Latest news with #Mazda2
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback
A saloon that's run for some 35 years has also reached the end of the road INTO THE SUNSET Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE'RE almost at the halfway point of 2025 in what's been a whirlwind six months or so in the motoring world. The UK is in the midst of a transition to electric vehicles which comes with new regulations and economic pressures, while the industry continues to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Elsewhere, the Ford Puma remains the nation's favourite motor, Tesla's favouritism is beginning to dip and Nissan's problems are going from bad to worse. We've also had some exciting car releases, from the Alpine A290 hot hatchback and Dacia Bigster SUV, through to the outrageous Aston Martin Valhalla. We've also learned of the demise of some of our favourite models - ready to drive off into the sunset. Here are some of the biggest nameplates reaching the end of their production runs in 2025. Lexus LS 7 Lexus LS 500h Credit: Lexus After some 35 years on sale, the ultra-luxury Lexus LS saloon has finally reached the end of the road after a sustained period of poor sales. Once described as a game-changer when it hit dealerships in 1990, the LS helped establish Toyota's plush sub-brand as a challenger to the elite carmakers of Europe and America. Marketed with a cheaper starting price, four further generations followed, with the final one, the LS 500, launching in 2017 before it was updated in 2020. Before it was removed, the LS range's price tag began at £101,000, rising to £128,000 for the Takumi version. However, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year. Mazda2 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid Credit: Matt Vosper After 10 years on sale, Mazda confirmed back in February that its Mazda2 supermini can no longer be ordered. A brief history of the Mazda MX-5 Often praised for being fun to drive, the petrol-powered and mild-hybrid versions of the hatchback have seemingly been replaced by Mazda2 Hybrid - essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. Despite two face-lifts in 2019 and 2023, which both added extra tech to the compact car, the car's near ten-year run in UK sales has finally come to an end. Mazda did not explain why the vehicle was cancelled, but a spokesperson told Autocar: "As we move towards increased electrification of our cars, the Mazda 2 Hybrid meets consumer demand in the B-segment and is a step in our journey to ensure all our cars have some form of electrification by 2030." Mazda MX-30 7 Mazda MX-30 Credit: Mazda Mazda also called time on the MX-30 - its first and only electric car - after just a four-year run. Criticised throughout its existence for its limited range and cramped cabin, the subcompact crossover SUV - offered as an EV or plug-in hybrid - was launched in the UK in 2021, with a view of taking on the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. But it was never a popular choice among drivers, largely because of its modest range of just 124 miles. This was down to its smaller battery size, which was chosen to reduce the car's weight - and while this improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. Porsche Boxster/Cayman 7 Porsche 718 Cayman Credit: Posrche Porsche has officially announced the long-anticipated news that production of the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will come to an end. While no replacement for the iconic models has been announced, it's assumed an electric counterpart will eventually be released - though details remain scarce and no release date has been confirmed. For now, production is scheduled to continue until October 2025, including for the UK market. Frank Wiesmann, product communications manager for Porsche Cars North America, recently told Road & Track: 'Production for all current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman variants, including RS models, is scheduled to end in October of this year.' In Europe, sales of the 718 Boxster and Cayman stopped in summer 2024 due to new EU cybersecurity regulations - although the UK market remained unaffected by these EU rules post-Brexit. This led to Porsche's head of production, Albrecht Reimold, confirming in an interview with Automobilwoche that the petrol-powered 718 models will end production globally by October 2025, except in markets already affected by the EU regulations. Nissan GT-R 7 Nissan R35 GTR Credit: Getty We're cheating here a little, because in the UK, the mighty Nissan GT-R has been unavailable to buy for a little while now. The GT-R R35 was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 before being updated and facelifted many times, most recently in 2023. However, in February, Nissan announced production of the iconic motor was to end in Japan - meaning it had lost its final market. Nissan had already discontinued deliveries of the R35 in Europe and the UK in March 2022, while Australia and New Zealand lost them even longer ago in October 2021. North America was the second-last to fall, with production wrapping up there in October last year. Furthermore, with Nissan facing financial difficulties recently, plans to have the GT-R's successor be a fully electric model could be derailed. Audi A1 & Q2 7 Audi A1 Credit: Audi We were stunned back in March when Audi revealed they were axing the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range, but they now reached the end of the road with Audi ready to launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement. Claimed to sit beneath the top selling Audi Q4 e-tron, the upcoming EV will serve as an alternative to the A3 hatchback and Q3 crossover. Gernot Dollner, Audi's CEO, revealed they "will end production of the A1 and Q2" in 2026 "and there definitely will be no successor for the A1." He added the brand 'will have models in the lower A-segment" and that 'we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". Ford Focus ST 7 Ford Focus ST Edition Credit: Ford After 23 years, the Ford Focus ST has been taken off sale in the UK - with production of the hot hatchback set to end in November. The Focus ST had been open for orders as recently as April, but has seemingly disappeared from dealer price lists in an update issued on 26 May. Many of the other variants of the Focus are still available to order, but the ST is no longer one of those - as clicking on the Ford UK's configurer leads to a dead end. Later confirmed by Ford UK to Autocar, there is - at the time of writing - still stock parked up in dealerships across the country. In a statement, the Blue Oval said: 'There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment, but there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. 'This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.' Better get in fast.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Nine cars confirmed for discontinuation in 2025 – including two iconic convertibles & beloved hot hatchback
WE'RE almost at the halfway point of 2025 in what's been a whirlwind six months or so in the motoring world. The UK is in the midst of a transition to electric vehicles which comes with new regulations and economic pressures, while the industry continues to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. Advertisement Elsewhere, We've also had some exciting car releases, from the Alpine A290 hot hatchback and Dacia Bigster SUV, through to the outrageous Aston Martin Valhalla. We've also learned of the demise of some of our favourite models - ready to drive off into the sunset. Here are some of the biggest nameplates reaching the end of their production runs in 2025. Advertisement Read more Motors News Lexus LS 7 Lexus LS 500h Credit: Lexus After some 35 years on sale, the ultra-luxury Lexus LS saloon has finally reached the end of the road after a sustained period of poor sales. Once described as a game-changer when it hit dealerships in 1990, the LS helped establish Toyota's plush sub-brand as a challenger to the elite carmakers of Europe and America. Marketed with a cheaper starting price, four further generations followed, with the final one, the LS 500, launching in 2017 before it was updated in 2020. Advertisement Before it was removed, the LS range's price tag began at £101,000, rising to £128,000 for the Takumi version. Most read in Motors Breaking However, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year. Mazda2 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid Credit: Matt Vosper After 10 years on sale, Mazda confirmed back in February that its Mazda2 supermini can no longer be ordered. Advertisement A brief history of the Mazda MX-5 Often praised for being fun to drive, the petrol-powered and mild-hybrid versions of the hatchback have seemingly been replaced by Mazda2 Hybrid - essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris. Despite two face-lifts in 2019 and 2023, which both added extra tech to the compact car, the car's near ten-year run in UK sales has finally come to an end. Mazda did not explain why the vehicle was cancelled, but a spokesperson told Autocar: "As we move towards increased electrification of our cars, the Mazda 2 Hybrid meets consumer demand in the B-segment and is a step in our journey to ensure all our cars have some form of electrification by 2030." Mazda MX-30 7 Mazda MX-30 Credit: Mazda Advertisement Criticised throughout its existence for its limited range and cramped cabin, the subcompact crossover SUV - offered as an EV or plug-in hybrid - was launched in the UK in 2021, with a view of taking on the likes of the Kia Soul EV and Peugeot e-2008. But it was never a popular choice among drivers, largely because of its modest range of just 124 miles. This was down to its smaller battery size, which was chosen to reduce the car's weight - and while this improved its handling and lowered its CO2 emissions during production, it also resulted in persistent range anxiety among drivers. Advertisement While the fully electric MX-30 has been axed, the plug-in hybrid version remains on sale in the UK. Porsche Boxster/Cayman 7 Porsche 718 Cayman Credit: Posrche Porsche has officially announced the long-anticipated news that production of the petrol-powered 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will come to an end. While no replacement for the iconic models has been announced, it's assumed an electric counterpart will eventually be released - though details remain scarce and no release date has been confirmed. Advertisement For now, production is scheduled to continue until October 2025, including for the UK market. Frank Wiesmann, product communications manager for Porsche Cars North America, recently told Road & Track: 'Production for all current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman variants, including RS models, is scheduled to end in October of this year.' In Europe, sales of the 718 Boxster and Cayman stopped in summer 2024 due to new EU cybersecurity regulations - although the UK market remained unaffected by these EU rules post-Brexit. This led to Porsche's head of production, Albrecht Reimold, confirming in an interview with Automobilwoche that the petrol-powered 718 models will end production globally by October 2025, except in markets already affected by the EU regulations. Advertisement Nissan GT-R 7 Nissan R35 GTR Credit: Getty We're cheating here a little, because in the UK, the mighty Nissan GT-R has been unavailable to buy for a little while now. The GT-R R35 was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 before being updated and facelifted many times, most recently in 2023. However, in February, Nissan announced production of the iconic motor was to end in Japan - meaning it had lost its final market. Advertisement Nissan had already discontinued deliveries of the R35 in Europe and the UK in March 2022, while Australia and New Zealand lost them even longer ago in October 2021. North America was the second-last to fall, with production wrapping up there in October last year. Furthermore, with Nissan facing financial difficulties recently, plans to have the GT-R's successor be a fully electric model could be derailed. Audi A1 & Q2 7 Audi A1 Credit: Audi Advertisement next year. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range, but they now reached the end of the road with Audi ready to launch a new entry-level electric car as an indirect replacement. Claimed to sit beneath the top selling Audi Q4 e-tron, the upcoming EV will serve as an alternative to the A3 hatchback and Q3 crossover. Gernot Dollner, Audi's CEO, revealed they "will end production of the A1 and Q2" in 2026 "and there definitely will be no successor for the A1." Advertisement He added the brand 'will have models in the lower A-segment" and that 'we will also see the car that will enter production next year in Ingolstadt, which will be our entry BEV in the A-segment". Ford Focus ST 7 Ford Focus ST Edition Credit: Ford After 23 years, the Ford Focus ST has been taken off sale in the UK - with production of the hot hatchback set to end in November. The Focus ST had been open for orders as recently as April, but has seemingly disappeared from dealer price lists in an update issued on 26 May. Advertisement Many of the other variants of the Focus are still available to order, but the ST is no longer one of those - as clicking on the Ford UK's configurer leads to a dead end. Later confirmed by Ford UK to Autocar, there is - at the time of writing - still stock parked up in dealerships across the country. In a statement, the Blue Oval said: 'There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment, but there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. 'This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.' Advertisement Better get in fast.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a car expert and these 3 cheap models under £6,000 are the least problematic'
Drivers looking to invest in a second-hand vehicle should consider these three models that are reliable and stylish, and will guarantee no expensive upkeep or maintenance The top three used hatchback cars that are easy on the eye and reliable have been revealed by an expert. Influencer Grant Davidson, who runs the popular YouTube channel Scottish Car Clan, has posted a video detailing the top three used hatchbacks that are stylish and reliable cars that Brits should invest in. All for less than £6,000. Scottish Car Clan is a beloved YouTube channel with over 90,000 subscribers. Grant, who runs the account, has built a strong online presence by creating videos which discuss the best car models to buy second-hand, while educating buyers on what to look out for when purchasing. His recent video, which went viral, saw Grant dissect a number of used car models that can be purchased for less than £6,000. Top recommendations His top recommendation was the Renault Clio 1.5 diesel, for its remarkable fuel economy. Grant explains: "We've got a very lovely little Renault Clio, let's take a look at that. The bumper is a little bit off, and there's some kerbing on the wheel, but that might be just that the preparation was lacking a little bit. I'm sure there are better examples out there to be had, but these are decent little cars." He adds: "The 1.5 diesel has all the common modern-day diesel engine issues like the DPF (diesel particulate filter) getting choked up, but there's no fundamental reliability problems with the Clio. They're very economical as well. I ran one as a courtesy car whilst my car was being repaired and I'd routinely crack 65 to 70mpg without trying.' The fourth-generation Renault Clio models built between 2012 and 2020 are notably more spacious than their predecessors. However, they still provided a similar style that drivers tend to expect from the French car. While there have been a number of engines fitted under the bonnet of the Renault Clios, Grant explains that the 1.5dCi diesel engine is the most dependable. This engine averages over 55 mpg and can achieve more than 70 mpg if driven carefully on motorways. With early models being non-compliant in low-emission zones, drivers should consider investing in the fourth-generation Renault Clio 1.5 dCi from around £3,000. Grant also encouraged buyers to look into the third-generation Mazda 2. However, he urged drivers to stick with the petrol engines to avoid any issues or complications down the line. He explains: "Next we have a little Mazda 2, it's the 1.5 Skyactiv. Let's take a closer look because this could be a very good bet. The key here is that it's the 1.5 petrol and it's a 2015 car. Mazda also did a diesel 1.5 from 2015 to 2018, which was horrible, but this little petrol engine is alright." "That seems to be the case with Mazda. They seem to make some diesel engines that aren't very good, but the petrols are great. This will be a little underpowered, but there aren't any glaringly obvious problems." Lastly, the motoring influencer noted that the Toyota Yaris is another great used car to invest in. However, he warned buyers to double-check the bodywork for any visible signs of rust. He continued: "Would you look at that: the pinnacle of reliability. Let's take a look at this little Toyota Yaris. Oh, I can see the way this is going to go - it's sold and I'm not surprised. These are great little cars, super reliable." "They don't really have problems, but the big thing you want to be careful of is rust. It's a lot like the Honda Jazz; mechanically, they're very strong, but you need to be on the lookout for rust. Have a scan through the MOT history and look for anything relating to rust or corrosion. That way, when you go to look at the car, you'll know where to check."
28-04-2025
21-year-old who caused serious injury by careless driving banned for a year
The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of causing serious injury by careless driving to Melody Dean in a Mazda 2 on 14 July last year following a collision at the junction of the A487 near New Inn to the junction of the B4321 at Glyncoch Uchaf, Pentregat.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Winona woman killed in two-car crash in Texas County
TEXAS COUNTY, Mo. — A 78-year-old woman from Winona, Missouri, is dead after a crash between two cars in Texas County Tuesday afternoon. According to the crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on State Highway 17 at around 2:40 p.m., seven miles north of Mountain View. A northbound 2013 Mazda2 was turning left when it crossed the path of a southbound 2020 GMC Yukon, where the Yukon struck the Mazda. Ozark County couple charged in shooting report The driver of the Mazda was pronounced dead at the scene by the Texas County Coroner. The driver of the Yukon received minor injuries and was taken to the Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View. This is the 10th fatal crash for MSHP Troop G in 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
