Special Edition Versions of Mazda Demio hatch and Verisa

Mazda's Japanese division has rolled out two new special edition models, one based on its Demio sub-compact, which is known as the Mazda2 in overseas markets, and the other on the Verisa, a tall hatchback based on the previous generation Demio / Mazda2 that was launched in 2004 and is available exclusively in Japan.

Built to commemorate Mazda selling 2 million units of the Mazda2/Demio worldwide, the Demio '13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish' is exclusively available with a Clear Water Blue Metallic exterior body and special seat trim with red piping. Other features include dark tinted glass, a keyless entry & start system with two advanced keys.

The Japanese firm's second special edition is the Verisa CLASSY STYLE that is offered in two flavors, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, both equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine linked to a four-speed automatic transmission

Buyers can choose from three exterior colors Clear Water Blue Metallic (exclusive to this edition), Crystal White Pearl Mica and Radiant Ebony Mica, while the interior is trimmed in bespoke sand beige seats with leather side supports.

Additionally, the exterior is fitted with a special "Dress-up package" that includes chrome trim for the front grille, front bumper, rear bumper, side sills and tail gate, plus a standard Auto-light system, water repellant coating on the front door windows and mirrors, an exhaust pipe finisher and front fog lights with chrome bezels. Finally, the special edition Verisa rides on 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185/55R15 81V tires.

Pricing in Japan is set at 1,470,000 Yen (U$18,995) for the Demio special, 1,640,000 Yen (US$21,150) for Verisa FWD and 1,829,000 Yen (US$23,600) for the Verisa AWD.

MAZDA DEMIO '13-SKYACTIV SMART STYLISH'

MAZDA VERISA VERISA CLASSY STYLE

Mazda Develops i-ELOOP

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.

Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).

According to Mazda, a capacitor is superior to batteries because it does away with the need for an electric motor and can be charged and discharged rapidly while it also doesn't deteriorate after prolonged use.

The i-ELOOP system comprises a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. It captures energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat the moment the driver lifts his foot of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starts to decelerate.

At that time, the alternator starts generating electricity up to 25V before sending it to the capacitor where it is stored in mere seconds. The DC/DC subsequently converts the electricity from 25V to 12V before powering the vehicle’s climate control and audio systems, various other electric systems and can even charge the battery if necessary.

Mazda claims that the i-ELOOP, which will be combined with the firm's i-stop auto stop-start system, reduces fuel consumption by approximately 10% and will be available in production vehicles in 2012.

The i-ELOOP will make its public debut at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show in the Takeri concept car, which previews Mazda’s replacement for the mid-sized Mazda6 family saloon.

2013 Mazda CX-5

Like many other new production and concept vehicles, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is making its first appearance on U.S. soil at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mazda's entry in the compact SUV segment, which made its world premiere in Frankfurt this past September, will go up against the also new Ford Escape and Honda CR-V as well as the current Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan models.

The CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass the Japanese brand's SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY, which is a suite of powertrains and a chassis architecture designed to save fuel and reduce emissions while retaining a sporty drive.

"Entering an extremely competitive segment, the all-new CX-5 has to offer more than just flash and features, but also has to perform and provide consumers with the dynamic response they've come to expect from Mazda - and it does," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America.

"With its SKYACTIV underpinnings and best-in-class fuel economy, CX-5 proves that fun needn't be sacrificed for fuel efficiency and that compact doesn't equate compromise," he added.

In the U.S., the CX-5 will launch early next year with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 155-horses at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Buyers will have a choice of two transmissions, the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.

Mazda said that EPA fuel economy for the CX-5 is estimated at 26 city/33 highway for a front-wheel drive model equipped with a manual gearbox, and at 26 city/32 highway for a FWD model with an automatic transmission.

The all-wheel drive version of the CX-5, which will be available only with an automatic, is expected to return 25 mpg city /30 mpg highway.