cyotani

iTrader: (8)

I don't mind buying "under powered" daily drivers. It just makes the turbo Miata feel so much more fun on the weekends. full economy and comfort are my two biggest criteria for DD cars. That and having enough power to not struggle to much going up hills.

Seefo

iTrader: (5)

I don't doubt that they could. Just seems unlikely that they would. If you are building an engine aiming for 100hp, turning it up by 30% just seems so unlikely. Reliability and longevity considered here...

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Supercharged Atkinson Millenia comes to mind as well. And rotating port valves on the 6 port 13b, and the Amazing Exploding Renesis engines.

But Mazda could do so much better in the American market if the car was more than just "adequate" at full throttle. If it was adequate at 60 percent throttle and "wow, that's quick" at full throttle, what would be the harm? I can only see where that would help their sales.

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

The difference would probably be like 3-5k in starting price though.

cyotani

iTrader: (8)

^This, and more than likely some fuel economy.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

In terms of the US market, the fact that it never arrived.

Promised, then delayed, then delayed, then delayed, then delayed until further notice. To quote a Mazda rep, "we avoid [questions about the diesel] like the plague."

Have you SEEN the 6 wagon diesel? If it were here, I WOULD buy one.

lassi

IDK how all the stupid internet conspiracy theories about the diesel comes to life, buth the simple truth is that Mazda does not believe the US consumer wants to buy a diesel.

It is by far the most sold engine option in Europe, and any issues would be well documented.
20Kkm or once a year oil change interval. I have one.

Davezorz

iTrader: (2)

We were seriously considering replacing my wife's TDI with one. It certainly cannot be less reliable than that car is.

The Skyactiv D is a pretty radical engine though, I think it has less static compression than their gas engine. I hear that railroads are having similar problems with their low compression high speed engines as well.

Dunning Kruger Affect

It was with the CX-5 and a diesel particulate filter fouling the oil. There's a bunch of .au sites that have issues and press releases.

It's not a conspiracy to say "I want a turbo diesel Mazda6, but Mazda's been having issues with their motor technology". I would think that once the Mazda6 gets a mid-cycle refresh, there's a nonzero chance that it'll come with a revised motor and possibly be for sale in Etats-Uni~.

Erat

iTrader: (5)

As i raise my beer i say:

"Here's to hoping Mazda is trolling us all. They will be giving us a 1.6l engine with a itty bitty turbo that produces a healthy 180whp all while netting us 35+ mpg highway. No turbo lag, plenty of low end torque, and all for around $23,000."


(FiestaST)

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

It's just too bad it's wrong wheel drive.

Fantastic car though. If I were in the market for a new hatchback and I decided against the TDI, I'd go with the Fiesta ST. Winner.

cyotani

iTrader: (8)

If I didn't enjoy wrenching on cars that's what I would get. My friend has one and it's very grippy in bone stock form and is fun to drive.

lassi

I know all about this. Dilution of engine oil by fuel from the regeneration process. Totally normal with modern diesels with particulate filters. With the numbers of Skyactiv D sold there would be a huge deal if it was a real problem. Not just some internet heroes upset by rising engine oil levels. I have heard of no engine failures...
There has also been a recall to adress this. Replaces a pressure sensor in the exhaust system and reprogram of the ecu.

Funny how all other markets than NA is getting diesels. That makes me certain that the problem is the consumers, cheap gasoline and not a "botched" engine design...

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

FOR THE RECORD...

I never said they botched the design.

They botched it for the US by not bringing it here.

Also, that sounds like a pretty big deal.

z31maniac

Keith mentioned it to me a few months ago, but they officially announced at Miata even weekend before last.

FOX $1700 including new front top hats (reuse existing rears), they are working on the final valving setup now.

He also mentioned FOX will revalve the shocks for free in the first 90 days if you aren't happy.

Dunning Kruger Affect

Motortrend "reported" that the ND is getting the 1.5L for at least a year before an optional engine opens up.

I put scare quotes around "reported" as a reminder that car magazines had to step up their bullshit fabrication game when blogs started to poach their territory. Car magazines are the printed version of the kid down the street's uncle who totally works at Nintendo. Mnet is freaking out because of course they are.

I'm waiting until the Paris Auto Show for any new information.

Erat

iTrader: (5)

I'll believe it when i see it.

Then again, 1.5l with FI.

z31maniac

I saw that, and 130hp. I think that would be a huge mistake.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Oi.

People, it's going to have more than 130hp. It has to. Even notoriously underpowered Mazda isn't dumb enough to do that in the US market. There's no way.

Is there?

I'm sure it'll be available with that engine in other markets, but I can't see them doing it here.

asmasm

iTrader: (1)

Mazda knows NA/NB owners are more likely to buy in to the ND than they were the NC. There is no way they are releasing the car with nearly identical power and weight numbers as an NA8.