Ask any Mazda fans about the “Iconic SP” and you’re sure to get a confusing response. It’s the name of an eye-popping concept vehicle that first debuted at 2023’s Japan Mobility Show, and it turned heads largely thanks to its pioneering rotary-hybrid powertrain.

However, in the months since then – the sleek, next-gen vehicle was revealed in November of 2023 – things seem to have changed at Mazda’s HQ. Is the Iconic SP on the cards at all? And, what about that powertrain – will we ever get to use it for real?

What is the Iconic SP?

Let’s quickly get you up to speed. The Iconic SP is a concept car that’s electric at its heart, but with a gasoline-based engine that’s sustainability-friendly. This is tech that’s already available in a raft of other Mazda vehicles – so, not beyond the realms of possibility.

However, what set Iconic SP aside on its reveal was its incredible sports-car sheen – and the suggestion that it would run on dual rotors, producing upwards of 350 horsepower.

The sting in the tail was that the car’s rotary engine would actually be used as a generator of sorts – it wouldn’t be powering the SP as-is.

And, bizarrely, things have only gotten more confusing from there.

Where is the SP now?

Good question – jumping ahead to August 2024, news emerged that Mazda had in fact applied for a patent covering the Iconic SP – but with a distinct difference in the powertrain included.

It’s now thought that the rotary engine will actually run the car’s rear wheels – making it more of a hybrid. It also appears that this engine will be connected via electric motor – turning it into a flywheel of sorts.

Mazda’s patent even suggests that the Iconic SP could be capable of four-wheel drive thanks to in-wheel motors – something that’s raised a few eyebrows in the motoring world already.

Ultimately, we could be looking at a visually impressive sports car that’s not only built to accept a range of sustainable fuels, but also receive hybrid backup from an electric motor. This could – all going well – change the game as far as sustainable hybrids are concerned.

When will the Iconic SP be released?

Another good question. Just because the patent’s confirmed, doesn’t mean we will see Mazda’s secret sports leviathan rolling out of showrooms any time soon. In fact, you probably won’t be able to get behind the wheel until the end of 2026, meaning you have at least two years to start saving up. 

It’s estimated that the Iconic SP will probably roll out at around $50,000, top rate, in the US. An investment, then, if you’re serious about going net zero on the highways by the end of the decade.

Quite what name Mazda will bestow on the SP by the time it’s released will remain to be seen – but hopefully it’s something that will roll off the tongue! More importantly, we have our fingers crossed this will be a memorable addition to Mazda’s already spectacular showroom.

As two of the biggest names in motoring the world over, it’s unsurprising that Mazda and Ford care so deeply about keeping their drivers safe. And, for the most part, their vehicles are some of the safest and best-reviewed the planet over.

However, a recent issue regarding third-party airbag production has led the firms to issue a worldwide warning to motorists – specifically if they’re using Takata branded fittings.

What’s the problem with Takata airbags?

In the US, a reported 27 people have allegedly been killed in road accidents due to defective airbags manufactured by Takata. That’s in addition to around 400 more who have suffered injuries as a result of using the safety fittings in drastic circumstances. Specifically, it appears that a number of Takata airbags have exploded.

Specifically, it is the US’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or the NHTSA, that has published details of this surprise recall.

The manufacturers and the NHTSA are warning drivers to avoid using vehicles with these airbags until they can be repaired – with a recall open and in place to ensure thousands of lives are protected.

It’s thought that a staggering 457,000 vehicles are affected by the Takata airbag scandal, with many cars using the fittings dating back more than two decades.

What should drivers do?

As the report states, if you know your vehicle has a Takata airbag, stop driving it! If you’re unsure, check your vehicle and ask for professional advice if you’re unsure.

There is an open call for airbag returns until the issue is resolved, and motorists can apply to have their fittings fixed so they’re safe to use again.

If you’re not sure if your vehicle is part of the recall, make sure to check the NHTSA’s official list here.

Both Mazda and Ford have also advised that they will offer free towing and potentially even loaner vehicles inside the US if faulty Takata airbags are discovered.

How bad is the problem for Ford and Mazda?

Any major recall issue is going to be bad for a car manufacturer. It’s likely to cause a serious financial loss, and there’s also the reputational damage associated alongside. That said, both manufacturers are taking ownership of the issue and are supporting their customers as much as possible.

The issue looks worse for Ford than it does for Mazda right now. Reports suggest that around 374,290 different vehicles produced between 2004 and 2014 are affected by the recall.

Mazda, meanwhile, is looking at a vehicle recall total of around 82,893, affecting drivers with airbags produced between 2003 and 2015.

One thing’s for sure – motorists driving any of these vehicles must stop as soon as possible. Although the number of accidents might appear low, 27 lives have been lost because of these faulty airbags – and no one wants this number to rise.

So – Mazda and Ford fans – take a good look at your airbag and stay safe!

Honda fans, rejoice – there’s a brand new vehicle on everyone’s lips, and it’s called the 2026 Passport Trailsport. While that’s a bit of a mouthful to say, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about this latest addition to the Japanese giant’s ever-growing garage.

While this particular car is still in its early stages of development, Honda’s marketing team is getting motorists excited about its new SUV thanks to a fully-animated 15-second video showing only the outlines of the new car and a swift glimpse of it driving uphill. 

That doesn’t sound like much on paper, understandably – and although the video leaves quite a bit to one’s imagination, there are a few interestings things we can already expect to arrive as part of the finished model, including the car’s name – PASSPORT – etched just below the vehicle’s grille. 

With that in mind, will the firm’s famous amber lighting remain, too? The front end of the Passport Trailsport also seems a little more intimidating than we’re accustomed to – not necessarily a bad thing, but it might be a shock to Hondaheads used to a more laid-back ride!

While the finished vehicle is meant to arrive in showrooms from early next year, Honda has already started telling us it’ll be worth the wait. For example, the firm made promises that the new 2026 Passport will come with some seriously innovative features and a cutting-edge style that’ll make most people turn their heads.

For starters, we already know that this mid-size SUV is built for the outdoorsy motorist – although it should ideally be a smooth enough drive just about anywhere; hence, the travel-themed name. Like a passport, this car takes you anywhere… get it?

The 2024 Passport was a big hit – it seriously impressed people worldwide by being even more off-road capable than many buyers initially expected. Should Honda continue on this trajectory, we can expect the 2026 model to traverse more of the great outdoors than ever before – but don’t just take our word for it.

Hopefully, the new Passport will at least resemble the Pilot, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine running on all-wheel drive. We can reasonably expect off-road versions of the Passport to arrive with all-terrain tires and a boost to suspension. And, yes, if the viral animation is anything to go by, amber lighting certainly seems to be the order of the day, too.

Let’s be honest here – how many of you were waiting for a 2025 model? Regardless of how long we’re having to wait for the 2026 iteration of the Passport series, Honda remains a name in modern motoring you can rely on.

All you have to do in the meantime is wait – it’s likely the company will release more details about their latest leviathan soon, and we’ll be here to share them with you as soon as they’re available.

Right now, go back and watch that tantalising animation again – and let’s be fair, if you’re already driving a 2024 Passport, it’s got more than a few miles left in it – surely?

Nissan, ever a car manufacturer you can rely on, is celebrating in recent days thanks to the latest release of the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, also known as the IQS. This yearly breakdown of manufacturing prowess has been a particularly eye-opening one for the Japanese automobile master, as it’s seen its quality ranking climb up significant rankings.

Upon the release of the latest IQS, it was revealed that Nissan made significant progress year-on-year when it comes to quality scoring, having leaped from 13th in 2023’s study to 6th overall for 2024.

And, that’s not all. One Nissan vehicle in particular picked up a plaudit the manufacturer was also keen to shout about – its Murano, a fantastic SUV, managed to pick up the coveted Midsize SUV gong for the year.

The IQS is an important marker for vehicle manufacturing quality in the US. Every year, the survey brings together reviews from motorists who are asked to discuss 227 specific issues about their cars within the first three months of leasing or ownership.

The IQS’ data is pretty stringent. It covers ten different categories, covering important aspects of motoring from safety to controls and powertrain. 

Nissan’s Murano isn’t a newbie at IQS recognition. In fact, this is the fifth year in a row that the SUV has been named the best in its class. It’s widely known outside the IQS, too, as one of Nissan’s best-made and most reliable vehicles currently available on the market, period.

Vinay Shahani, the senior VP in Nissan Americas’ Marketing and Sales for the US, was thrilled to speak on behalf of the brand in receipt of its ascent up the quality rankings.

“We are honored that our efforts to deliver excellent quality for our customers have been recognized by J.D. Power,” he said to press. 

The IQS is an important benchmark that many US motorists use to help decide which vehicles in various categories are worth investing in for the long term. However, it’s also an important barometer for manufacturers to watch, as the rankings are based on the providers with the fewest problems per 100 vehicles produced.

Riding high in this year’s list with the fewest problems per 100 vehicles is Ram (149), Chevrolet (160) and Hyundai (162), with the likes of Kia (163) and Buick (164) not too far behind, Nissan completes the top six with a total of 166.

Those manufacturers languishing down toward the bottom of the list include Dodge, with 301 problems per 100 vehicles. In second-last are Volvo and Audi, both with 242.

Interestingly, at least three manufacturers weren’t eligible for the study criteria, but would regrettably rank pretty low. Rivian and Tesla both had 266 issues per 100 vehicles, and Polestar would have bottomed out the list at 316.

This list is likely to change buyer confidence in either direction – but if you’re a proud Nissan driver, you have even more reason to show off your machine and get behind the wheel!