In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, then you probably know that Lost has been one of the most mysterious and popular shows ever to grace your TV screens since The X-Files. People never fail to tune into it wondering whether the survivors will ever get out, if they’ll all die or if they’re already dead and in Purgatory (a lot of people think it’s the latter). One of its stars, 34-year old Yunjin Kim, has benefited from the show’s success. Playing the soft spoken Sun, husband of Jin Kwon (played by actor Daniel Dae Kim), Yunjin expresses her love, not for her hubby on screen, but for another bad boy, the Mazda MX-5.

Based on an interview conducted by Daily Mail, Yunjin chose the Mazda MX-5, a convertible sports car, as one of the cars she loves to drive. According to the actress, she says that she chooses the car she drives in based on the serenity of the place she’s staying in. Yunjin fell for the Mazda MX-5 since she found the car to be cute and considers it to be a great ride while driving around town thanks to its sporty look and folding roof feature.

Considered to be the biggest selling sports car in Britain, with a total of 10,000 units sold last year, the Mazda MX-5 was able to capture a huge piece of the markets thanks to its speed, reliability and affordability. The car features a power folding hard roof, it’s first in 17 years, which folds into a slot located in the car’s rear in just 12 seconds. This has given the Mazda MX-5 the distinction of having the fastest folding roof for a sports convertible. Aside from this feature, the Mazda MX-5 is equipped with a five speed manual transmission and a 1.8-liter engine that allows the car to hit 60 mph in just 9.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 122 mph.

With features and performance like these, it’s no wonder that Yunjin Kim loves to get lost with her Mazda.

Sources: Daily Mail, Mazda

Parents must be jumping for joy right now over Mazda’s press release that they’ll be adding a dock for the Gameboy Advance console. That pretty much keeps their kids at bay right? Well, too bad though since kids nowadays are probably using a Sony PSP or a Nintendo DS Lite. But at least Mazda is making an effort to help address the needs of the parents and the wants of their children (well, almost).

According to Mazda, the Dockable Entertainment System or DES, will be an optional feature that can be added to its Mazda CX-9 crossover vehicle. The system will allow Gameboy Advance users to dock their console to play games and it can also be used to watch movies thanks to its portable DVD player. The complete package of the DES contains the following accessories: a dockable DVD player with a 10.2 inch display, roof-mounted docking station, two wireless headphones, a wireless game controller, charger and carry bag. The DES is actually meant for vehicles equipped with a moonroof but for those who don’t have one, a Rear Seat Entertainment System complete with Bose 5.1 surround sound, 115V power outlet and audio/video input can be installed as an optional feature. The current price set for the DES feature is pegged at $1,400.

Okay, while the feature of docking a game console in your car comes off as innovative, the only problem with this is Mazda decided to make use of an out-of-date game console for its new entertainment system. Instead of going for a Gameboy Advance console, why not make use of the current handheld consoles out in the market today? Some kids may still have their Gameboy Advance with them but I’m sure they would probably prefer to lug around their DS Lite or PSP with them instead of their Gameboy. So to the creative geniuses at Mazda, while having this type of system in your car is cool, let’s try to up this one next time by using the latest game consoles alright?

Sources: Max Console, Jakopnik, Automotive Business Review

Road safety is part of Mazda’s top priority list. Since the chances of meeting an accident on the road are pretty high compared to having one on air or at sea, it’s only right for them to devote their time in developing reliable safety features for their cars. And through its ASV Project, Mazda is hoping to be able to accomplish that.

Starting March 11, 2008, Mazda will begin conducting road trials using its Mazda ASV-4. These road trials will be done in conjunction with the MLIT’s (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation) Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) Promotion Plan. The project aims to lessen road accidents through the use of ASV technologies. As of this date, Mazda has undergone three test phases, with the fourth phase being the most recent. From the first three phases, Mazda was able to develop the rear vehicle monitoring system that helps alert drivers of approaching vehicles from the rear. It also enabled them to come up with their own Precrash Safety System that allows the vehicle to detect oncoming roadblocks, alert the driver and stop the vehicle if necessary. For the forth phase of the testing, Mazda will work on establishing a “safe driving support system” that will allow vehicles to communicate with one another. Through this, Mazda is hoping to be able to alert drivers of approaching vehicles at intersections or roads with limited visibility thus preventing collisions and other type of accidents.

Ever since it was established by the MLIT in 1991, the ASV Project has continuously worked on creating safety systems for vehicles to ensure the protection of motorists. It’s nice to know that a big car company like Mazda is involved in this type of project. It just shows that they have their client’s interest and welfare in mind.

Sources: Mazda

You know you’ve got something special on your hands when the item or product you have produces big numbers. In Mazda’s case, that special something is their 2007 Mazda Demio.

Since production started last 2007 and as of January 2008, the Mazda Demio, also known as the Mazda 2 overseas, has been produced 100,000 times. That’s how popular and in-demand this four-wheeled delight has been. Compared to its predecessors, the 2007 Mazda Demio is lighter by 100 kilograms and has a sturdier body thanks to the ultra-high tensile steel used. It’s because of these improved features that the 2007 Mazda Demio has been able to provide better fuel economy, superb driving performance and outstanding safety features.

Just like your regular sales pitch saying, “but wait there’s more,” that’s not the only achievement that’s making Mazda proud of its new baby. Just like a hot shot rookie, the 2007 Mazda Demio has managed to collect numerous acclaims and awards worldwide in just a short span of seven months. For starters, it has won eight awards in Japan, including the 2008 RJC Car of the Year award. Outside Japan, the 2007 Mazda Demio received twenty-three awards, from being voted New Zealand’s Car of the Year, to finishing in second place for the 2008 European Car of the Year award. The 2007 Mazda Demio also managed to snag five stars from the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) for providing adult occupant protection during the crash testing done, solidifying that its safety features are top-notch.

Because of these awards, sales for the 2007 Mazda Demio soared. Around 34,389 Demios were sold in six months in Japan, while sales in Europe skyrocketed to 311,247 units, the highest number Mazda has reached since 1991. China is also playing catch-up by ordering 578 units of the Demio Chiara during the end of January 2008. As you can see, Mazda must feel like a very proud parent as they watch their baby collect all these recognitions. I know I would.

Sources: Mazda, Top Speed