USA RECALL - Mazda recalls a number of it's models over many years to fix the hatch/Lift Gate Gas Stay Dampers.

On September 6, Mazda Motor Corporation filed a safety defect report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address a concern with certain CX-3, Mazda3, Mazda5 and CX-5 vehicles.

On the affected vehicles, insufficient corrosion protective coating was applied to the ends of the external cylinders of the rear hatch/lift gate gas stay dampers (lift supports). If water containing road salt enters, it can cause corrosion. 

Over time, increased corrosion may eventually cause it to break as the rear hatch or lift gate is opened. The rear hatch or lift gate may drop suddenly, and/or the broken parts may hit the customer, causing injury.

Affected vehicles include:

2010-2013 Model Year Mazda3

2012-2015 Model Year Mazda5

2013-2016 Model Year CX-5

2016 Model Year CX-3

Approximately 575,381 vehicles are affected in the U.S.

There have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this condition in the affected Mazda vehicles.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

UK SALES YEAR END - Mazda has recorded it's 3rd year of successive growth, with new models this will continue.

• Mazda UK has recorded its third successive year of sales growth.
• 2015 saw Mazda UK achieve a year-on-year sales increase of 20.4 per cent.
• Mazda’s fully SKYACTIV range is one of the youngest model-line ups in the industry.

Mazda UK recorded its third successive year of dramatic sales growth in 2015, ending the year 20.4 per cent up over 2014 - selling more than 45,500 cars. Mazda’s growth is well ahead of the UK market, which was up 6.3 per cent at 2.63m in 2015. This follows a successful 2014, in which Mazda’s sales grew 21 per cent over 2013, while that year sales had grown by more than 19 per cent over 2012.

After a year that saw the launch of the all-new Mazda2, the all-new Mazda CX-3 and the debut of the latest version of Mazda’s iconic MX-5 sports car, which was named 2016 What Car? Convertible of the Year, Mazda UK Sales Director Peter Allibon is looking forward to another strong year of sales performance. 

“All our factories are working at 100 per cent capacity which is fantastic,” explained Mazda UK sales director Peter Allibon, adding, “so it’s unlikely that there will be a fourth year of double-digit sales increases, but there are still opportunities for UK growth.”

Allibon is forecasting that Mazda’s sales will grow seven per cent in 2016 while the UK market is expected to be flat. 

“This year is going to be one of consolidation with modest levels of growth,” he said. “We will have a full year of all-new Mazda2 sales and, of course, the all-new Mazda MX-5 was only launched late last summer so we will have a whole summer of MX-5 sales to look forward to,” said Allibon. 

Mazda3, launched just two years ago in January 2014 and it’s now the most established car in Mazda’s line-up of sixth-generation models – it was also the best-seller in 2015 with sales up 37.4 per cent at 12,600.

“Having all six of our sixth generation cars in the showroom at the same time – something we’ve been working towards since 2011 – is great for our dealers and our customers,” said Allibon. It also reinforces Mazda’s position as the franchise of choice for dealer groups looking to expand their portfolio.

“Our plan for 2016 is to focus on getting the quality aspect of everything we do right. The expectations of our customers – many of whom have come to Mazda from premium brands – are different now and we need to be able to positively surprise them with exceptional service at every touch point.”

In 2015 not only did Mazda UK launch three all-new models and two major facelifts, it was the central feature marque at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, supported its dealer network upgrade their showroom facilities and moved its UK headquarters to a building that reflects Mazda’s status as one of the most successful brands over the last three years. 

“I believe the Mazda brand and our current product range gives us the capacity to grow beyond 50,000 annual sales, but our dealer network is profitable at that level so if we do expand beyond this point we have to look at the size of our network and our own infrastructure to support those extra sales, while at the same time ensuring we continue to deliver the desired customer experience,” said Allibon.

The entire Mazda range now features SKYACTIV technology and eye-catching KODO: Soul of Motion design and with the launch of the all-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition and the addition of the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine to the Mazda3 range, the early months of 2016 see Mazda continue to expand its award-winning model line-up.

The EPA has recognised that Mazda is the most fuel efficient auto manufacturer in the United States.

• SKYACTIV Technology Delivers Top Fuel Efficiency Spot for Third Consecutive Year 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in its most recent Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends report that Mazda Motor Corporation is the most fuel-efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S.  

With the highest fleet-wide adjusted fuel economy performance of 29.4 miles per gallon (MPG), and the lowest CO₂ emissions of 328, Mazda led the chart for model year (MY) 2014. 

For the third consecutive year, Mazda has achieved the highest fuel efficiency of any other mainstream automotive manufacturer in the industry, without offering a hybrid or electric vehicle. 

Mazda's uniqueSKYACTIV Technology has made this level of efficiency possible.  SKYACTIV is a suite of component and engineering technologies intended to cut vehicle weight and improve engine efficiency for outstanding environmental and safety performance, without sacrificing the brand’s renowned driving pleasure.

"At Mazda, Driving Matters and so does fuel economy,“ said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "Using SKYACTIV Technology, Mazda has been able to achieve class-leading fuel efficiency in nearly every segment it competes in. 

This achievement verifies that Mazda has evolved to offer what others can’t, vehicles that are of high-quality, great looking, fun-to-drive and fuel efficient.“

Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY can be found throughout its vehicle line up including the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5 and in the all-new MX-5 Miata and CX-3. 

The Mazda CX-3 crossover utility vehicle has been rated with an EPA-estimated fuel economy as high as 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway, which positions CX-3's fuel economy as class-leading among all 2015 and 2016 subcompact crossover utility vehicles.

Arriving in 2016, the all-new Mazda CX-9 will feature a new SKYACTIV 2.5 liter direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine.  The CX-9 aims to offer customers a combination of great performance in everyday driving situations and excellent fuel economy.

Mazda has also been named by U.S. News and World Report as the 2016 Best Car Brand.

Mazda gives Frankfurt a World debut of its new Crossover SUV, the Koeru Concept.

• Mazda Koeru features a distinctly powerful rendition of the KODO design theme
• Japanese carmaker aims to further raise benchmark in competitive SUV segment

In a world premiere at the 66^th 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Mazda will reveal the Mazda Koeru, a new crossover SUV concept that makes a bold statement in an increasingly popular and competitive segment.

Koeru, Japanese for “exceed” or “go beyond”, is a fitting name for Mazda’s latest venture into the growing crossover SUV market, where the company is again looking to surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value.

With its formidable KODO – Soul of Motion design, the Koeru expresses the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity. The full line-up of Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV Technology, meanwhile, ensures outstanding dynamic performance, fuel economy and safety with no compromise to Mazda’s patented driving fun.

The carmaker will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt. Highlights include an all-new Mazda MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. Mazda’s press conference takes place at 13:45 (hall 9.0, B16) on 15 September, the first of two press days. The IAA is open to the public from 17-27 September.

Mazda’s main exhibits at the 2015 IAA

Reference exhibit	Mazda Koeru (world premiere)
Vehicles currently on sale	Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-3, 2015 Mazda CX-5, 2015 Mazda6, Mazda2 & Mazda3
Technology exhibits	SKYACTIV-G 2.5, SKYACTIV-D 2.2 & SKYACTIV-D 1.5

TOW CAR AWARDS - The 2015 Mazda CX-5 has been voted best Tow Car in the 1,550-1,699kg category.

• Mazda’s CX-5 wins at the Tow Car Awards for the second consecutive year.
• The 2015 Mazda CX-5 voted best Tow Car in the 1,550-1,699kg category.
• Mazda CX-5 2.2D 175PS AWD Sport Nav awarded by the experts at Practical Caravan, the Camping and Caravanning Club and What Car?

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 has been voted best Tow Car in the 1,550-1,699kg category by the experts from Practical Caravan Magazine, What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Selected from a field of 37 cars, the CX-5 was rated for its everyday driving ability, price, running costs and future resale value by What Car?, while the experts from the Camping and Caravanning Club and Practical Caravan Magazine subjected it to demanding tests that assess the cars behaviour when towing, and looked at practical features that make a tow car driver’s life easy.

Assessed pulling a caravan weighted to 85 per cent of its 1,688kg kerbweight, the CX-5 was tested for stability at 60mph, subjected to awkward cambers and bumps on a twisty handling circuit and measured for agility and steering responsiveness on slalom.

The judges also measured stopping distances, while other important tests included a hill-start on a 1-in-6 incline and measurement of emergency lane change stability. There’s also a focus on cabin practicality, luggage capacity and factors such as the ease of towing mirror fitment.

Testing the 2015 Mazda CX-5 2.2D 175PS AWD Sport Nav, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan Magazine, commented “a mid-life update has made the Mazda CX-5 into a really superb tow car. It was already a stable tow car, but now it’s even better. Even crosswinds don’t seem to upset the Mazda CX-5, and better still, our practicality judges were just as impressed as the drivers.

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 features significant interior trim and standard equipment specification upgrades, as well as exterior enhancements. The standard equipment specification of every model in the CX-5 line-up has been enhanced through the addition of manual front passenger seat height adjustment, an electronic parking brake and a coming home/leaving home headlight function.

Mazda’s latest Multimedia Commander with separate volume dial for safe, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control features a new 7-inch, full-colour, centre console touch-screen incorporates DAB radio, two ports for USB connectivity and MZD Connect. Paired with a smartphone, MZD Connect makes it easier to take advantage of functions such as internet connectivity and access to social networking services.

Top-of-the-range Sport Nav models benefit from new exterior features including 19-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels, LED headlights including LED daytime running lights, and LED foglamps. On board, an already comprehensive Sport Nav standard equipment specification is further bolstered by a new Integrated Navigation system which offers greater accuracy, improved search features and three years of free map updating.

Perfectly suited to towing, the practical and upmarket Mazda CX-5 2.2D 175PS AWD Sport Nav benefits from Mazda’s advanced four-wheel drive system, which features variable torque distribution and precise slip detection, giving a front/rear torque split ranging from 100/0 to 50/50 percent, ensuring the CX-5 delivers the traction and grip needed for reassuring motoring in wintry conditions and confident towing.

The Tow Car Awards winning 2.2S 175PS AWD Sport Nav costs £29,395, while the £800 Safety Pack adds Adaptive LED Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-keep Assist System and Rear Smart City Brake Support. Useful when towing, Mazda Radar Cruise Control^ is another optional feature available on the award winning 175PS Sport Nav diesel.

TMW - The 2014 large SUV/Crossover winner is............................

LARGE CROSSOVER/SUV - For Families or those that like to Lord it over the rest of us

DISCOVERY 4 - getting extremely old now, but still one of the class leaders, its look has been tweaked over the years, but time is not a great friend to car design, and the Discovery is now well past it's sell by date.

RANGE ROVER - The daddy of all 4x4's, this is the car that started it all off way back in the early 1970's, the classic Ranger was a stunning car that's been improved and moved up market with each variation, its now in the uber car category, along with Bentley, Rolls, Maserati and the like.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE - The SRT version of this car is a stunning, storming piece of automotive excellence, Jeep continue to improve month after month, and the Grand Cherokee has helped to push the parent company into high sales and improved market share.

MAZDA CX-5 - the CX-5 was one we tested a while ago, now, it was a great looking car, but a car in this sort of price category needs to be better than great, it needs to be exceptional, the new face lifted version was previewed here, recently as a leaked picture or two appeared, will it beat the daddy or the brash US cousin, well see.

AUDI Q7 - The Q7 is one of those vehicles that does everything nicely, as you would expect from supposed German precision, but the Q7 does not really stand out, apart from it's size, that is, cars in the bracket need to stand out, and i feel this does not, but over all, its a great package.

VOLVO XC-90 - Well, after years and years of waiting we at long last have the new XC-90, and wow, was that wait worth it, with the worries of whether the brand would suffer under Chinese ownership, this new SUV, as well as the complete refresh of the rest of the range, has shown the Chinese are happy to let Volvo do it right, and the sales, and profits show that this is working extremely well.

--------------------

Like the small SUV nominations, the large sector also has two from Land Rover, the first being the evergreen Discovery 4 (LR4), this has been around now for a long long LONG time, with virtually no visual changes from the '3', and its latest changes have given it a much needed boost to life, will it be enough to see it through to the replacement Discovery 5, or whatever LR decides to name this all new car, for the existing model, you can tell your in the LR4 as it looks very dated, and not like any of the Range Rover models, which brings us nicely onto the next one.

The daddy of the off roaders is of course the Range Rover, its been around now for over 40 years, and with each new model, it notches it's self up a gear, becoming more luxurious and more expensive, yet it is still more than capable off road, which is evident when LR states quite clearly that all its cars will be built for off road ability as well as on road comfort and speed, the high up stance of the RR gives the driver that air of grandeur, that not many other cars can.

The US version, the Grand Cherokee, is a better bet, its cheaper, as well screwed together, in SRT trim is a storming car, and its interior is of a better quality than ever before, but when your spending money in the numbers you need to, to buy these cars, could you be tempted to buy a Jeep, over a Range Rover, personally, yes i could, but could i stomach the depreciation, the answer to that is a resounding NO.

The Mazda CX-5 could be placed in the small SUV section, but it is quite big, and very well put together, like all modern Mazda's, the KODO-Soul of motion and Skyactive technology has breathed over the CX-5 to make this a very capable car, it is extremely comfortable, and quiet, it has loads of toys, especially the further up the range you go, fuel consumption is better than average in this group of cars, and the residuals are not to shabby either, but like the Jeep, is it a choice that could draw people out of their Range Rovers, yes, it could, more so than the Jeep, but will it, only time and surveys can answer that.

Now we have the one car that can beat the Range Rover at its own game, and that's the AUDI Q7, a massive car, and that's an understatement, the Q7 is huge all over, and is very imposing when standing next to one, but like the RR, it is very well put together, very quiet and capable off road, not quite as good as the RR, but not far off, the AUDI, is nothing to look at either, its like the rest of the Audi range, and that's where it falls down, it needs to have some sort of difference, once it has that, it will definitely fight for outright wins.

And lastly we have the Volvo XC-90, at long last Volvo has replaced the large Sports utility vehicle, the car that was once its best seller, and the car that kept Volvo from going into a downward spiral, but time has passed, and with each year the XC-90 never got replaced, but here we are today, the all new XC-90, the start of a mass resurgence of the brand under new Chinese ownership, it's looks are subjective, but it has be said that this car is probably the most important car for any manufacturer, it will either make or break Volvo, especially in the USA, where sales have dropped year on year for many years.

THE 2014 LARGE SUV/CROSSOVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Goes to.......................

Another easy choice, the Land Rover duo have been around for too long to really make an impact on the winner here, and the Mazda is just not there yet, the Audi Q7, is as near as you can get to beating the Volvo, it is a very capable car, but again, not quite there yet to beat the Volvo, not the Grand Cherokee, especially in SRT trim, is a very capable car, and like the Audi, is nearly enough to win, but the interior lets it down, which is why our choice goes to the Volvo XC-90.

Jon Mower

TMW

Mazda continue to grow, with improved half years figures, and with more to come.

• Carmaker hikes operating profits by 41 per cent, heading for another record year
• Vehicle sales grow by 6 per cent year-on-year globally and 21 per cent in Europe

Mazda Motor Corporation remains on course for another record year after reporting an exceptional first half. The carmaker posted sales revenue of ¥1.45 trillion (€10.5 billion) between April and September, up 16 per cent compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Operating profit came in at ¥104 billion (€748 million), a 41 per cent gain, and net income was ¥93.3 billion (€671 million), up ¥68.3 billion or almost quadruple the year-ago figure. This comes on the back of Mazda’s best results in its 94-year history for the fiscal year that ended in March 2014.

Vehicle sales grew as well by 6 per cent globally to 669,000. European sales grew by 21 per cent to 90,000** units. North America and China also achieved strong growth of 14 and 19 per cent, respectively.

Like elsewhere, Mazda’s new-generation models continue to sell well in Europe, led by the all-new Mazda3. Featuring Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV technology underneath their stunning KODO designs, these cars are fuelling the company’s success around the globe. More are on the way, too. Initial orders for the all-new Mazda2, the newly crowned Car of the Year Japan, have been strong after its recent domestic market launch, and it will soon arrive in Europe and elsewhere, too.

Other new models are slated to follow in 2015, including the all-new Mazda CX-3, a small SUV, and upgraded versions of the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5. With all these products in the pipeline, Mazda is confident of meeting its fiscal year targets despite global economic developments. The company expects to sell 1.42 million vehicles during the 12 months to the end of March 2015, a 7 per cent year-on-year increase. The full-year operating profit forecast, meanwhile, remains unchanged at ¥210 billion. Mazda recorded a ¥182 billion operating profit last year, bettering the previous record of ¥160 billion set in 2007-08.

* Source: Mazda Motor Corporation’s “Consolidated Financial Results for the First Half of the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2015”. Euro figures for the first half were calculated at €1 = ¥139.

** EU & EFTA