WARD'S 10 BEST ENGINES

Ward's has once again named its Ten Best Engines. It seems as though Ward's Auto has staked out a claim on this category of engine ranking and is rather respected and trusted now. 2007's best engines come from four different Japanese manufacturers, the German big three, as well as Ford and GM.

Audi's 2.0L turbocharged inline-four makes 200bhp and 207 lb-ft of torque. BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six produces 300bhp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L V6 turbodiesel in Mercedes-Benz's E-class produces 208bhp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Ironically, the three German companies infiltrated Ward's 10 Best list with four turbochargers divided amongst the three engines.

Ford's 4.6L V8 is capable of more than 300bhp in the Bullitt and Shelby GT. The 6.0L V8 in hybridized form that we've seen in the Yukon/Tahoe hybrids and GM's 3.6L V6 from the Cadillac CTS form the American contigent.

Honda's smooth and powerful 3.5L V6 from the new Accord is one of two three-and-a-half litre engines on the list. The V6 from Lexus' IS350 is another formidable powerplant. 3.7 litres equals V8-style power in the Infiniti G37, too. Finally, Mazda's 2.3L turbocharged inline-four ends the list as the fourth turbocharged model, as well as the second with just four-cylinders.

NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR - January 13

One month plus a day from now you'll hear who took the crown of North American Car (& Truck) of the Year. General Motors swept the two-title series last year with the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado. Out of 54 possible nominees, GM showrooms hold four of the final six candidates. Present in the COTY triumvirate are Chevrolet's Malibu, the Cadillac CTS and the Honda Accord. The loosely named 'truck' category is represented by the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Mazda CX-9.

Does the Malibu, a bolder; better version of last year's winner, really deserve to win? Has it moved the game on that much? Will the Tahoe Hybrid hype override what The Good Car Guy noticed to be dismal real-world fuel economy and a poor driving experience to take the TOTY title, especially considering the Mazda CX-9's seven-seat sports-car on stilts reputation and the best-Buick-in-decades Enclave?

We shall see. It should be known, however, that it was.... today - yes; today - that Cadillac's entry won GoodCarBadCar's American Impact Car of the Year.

C/D'S 10BEST

Car&Driver names their 10Best. A few dozen auto websites and blogs tell you about it straight away. GoodCarBadCar gives you more than that. Sure, the 10Best are named below, but so is an interesting fact about each. I do declare, GoodCarBadCar's own awards will be revealed beginning on the 20th of this month thru till New Year's Eve.

Car&Driver differs from many print publications in their award formats. So many place great distinction upon one new car. The problem therein? What if that one new car wouldn't have cut the mustard amongst the previous year's competition? That would be embarrassing. Also, is there really only one notworthy car displayed each year? No, there's plenty. We live in a great age for automotive ingenuity.

So, if you were a member of C/D's 10Best last year - come on back, y'all. If you're new or significantly revised and below the maximum price limit (2X the average price of new cars sold in America), come on down. Eight - yes, eight, of last year's winners made it back onto C/D's list.

BMW 3-SERIES: 17 straight years for the 3-series in 10Best, aided no doubt by a turbocharged 6-cylinder that outmuscles a 90's-era M3 and can manage a tussle with last year's M3.

CADILLAC CTS: The CTS just happens to be MotorTrend's Car of the Year and the only direct 3-series competitor on the list. Although priced like a 3, the CTS is sized like a BMW 5 and can honestly stand toe to toe with both.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE: If 430 horsepower isn't enough, but 505 is way too much, one simple option box 'check' gives you 436.

CHEVROLET MALIBU: Stuck in the past, the 4-cylinder engine is still mated with a 4-speed auto. However, the 6-cylinder/6-speed auto combo is world-class.

HONDA ACCORD: Seemingly ordinary, the Accord now offers 200 horsepower more than the original 1976 Accord.

HONDA FIT: The next Fit has already debuted, but the current Fit can hustle through C/D's lane-change test faster than a Ferrari F430 Spider. Deal with the rough ride, folks. It's worth it.


MAZDA MX-5: The optional hardtop can be lowered in 12 seconds, adds just 79 pounds to the featherweight Miata, and doesn't take sole possession of your trunk.

MAZDASPEED 3: The turbocharged, hatchback 3 forces its front wheels to deal with an extra 130 lb-ft of torque as compared with a 'regular' 3, itself a pretty decent little hatch.

PORSCHE BOXSTER/CAYMAN: Since coming into existence in the 90's, the Boxster has seen horsepower upgrades ten times.

VOLKSWAGEN GTI: Apart from 197bhp, awesome seats, wicked 5-spoke wheels and a communicative nature, the GTI also has the advantage of awesome commercials.

MAZDASPEED6 - BYE

The next Mazda 6 built for North America will not be the same as the Mazda 6 seen on other continents. Apparently, this means the future existence of the North American MazdaSpeed 6 has been called into question. And apparently, the answer to that question is......

No more MazdaSpeed 6. Had Mazda done a better job on the first tuned 6 than they'd see there was and is reason to have another try. But the Speed 6 has only a touch more zip than a V6 Honda Accord or V6 Toyota Camry and equivalent power to the six-cylinder Nissan Altima.

Sure, all-wheel drive was a pleasing extra but supplying the consumer with four driven wheels meant added weight thereby slowing the car and worsening fuel efficiency. The front-end styling wasn't exactly 'pretty' and the marketing department seemed to know of only one colour: silver.

Many also found the driving experience relatively uninspiring, an odd result for a car that in regular 4 and 6-cylinder configurations was fun-to-drive. So in an age where fuel economy is becoming more and more important and under constraints that would increase the cost of development, it appears that MazdaSpeed 6 has bid farewell.

That's sad news for a car that only just joined the BMW 328i, Infiniti G, Acura TSX, and Subaru Impreza WRX in an attempt to prove the Honda Civic Mugen Si to be overpriced.

CAR DESIGN PART II

In Car Design Part I (recommended reading), The Good Car guy asked the following questions: Where has design evolved the most? Where has modernity struck heaviest? Who designs with cookie cutters? Which design group resides 'in the box'? Does anybody?

INEXPENSIVE FAMILY VEHICLES

MID-ENGINED SPORTS CARS

From the top: Chevrolet Malibu, Volvo S40, Mazda 5, Audi R8, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lotus Europa, Porsche Cayman

MAZDA BAHRAIN

The MX-5, formerly known as the Miata in parts, was just introduced to the Bahrain public. It is, as the local Mazda man put it, a "warm companion". I would argue that every convertible is a warm companion in Bahrain.

Along with the MX-5 comes the CX-9, defined as "futuristic". Mazda's point man in Bahrain, a certain Mr. Singh, hit the nail on the head this time, though. "Standing out from existing crossover SUVs the CX-9 is the insightful solution not only to the modern family's complex needs but also to the enthusiast driver's desires." It is a rockin' family SUV indeed, chosen by MotorTrend as SUV of the Year.

Expect to see a YouTube clip of young men racing across the desert in Mazda's latest. The CX-9 will use the plenteous straights (like the bridge to Saudi) to keep the roadster in its sights.

NEW MAZDA 3 5-DOOR REVEALED

Like the Mazda 3 sedan that we've already seen, the new Mazda 3 hatchback has an unsettling front end that is so happy one wonders what it's been smoking. Unlike the sedan, the hatchback features a sleek and appealing rear end that nearly makes up for all the offenses of the front.

Europe will be the first to spot the 3 at the Bologna Motor Show. Because of this, it is the 182-horsepower 2.2L diesel that will take centre stage. Read about the sedan here.

2009 MAZDA 3 IN MOTION

Pictures of the new Mazda 3 don't treat its exterior well. That shouldn't be taken to mean that a car competing with the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla, two not-so-gorgeous compacts, can't continue to be successful. In an early review Car&Driver wrote that "aside from the drone of road noise, the 3 rolls down the road with a refinement and solidity that escapes most of the cars in the compact class." Read their full review here, and watch the eight minute video of the new 3 below for a better idea of how Mazda's compact will look on the road.

CAR AND DRIVER ANNOUNCES 10BEST FOR 2009

From the time he was knee high to a grasshopper - whatever that means - The Good Car Guy has been a faithful believer in Car & Driver's 10Best. That's part of the reason why GoodCarBadCar.net's The Good 12 is modeled after C/D's 10 Best; with realistic cars (under $71K this year) that can be recommended year-after-year if they remain better than the opposition. Don't believe that GoodCarBadCar.net will always be in firm agreement with C/D's editors.

This year Car & Driver named two domestics to its 10Best list. Added to that were four from Europe and four from Japan. The list is below with a sentence from Car&Driver and an additional thought from The Good Car Guy. Keep in mind, The Good 12 v2.0 begins revealing itself on the eighth of December.

-----

BMW 3-Series: "Is this perfection? History has shown that there’s always room for improvement. But even so, in our view, no current family of cars comes closer to that elusive target." 

TGCG: No argument here.

Cadillac CTS & CTS-V: "Cadillac has created many memorable cars. This one is unforgettable." 

TGCG: Stretching only slightly less, I'd say that the CTS is memorable, the V version unforgettable.

Chevrolet Corvette: "... the standard Corvette coupe and convertible continue to deliver a level of performance and style that’s unbeatable for the money." 

TGCG: Indeed, it is the ZR1 and Z06 that show what tremendous value the regular 'Vette represents, even Chevrolet can't make its own car look overpriced.

Honda Accord: "It’s equally clear that the Accord has evolved steadily to maintain its position as a mainstream pacesetter."

TGCG: Contrary for the sake of being contrary, the thought that at some point Honda may need to revolutionize the Accord rather than simply evolve their midsize car can't help making a nest in my brain; not because Honda will need to but because I want them to. The Accord was a Good 12-winner last year.

Honda Fit: "If there’s a better combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven’t seen it yet."

TGCG: In last year's Good 12, regarding the old Fit, " The Fit possesses sharp steering, a snickety-snick gearshift or even a 5-speed automatic, and remarkable economy."

Infiniti G37: "We're not immune to the appeal of more power, of course, but there's more to the G's story than increased muscle."

TGCG: The G was a winner at GCBC last year, too. Competition has stiffened, however, even as the G improved.

Jaguar XF: "As pleasant as it is to behold, the XF’s most compelling attribute is outstanding dynamics."

TGCG: Only the letdown from the C-XF concept that led up to the XF keeps it from attaining glory at GoodCarBadCar.net.

Mazda MX-5 Miata: "... the steering provides that rare sense of connection that makes the car an extension of the driver's will."

TGCG: Yet, not as much of an extension as it once was. It is not the Miata's downfall - no not at all -  just a small discouraging factor that makes me wonder why C/D infuses such exaggeration. 

Porsche Boxster/Cayman: "Neither of these mechanically identical mid-engined cousins can be called inexpensive."

TGCG: A problem, is it not? The Boxster is so deserving, the Cayman incredible but undeserving. So much more money for slightly better handling and the loss of drop-top ability?

Volkswagen GTI: "As an added bonus, GTI ownership includes an exceptionally high practicality factor."

TGCG: The GTI isn't special because its fun... for a hatchback. It is fun first and foremost; its hatchbackness secondary.

MORE PICTURES OF THE NEXT MAZDA 3

As pictures of the next Mazda 3 slowly trickle out from Japan, disappointed looks are streaked across the faces of everyone who wanted a revitalized competitor for the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

With either 148 or 167 horsepower (fuel economy in the city from 25 down to 21 and 33 down to 29 on the highway), more standard features and a wonderful interior, the 3 will be competitive, to say the least. But it won't look good as it rises in the ranks.

Or should we say, it'll look decent.... but we expected more. When the first 3 was introduced, The Good Car Guy wasn't an auto blogger at GoodCarBadCar.net and thus wasn't sharing his opinion, but a brief look revealed the little Mazda to be a good looker and a good drive. Mazda stepped up the plate for generation two and hit a ground-rule double when we had all hoped for another home run. So while the 3 is "fine", it manages to be disappointing anyway.

WHY DOESN'T MAZDA UPGRADE THE RX-8? NISSAN'S 370Z LOOKING MIGHTY

Horsepower isn't everything. It's just.... mostly everything. 

Steering feel, a Mazda RX-8 hallmark, along with incredible balance (another RX-8 trait) and spectacular shift quality - something Mazda always offers - helps make a sporting car great. Indeed, the Mazda RX-8 is a quick car with wonderful steering, incredible balance, and a near-perfect transmission. But the torqueless rotary is not only weak compared to the RX-8's most avid foe; it's also terribly inefficient.

In a year where Nissan is completely overhauling the 350Z and turning it into the 332-horsepower Nissan 370Z, a car that may be lighter and will definitely be faster with better-handling, Mazda tinkered with the RX-8. The horsepower differential stands at 100. Torque figures for the $31,930 RX-8 R3 are 13 lb-ft lower than that of the 370Z's little brother, the Sentra SE-R. No, not the Sentra SE-R Spec V, just the piddling SE-R. 

Despite a great degree of admiration for the RX-8 then, The Good Car Guy must speak out before the RX-8 becomes a quaint section of all the new car buyer's guides for the next four years. Something must be done. Horsepower isn't everything; but it's awfully vital. And while every RX-8 owner surely enjoys everything about their car (fuel efficiency excepted), potential RX-8 owners will surely be turned on by the 370Z's amazingly powerful V6 and two impressive transmission choices.

BREAKING NEWS - 2010 MAZDA 3 REVEALED WITH DETAILS AND IMAGES

As one of the strongest competitors in the small-car segment, the debut of a second Mazda 3 is big news. In Canada, the Mazda 3 routinely comes closest to knocking the Honda Civic off its perch as the best-selling car in the country. 

Now, we have a new Mazda 3. True, we haven't yet seen pictures of the hatchback. It's also true that this isn't really the second 3. Long before Mazda changed up the nomenclature, the 323 and Protege and Protege5 held some appeal with consumers. But the 3 moved the game on; quite successfully.

(Click here for all Mazda-related posts on GoodCarBadCar)

Few would be surprised by Mazda's decision to use design characteristics from the handsome new Mazda 6 on the new 3 sedan. Regardless of the dimensions, it looks longer; lower; and leaner. Expect a slightly-tinkered 2.0L to remain as the base engine in the North American markets. The base engine from the Mazda 6, a 2.5L with about 170 horsepower to be standard in a 3 hatchback or optional across the board. 

The 3 is vital to Mazda's success. With around 1.8 million sold, almost 1 in every 3 Mazdas that fall into the hands of consumers are Mazda 3s.

MAZDA HYDROGEN HYBRID = Future?

Debates rage. Arguments are unceasing. Massive expenditures strike fear into the depth of a beancounter's liver.

Gas-electric hybrids. Diesel. Internal combustion technology growth. Diesel-electric hybrids. Ethanol. Hydrogen. Biodiesel.

Something, or someone, has got to give, right? Perhaps no. Perhaps the automotive manufacturers disagreement on this topic - and the money they each thrust at different levels toward different avenues - is pointless.

It appears Mazda wants to combine the best of multiple world's. Regardless of your outlook and your prophetic view of personal transportation in 2020, Mazda sees the glass as half-full. Thus, the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid. Typically offbeat Mazda has equipped this environmental solution with a rotary engine. Not exactly known for its miserliness with fuel.

Nevertheless, one tank of hydrogen in this vehicle could potentially take you 125 miles. Rotary engines can be found only under the hood of Mazda's own RX-8 sports car right now. Premacy HREH's rotary can also run on gasoline when the hydrogen runs out. Plus, a lithium-ion battery collects energy under braking and drives the motor, too.

Mazda's even going to lease these cars. Only in Japan. For the equivalent of $3,500. With no plans to export. But if you love the thought of water dripping out your tailpipe, pencil in an appointment at your Mazda dealer for a test drive. In 2020.

THE UGLY... FROM THE 2008 PARIS AUTO SHOW

The good and the bad have already been declared. We're only discussing previously un-seen-at-GCBC cars from the Paris auto show currently underway. Audi and Renault snuck cars into the good, Lexus and Peugeot forced cars into the bad. Nissan and Renault are found in the weird department.

Now for another French automaker. Citroen's GT Concept is a stunner. Visually dramatic. Long; low; and lean like a Bugatti Veyron. Unlike anything else available.

But placed beside an Aston Martin DBS, Lamborghini Murcielago, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche Carrera GT, or even a Bentley Continental GT, the Citroen is, dare I say it, ugly.

That's not to say the Citroen deserves to be considered bad. To put it simply, good is the opposite of bad; good can't be ugly; but ugly is not the twin of bad. I even sort of like the Citroen GT Concept. It is, after all, unlike anything else. But pretty, handsome, beautiful, cute, or lovely? No. It's ugly. 

In a similar vein, the Mazda Kiyora Concept has unique elements and impressive angles. All-around, however, the Mazda Kiyora is a letdown, especially compared with some earlier like-minded Mazdas like the Riyuga or Taiki.The Kiyora designers stuck with a theme. Everything sweeps. Rather, almost everything. The Kiyora looks pudgy and the aftertaste is somewhat Mazda-of-the-90s. That's not good, it's not bad. It's just ugly.

2018 MAZDA 3 SPY SHOTS

Actually, GoodCarBadCar doesn't have any spyshots of the '18 Mazda3, and my guess is that the car won't be called the 3 by that time anyway, nor will it run a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine with a 4 or 5-speed automatic.

It won't be that different, don't worry. The current 3 is one of the most pleasing small cars to drive and the hope is that Mazda won't lose their zoom-zoom.
It's more than a marketing campaign; Mazda really put a lot of effort into making their cars drivercentric.

So what's all this about 2018? Mazda is asking Facebook members to write 150 words describing the 3 of 2018. In fact, a sketch is simply optional. Ten of these cars will become semifinalists, and then Facebookers will narrow it down to five in a round of voting. (I'll be participating.) Fortunately for these five members, they'll work with Mazda designers to perfect their 3 of the future, after which another round of voting takes place.

The winning design will become a full-scale model for debut at the L.A auto show, with the winner getting $1,000 to spend in Los Angeles and a current 3 to drive in SoCal traffic during their time at the auto show.

Search Mazda at Facebook.com and you should see the design challenge, with 530 members and 27 wall posts as I write.

FUEL SAVINGS TRADE-OFFS : SAVE YOUR MONEY

Re-hashing a BusinessWeek story that used EPA statistics may not seem like the most inventive GoodCarBadCar.net post of all time, but it is strikingly informative. Every second car will save you some money compared with the car that came before, and that's just at the fuel pump. In some cases, your monthly payment will tumble as well. Remember, the fuel savings were calculated with Environmental Protection Agency figures and not AutoEnergy numbers. The comment below each contrast is The Good Car Guy's alone and shouldn't be taken as commentary from BW or the EPA.

-----

*minivans*

HONDA ODYSSEY costs $250 more than a MAZDA 5

Complete cents and sensibility. If you can sacrifice a little space and save a lot of money. Read AutoEnergy's comparo between the Mazda and Kia's Sedona here.

*SUVs*

CHEVROLET TAHOE costs $1,100 more than a SATURN OUTLOOK

On the surface, a GM crossover comes across as so much more effective than a GM jumbo-SUV. That doesn't make the Outlook economical. Check out the Tahoe's bigger sibling match up with the Ford Flex.

*taxis*

FORD CROWN VICTORIA costs $1,630 more than a FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

If only every taxi would make the switch. Huge mileage helps the Escape's case to no end.

*SUVs II*

TOYOTA SEQUOIA costs $1,500 more than a TOYOTA MATRIX

It sounds like a massive drop in practicality, but with a measured look at your space requirements, you might see the sense in a Matrix.

*small wagons*

BMW 328XI WAGON costs $700 more than a HONDA FIT

Obviously, luxury and performance fall off tremendously, but the Fit is fun.

*sportscars*

PORSCHE 911 GT3 costs $500 more than a MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

The $500 savings helps the Porsche's case. Imagine, a massive increase in performance that comes with the world's most famous sporting car in its second-most hardcore form. An extra $500 in fuel? Bring it.

*family*

MERCEDES E350 costs $1,200 more than a TOYOTA PRIUS

Curiously, BW skipped the possibility of the E320 Bluetec, a car that would cut this gap significantly. Read about the E320 Bluetec's comparison with the E350 here.

*size matters*

FORD F-150 costs $1,400 more than a FORD FOCUS

For the truly pickup needy, this is irrelevant. For those who use a pickup as family transportation, this should enlighten you.

7200 MAZDA 6'S FROM MODEL YEARS 2007-2008 RECALLED

A new Mazda 6 arrives and what do you get? NHTSA Recalls the old Mazda 6. 7,200 midsize Mazdas built with California Emissions specs in mind could suffer from a perforated fuel tank because, well, the protective coating might've been damaged when assembled.

Of course, nobody hates fuel leaks more than NHTSA. Except, I guess, the person who just paid $4.00/gallon and is losing fuel. Mazda was supposed to begin this recall yesterday, but if you're confused about your '07 or '08 Mazda 6 call them at 1-800-222-5500 option 2.

MUST HAVE CARS

Following up never hurts. GCBC maligned three cars in the previous post (Buick Lacrosse/Saab 9-5/Suzuki Aerio) so today we'll skip the criticism and head straight for celebration.

Lifestyles differ drastically from one individual to another. The first car mentioned could and would supply everything my family needs. Albeit, the first car seats only two comfortably. The second vehicle can squeeze in seven if need be. The third presents itself in the format of a typical family sedan..... with a turbo. All three are attainable cars for regular human beings. Attainable, but not necessarily practical. So, The Good Car Guy offers options. Herein lies the justification.



The Mini Cooper - or Cooper S or Cooper D or Mini One - are suggested purchases. On the authority of The Good Car Guy. Reasons are legion. Here come they.

1. Cool. Not a chick car, not a boy-racer, not an old man. Cross culture; cross barrier; cross socioeconomic classifications. Cool.
2. On-road dynamics. Admittedly, the steering isn't what it was on the first new Mini, but this car is just a big go-kart. Fun to own, fun to look at, but also very fun to drive.
3. Efficient transportation. Fun to drive while also economical? You bet'cha.
4. Easy to drive. Fun to drive, cheap to drive (but not buy), and easy to drive.
   

Mazda's 5, on the other hand, is relatively cheap to own; shockingly fun to drive; and more economical than just about any competitor. One of North America's two small seven-seaters, both of which base with a four-cylinder, the Mazda offers minivan living for those who don't crave boatloads of Grand Caravan space. This Mazda offers less than 160 horsepower, accepts only the short of leg in the rearmost seats, and can't hold 7 + a week of luggage. It does, nevertheless, offer these immensely positive purchase motives.

1. The 5 is the best looking minivan you can buy.
2. The 5 is up to 4 mpg better than the Honda Odyssey.
3. The 5 has lively steering. It pretty much communicates.
4. The 5 will never cause your teenagers embarrasment at the school drop-off.

But, I admit, there are those for whom a minivan - even a mini minivan like the 5 - is unnecessary or, dare I say it, unwanted. The Mini may come up short in too many categories. You want a regular car, but you can't give up the fun factor. You'd never consider a car as stand-out as the Mini. Thus, Subaru builds the Legacy GT for you. Available in wagon or sedan form, equipped every time with all-wheel drive, and ready and willing to propel you forward with 243 horsepower and almost as much torque right in the middle of the tachometer. Sweet. Need a list of reasons to present to the significant other on behalf of the Subaru? Well, would you believe a list is already prepared?

1. It's a Q-ship. The Subaru is for the mature buyer; young or old. Classy and tasteful. Neither overdone or undercooked.
2. It has 243 ponies that perform like 280.
3. A manual transmission is available and recommended.
4. The purchase of the GT Wagon positions you near the top of The Good Car Guy's good books. Especially if it's black with the manual shifter.
   

BEST NEW MAZDA 6 PICTORAL ANGLES

As Mazda readies the new 6, a few things that are being said of the previous 6 began to come to mind. Remember all the talk of dynamic styling? Finally, "they" said, Mazda brings a real competitor to the Camry/Accord sector. The 626 always needed power, and finally, Mazda lets the 6 use a competitive engine. Mazda, the critics figured, brought zoom-zoom to the dull midsize segment always dominated by the Toyota Camry, a car that lacked fun and excitement.

Indeed, the first-generation 6 improved Mazda's image. You now recognize it in a way that was never true of the 626. Recommending the 6 as a decent used car buy wouldn't be unusual for you. 

Nonetheless, the irony that surrounds the second-generation Mazda 6 is humorous, considering the statements made in the earlier part of this decade are being repeated now. Let's hope this good-looking car represents a more applicable use of the aforementioned statements. Some if the 6's best angles can be seen below. The first 6 is also pictured.

NEW MAZDA WEB FEATURES

"On average, a typical car buyer spends four hours at most dealerships buying a new car," "In a day and age when every hour counts in our busy schedules, we believe the new MSA program is the perfect tool." Words recently spoken by the man in charge of Mazda's customer satisfaction and loyalty, Mike Ray. MSA? That'd be Mazda Shopping Assistant.




On one hand you have Access Toyota, which shows you the very same pricing methods as the sales consultant at the dealer would see. You select your options, change the colour, add a package and decide you actually want a manual transmission - BOOM, here's your price.

On the other hand, you have MSA. Rather than just the MSRP of the basic vehicle, Mazda will allow you to get quotes from the dealerships of your choice - from the comfort of your own computer chair. I built a Mazda CX-7 to my specification, pretended like I was still from San Antonio, and was offered the chance to fill out a brief form with some personal info, trade-in info, and 1000 characters worth of comments space. Had I filled out this information I would have been offered quotes from World Car Mazda, North Park Mazda, and Ingram Park Mazda in San Antonio.

On the left side of the page, clearly displayed, was the "Chat Now - Shopping Assistant" button. When I clicked, I was told I could send an email and expect a quick response or wait until 6am - 4:45pm PST to chat. Chatting would not be available on the weekends, it said.

Dealer quotes? Useful, but nothing ingenious. Impressing me requires a new step, and the chatting ability could start a great trend. When the web-developing Good Car Girl is building a site or needs customer service from the telecommunications company, chatting while she works is her exclusive method. Enabling high-traffic consumer websites to pull off the same trick is brilliant. "Will I be able to get leather interior in a lighter colour if I wait two months?" I could ask. "Will fuel economy suffer if I choose all-wheel drive?" GCBC will feature rankings of the best automotive websites, from both design and practicality standpoints, real soon.