Toyota Corona Premio 2001 Speedometer [2261400] on 2040-parts.com

Mazda confirms new SkyActiv-D 1.5 litre diesel engine for next Mazda2

The next Mazda2, previewed by the Hazumi Concept (pictured) gets a new SKYACTIV 1.5 diesel The Geneva Motor Show this year saw the arrival of the Mazda Hazumi Concept which was the first view of the next generation Mazda2, due to arrive in early 2015. What the Geneva Show also revealed from Mazda was the new SkyActiv-D 1.5 litre diesel engine which is heading for deployment in Mazda’s cars, and now Mazda has confirmed the next Mazda2 will be offered with the new clean and fugal diesel. Similar to the 2.2 litre diesel already available in the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, the new 1.5 litre offers 103bhp and 185lb/ft of torque and features a bigger homogenous lean burn range, less mechanical resistance and new insulation to improve cooling and efficiency.

Honda CR-Z Hybrid by 2010

Honda are bringing the Honda CR-Z Hybrid to market next year, based on the CR-Z Concept from 2007 Honda’s first production Hybrid – the Honda Insight, recently called the worst car in the world – has not been a resounding success. True, it looks better than the Toyota Prius but – and we haven’t driven one yet so we can’t comment from our own experience – it’s not a great car. It has also been eclipsed – after a promising start – by the Toyota Prius, which has doubled its sales in Japan.

September sales hint at improvement

A 10 percent increase in new-vehicle sales in September is sparking optimism that the year will have a strong finish. And analysts say that deals might get better over the next few months as Toyota and Honda finally recover from shortages caused by the earthquake that hit Japan in March. Those brands might increase spending on incentives to woo buyers back into their showrooms.