Tests and Features

Not only are compact cars increasingly popular in our market, but this segment is constantly evolving. To prove the point, we decided to assess—and compare—the seven most popular compacts. This time, we took a simpler approach than usual and tried to simulate a real vehicle purchase. Form and function The …

What do you do when it’s -30 degrees Celsius outside? You call the garage, of course! Don’t get me wrong, the 2014 Mazda3 I was test driving was running smoothly, but I wanted to get a better view of what makes it tick. So, I called my friend Ghyslain from …

At the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda lifted the veil off its upcoming projects. Takashi Suzuki, manager of the Drivetrain Development department at Mazda, announced an ingenious technological innovation: a range extender system. The idea isn’t actually new, since Chevrolet offers something similar with the Volt, which uses a combustion engine …

The Mazda3 isn’t good, it’s great! Since it was first introduced 10 years ago, the Mazda3 has been like a magnet to Quebec drivers. The question is, why hasn’t it been as popular throughout the rest of Canada or the U.S.? Maybe it’s our Latin blood, but here in Quebec …

After ten years of loyal service, two generations and 3.5 million units sold worldwide, the popular Mazda3 was due for a major change. And change it has! The brand new 3 still retains a small visual link to the past, and that’s not a bad thing. The lines are tighter …

The people in charge of developing the Mazda3 and MX5 have the most stressful job at Mazda. The Mazda3 is the brand’s best selling model while the MX5 is the best-selling sport roadster in automobile history. Eventually, the MX5 will be transformed in a joint project with Alfa Romeo, so …

The new generation of Mazda’s popular compact car has just been unveiled at Center 548 in New York’s Chelsea district. And the challenge that lies ahead for this newcomer is significant. With annual sales that account for 30% of Mazda’s total worldwide sales, the Mazda3 is the Hiroshima-based manufacturer’s best-selling …

Compact cars represent one of the most popular vehicle categories, especially since the jump in gas prices. In the past, people bought compacts mainly for their attractive price, but they had to sacrifice fun, equipment and sportiness. Times sure have changed. Nowadays, there’s a compact car for all tastes: some …

Compact cars have long been a hit all across Canada, and the Mazda MAZDA3 regularly posts total yearly sales in the top five. The 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 continues the company's push towards cornering the Canadian compact market with a very affordable - and very fuel efficient - lineup of hatchbacks …