 lt/100 km (64.2 UK mpg or 53.5 US mpg) and it's mated for the first time to a six-speed manual transmission.

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Mazda brings Super20 MX-5 along with other tuned models to SEMA Show

In order to take full advantage of the aftermarket fanboys trolling around SEMA, Mazda released more than a few examples of the paths tuners could take when modifying its MX-5 roadster, Mazda2, and Mazda3 models.

The Mazda2s seen here are designed with two different goals in mind: looking slick on the street, or tearing it up at the track.

The Mazda2 Street keeps it simple by getting lowered on a set of 15x9s and adding some lower-body graphics, while the Mazda2 Evil Track gets the same rims, more aggressive vinyl, and enough safety/racing gear to meet NASA and SCCA standards. The "Evil Track" also wears a Mazda Design body kit and rides on H&R coilovers.

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Paris Motor Show Debut for Facelifted Mazda2 and New 1.6-liter Turbo Diesel

Mazda has announced that the refreshed Mazda2 will be given its European premiere at next month's Paris motor show. The Japanese firm also plans to introduce a new 1.6-liter turbo diesel for the Mazda5 MPV and Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models at the show.

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Steering Issues Prompt Mazda3 and Mazda5 Recall in the States

Mazda's US division is recalling 215,000 units of its 2007-2009MY Mazda3 and Mazda5 cars manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, because of a problem with the steering wheel system. More specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said a defect in these vehicles could lead to a sudden loss of power assist which reduces the driver's ability to steer the car, especially at low speeds.

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New Mazda Takuya Special Editions for UK Market

Obviously Mazda has embarked on a journey to teach Japanese to British buyers. After the MX-5 Miyako limited edition series - named after a Japanese island, Mazda is now introducing the 'Takuya' special edition range, available on the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models. The name 'Takuya' � pronounced 'tah-koy-yah' � is taken from the Japanese for forerunner or pioneer. Changes on the special edition models are limited to cosmetic and equipment upgrades.

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