Mazda sacrifices 4,703 new vehicles in the interest of customer service
Back in late July this year, the Singapore-based car carrying vessel Cougar Ace almost capsized approximately 230 miles south of Alaska?s Aleutian Islands. For about a month, the ship listed on its side at an angle over 60 degrees, drifting with the current. Among the cargo were 4,703 new Mazda vehicles, primarily Mazda3 small car and CX-7 crossover SUV models, headed to the United States and Canada. The vehicles were strapped in place, and only a handful were apparently damaged significantly.
However, Mazda has decided to scrap all vehicles on board, even those showing no visible damage. ?After thorough testing by engineers from our North American and Japanese R&D centers, we decided the most appropriate course of action ? with our customers foremost in mind ? was not to sell any of the 4,703 Mazdas aboard the ship,? said Jim O?Sullivan, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations.
Shortly after the vessel was retrieved in September, Mazda announced that none of the associated vehicles would be sold as new cars, but depending on their conditions some could be marketed as used vehicles (with full disclosure, of course). Mazda published the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) of affected automobiles on its www.mazdausa.com and www.mazda.ca consumer websites.
2007 Mazda 6 sedan receives Edmunds.com ?Editor?s Most Wanted? pick
In its ?Sedan Under $25,000? category, Edmunds.com has awarded the Mazda 6 the distinction of ?Editor?s Most Wanted.? The vehicle was recognized for its ?comfort, capability and class for a surprisingly affordable price.? At this price point, vehicles are often little more than ?glorified economy cars,? according to Edmunds, but the Mazda 6 stands out for its standard safety features (ABS, traction control, side curtain airbags), tastefully simple design and smooth powertrain.
Since 1999, Edmunds.com has granted Most Wanted status in over 30 different market categories, including a Most Significant Vehicle of the Year award. Most Wanted cars and trucks are those vehicle that editors would park in their own driveways.
Source and image: Edmunds.com
Mazda launches turbocharged MAZDASPEED3 high performance hatchback
Based on the popular MAZDA3 hatchback, Mazda has delivered a turbocharged high-performance MAZDASPEED3 variant with 263 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque from a boosted 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the front-wheel-drive Mazda accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in under six seconds.
Other performance equipment includes 18-inch wheels inside 215/45-series Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, thicker front/rear anti-sway bars, heavier spring rates, stiffer shocks, upgraded brakes, a limited slip differential, special engine management to control front-wheel-drive torque steer, body reinforcements and aerodynamic exterior panels. Inside, heavily bolstered seats keep occupants in position and red stitching throughout emphasizes precise craftsmanship. Aluminum pedals and stainless steel scuff plates add touches of visual and tactile interest.
Likely competitors include the Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si, VW GTI and Dodge Caliber SRT-4.
Source and image: Mazda media
