Mazda

Car makers haven't given up on internal combustion yet. Along with a push towards downsized turbo power, some of the smartest engineers in the world are using new techniques to make their engines more efficient. Here are a few of the most interesting modern takes on the internal combustion engine.

Car manufacturers are delving deep into their boxes of tricks to make internal combustion engines more efficient. Infiniti has a variable compression ratio engine, but Mazda has a different solution. It's set to release the first commercial compression-ignition gasoline engine, dubbed SkyActiv-X.

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 is an excellent crossover utility that looks good, drives well and carries some solid family-hauling cred. The CX-9 may not be the perfect suburban three-row vehicle for everyone, but it’s definitely a top contender.

The rotary engine enjoys a cult following thanks to Mazda and its range of sports cars past. Today marks 50 years since the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S launched in Tokyo, and started a rotary love affair in the process.​​​

From howling flat-sixes to thunderous twin-turbos, classic convertibles to cutting-edge coupes, there's been something for gear heads of all persuasions to drool over in 2016. Check out some of the best sports cars launched this year.

Mazda Motorsports unveiled a new race car for the Daytona Prototype international (DPi) rules. The RT24-P will compete in the Prototype class and is slated for extensive on-track testing in the coming weeks before the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.

Having pulled back the curtain on the CX-9 at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year, Mazda has used this year's show to unveil another four-wheel drive. Although it's smaller than the CX-9, Mazda has given the new CX-5 the same dashing good looks and sumptuous cabin.

Weight loss was on the agenda for Mazda at SEMA 2015, with the Speedster and Spyder both shaving kilos from the MX-5 package, but the lightweight fascination didn't end there. SEMA 2016 will play host to a more stripped back, focused version of last year's Speedster alongside a charcoal MX-5 RF.

Intelligent driving can yield big fuel consumption improvements and the 2016 MPG Marathon emphasizes that. The winner was a 1.6 liter diesel Mazda 2 1.6d Sport Nav which delivered 88.87 mpg (6.9% better than manufacturer's claims) and a 5.0-liter V8 Ford Mustang returned 36.6 mpg (75% improvement).

Although the 6 formula really didn't need tweaking, Mazda engineers haven't rested on their laurels. Instead, the facelifted midsizer from Hiroshima comes loaded with clever new chassis technology to keep keen drivers happy.

Mazda found success with the release of the first Mazda 3, with the car offering performance, handling, styling and an interior that belied its budget price. Mazda is looking to continue that tradition with an updated 3 kitted out with a new torque vectoring system and more efficient diesel engines.

​You might not have heard of Mitsuoka, but the boutique brand has been manufacturing cars since 1968. The Brooklands, Viewt and Roadster are all being offered in the UK for the first time, posing the question: do British buyers really want a Japanese knock-off version of the cars they grew up with?