Next Mazda6 spied - clear adoption of Kodo CX-5 design

The new Mazda6 is set to be revealed in September at Paris Motorshow, replacing the current model which was has been hanging around since 2008. Previewed by the Takeri Concept that vowed the crowd at 2011 Tokyo Motorshow, the latest iteration of Mazda D Segment car will we wearing a Kodo-design and full application of Skyactiv technology - covering the chassis and powertrain aspects.

For the first time, the camouflaged car in its probably final testing phase has been spotted, albeit in the wagon form. From the look of it, the front and rear lights, while similar in outline with the Takeri Concept, they have lost the slit like slimness and in comes the full size of light treatment, very identical in concept with the recently launched Mazda CX-5.

However, while the grille shape is near identical to the said SUV, the inner fills won't be the meshed item like the CX-5, instead it will be a 3 horizontal bars item. However, don't rule out a grille variation from model to model. The headlight internals has the same design as the CX-5 with the outward placement of indicator, followed by single lens in the centre and is garnished with the curvy inner bars that kinks upwards. Unlike Mazda CX-5 item that runs continuously into the grille, the Mazda6 chromed extension will join the headlight on the top edge of the housing. The lower bumper profile is similar in trend with the CX-5 in its fog lamp casing design, as well the lower grille black insert.

The rear end  meanwhile, in this Wagon guise at least, looks like a lowered CX-5 with its very identical rear combi. Not a bad thing anyway. However, we are yet to see how the Kodo theme is applied to the sedan butt, as all these while only the tailgated-type Mazda car were rolled out since the adoption of this new design language. So, pin a hope on a slight inflated Takeri rear end and we probably won't be too far off.

For the first time too, the interior has been spied. Clear to be seen is the high-mounted screen with navigation function, while the horizontal aircond outlet lies beneatch it. The layout and switchgear also looks very much a permutation from the highly-acclaimed CX-5 SUV. 

While the new 6 has lost the rakish outline of the Mazda Takeri Concept, it could be well be one of the most sporty looking Japanese D Segment sedan compared to the more staid looking Japanese D Segment offerings. The new Mazda6 also it tipped to loose around 100kg of weight thanks to the Skyactiv technology application in the chassis design. The engine selection will mirrors those of the CX-5 which means the Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-D powertrain, displacing 2.0L and 2.2L respectively. Gearbox option will include a manual and automatic, both with 6 forward ratios.

More photos can be found after the jump, credited to Carscoop.

Mazda MX-5 updated with fresher look, sharper throttle response and enhanced braking

Mazda has injects some age-prolong agent into its ever popular MX-5 Roadster (and Folding Hard Top model too) for 2012. The update was leaked some days back via the grainy brochure scan HERE, but this is the real deal, on sale since today.

For the second round of facelift, Mazda has redesigned the front bumper that include the latest Kodo design element with more angular and larger front grille opening. The headlamp bezel is now black for the roadster and chromed for the folding hard top. Other exterior updates include new soft top color option as well as a new design for 17" alloy.

For the interior, Mazda has enhanced the ambience with glossy dark gray trimmings inserts for the steering wheel garnish and the dashboard garnish. The roadster gets the same trimming for the meter binnacle while the hard top version is chrome-trimmed.

Quite a weird update has make an appearance with this updated Mazda MX-5, i.e the safety update in terms of the introduction of Active Hood which pop up the trailing edge of the hood to help cushioning the impact to the pedestrian head. Usually this kind of fundamental update comes with an all-new version due to the fundamental design change, but perhaps Mazda has found a simpler way to incorporate this new safety mechanism.

Mechanically, Mazda MX-5 is the same good old version, but Mazda claimed it has sharpened the response of the manual version with sharper throttle response while both automatic and manual version gets a revised brake booster that enhanced braking performance. Powertrain unit of the RWD roadster/hardtop remains a MZR 2.0L engine.

Some more photos of the updated Mazda MX-5 can be found after the jump.

Cheaper Honda Freed now on sale - S-spec at RM99,800

Honda Malaysia has introduced a cut-priced version of its small MPV, the Freed. Previously available in in "E" guise which it pitched at high-ish RM113,493.50, the lowered spec "S" variety can be bought for RM99,800. It is virtually identical to the current version as the omission is limited to the deletion of powered sliding door (well, major deletion MMN would say), variable intermittent wiper, auto airconditioning, ALPINE DVD player. Other safety and comfort features remain intact.

For the uninformed, Honda Freed is a small MPV derived from Honda Jazz platfrom. It is quite a tiny 7 seater, measures only 4,215mm long, 1,700mm wide, 1,735mm tall and rides on 2,740mm wheelbase. It is suspended on McPherson struts up front and H-shaped torsion beam at the back. Honda Freed is powered by the 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine kicking a class leading 118PS@6,600rpm of power and 146Nm@4,800rpm of torque. The mill is mated a 5 speed automatic transmission with Shift Hold Control.

Nissan's Almera, B-Segment Vios challenger coming at RM70k+

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is set to capitalize in the lucrative foreign-brand B Segment market with the introduction of Nissan Almera. According to many sources, Nissan Almera will be launched in September 2012, which raised a question why the sales advertisement and Mudah.my adverts pop up so early. All the spyshots before this referred the car as Sunny/Almera as these are the names used interchangeably between various market, and if these adverts are anything to go by, it will indeed will be called Almera.

The advertisement in Mudah.my links are:

http://www.mudah.my/li?fs=1&ca=8_s&th=1&q=nissan+almera&cg=0&w=3

http://www.mudah.my/Nissan+Almera+1+5-16405678.htm

For Malaysian market, Nissan Almera will come in the 1.5L guise which means it is from the HR15DE variety punching out 99bhp and 134Nm. From the advert above, the car will be available with 5 speed manual gearbox, while the automatic transmission will be of the 4 speed variety. The quoted fuel efficiency figure from Singaporean version is 6.3L/100km and 6.9L/100km respectively for the manual and automatic version.

Dimensionally, Nissan Almera is 4,425mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,600mm. Comparatively, Toyota Vios is 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,460 tall while it rides on a shorter 2,550mm wheelbase. Honda stylish City meanwhile is 4,395mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,475mm tall while the wheel distance stretched 2,550mm too. In terms of chassis, Nissan Almera shares a common type of McPhersons strut and torsion beam setup like the rest of its competitor. More details of Nissan Almera and photos of Singaporean spec cars can be traced back to MMN articles back in March 2012.

4th generation Renault Clio revealed - first detail & photo galleries

The fourth generation Renault Clio is set to battle it out with the likes of Ford Fiesta and Fiat Punto with a stylish new body, upmarket interior ambiance and a set of economical new engine. This generation of Renault Clio is designed under the supervision of Laurens van den Acker, Renault new design chief, the new Clio is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. In terms of chassis architecture, Clio Mk4 retains the McPhersons struts/Torsion Beam setup of the current model.

However, it is the exterior styling that takes the centre stage this time around. The front end is dominated by new corporate face with integrated headlamps and grille with prominent Renault badge takes the central attention. The headlamps is particular is not only intricate in its housing and internal graphics, but it also has a darkened lower surrounding that runs all the way right from the grille. The long and simple lower intake in adorned with circular fog lamps with chromed surround that flanks the horizontal slats.

The side profile is far from being slab sided prominent belt line that launches into the powerful rear haunches, the crisp detailing in the lower sills with contrasting insert and most importantly the rear door has been "eliminated" with the inclusion of Alfa-like hidden door outside handle.

The rear end meanwhile is no less interesting. Firstly the rear glass is well blended with the curvy flaring of rear haunch and the tailgate panel features a crisp protruding fascia that stands proud from being homogenous with the rest of the rear end panel. Chrome strip complete the rear end garnishing. Consistent with the theme set at the front end, the rear combi is installed within the darkened insert and the lower valence has the same outline as the front bumper lower intake.

Inside the cabin,the dashboard adopts a more upmarket design than before, with prominent centre console wrapped in piano black material. Together with the steering wheel, meter binnacle and door trim, these items features a rich interplay of plastic texturing, coloured insert and chromed lining. 7' touch screen is also part of the package from mid-range model onwards. Other than that, Renault is also offering interior personalisation program with several trim color selection.

In the powertrain department, the engine line-up for Clio Mk4 include the 900cc 3-cylinder turbocharged Energy Tce engine kicking out 89bhp and 135Nm, 1.5L turbodiesel Energy dCi punching out 89hp and 220Nm. The claimed fuel consumption figure for both are 4.3L/100km and 3.2L/100km respectively, mega economical MMN would say! A turbocharged 1.2L gasoline engine also is available, and hooked to a 6spd dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Some gallery of the Renault Clio Mk4 can be found after the jump.