Mazda2 Surf & Snow
Mazda’s looking to push its zoom-zoom philosophy just a little bit further. Though the Mazda2 has already been announced (and its Canadian release has even been pushed forward), the manufacturer wanted to show us that the little 2 could also pack a bigger punch. It served as the foundation for the Mazda2 Surf, a version that’s spruced up with some high-performance parts.
A more aggressive set of front bumpers sets the Mazda2 Surf apart. It’s also shod in Yokohama Advan tires fitted over 17-inch wheels and equipped with a roof rack (for your surf board) and an H&R suspension kit. It is indeed stunning.
But the truly tuned version of the Mazda2 is the Snow. White, naturally, it features the same elements as the Surf but in different colours, younger and more in-your-face. Even the president of Mazda Canada, Don Romanow, a California surfer born and bred, admitted he had a little soft spot for these two variants.
Mitsubishi PX-MiEV
Mitsubishi is definitely targeting the eco-minded consumer. After multiple agreements signed over the i-MiEV, including the one announced at the Montreal show, the automaker is now offering up the PX-MiEV, a compact crossover benefiting from plug-in hybrid technology.
This muscle-bound car can accommodate four passangers in a gadget- and convenience-dotted cabin: hypoallergenic fabric, air-conditioned seat, heat-reflecting glass and the traditional array of luxury accessories.
As for the hybrid drive, it is mainly composed of two electric engines, one on each axle. In town, it is powered exclusively by electricity by way of the front engine. The rear engine only kicks in when needed, turning the PX-MiEV in an all-wheel-drive car. The electric engines are powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged from a domestic outlet.
The gas engine takes over at highway speeds. Depending on the situation, it can be assisted by one or both electric engines. Like any hybrid vehicle worthy of the name, the PX-MiEV Concept uses a regenerative braking system.
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| photo: Michael Wong |
Mazda’s looking to push its zoom-zoom philosophy just a little bit further. Though the Mazda2 has already been announced (and its Canadian release has even been pushed forward), the manufacturer wanted to show us that the little 2 could also pack a bigger punch. It served as the foundation for the Mazda2 Surf, a version that’s spruced up with some high-performance parts.
A more aggressive set of front bumpers sets the Mazda2 Surf apart. It’s also shod in Yokohama Advan tires fitted over 17-inch wheels and equipped with a roof rack (for your surf board) and an H&R suspension kit. It is indeed stunning.
But the truly tuned version of the Mazda2 is the Snow. White, naturally, it features the same elements as the Surf but in different colours, younger and more in-your-face. Even the president of Mazda Canada, Don Romanow, a California surfer born and bred, admitted he had a little soft spot for these two variants.
Mitsubishi PX-MiEV
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
Mitsubishi is definitely targeting the eco-minded consumer. After multiple agreements signed over the i-MiEV, including the one announced at the Montreal show, the automaker is now offering up the PX-MiEV, a compact crossover benefiting from plug-in hybrid technology.
This muscle-bound car can accommodate four passangers in a gadget- and convenience-dotted cabin: hypoallergenic fabric, air-conditioned seat, heat-reflecting glass and the traditional array of luxury accessories.
As for the hybrid drive, it is mainly composed of two electric engines, one on each axle. In town, it is powered exclusively by electricity by way of the front engine. The rear engine only kicks in when needed, turning the PX-MiEV in an all-wheel-drive car. The electric engines are powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged from a domestic outlet.
The gas engine takes over at highway speeds. Depending on the situation, it can be assisted by one or both electric engines. Like any hybrid vehicle worthy of the name, the PX-MiEV Concept uses a regenerative braking system.