2011 New Toyota Matrix Review

The 2011 Matrix is due a minor styling facelift and its sporty and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models will likely get a new engine. The 2011 Matrix will remain basically a station wagon version of the 2011 Toyota Corolla compact sedan but with the additional benefit of available AWD. Toyota is phasing-in the installation of an electronic brake override designed to thwart sudden acceleration and every model-year 2011 Matrix will have the upgrade. Most 2010 models should have it as well.

Wait for the 2011 Matrix if you want the latest styling tweaks or you’re interested in a bit more power. Neither should be compelling enough, however, to pass up a great deal on a 2010 Matrix if you need a compact wagon now. Toyota’s extending generous cash-back and low-interest incentives as it tries to recover from sales lost during the sudden-acceleration recall. Obviously, verify with your dealer that any 2010 Matrix you’re considering has the brake-override system as well as the modified gas pedal and replacement driver’s-side floormat fitted as part of the recall.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix ranks 6 out of 7 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Matrix, and analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Toyota Matrix is fuel-efficient and utilitarian, but reviewers say it can’t top its competitors: Its performance is underwhelming, and it doesn’t offer nearly as much cargo space.

The automotive industry finds that 2011 Toyota Matrix is a hodgepodge of highs and lows. Let’s start with the good. The Matrix has some of the highest fuel economy ratings in its class, good cargo space, a comfortable interior and Smart Stop Technology. With a base model and a manual transmission, you can get 26/32 mpg city/highway, figures that are only topped by the Mini Cooper Clubman and Nissan Juke, both of which are too small for most shoppers. 

The Matrix also has a maximum cargo capacity of 49.4 cubic feet, which is plenty of space for hauling groceries or luggage. If you check out the Matrix’s interior, you should be satisfied with driver and passenger seating. The back seat is roomy, and there’s a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Finally, Toyota added Smart Stop Technology, a system that reduces engine power when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed at the same time, to the Matrix’s standard features list.

For these reasons, some journalists think the Toyota Matrix is a good choice. “Behold the Corolla wagon,” says Car and Driver. “Sharing its mechanicals with Toyota’s bestselling small car, the Matrix attracts with spacious and practical hatchback utility." However, after testing the Matrix’s sporty S trim and comparing the Matrix to its competitors, other test drivers think there are better affordable compact wagons on the market.

For example, reviewers find the base 1.8-liter engine is acceptable for daily commutes, but report that it’s underpowered compared to the Matrix’s sporty S model and the competition. If you upgrade to the S trim, you’ll still encounter a few problems. Performance is significantly better, but fuel economy plunges to 21/29 mpg city/highway with an automatic transmission. That’s down from 26/32 with the base engine and a manual transmission. Plus, the S model starts at about $21,400, which is expensive considering its decent but forgettable performance.

Even if you are satisfied with the performance upgrade, you may be disappointed with interior quality on either trim, which looks and feels inexpensive. Next is cargo space. The Matrix’s maximum cargo capacity is good, but when you compare the Matrix’s figures to its competitors, this wagon is easily bested by the Honda Fit, a hatchback, and the Hyundai Elantra Touring and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, all of which have more than 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

When it comes down to it, the Matrix’s final grade looks pretty grim, and as a result, many reviewers aren’t impressed with this wagon’s complete package. “She's fun around town -- a good commuting car, really,” says Mother Proof . “But in the end, my hard, hard heart wasn't completely sold on the Matrix." But, if you are sold on the Matrix, don’t be discouraged. The Matrix will get you from point A to point B without hassle.

The Toyota Matrix gets a few changes for the 2011 model year. It has new wheels, two engines – down from three last year – standard Smart Stop Technology and an S model that features a 2.4-liter engine and 17-inch wheels. All-wheel drive is optional on the S trim. The base model has a 1.8-liter engine.

Compared to the rest of the class, as well as hatchbacks and compact SUVs, the Matrix is pricey. It starts at about $18,550 for the base model, and reaches about $21,400 for the sportier S model. At this rate you might as well start equipping a Honda Fit or Hyundai Elantra Touring with optional interior features or get a compact SUV.

Pre-Indy 500 Solar Car Race In New Mexico Team

100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 this year. In the first week of May, before the air is filled with the raspy voice supercharged engine, iconic racetrack will host the show gasoline-free when 12 teams from around the country race their solar-powered car in the Formula Sun Grand Prix. A group of engineering students from the University of New Mexico will be racing three-wheeled, single seat vehicle, Lobo del Sol, which can hit speeds up to 70 mph.

Four drivers will take shifts because their car lap around the 0.9 mile closed track with the aim of racking the most mileage for three days of racing, explained Olga Lavrova, research assistant professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering university and advisor teams. Pod-like craft resembling a retro science fiction movies, Lobo del Sol is 6 feet and width 16 meters. Array 64-square-foot photovoltaic cells mounted on the front and back of the car to convert sunlight into electricity to run the engine, which uses between one and two kilowatts of power for normal driving. This compares with a microwave oven that uses an average of about 1.5 kilowatts of electricity.

The car also has an on board battery that stores enough energy to power the car for between half an hour and an hour in cloudy conditions or after sunset. The battery can charge from zero to full capacity in about three hours, Lavrora said.

“That’s the beauty of the solar cars: most of the daytime they don’t ever need to be plugged in,” said Lavrora. “If you need some capacity to drive after the sunset that’s when they have to be plugged in.”

“That’s why I am strong believer that solar should become a feature on more cars. A lot of times cars sit in the parking lot and it’s full-blast sunshine and you could be recharging your battery,” she said.

While lightweight cars, like the students’ racer, are readily juiced with solar energy, full-scale commercial solar cars are still a thing of the future since roof-mounted photovoltaic cells produce a minimal amount of electricity. This is because they occupy little space and their ability to function optimally is compromised since they lie flat, instead of being angled toward the sun like photovoltaic cells on buildings, according to MIT’s Technology Review.

Using stationary solar panels to charge the batteries of plug-in hybrids is a cheaper and more efficient way to harness solar power, according to the Review. Fully electric cars, like the Nissan Leaf, can be charged the same way.

However, small buggy-like solar machines do exist. The Venturi Eclectic, an electric car that has solar panels and a wind turbine on the roof, and can also be plugged in to charge, has been on the market since 2007. Popular Mechanics described the vehicle as “very comfortable and manageable as an urban get-around car,” while referring to it as a “golf-cart-on-steroids” with “slightly-better-than-motorcycle crash protection.” The French made car can reach a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour and has a range of 30 miles.

Lavrora pointed to the new Toyota Prius, which comes with the option of having solar cells installed on the roof, as an example of the incorporation of solar technology into car design. The cells do not power the car, but rather run fans that extract hot air from the car when it’s parked, which cools the car down so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.

When asked what she envisages for solar power’s contribution to transportation in 10 years time, Lavrora said she sees people making use of small, solar-powered commuter cars on a “when needed” basis. These cars might form part of car sharing networks, similar to Zipcar, she explained.

Solar power could also be used in more buildings and be used to power streetlamps and traffic lights, she said.

Solar power could already be more widely used, but its implementation is being held back because tax breaks are given to oil and mining companies while very few are given to solar and wind companies, she said.

“And then, of course, you hear the general public complain that solar is so expensive. Well, the truth is gas and oil has been made cheaper for us through subsidies and that’s why nobody is complaining about it,” she said.

2011 Nissan X-TRAIL Review And Specs

Nissan unveiled the first details on their facelift version for the X-Trail SUV. In Japan the new model will go on sale on July 16th, with prices ranging from 2,239,650 yen to 3,139,500 yen.

The 2011 X-Trail comes with a redesigned front grille, front bumper, and headlights. These new features allow the front of the X-Trail to look a bit more bulky yet with a nice rounded finish that was absent in the previous model. On the interior Nissan added large-size meters for better driver visibility, a vehicle information display system, and a glove compartment with heat-retention and refrigerator functions.

A new addition to the line-up is the new X-TRAIL 20GT model. It features a new 2-liter "M9R" Clean Diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission (with manual shift mode).

A new system available in the 4WD models is the Advanced Hill Descent Control system. This system enables the driver to set his or her desired driving speed within the range from 4km/h to 15km/h, depending on the degree of hill grade.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the new revised X-TRAIL and the addition of a 6-speed automatic transmission model to the Clean Diesel "X-TRAIL 20GT." Both go on sale July 16th at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The latest refinements to X-TRAIL focus on the exterior, interior and the addition of a new "20GT" Clean Diesel 6-speed automatic transmission model. On the exterior, the front grille, front bumper and headlights have been redesigned to give an even bolder and sportier front-end look. Also, the combination taillights have been changed to LED, improving visibility from following vehicles in bad weather.

In the interior, large-size meters have been adopted for better driver visibility and a vehicle information display system is newly provided to display moment fuel consumption, upcoming maintenance schedules and various other information. In addition, a glove compartment with heat-retention and refrigerator functions is standard on all models.

The versatile utility that only the X-TRAIL can deliver has been further enhanced with the addition of an "Advanced Hill Descent Control" (fitted with a speed-setting function), which can set the desired driving speed suited to road surface conditions, the degree of hill grade or other situations. It has been adopted on 4WD models (except for manual transmission models).

Exterior

Redesigned front grille, front bumper and headlights

New LED combination taillights

Redesigned 17-inch aluminum wheels, tire size changed to P225/60R17

Choice of seven exterior colors, including Himalayan Khaki (Metallic) and Steel Blue (Metallic), among other exterior refinements

Interior

"Vehicle Information Display" provided at the center of the meter panel - this display system is fitted with a drive computer function to indicate fuel consumption, cruising range, etc., a maintenance function to show the time to change engine oil and tires, and a warning information function to display various warnings

Larger size meters

Interior pillar color changed from gray to the same color as the instrument panel

Cross seat material changed from space fabric to suede-like tricot

Mechanism and Equipment

Newly adopted Advanced Hill Descent Control system (with a speed-setting function) for 4WD models - this system enables the driver to set his or her desired driving speed arbitrarily within the range from 4km/h to 15km/h, depending on the degree of hill grade

Glove compartment with heat-retention and refrigerator functions adopted

Three-point seatbelt and a headrest installed at the center of the rear seat as standard equipment

Intelligent Key system + engine immobilizer provided as standard equipment (except for 20S)

6-speed automatic transmission model added to the 20GT - features a highly distributed lean NOx trap catalyst dedicated to the diesel engine and a high-precision engine management system dedicated to the AT model

18-inch aluminum wheels adopted on 20GT models

2011 Honda CR-V Review

The 2011 Honda CR-V is the best compact crossover for you if your decoder says this one’s name means “good value,” not “lame duck.”

The 2011 Honda CR-V is a virtual rerun of the 2010 Honda CR-V except for addition of an SE trim level to mark the final model year of a compact-crossover design that dates to model-year 2007. Arrival of an all-new 2012 Honda CR-V qualifies the 2011 CR-V as a lame duck. Qualifying it as good value is its roomy, well-designed cabin, fine handling, and a sterling record for reliability and resale value. Incidentally, “CR-V” actually is Honda’s abbreviation for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle.”

In Indonesia in 2010 showed increased business automakers. A number of producers more incentive to launch a new type and variant to enter the market. So also did not want to miss Honda CR-V with the newest. Although the 2011 Honda CR-V is not expected to vary widely from model 2010, she brings to the table excellent reliability. A 4-cylinder engine 2.4-liter single remains the only option, however, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both available. In terms of transmission, limited choice - there is only one, 5-speed automatic. For crossover SUV in this class, the CR-V MSRP from $ 25K is a bit high. However, drivers are sure to love 2011 CR-V.

As a crossover SUV, the Honda CR-V has always done exceptionally well. Rated #1 out of 22 affordable compact SUVs according to U.S. News Rankings & Reviews in 2010, the CRV offers excellent safety, affordability and performance. IntelliChoice 5-Year Cost of Ownership rating for the 2010 Honda CR-V is “Excellent” across most of the trim styles available. Riding this wave of exceptional renown and good feelings going into 2011, are any significant changes expected from Honda?

The exterior of the 2011 Honda CR-V will not be significantly changed. The LX, EX, and EX-L models will return as either a front or all-wheel drive variant. The 17-inch wheels that were standard before will remain as well.

The inside of the CRV is very comfortable and functional. Controls are well-placed and nicely designed and the quality of the build is exceptional. Luggage capacity will remain impressive in this class at around 35 cubic feet with the seats up and expanding to more than seventy cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Full power features are standard on all trim levels as is air conditioning, cruise control, sliding and reclining rear seats, a four-speaker stereo system with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary jack and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

Base models of the 2011 Honda CR-V boast clean designs and pretty good materials quality. By upping the ante and upgrading to the EX-L, though, drivers can enjoy a decidedly decadent all-leather interior. A Special Edition, or SE, trim is expected for the 2011 CR-V and it should add additional exciting features. Space is ample, as is cargo capacity, making the CR-V a natural choice for families on-the-go.

When the power was increased for the 2010 model year for the CR-V reviewers cheered, but were still a bit disappointed at the lack of a V6 engine, which is what most of the competition offers. Honda’s 4-cylinder is capable…barely…but it is what it is and it doesn’t work miracles. The handling is nice and responsive as is the braking system.

Specification
Brakes
Brake Type : Pwr
Brake ABS System : 4-Wheel
Disc – Front (Yes or ) : Yes
Disc – Rear (Yes or ) : Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) : 11.7 x – TBD -
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) : 12.0 x – TBD -
Drum – Rear (Yes or )
Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)
Cargo Area Dimensions
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in) : – TBD -
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 (in) : – TBD -
Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3 (in)
Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in) : – TBD -
Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in) : – TBD -
Cargo Box (Area) Height (in) : – TBD -
Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (ft³) : 72.9
Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft³) : 35.7
Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)
Cooling System
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) : 7.0
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) : – TBD -
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) : – TBD -
Engine
Engine Order Code
Engine Type : Gas I4
Displacement : 2.4L/144
Fuel System : MPFI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM : 180 @ 6800
SAE Net Torque @ RPM : 161 @ 4400
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (in) : 103.1
Length, Overall (in) : 179.3
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) : 71.6
Height, Overall (in) : 66.1
Track Width, Front (in) : 61.6
Track Width, Rear (in) : 61.6
Min Ground Clearance (in) : 6.7
Rear Door Opening Height (in) : – TBD -
Rear Door Opening Width (in) : – TBD -
Liftover Height (in) : – TBD -
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) : 15.3
Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity : 5
Passenger Volume (ft³) : 100.9
Front Head Room (in) : 38.9
Front Leg Room (in) : 41.3
Front Shoulder Room (in) : 56.9
Front Hip Room (in) : 55.9
Second Head Room (in) : 38.5
Second Leg Room (in) : 38.5
Second Shoulder Room (in) : 56.0
Second Hip Room (in) : 54.6
Mileage
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) : – TBD -
EPA Fuel Economy Est – City (MPG) : – TBD -
EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy (MPG) : – TBD -
Steering
Steering Type : Pwr Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall : 15.74
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) : 2.96
Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb (ft) : 37.8
Turning Diameter – Wall to Wall (ft) : – TBD -
Summary
Vehicle Name : CR-V
Body Style : 5 Door
Suspension
Suspension Type – Front : Independent
Suspension Type – Rear : Independent
Suspension Type – Front (Cont.) : MacPherson Strut
Suspension Type – Rear (Cont.) : Multi-link
Shock Absorber Diameter – Front (mm) : – TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter – Rear (mm) : – TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Front (in) : 0.79
Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Rear (in) : 0.75
Tires
Front Tire Order Code
Rear Tire Order Code
Spare Tire Order Code
Front Tire Size : P225/65TR17
Rear Tire Size : P225/65TR17
Spare Tire Size : – TBD -
Trailering
Dead Weight Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) : 1500
Dead Weight Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) : 150
Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)
Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)
Transmission
Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code
Trans Type : 5
Trans Description Cont. : Automatic
Trans Description Cont. Again
First Gear Ratio (:1) : 2.79
Second Gear Ratio (:1) : 1.61
Third Gear Ratio (:1) : 1.08
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) : 0.77
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) : 0.57
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)
Reverse Ratio (:1) : 2.00
Clutch Size (in)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) : 4.50
Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), High : – TBD -
Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), Low : – TBD -
Vehicle
EPA Classification : 2WD Sport Utility
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score : – TBD -
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (lbs) : 3413
Wheels
Front Wheel Size (in) : 17 x – TBD -
Rear Wheel Size (in) : 17 x – TBD -
Spare Wheel Size (in) : Compact
Front Wheel Material : Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material : Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material : Steel

2011 BMW ALPINA B5 BI-TURBO TOURING

Enthusiasts might appreciate the fact that the 2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo is available as a coupé, convertible, touring or saloon vehicle. Also, rear-wheel and all-wheel drivetrain options are available for the car.

ALPINA automobiles are defined by their finely balanced mix of driving dynamics, comfort and everyday luxury. Add to that exceptional functionality and the result is the new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Touring – the quickest of its kind!

The Touring smartly combines the exclusive sophistication of the Saloon with pronounced functionality and versatility. Make no mistake, the Touring offers up to 1670 litres of storage space and an ingenious luggage compartment concept, despite its luxury high performance genes.

A finely honed suspension and chassis configuration combined with variable dampers makes for an exemplary ride comfort while simultaneously providing sharp handling and excellent high-speed stability.

The V8 Bi-Turbo accelerates the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Touring from 0-62mph in 4.8s while 700Nm of torque paired with the exceptional 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with SWITCH-TRONIC means power is always readily available. Modern, dynamic and well toned in appearance – the B5 Bi-Turbo Touring has all the right visual qualities to make it the perfect companion for business and leisure.

Generating 507hp (373 kW) at a moderate 5,500rpm, with a maximum torque of 700Nm available from 3,000 to 4,750rpm, the V8 powerplant provides sensational performance, pace and acceleration. Two Honeywell-Garrett turbochargers sit inside the V of the two cylinder banks, working in parallel to force-feed the 4.4l all-aluminium engine. Compared to its super-charged predecessor, this engine configuration delivers more torque over a broader range and improves throttle response at low revs.

To fully leverage the potential of the engine, an optimised indirect inter-cooling system (air-to-water / water-to-air) with short intake tracts increases inter-cooler through-flow.. The high-performance cooling package gains its thermo-dynamic efficiency through the use of a large-volume low-temperature inter-cooler, as well as two water-to-air inter-coolers placed close to the engine.

Direct injection and Double-VANOS contribute to the B5 Bi-Turbo’s class-leading emissions and economy in the super saloon segment: 10.8 l/100km and 252g/km CO2 (Combined cycle ECE Norm).

High levels of torque combined with eight speeds makes for ultimately smooth gear changes with no noticeable interruption to the delivery of power in Automatic Mode – only the accompanying acoustics and the dynamic rev counter provide feedback as to the workings of the transmission. 700Nm of torque allow the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Touring to glide along in a high gear even at low speeds, benefitting both comfort and fuel economy. In Sport Mode a completely different character emerges, gear changes are virtually immediate.

The new BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Touring evolves typical ALPINA virtues and design cues in a new and convincing fashion, with a refreshing and dynamic appearance.

Self-assured and powerful, the new front commands attention with decidedly aggressive, aerodynamic lines and wide openings. Clearly exhibiting family heritage, the B5 Bi-Turbo carries it’s two double-ended tailpipes neatly integrated into the rear valance, a discreet rear diffuser completing the silhouette.

In combination with the rear spoiler, all aerodynamic components interplay to yield a remarkable reduction in lift of up to 60 % at the front and 30 % at the rear, providing excellent levels of high-speed stability and safety.

The interior offers a luxurious level standard equipment and delights with discreet touches which hint at the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Touring exclusive pedigree. Leather upholstery, versatile and adjustable Comfort seats, excellent multimedia navigation system with Bluetooth and Xenon headlights ensure the driver’s and passengers’ well-being. The SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel, hand-stitched with finest LAVALINA leather, features an electrically-adjustable steering column while the exclusive ALPINA instruments with black-panel LCD technology luminate in their typical blue design. The classic ALPINA luxury Myrtle wood provides a warm ambience – found only on the USA’s Pacific Coast it is cultivated from dedicated Laurel tree groves.

Connection technology savvy than previous art engine and transmission, BMW Alpina Bi-Turbo B5 astonishing numbers: only 4.7 (Touring: 4.8) seconds from 0 to 100 km / h / 0-62mph taking the road to a top speed of 307 km / h / 191 km / h (Touring: 303 km / h / 188 mph). great stopping power in the form of high-performance vented brakes (front: 345mm/14.6in 374mm/14.7in, rear) ensures braking is synonymous with sports car racing clean.

Working with 20-inch wheels and tires, it produces a very balanced chassis setup and direct approach has been pushing this sport only for the suspension by hand in a manner consistent agile. 255/35 mounted on heavy-light 20 “Alpina CLASSIC non run-flat tires, size 285/30 ZR20 ZR20 Michlin Pilot large front and back of the representatives of the latest technology, ultra-high performance tires available today., They are on 2/3rds of surface features soft compound (middle) and a mixture of hard 1/3rd (hips and external) that exist. This blend is an excellent durability, with typical hard in high performance vehicles, but offers an excellent grip when wet stairs stability . Enhancement and strengthening of new technology offers the band is less likely to suffer from rising temperatures that the loss of grip in the dry.

2011 Mazda 2 Specification

The 2011 MAZDA2 is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the Sport and the Touring. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 100-horsepower engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2011 Mazda 2 has been completely redesigned inside, outside and underneath. The all-new five-seat, front-wheel-drive subcompact was designed to take on a wide range of competitors, such as the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Soul and Rio.

Mazda hasn't been a player in the subcompact market for more than a decade, but that didn't stop enthusiasts from calling on the Japanese automaker to import its world market Mazda2 to North America. That wish has finally come true, while the North American Mazda2 gets some minor changes, considered upgrades, in interior materials and revisions to the audio and climate controls compared to world market versions.

First introduced in 2007, the Mazda 2 has been extremely successful, selling more than 400,000 units in Europe and Asia, and being named World Car Of The Year in 2008. Now, the U.S. market gets the third-generation Mazda 2 before any other market.

The North American Mazda2 more or less mirrors the car sold in essentially every other Mazda market around the globe, aside from upgrades to the interior based on consumer focus groups. The Mazda2 is based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, but comes only in five-door hatchback form, and with a different engine and with different transmissions.

Mazda says that the Mazda2 is "Zoom-Zoom concentrated," and that it possesses the sporty soul seen in the automaker's other products - but at a lower price point and in a smaller package. The Mazda2 measures just 155.2 inches in overall length.

The Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit, good for 100 horsepower. A five-speed manual comes standard, with a four-speed automatic on the options list that will set you back an additional $800.

The styling is fresh and we find it arrestingly good-looking. Like all Mazda products of recent vintage, the 2011 Mazda 2 has been made to look much bolder and sportier than its previous incarnations. The body itself has been reshaped in a much more sporty fashion, with more sculpted sides, a laid-back windshield, and a jaunty little rear roof spoiler on one version. There's a new grille, hood, fenders, lamps, bumper and air intakes up front, with new body-colored door handles, new taillamps, a power liftgate, new 15-inch wheels, and exhaust system outlets at the rear. Underneath, there's a redone suspension and an improved braking system.

Standard features include anti-lock braking (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control system (TCS), electric power assist (EPAS) steering system, 185/55/R15 all-weather tires mounted on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, body-colored door handles and power mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, audio auxiliary jack, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry system, rear window wiper/washer and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.

Available accessories include a rear bumper guard, wheel locks (Touring models only), all-weather floor mats, cargo net, center console with armrest and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, Homelink and orange backlit buttons.

Aiming for higher gas mileage without damaging the driving fun, Mazda focused on reducing weight with a vengeance, using a much higher ratio of high-strength steel in the body to lose 50 pounds, or 10 percent of the body's weight, with more welds and more weld-bonded adhesives in the body and its openings. And then they looked for hundreds of places to save a few pounds, like the wiring harness, the door locks and latches, the engine's radiator, the automatic transmission shifter, the pedals, and even the speakers in the stereo system. The final result was a car that weighs just a bit over 2300 pounds in basic form, a five-door hatch that is actually lighter than a two-seater Miata.

We climbed in and found the seats comfortable and supportive and we liked the thick, sporty steering wheel. Although rated as a five-seater, we wouldn't subject a fifth person to the back seat, the same as we wouldn't for any car in this class. The Mazda 2 is relatively roomy for four, though. Fold the rear seats down and it offers good cargo capacity with 27 cubic feet of cargo space and easy hatchback accessibility.

Out on the road, we found the Mazda 2 fun to drive. The little engine is gutsy, with a sporty note at upper revs. Shifting the manual five-speed is easy and enjoyable. The new brakes are responsive, with no annoying slack in the pedal travel. The new electric steering is responsive. The new suspension tuning minimizes body lean in corners yet ride quality is smooth and comfortable. It maneuvers rewardingly in tight driving situations, making it easy to park or thread through thick traffic.

The Mazda2 is available in six exterior colors: Brilliant Black Clearcoat, Liquid Silver, True Red, Crystal White Pearl, Aquatic Blue and Spirited Green.

Specification

Engine

Standard Engine 1.5L I4

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual

Cylinders 4

Horsepower @RPM 100@6000

Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy 29 / 35

Combined Fuel Economy 32

EPA Class Sub-Compact

Number of Valves 16

Torque @RPM N/A

Fuel Type System Gas Engine / Electronic Fuel Injected

Turbo (Yes/No) No

Overdrive Transmission Yes

Battery Output N/A

Compression 10.0:1

Displacement 1498 / 91

Bore X Stroke 3.07x3.09

Cruising Range 361.6 miles

Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt N/A

Power to Weight Ratio 23.1

Final Drive Ratio No

Valves Configuration Dual Overhead Cam / Twin Overhead Cam

Supercharged No

Electric HorsePower RPM N/A

Electric Torque Feet Per Pound N/A (foot-lbs)

Electric Torque RPM N/A

Electric HorsePower BHP N/A

Brakes, Steering And Suspension

Brakes (Front) Disc

Brakes (Rear) Drum

Driveline Front Wheel Drive

Driveline (Opt) N/A

Steering Rack & Pinion

Steering Diameter Left N/A

Steering Diameter Right N/A

Suspension (Front) Independent

Suspension (Rear) Semi

Tire Type Passenger

Tire Width 185 mm

Tire Aspect Ratio 55

Tire Construction Radial

Tire wheel Diameter 15 in.

Interior Dimensions
Seating (Standard) 5
Seating (Optional) N/A
Tow Capacity (Standard) NR
Tow Capacity (Maximum) NR
Headroom (Front) 39.1
Headroom (Row 2) 37.0
Hiproom (Front) N/A
Hiproom (Row 2) N/A
Legroom (Front) 42.6
Legroom (Row 2) 33.0
Shoulder Room (Front) 52.8
Shoulder Room (Row 2) 51.2
Seating (Maximum) 5
Headroom (Row 3) N/A
Hiproom (Row 3) N/A
Legroom (Row 3) N/A
Shoulder Room (Row 3) N/A

EXPERT RATINGS SUMMARY

Category Sport, manual Rating Subcompact Car Average Rating

Acceleration 3 3.3

Fuel Economy 8 7.5

Ride Quality 5 4.4

Steering/Handling/Braking 6 5.1

Quietness 5 4

Controls 7 5.9

Details 6 4.6

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 6 5.4

Room/Comfort (rear) 3 3.3

Cargo Room 5 4.9

Value within Class 10 6.8

Total Score: 64 55.2

2011 Most Populer Cars

Earlier on we bring you a list of some of the most expensive cars, and also a list of cars that cost the most for sure, but now we have a list of the most popular car for 2011. Do you have any idea that their vehicles are on the list?

There are actually a few lists since there isn’t an ‘official’ final list as such, but we have a feeling you won’t argue with the decisions too much as the models that have been chosen are considered to be the cream of the crop, both for 2011 at the moment, and also popular models thoughout 2010.

For example, Yahoo Autos have a very useful system going at the moment, where they list the most populr cars for 2011, based on reader’s hits each week which they accumulate into a table. Based on this weeks rankings, the 2011 Chrysler 300 is the top sedan, the 2011 Dodge Challenger is the top coupe, the newest Audi R8 is the top convertible and the 2011 Toyota Sienna is the most popular van at the moment.

If you are looking for some of the most popular models for 2010, you’ll find this list over at Cars.com useful. Top of their list is the Honda CR-V, and the starting price for it is $21,695 – you can check out a full overview on this model here.

For yet more opinion, we couldnt leave you without pointing you in the direction of another great list over at Popular Mechanics, where they have listed the top 2011 cars and trucks, based on their opinions – the 2011 Chevrolet Volt gets a special mention in their article.

Check out all the information above, then us know if you agree with the lists. If not, share your recommendation with us below.