- The European-spec Mazda 2 will get a modest face-lift.
- Mazda will offer its 1.6-liter MZ-CD diesel engine in the Mazda 5 minivan.
- A lightweight six-speed manual gearbox will debut in the Mazda 3 and 5.
TOKYO — Mazda's display at the 2010 Paris Auto Show won't have a lot of all-new sheet metal but will feature plenty of upgrades, notably on the compact Mazda 2.
The subcompact Mazda 2 hatchback just went on sale in the U.S. in late July, but the version sold in Japan and Europe is three years into its life cycle and ready for a modest face-lift. Changes for the 2011 model year include new front-end styling, a revised cabin and a retuned suspension.
The redesigned Mazda 5 minivan, which was unveiled earlier this year in Geneva, will be fitted with the automaker's MZ-CD 1.6-liter diesel engine. This diesel four-cylinder makes 113 horsepower and will return a claimed 43 mpg in the compact people mover.
Both the Mazda 5 and the Mazda 3 will feature an all-new lightweight six-speed manual gearbox in Paris. The Mazda 3 also gets the 1.6-liter diesel, which will return a claimed 53 mpg, with low CO2 emissions of 117 g/km on the European test cycle.
Inside Line says: It will be a quiet Paris show for Mazda. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
herrstreet says:
08:46 PM, 10/01/2010
They RUINED the Mazda 5. It was a really nice looking little van with not quite enough power and a meh interior - but a great price. Now it's just ugly. Pity.
k55 says:
09:33 AM, 09/07/2010
I wish Mazda would consider a 2 door ( 3 door?) Mazdaspeed version of the newest 2 .........Yes that would be of interest.
thegraduate says:
08:47 AM, 08/24/2010
@dagmar,
113hp, but how much torque? If it is close to the 200 range, it'll likely feel peppier off the line and around town than the gas versions.
dagmar3 says:
04:56 AM, 08/24/2010
The Mazda5 is an interesting piece, but a 3,200 lb. minivan does not benefit from giving up 40 hp. That must be the slowest vehicle on the road. Luckily, it will not make it to America, right?
angry_mushroom says:
10:27 PM, 08/23/2010
The Mazda 2 still looks as generic as a Camry.