Auto News 5

It's certainly attractive, but the second-generation Mazda6 is close to reaching its third birthday, making it ripe for a mild facelift. Mazda plans on showing a slightly revised European-spec 6 -- which is slightly smaller than the one sold in North America -- at the 2010 Geneva motor show.inline_mediumwraptextright28162738/features/news/1002_2010_mazda_mazda61002_01_z+2010_mazda_mazda6+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Although it was originally a segment-buster when it first arrived in the U.S., the Mazda 5 isn’t playing by itself any longer. Kia’s Rondo now serves as a competitor, as will the forthcoming Ford Grand C-Max and the Chevrolet Orlando. It’s timely, then, that Mazda is overhauling its mini-minivan for the 2011 model year.inline_mediumwraptextright28162123/features/news/1002_2011_mazda_mazda51002_01_z+2011_mazda_mazda5+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Nissan's Sentra SE-R is a bit of an anomaly as a bridge between the compact and sport compact segments. At 177 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, it's at least 23 hp shy of being considered a true sport compact. Rather than a Honda Civic Si, the SE-R compares more closely to cars like the Mazda 3 and Kia Forte with their optional engines.inline_mediumwraptextright32132889/reviews/editors_notebook/1001_2010_nissan_sentra_ser1001_01_z+2010_nissan_sentra_sE-R+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Our Four Seasons fleet was busy during the month of January as the Detroit auto show drew several contributors to Southeast Michigan. Our Mazda 3 landed in the hands of columnist Jamie Kitman, who had a significant attitude change toward the spunky compact in just two days of driving.inline_mediumwraptextright25451993/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1001_2010_mazda3_s_sport_january_update0910_03_z+2010_mazda3_s_sport+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

The CX-9 is a nice vehicle, but it's hardly a Mazda. The entire package feels like it could be another one of the General Motors Acadia/Enclave/Traverse crossover trio from the size, to the driving dynamics, to the styling. That's not really a slam; the GM crossovers are fine vehicles-it's just that I expect more character from a Mazda.inline_mediumwraptextright31948248/reviews/editors_notebook/1001_2010_mazda_cx9_grand_touring1001_06_z+2010_mazda_cX-9_grand_touring+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue