Tests and Features

Test Drives2012 Mazda MX-5: Clear skies in the forecast4.5/5
The day your humble and eminently competent servant photographed the Mazda MX-5, the temperature was 26 degrees Celsius and about 35 with the Humidex. Fortunately, that warm weather will be back soon. If the sun was an automobile, it would be the Mazda MX-5. It is nothing short of happiness …
Test DrivesMazda3 GS Skyactiv: Promise kept?
For years now, Mazda has been describing the wonders and promise of a new technical philosophy called Skyactiv. The Car Guide team has already described it to you in detail. But to sum up in a few words what could easily take hours to explain, Mazda’s engineers called into question …
First Drives2012 Mazda CX-5: Full circle4.5/5
Mazda recently implemented its ambitious SKYACTIV technological program, which aims to reduce fuel consumption while improving handling and fun. The first salvo was fired in September 2010 during a presentation of this technology’s ins and outs to journalists. The CX-5, whose prototype was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in …
First Drives2012 Mazda CX-5 (prototype): Completely SKYACTIV4.5/5
Think of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, unveiled in September 2010, and reduced fuel consumption immediately comes to mind. But while it’s true that when paired with new engines and transmissions it helps substantially lower fuel consumption, that’s not all SKYACTIV technology does. Indeed, its overall design touches on all of the …
Comparative Tests2011 Ford Fusion vs. Mazda6: Twins, but not identical
Many people were surprised to learn that the first Ford Fusion was built on the same platform as the Mazda6. Yes, indeed. Ford was a major shareholder at Mazda, and the two companies had already joined forces on a number of different models. This also explains why Focuses were derived …
First Drives2011 Mazda RX-8: More Zoom Zoom than any other Mazda4.5/5
Before getting to the car, a quick side note about language. In Mazdaspeak, "Zoom Zoom" refers to inspired sport driving. This term is used by Mazda worldwide, except in Quebec, where they say "Vroom Vroom." Interesting? Perhaps. But you’re probably more interested in knowing just how the Zoom and Vroom …
First DrivesMazda RX-8 2011- La plus Zoom Zoom des Mazda4.5/5
Avant de passer à la voiture, juste un mot pour souligner que le titre n’est pas erroné. J’ai remplacé Vroom Vroom par Zoom Zoom, puisque cette appellation est utilisée partout sur la planète, sauf au Québec, où on utilise Vroom Vroom. Pourtant, les onomatopées utilisés ici représentent mal la philosophie …
Test Drives2011 Mazda CX-7: Different engine, different personality!4.0/5
Introduced in 2007, the Mazda CX-7 has created some tough competition in the compact SUV segment, rivaling other choice models. The CX-7 sets itself apart with dynamic style and sportiness thanks to its "zoom-zoom" heritage. You might even consider it a long-legged sports car. Last year, a few cosmetic changes …
Comparative TestsKia Forte5 vs. the Mazda3 Sport: Double take
I test drove the Mazda3 Sport first, but I must admit that when I got behind the wheel of the Kia Forte5, there was something instantly familiar about it. It has a lot in common with the Mazda, which is high praise indeed. The Mazda3 Sport with the Convenience Package …
21 / 24