Mazda Introduces Revised 2012 Demio with new SKYACTIV-G 1.3-Liter Engine in Japan

Mazda has just released a refreshed version of its Demio sub-compact car in its home market of Japan. The big news for the 2012MY Demio, which we know here as the Mazda2, is the introduction of the brand new “13-SKYACTIV” model grade equipped with a suite of fuel-saving technologies most important of which is the “SKYACTIV-G 1.3” 1.3-liter direct-injection gasoline engine.

The four-cylinder powerplant features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 and puts out 84-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It is coupled to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission and according to the Japanese norms, it’s fuel economy is rated at 30km/lt (equal to 3.33 lt/100 km or 70.6 mpg US).

The Demio 13-SKYACTIV comes equipped with an improved i-stop (start and stop) system and unique to this model aero-parts such as an engine under cover and a rear roof spoiler to control airflow above and below the body. Other bespoke features include a blue metallic engine cover, blue headlight rings and an exclusive rear badge.

On the more gimmicky side, Mazda developed a system named i-DM that monitors the movement of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, as well as the vehicle speed, to inform the driver about his skills through a gauge and colored lights on the dashboard. “The score from each trip is used to calculate a driving skill level, from Stage 1 to Stage 3. By progressing through the stages, drivers can feel that their driving skills are improving,” says Mazda.

Regardless of grade, all 2012 Demios feature increased body rigidity, retuned dampers, and improved bush characteristics for the rear trailing arm mounts, plus a new five-point grille and redesigned seats.

Mazda began taking pre-orders today for the facelifted Demio with first deliveries scheduled for June 30, 2011 Prices in Japan range from 1,149,000 yen to 1,621,750 yen (~US$14,400 to $20,300).

Hat tip to Leopaul D.!

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Ford Gives Japan Special Edition Mustang V6 Sport Appearance

America’s second favorite muscle car after the Camaro (in terms of 2011 sales as Chevy’s model has outsold Ford’s pony car by around 33 percent through May, according to the latest data), is being offered in Japan in a limited edition version called the “Mustang V6 Sport Appearance”.

More often than not, the words “Mustang” and “Special” usually point to a different paint job and added extras, and sure enough, that’s the case with the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version of Ford’s Mustang V6 Sport Appearance.

On the outside, Japanese buyers can choose between two colors, “Performance White” or the 70’s style “Grabber Blue”, both of which come with special pin stripes on the sides and the bonnet bump.

There’s also a rear boot lid spoiler and 18-inch chromed alloy wheels wrapped around chunky 235/50 R18 tires, while inside, we can see that Ford added leather seats

The package is available on both the coupe and convertible models with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is rated in Japan at 309-horses and 378Nm (278.8 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Production is limited to 25 pieces for each body style with prices set at a hefty 4.35 million Yen for the Coupe and 5.05 million Yen for the soft-top Convertible (equal to US$54,250 and US$63,000 respectively at the current exchange rates).

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