Mazda CX-3 Gets Diesel Engine, But Only In Japan

For two years now, Mazda has teased us with the promise of diesel engines that are both efficient, and worthy of the brand’s “Zoom-zoom” tagline. The Mazda6 diesel was supposed to go on last sale, but difficulties meeting American emissions standards and performance expectations has delayed the engine again and again.

Mazda is having no such issues in Japan though, where it announced that the new CX-3 would be sold solely with a diesel engine, as the automaker continues to pursue better fuel economy. Reuters reports that while just 3% of Japanese car sales are diesels, Mazda expects to build some 150,000 oil-burning CX-3s for worldwide distribution. Europeans can also get a CX-3 with a diesel mill, but Americans are limited to one of two four-cylinder motors that deliver decent enough fuel economy, but likely nowhere near what a Mazda diesel might offer.

The Mazda 6 sedan, for example, offers up to 40 MPG on the highway, while its diesel sibling manages up to 57 MPG. Now I’ll grant you, thats on the more generous (and easier to cheat on) European MPG testing standards, but even if you cut the difference by 50%, the diesel engine should still easily manage 47 MPG highway, or about 20% better than the gas engine. The CX-3 could see an even more drastic improvement.

Then again, this move might be a bad one for Mazda right now, as both the English and French government officials have renounced diesel vehicles in recent months as bad public policy. These countries are instead moving towards plug-in hybrids and EVs, with France offering as much as €10,000 for diesel owners to make the switch to an electric car. But Japan is a car economy all onto itself, from its weird kei cars to an almost zealous devotion to hydrogen fuel cells. Can Mazda convince a world moving away from fossil fuels that diesel crossovers have a place at the table?

Maybe those rumored diesel-electric hybrids would be a better bet…if they ever get there. Mazda’s current track record isn’t exactly faith-inspiring.

Source: Gas2

The Kia Sportspace Concept Makes Me Envious Of Europe

Wagons are back in style again, and the Kia Sportspace Concept is the latest long-roof model to steal my heart. Designed in Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, giving it that distinctly European flair, the Korean automaker isn’t saying whether this concept is a promise of things to come, or a sensual tease meant to arouse our loins.

“We set out to design a car that is a totally new breed of grand tourer – one for active people who need reasonable cargo space on the weekend, but don’t want to compromise moving around in style, comfort and with an element of sportiness,” said European Chief Designer Gregory Guillaume. Kia doesn’t give any hints as to what may be under the hood, though I would expect either a high-output turbo or possibly even a zesty hybrid system.

The design influence is distinctly Kia, with strong hints of Optima mixed into the Sportspace Concept. So do we here in America stand a chance of ever actually buying one? That depends entirely on if Kia builds it (which they absolutely should), and even if they do, whether or not the suits think Americans will buy it. We’ve been loving us some crossovers lately, and among the automotive press wagons are totally in vogue. Unfortunately, sexy European wagons have a habit of staying in Europe (lookin at you, Mazda6).

But is the buying public ready to relieve the glory days of National Lampoon’s epic roadtrips? Or are we too brainwashed by SUVs to give wagons another go? We’ll find out more at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

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Six Sexy Station Wagons We Wish Were Sold In America

Yesterday Ford revealed the new face for the 2015 Focus ahead of the Geneva Auto Show, and along with it a wagon variant that unfortunately won’t be sold in the U.S. It got Jo and I talking about what the dearth of decent station wagons in the U.S., even though some of America’s most popular cars are available as wagons in Europe.

It’s the second such conversation about station wagons I’ve had in the past week, prompting me to put together a list of cars I wish were their European wagon variants in America. The only criteria is that the car has to be a production model available in both the U.S. and Europe.

Let the lamenting begin!

6: The Mazda6 Wagon

As Jo pointed out, the all-new Mazda6 sedan is one of the sexiest front-drivers on the market right now, and the inevitable addition of a 2.2 liter turbodiesel only makes it more appealing. The Euro-only model even has an available manual transmission, checking off every dream daily driver criteria for 90% of car enthusiasts. I would sell my house to buy this car if it came to America, and that is not an exaggeration.

Alas, a wagon version of the Mazda6 isn’t planned for America, and the turbodiesel engine has been delayed for a lack of zoom-zoom. In other words, it’s too damn slow for us picky Americans, though Mazda is working on that. But the wagon thing? Don’t hold your breath.

5: The 2015 Ford Focus Wagon

The car that kicked off the conversation between Jo and I, the 2015 Focus gets a sharp new look, and in Europe only, a wagon version. It’s a great-looking design that makes the station wagon sporty rather than stodgy, and it’s doubly impressive when you consider that the EcoBoost-powered Focus ST can also be had as an “estate” model.

252 turbocharged horsepowers in a compact wagon? Sign me up! Alas, this is another case of “You can’t have it because you won’t want to pay for it.” Realistically, an estate-model Focus ST sold in America would have a price tag closing in on $30,000.

The thing is, this would be the most attainable “sportwagon” on this whole list, and among one of the most powerful too. So why can’t we get it? It’s not like there were wagon versions of the Focus before. Alas, a popular Focus wagon might step on the toes of Ford’s growing list of crossover models.

4: The Chevy Cruze Wagon

Also due for an update soon, GM’s new world-spanning compact the Chevy Cruze can be had as a wagon in the Old World as well. This is the car that most tickles Jo’s fancy, and it’s easy to see why; it’s another handsome take on a compact car that’s infinitely more useful than a sedan, or even hatchback version. America used to love station wagons. What happened?

Cruze, why u no wagon?!?

3: Honda Civic Tourer

Arguably the least attractive of the bunch with a frumpy front end and a low-sloping roof, the Honda Civic Tourer is still the wagon that makes the most sense for America. The Civic is a perennial best-seller, and even if only 10% of buyers opted for wagons, that’d still be tens of thousands of sales. I fear Honda’s pursuit of the crossover segment, and fear of sales cannibalization of profitable CR-V sales.

Honda reliability in a station wagon? I’d sign up for that all day, frumpy face or no.

2: The Audi RS4 Avant

Yesterday, this is where this list would have ended, because this is in so many ways the ultimate station wagon. The Audi RS4 Avant is a wagon-only version of the Audi A4, packing a 450 horsepower V8 under the hood with power going to all four wheels. 0 to 60 MPH takes just 4.7 seconds. In a station wagon. Hnnnghhh.

But it isn’t coming to America, because Audi doesn’t think we want it. I wish I was rich enough to prove them wrong.

1: The Jaguar XFR-S Sportsbrake

Revealed this morning, the Jaguar XFR-S takes the standard XFR and all of its 505 supercharged horsepower sexiness, and transplants it into a station wagon. It’s beautiful. It’s gorgeous. It plucks my heartstrings, and then smashes a guitar over my head, because like the Audi RS4 Avant, it isn’t coming to America.

I wish I knew why, but it’s not like I could afford one anyways. Still, it seems to me that Americans are ready for the station wagon to return, especially after seeing what’s available just an ocean away. It’s not like these are foriegn automakers, or cars that aren’t sold here; these all have contemporary U.S. models.

The crossover thing is played out. But wagons? They’ve never been cooler.

Source: Gas2.0

Mazda6 Diesel Is The First Diesel Car To Win In Indy

The Mazda6 Diesel race car is on a mission, and that mission is to win races and spread awareness of Mazda’s new 2.2 liter SkyActiv-D turbodiesel motor. With yesterday’s victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Mazda6 Diesel raced its way into the history books as the first diesel-powered car to win a race at Indy.

The Mazda6 Diesel won the alt-fuel friendly GX Class in the Grand-Am series at the Brickyard 400, which is admittedly small with just 3 entrants; two Mazda Diesels and a Porsche Cayman S. Nonetheless, a diesel race car has not finished in the top 3 since 1952, when the Cummins Diesel Special took the pole (but not the checkered flag). For a track with such a long and illustrious history, this is definitely a major milestone.

And it couldn’t come at a better time quite frankly. Americans are increasingly turning to diesel-powered cars in larger numbers thanks to major improvements in fuel economy and performance. The 46 mpg Chevy Cruze Diesel marks GM’s return to the diesel market for the first time in decade, and Chrysler is rolling out a 3.6 liter diesel V6 for its SUVs and pickups.

While not on sale yet, the Mazda6 Diesel will have plenty to brag about, with 5 class wins since its disappointing Daytona debut, and the market for oil-burners frankly couldn’t be better right now. Things are looking great for one of the most anticipated diesel sedans in memory.

Source: Gas2.0

2014 Mazda 6 With i-Eloop Capable Of 40 MPG

With neither hybrid nor electric vehicles in their lineup, Mazda has sought to perfect internal combustion technology instead. To help assist the new SkyActiv engines though, Mazda has introduced its optional i-Eloop regenerative braking technology, which can boost the Mazda 6 fuel economy ratings to 28 city and 40 highway.

Independent Japanese automaker Mazda has remained one of the few car companies uncommitted to either a corporate master or an alternative-fuel ideology. While Mazda has developed a few hydrogen fuel-cell and hybrid test vehicles, the automaker is so far sticking with its SkyActiv gasoline and diesel engines. These engines boost fuel economy through techniques like direct injection and variable valve timing.

Click to Enlarge

This allows the standard 2014 Mazda 6 to attain 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway in the EPA testing cycle. But with the optional i-Eloop system, available only on the top-trim level Mazda 6 Grand Touring with the $2,080 GT Technology package, fuel economy is boosted to 28/40/32. That’s the best for any non-hybrid or diesel, though Mazda’s own 2.2 diesel could be good for up to 60 mpg.

The i-Eloop system recaptures energy from braking to power a small capacitor, which can temporarily power electronic systems like climate control or the stereo. It’s an innovative technology, though far from cheap, and cars like the Chevy Cruze Diesel deliver better fuel economy for less money. There’s also been talk of using hydrogen-powered rotary engines as EV range extenders, but I’m not holding my breath for that one.

But the Mazda 6 is also designed to be sporty and engaging to drive, while delivering awesome fuel economy. Plus, it’s freakin’ beautiful, especially the wagon version that we really need here in the states. Mazda is also selling a diesel (wagon!) version of the Mazda 6 in Europe and Asia, though no word on if it’ll be available in North America. Make it happen Mazda!

Source: Mazda

2014 Mazda6 with i-ELOOP rated at 28 city/40 highway/32 mpg combined

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced fuel economy figures for and updated pricing of its new 2014 Mazda6 midsize sedan, featuring the i-ELOOP regenerative engine braking system. (Earlier post.) The i-ELOOP equipped Mazda6 is EPA-rated at 28 city/40 highway/32 combined mpg US (8.4, 5.9 and 7.4 l/100km, respectively).

Fuel efficiency when paired with the manual transmission for non-i-ELOOP cars is rated by the EPA at 25 city/37 highway/29 combined mpg (9.4, 6.4 and 8.1 l/100 km) and increases to 26 city/38 highway/30 combined mpg (9.0, 6.2 and 7.8 l/100 km) with the automatic.

i-ELOOP (Intelligent Energy Loop) is an ultracapacitor-based regenerative engine braking system that converts a vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as the car decelerates. The electricity captured is then stored for later use to power all the vehicle's electrical components, such as headlights, climate control and audio systems. This reduces the need for the engine to burn extra fuel in order to generate electricity and, therefore, improves fuel economy without sacrificing driving performance. In order to efficiently recapture the kinetic energy and convert it into electricity, i-ELOOP utilizes a 12- to 25-volt variable voltage alternator, a DC/DC converter and a low-resistance, high-capacity electric double layer capacitor (EDLC).

With the i-ELOOP system in operation, the alternator is free-wheeling, creating almost no parasitic drag on the engine, which reduces the amount of fuel used. Upon vehicle deceleration, the engine and alternator continue to spin as the vehicle slows down, working off of the vehicle’s inertia. To take advantage of this free energy, i-ELOOP’s special variable-voltage alternator kicks in and generates short bursts of electricity that is stored within the capacitor. The capacitor then meters power out into a smooth, continuous flow to satisfy energy loads.

While the increased engine braking caused by the alternator is too small for drivers to feel, the smooth power delivery coming from the capacitor means the electrical systems do not operate differently with i-ELOOP. Exact fuel savings will vary based on electrical load and individual driving habits.

On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,990 MSRP and is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Featuring a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine as standard equipment, Mazda6 vehicles offer 184 hp (137 kW) at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft (251 N·m) of torque at 3,250 rpm. Sport ($22,695 MSRP) and Touring ($23,645 MSRP) models are available with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.

A mid-year add-on, the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission is now available on the Touring trim. The SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission adds $1,050 to $24,695 MSRP, but equipment and features remain the same for all Touring models.

Available on Grand Touring models ($29,695 MSRP), i-ELOOP will be part of the new GT Technology Package ($2,080 MSRP) which features additional vehicle equipment such as a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control (HBC), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), a Sport mode button and active grille shutters. The stand-alone MRCC/FOW Package, which includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), is still available for Grand Touring models but will be phased out in the coming months.

Source: Green Car Congress

2014 Mazda Mazda6 Gas Mileage Revealed: 40 Highway, 32 Combined

The automobile market is no longer a stranger to cars achieving highway mileage of 40 mpg, but to see such a figure coming from a midsize car is quite an impressive feat.

What's more, the midsize car in question--Mazda's 2014 Mazda6 sedan--has no diesel engine nor hybrid system to help it reach this mileage.

Instead, Mazda puts the 6's impressive gas mileage down to its efficient SkyActiv range of engines and the much-vaunted i-ELOOP regeneration technology.

Ordinarily, brake energy regeneration is something found in hybrid vehicles, capturing energy lost when slowing down, storing it in a battery, and using it when required.

i-ELOOP--for "Intelligent Energy Loop"--does away with heavy battery packs and indeed the electric motors found in hybrids. Instead, the system captures energy from braking in a capacitor--an electric component storing energy in an electrostatic field.

The capacitor can store and discharge energy quickly, to provide power for electrical systems in the vehicle. Mazda says these systems drain 5-10 percent of the engine's power in normal driving--usually through the parasitic effect of turning an alternator when the engine is under load.

i-ELOOP takes that drain away, using an alternator only under braking and when coasting--i.e, when the engine isn't using fuel. It then stores the energy as electricity in a capacitor, to be used to power the car's electrical systems. That 5-10 percent of engine power can instead be used in its most efficient manner--driving the vehicle itself.

The net result in the Mazda6 is 28 mpg city, 40 highway and 32 combined, for the 2.5-liter gasoline model with an automatic transmission. That's enough for 656 miles on a highway tankful.

Compare that with the 6's predecessor, equally equipped with a 2.5--a car that managed only 22 mpg city, 31 highway and 25 mpg combined.

i-ELOOP comes with the GT Technology package, which also includes radar cruise control, lane departure warning and active grille shutters, among other features. The package has an MSRP of $2,080 and goes on sale this month.

2014 Mazda Mazda6 pricing starts at $20,880.

Source: Green Car Reports

Forbidden Fruit: 57 MPG Diesel Wagon is the Mazda 6 We Want Right Meow

Over the past few months, Chris and I have both swooned over the sexy, swoopy new Mazda 6 and its racy new SkyActiv, clean-burn diesel engine (at Detroit and Chicago, respectively). One thing we both noticed was that Mazda USA was pretty cagey about the whens and hows of getting the new 6 to the US with said diesel engine, with company executives saying the car “might” be available here later this summer. That’s a long way off, in my book.

Despite today being the first day of spring, though, summer suddenly seems a lot further away – thanks to the latest review of Mazda’s new SkyActiv diesel wagon.

Autocar got a chance to take one for a spin in the UK, where the car is readily available for purchase. Autocar called the 173 HP motor “refined and, with 309 lb-ft of torque, (capable of delivering a) reasonable shove.” A 300 lb-ft “shove” in the back-side sounds fine to me, especially when the aerodynamically-efficient wagon gives back 57 miles of highway awesomeness for each gallon of diesel you give it (61, with manual-transmission).

You can check out some of Autocar’s photos, below, and CLICK HERE for the original article. While you’re at it, feel free to click on any “Mazda” ads you see on this site, find the “contact” page, and tell whom it may concern that you want the new Mazda 6 diesel wagon, like NOW.

Source: Gas2.0

Mazda 6 Diesel Racer Falls To Fuel Pump Woes At 24 Hours Of Daytona

Utilizing a production-based car and engine, the Mazda 6 diesel is proof that you can have fast, efficient fun thanks to turbodiesel technology. This diesel Mazda race car uses a synthetic blend of smokeless diesel for competition, but a fueling system issue knocked the three racers out of competition just six hours into the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Synthetic fuels have been around for decades, and this latest smokeless diesel is the product of Dynamic Fuels, owned in part behind chicken producers Tyson Farms. The diesel fuel uses non-food feedstock and plant materials to produce a high cetane (octane rating, but for diesels) diesel fuel that also produces less foaming during competition.  The Mazda 6 with its SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine competes in the Grand-Am series new GX class for alt-fuel vehicles.

Mazda hasn’t said whether or not the synthetic fuel was to blame for the fuel pump failures of all three Mazda 6 racers just six hours into the 24 hour Daytona race. A weakpoint in the fuel rail of the high-pressure turbodiesel system knocked two of the racers out of contention in just a couple of hours, while the third made it just six hours before the rear mail seal failed. This is because the cars’ builders, Speedsource, had just five hours of shakedown time at the track between completing the cars and bringing them to Daytona.

It’s a rough start for the new Mazda 6 diesel race car, but not entirely unexpected. We have faith that Mazda and Speedsource are yearning to bounce back from this setback, and Mazda has a long history as a feisty fighter. There’s always that next race to look forward to, and the hope that Mazda brings a wagon version of the Mazda 6 to the U.S. market as well.

Source: Motor Trend

On Board The Mazda6 Diesel Race Car

We’ve talked at length about how awesome the all-new Mazda 6 diesel race car is going to be, and finally the day has arrived when we get to see this ride in action. 

For those who don’t know, the Mazda6 diesel race car uses the same SkyActiv-D 2.2 liter diesel engine that will go into the production car you and I can buy. Of course, the racing version has been tuned and tweaked to provide extreme levels of performance. Still, as one of the few automakers willing to take the chance to campaign a diesel race car, and a family sedan at that, we think Mazda deserves big credit.

The diesels are coming…and they’re coming faster than you may have realized.

Source: Road & Track

2014 Mazda6 gets up to 38 mpg, priced from $20,880*

PRESS RELEASE

- Redesigned Mid-Size Sedan Entry Offers Competitive Pricing, Best-in-Class Highway MPG -

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced official pricing and fuel economy figures for the all-new 2014 Mazda6. Starting at $20,880[1] MSRP, the all-new mid-size sedan is the second vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully incorporate SKYACTIV®[2] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's breakthrough engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency. Offering both powerful performance and improved fuel economy, the 2014 Mazda6 features best-in-class highway fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon (MPG).

On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 is fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which can be paired with a choice of transmissions: the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Touting 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, the sleek sedan offers impressive fuel efficiency at 25 city/37 highway/29 combined MPG when equipped with the standard manual transmission, as rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When equipped with the optional automatic transmission, fuel economy increases to an EPA rated 26 city/38 highway/30 combined. For more information on fuel economy and how estimates are determined, visit www.fueleconomy.gov, a joint website venture between the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Available in three trims, the entry i Sport starts at $20,880 MSRP, a slight increase of $155 from the previous model year. With its SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, standard equipment includes a push-button start, air conditioning with a pollen filter, power windows with a driver-side one-touch up/down feature, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, 17-inch alloy wheels as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.

When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive automatic, other added features include Bluetooth® phone/audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touch screen display, a rearview camera, HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora®, Radio Broadcast Data System program information, SMS text message receipt/delivery, E911 automatic emergency notification and audio menu voice command.

The mid-level i Touring trim ($24,495 MSRP) sits on larger 19-inch alloy wheels and, when equipped with a SKYACTIV-Drive transmission, includes all the features of the i Sport model equipped with an automatic transmission ($22,495 MSRP) as well as dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents, leatherette-trimmed sport seats, a six-way power driver's seat and a Commander Switch for operating functions on the 5.8-inch display.

An optional Touring Technology Package ($2,000 MSRP) adds a TomTom technology-based navigation system, Bose® Centerpoint® 11-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an auto-dimming driver's side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors and the all-new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system.

SCBS is an added safety component designed to assist a driver in avoiding front collisions when traveling at low speeds of less than 19 miles per hour. When the imbedded laser sensor detects an obtrusive object and the system calculates there may be a high risk for collision, the brake pedal travel is reduced in order to hasten braking. Should the driver fail to perform an avoidance maneuver, the SCBS system will activate an automatic braking function. While the system will not eliminate accidents, its intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

The i Grand Touring is considered the high-level trim model and includes all the equipment features of the i Touring with Touring Technology Package. Starting at $29,495 MSRP, additional standard niceties include platinum silver 19-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a rear lip spoiler, bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with auto leveling, leather-trimmed sport seats with heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Sirius® Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription. Two package options are available for the i Grand Touring.

For an additional $900 MSRP, the MRCC/FOW Package adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW). The Advanced Package, available from the second half of 2013, adds the MRCC/FOW Package as well as a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control (HBC) and i-ELOOP, Mazda's capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system, which is expected to offer increased fuel efficiency. Pricing for this package is not yet available.

A SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered on 2014 Mazda6 vehicles also during the second half of the year. Final specifications and packaging of the diesel engine and trim combinations will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Standard safety features for all 2014 Mazda6 models include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), hill launch assist, a fold-away brake pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

i Touring models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment with the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system available as an option. i Grand Touring models feature BSM and SCBS systems as standard equipment as well as RCTA and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) are available as part of an optional package.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

[1] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

[2] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

Why the 38-mpg 2014 Mazda6 is on dealer lots, but you can't drive it

If you stop by your local Mazda dealer this month, with any luck, you'll see the much-anticipated 2014 Mazda6 parked in the showroom – there are already a few hundred of them out there. That's quite an accomplishment in light of the fact that it isn't even calendar year 2013. The move is part of a strategic decision by the Japanese automaker, which is hoping to capitalize on holiday showroom traffic. (The last five days of the year are typically among the busiest dealer days all year).

If you happen to spy the rakish sedan, you may notice something missing – a window sticker. That's because Mazda (like other automakers) can't legally display the Monroney on a 2014 model year vehicle until January 1, 2013. According to Autoblog sources, Mazda dealers are legally prohibited from letting you test drive until the start of 2013, so it's more of a sneak preview than anything else. Even so, we reckon shoppers will be impressed when they finally get a look at those window stickers – Mazda hasn't announced fuel economy figures yet, but Autoblog has learned that the 2014 model will carry a pair of impressive numbers: EPA estimates of 27 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway using regular gas.

Mazda dealers are legally prohibited from letting you test drive until the start of 2013, so it's more of a sneak preview than anything else.

Those figures mirror that of the CVT-equipped 2013 Nissan Altima, but with a bit more power – the document cites figures of 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter Skyactiv four cylinder – figures that are down slightly from the 189 hp and 189 lb-ft overseas example we drove in October. Unlike the Nissan and many of its competitors, the engine can be paired with the buyer's choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic. Other key rivals, including the Honda Accord, Kia Optima andToyota Camry fall short of the Mazda's economy numbers, though the Kia does offer a bit more power at 200 hp/186 lb-ft.

The 2014 Mazda6 fuel economy figures come courtesy of a "Display Vehicle Playbook" dealer document obtained by Autoblog from an anonymous source. A word of advice – don't bother trying to cajole your local salesman into an early sale or test drive. Those same dealer materials spell out in no uncertain terms that "there are SIGNIFICANT financial penalties that may be incurred should the vehicle be operated or driven prior to final invoice." Final invoices will be issued by Mazda district managers just before the car goes on sale January 2.

Unlike its rivals, however, the Mazda6 will only launch with one engine – there is no uplevel V6 or turbocharged gas I4 in the cards. However, Mazda has already confirmed a 2.2-liter Skyactiv turbodiesel powerplant, which is mentioned in the document as having "late 2013 availability." No fuel economy or power estimates are provided.

Company officials have confirmed to Autoblog that its dealers still have a substantial inventory of 2013 Mazda6 models on lots – around 7,000 units, or about a 100-day supply. With the much more advanced new model already on many lots – set to carry similar pricing – selling through the outgoing model is likely to be a challenge met only with substantial incentives.