Recent content by igotzzoom

We're all aware of the delays bringing the Skyactiv-D to market in the Mazda6. It's now almost a year overdue from the originally-targeted on-sale date. The latest is we're being told is that the powertrain is not meeting drivability expectations for the U.S. market. I'm wondering if this is...

They actually had a 6 diesel at the L.A. auto show on display. It was really low-key, though. I had to do a double-take to see what it was. The trunklid badge said "Skyactiv D" with the D large and in red. I went back and looked at the gauge cluster, and sure enough, it had a 5200-rpm redline...

The 2014 Mazda 6 diesel has reportedly been delayed until April 2014 due to emissions testing delays. I'm wondering if Mazda is actually having a tough time meeting emissions standards without the use of DEF. How committed do you think the company is to bringing it to market without having to...

Actually, slight revision to my last comment about the Cruze diesel. I went to a local car show where they had test drives. They had a Cruze diesel to drive. It was basically just an around-the-block drive, but enough to get a feel for it. It's a torquey little bugger. When we got back, the rep...

Bummer. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait. http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-mazda6-diesel-postponed-due-to-emissions-testing-delay-406279.html

Honestly, having owned a 2003 P5 that averaged about 23 mpg, and had WAY less power, I think 28/39 in a car with more than 180 hp is terrific. From what I've read, hatchbacks are naturally slightly less aerodynamically efficient than sedans. I think people saying these mileage figures "suck" are...

I don't know if you specifically "have to go to the dealer for the urea treatment" but they sure don't make it easy. It's a tank and nozzle buried in the trunk, rather than a fill neck next to the fuel filler. The DEF top-off is a simple, DIY procedure in a lot of models, but a total PITA in...

I'm thinking it'll be $2k over a 2.5 model.

Well, Mazda "officially" announced the 6 diesel at last year's LA show, and now the expected on-sale date is projected to be December 2013, more than a year after it was announced, which itself was about a year or more after they showed prototypes in Canada with the diesel. Going by that, even...

Love the looks and features of the 2014 Mazda3. When asked about a diesel possibility, Mazda USA reps did not outright deny it, or say it couldn't happen. They basically said, "Let's see how well it sells in the 6." I don't know about you guys, but I'd 100 times rather buy a 3 with a diesel than...

FWIW, my Sonata has a noisy startup too, but it's mostly the injectors. At first, I thought it was the wastegate rod actuator rattling, but then I drove a naturally-aspirated Santa Fe that did the same thing. It only does it for about 10-15 seconds before quieting down.

I love that Mazda is going its own way in pursuing fuel economy. I think it's fantastic they're able to achieve 40 mpg highway without resorting to a soulless hybrid. I can't wait to see the MPG figures with the diesel! I'm assuming it will be offered with i-Eloop as well.

Like it a lot. Mazda's playing coy about a diesel model for the U.S. I hope that happens. I would trade in my Sonata tomorrow for one, even if it's the 150-hp version.

The amount of torque the diesel engine has over the gas will more than make up for its slight deficit in horsepower relative to the gas engine. 125 lb-ft is a major difference. Also, Mazda has not ruled out the possibility of a turbocharged Skyactiv-G, and has said the diesel will not...

My guess is it might be the lower-power version in the 3. But 150 hp and 280 lb-ft would still be plenty for the 3. Besides which, I've heard the std. and high-output versions of the Skyactiv-D are identical internally. Only difference is the ECU tuning, supposedly. The diesel will probably be...