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| Mazda 100th anniversary |
Picking up where the last one left off, let's continue the list from numbers 20 to 11.
20) Mazda Atenza (Third generation) - The third-generation Atenza, launched in 2012, is the first Mazda in the Japanese market to feature the SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox. Available in sedan and wagon, the Atenza features a wide variety of engines available, with the cream of the crop being the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, a strong selling point to this model. When renamed as the Mazda 6 in 2019, it gained a SKYACTIV G 2.5T engine.
19) Mazda Familia (Eighth Generation) - The eighth-generation Familia, launched in 1994, features a more contemporary styling fit for the typical motorist. It is available in sedan and three-door NEO hatchback.
18) Eunos 500 - Launched in 1992, the Eunos 500 served as flagship model before the 800 took over a year later. It uses the same underpinnings as the Cronos and it is powered by a choice of 1.8L 4-cylinder, 1.8L V6, and a 2.0L V6 engine.
17) Mazda 3 (Fourth generation) - The fourth-generation Mazda 3 marks a new chapter to the company's near-centennial history when it was first launched in the spring of 2019. Available in sedan and hatchback, the new Mazda 3 features an evolved styling, driver-focused interior, improved dynamics, and a choice of engines, including the game-changing SKYACTIV-X engine, a petrol engine that works and behaves like a diesel without all the drama.
16) Mazda MPV (Second Generation) - The second-generation Mazda MPV served as the successor to the Efini MPV and it's the first time a Mazda minivan like this uses dual sliding doors. It was launched in 1999 and got facelifted twice.
15) Mazda RX-8 - Following the demise of the RX-7 in 2002, its spiritual successor, the RX-8. was launched a year later after wide reception from its 2001 concept that prompted Mazda to produce it. It is powered by the Renesis 1.3L rotary engine that produces less power than the RX-7 but still sounds like it. It featured a unique suicide door setup. Production ended in 2012 and to bid farewell to the last rotary-powered Mazda ever built, they've made a final edition Spirit R just like its predecessor. Little known fact that to promote the car, it made an appearance in X2: X-Men United.
14) Eunos Roadster - Launched in 1989, the Roadster is the first of Mazda's Eunos brand and marks the beginning of the Roadster story. With its small engine, rear-wheel drive, lightweight body, and sporty handling, the Roadster (known in the world market as the Mazda MX-5) is highly respected by speedo boys worldwide because of its relatively superior handling.
13) Mazda Roadster NB - Replacing the Eunos Roadster, this second-generation Roadster, launched in 1998, is the evolution from the previous model while retaining the classic handling recipe. For this generation, it now dons fixed headlights rather than retractable ones while following the same styling from its predecessor.
12) Savanna RX-7 (SA22) - The Savanna RX-7 was first launched in 1978 as the replacement to the Savanna RX-3. It runs on Mazda's SA platform and powered by a 12A rotary engine. A turbocharged variant was added in the facelift in 1983. Tokusatsu fans will notice that this car was used by Shaider's sidekick, Annie, and then used by the UGM crew in Ultraman 80.
11) Savanna RX-7 FC - The FC3S Mazda Savanna RX-7 succeeds where the SA22 left off. Launched in 1985, it's powered by the turbocharged 13B rotary engine that produces 185PS of power. It got facelifted in 1989. The FC3S made an appearance in Initial D as Ryosuke Takahashi's car of choice and Wangan Midnight as The Legendary FC, which is tuned by Hayashi and driven by Koichi Kijima.
...next time is the last one as I am jotting down the final 10 on the list of the top 100 Mazdas. Is the speedo boys' favorite on the list? Is your favorite on this list? Check back soon!
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