| Mazda is warming to the diesel cause with a | | | | stigma attached to the Cougar Ace misfortune, |
| 143bhp version of its 3 or Axela hatchback, which | | | | the automaker has to be more cautious about |
| will be introduced on February. | | | | shipping vehicles. Recently, Mazda has shipped |
| The Mazda 3's 130mph variant is designed to | | | | their first batch of brand new Mazda CX-9 |
| boost performance of the vehicle so as to | | | | crossovers from Hiroshima to North America. The |
| compete tightly in the segment where Ford | | | | vehicles are aboard Coral Leader car carrier. Said |
| Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 307 rule. At | | | | crossovers are expected to reach the United |
| present, the oil-burners of Mazda 3 are relatively | | | | States before January next year. |
| mild-mannered at 90hp and 108bhp 1.6-litre | | | | It can be recalled that Cougar Ace, a car-carrying |
| versions. The versions represent only 10 percent | | | | vessel, nearly capsized in off the Aleutian Islands |
| of Mazda 3s sold. D Sport, the sophisticated | | | | in July this year. Said vessel was carrying Mazda |
| Mazda 3 diesel engine with 6-speed manual | | | | 3s, CX-7s and other vehicles of the automaker. |
| gearbox and lots of mid-range punch, is capable | | | | With the present shipping, the automaker hopes |
| of running 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds. | | | | that it will be a much less eventful crossing. |
| According to auto analysts, next year will mark a | | | | Mazda is proving it is still hot on the wheels. With |
| significant milestone for diesel family hatchbacks. | | | | the introduction of CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers at |
| There is an expected general move of the | | | | the 2006 New York International Auto Show, |
| automakers in connection with the matter. As a | | | | Mazda is positive that a bountiful auto market |
| fact, a 175bhp Renaultsport Mégane and a | | | | share can be had. CX-9 Mazda auto body parts |
| 180hp derv version of the Corolla-replacing | | | | are especially engineered for the North American |
| Toyota Auris are on their way to etch their | | | | market. |
| respective milestones in diesel technology. | | | | “The North American market continues to |
| Aside from concentrating on Mazda diesel engine | | | | play a leading role in Mazda Motor |
| parts, the automaker is also crossing its finger for | | | | Corporation’s global future and financial |
| the launch two-row, 5-passenger CX-7 and | | | | health," said Jim O’Sullivan, CEO of |
| seven-passenger CX-9 crossovers. With the | | | | Mazda’s North American Operations. |