The latest hype by the mainstream media is trying to create a craze for scooters. One report says they get 70 mpg. Guess what? So does the new Mazda 2, and it’s a car.
So what’s more practical? Getting a scooter that you might be able to squeeze two people onto, or getting a car that can hold at least four people, and groceries, and it gets the same mpg as a scooter?
In Japan, the new gas sipping Mazda 2 is sold under the name Demio (I already posted a story about it in June). The amazing thing about the Demio is that it’s not a hybrid (no expensive batteries to replace), and it’s not a diesel (you can use the cheaper gasoline). It uses a 1.3 liter gas engine.
As far as sales in the U.S., Mazda will begin selling a bigger car, the Mazda 3, with a bigger 2.0 liter version of the 1.3, later this year, or the beginning of next year. The new Mazda 3 will get at least 40 mpg highway (no big deal my 145 hp 2003 KIA Spectra, with 5 speed manual transmission, gets 40 mpg).
They will also offer the 2.0 engine in a new Mazda CX-5.
Unfortunately, Mazda reps in the United States say there are no plans to sell the 70 mpg Demio/Mazda 2 in the U.S. Maybe if enough people demand the car they will, so get moving everyone, flood Mazda North America with your demands for a 70 mpg car! Who wants to drive a dangerous scooter all the time?
You can go to www.mazdausa.com, click on “contact us”.