Mazda roadmap...

[craigo]

Interesting bits of news this week here: http://www.autonews.com/article/20140825/OEM04/308259975/mazda-making-big-changes-fast

A few choice items:

CX-3: Mazda will join the burgeoning subcompact crossover segment when the new CX-3 goes on sale next June for the 2016 model year, Automotive News has learned.

Although Mazda hasn't said so publicly, the CX-3 has been confirmed for the U.S. It will be built on the new subcompact platform that underpins the redesigned Mazda2 and have upright, SUV-style proportions to differentiate it from the Mazda3 five-door hatchback. Under the hood will be a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter from Mazda's Skyactiv portfolio, mated to a six-speed automatic. A manual transmission also may be offered.


CX-5: The CX-5 compact crossover's interior will be freshened in the first quarter next year for the 2016 model year. A new front fascia and LED headlights also are included in the update. Then, in the first half of 2016, the CX-5 gets all-new sheet metal for its 2017 model year re-engineering.


CX-9 will get a turbo 2.5 in early '16.

 

[dragonteeth]

"Mazda also may equip the Mazdaspeed3 with all-wheel drive, making it a worthy competitor to the Subaru WRX STI and filling a void in the fast-compact segment created by the impending cancellation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution."

Oooh~

 

[Buddyb]

Oooh~

Be very surprised if Mazda uses an AWD that can compete with Subaru. The AWD currently offered falls very short. I'd be happy to see something that can compete with the Subaru WRX but I doubt it will compete with the STi

 

[otapnam]

i saw this earlier and am really hoping the CX-5 "re-engineering" is earlier than 2016... been waiting awhile already!

 

[ALafya]

"Mazda also may equip the Mazdaspeed3 with all-wheel drive, making it a worthy competitor to the Subaru WRX STI

I hope they make it a hatch/wagon and have it still get > 30 MPG highway. (plain WRX power will be more than enough; STI power not needed).
This could be an ideal vehicle for me.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

i saw this earlier and am really hoping the CX-5 "re-engineering" is earlier than 2016... been waiting awhile already!

I had been holding out for the diesel but gave up. I am more than happy with the 2.5L.

 

[dragonteeth]

Be very surprised if Mazda uses an AWD that can compete with Subaru. The AWD currently offered falls very short. I'd be happy to see something that can compete with the Subaru WRX but I doubt it will compete with the STi

Agreed, but knowing that they might be thinking about updating the MazdaSpeed3 makes me happy.

 

[SirWanker]

2015 Mazda3 2.5-Liter with stick shift confirmed

 

[metalfab]

CX-3? What a waste of resources, the CX-5 is as small as you'd want in the class, anything smaller and you have what is called a car. AKA Mazda 3 ...unless Mazda is renaming the unit. Mazda is losing its Zoom-zoom. �� N/A needs turbo diesel options, Mazda, take the lead.

 

[dergibog]

Sound like a novelty to me.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Yup, I was going to hold off on coilovers but F it; I'll just be doing a lot of swapping over if I ever decide to grab a diesel or other larger engine option.

 

[MikeM.]

Be very surprised if Mazda uses an AWD that can compete with Subaru. The AWD currently offered falls very short. I'd be happy to see something that can compete with the Subaru WRX but I doubt it will compete with the STi

I disagree with your premise that the CX-5 AWD falls short.

The CX-5 is not trying to be an off-road ATV nor is it a high horsepower AWD sports car. The AWD does exactly what it needs to do- it allows the vehicle to maintain traction in snow, on steep, wet and slippery starts and when needing to quickly accelerate into traffic from a surface made slippery by gravel, sand, wet leaves, etc. And at that it performs superbly. It's deep snow performance is excellent, better than my 2010 F-150 4x4.

I have used my AWD CX-5 through two winters at the snowiest ski area in the world. At least 80 trips on a road that is narrow with plenty of steep hairpins and snow conditions are often very challenging for lesser vehicles. To say that the AWD is somehow inferior to the Subaru's AWD flies in the face of my experience. And I previously owned an AWD Subaru wagon (that I used as a ski vehicle at the same ski area. Actually, the Mazda is superior due to it's better driver feedback. Subaru's feel numb in comparison. Anyone who regularly drives on hazardous surfaces at freeway speeds knows how important driver feedback is.

 

[Skorpio]

CX-3? What a waste of resources, the CX-5 is as small as you'd want in the class, anything smaller and you have what is called a car. AKA Mazda 3 ...unless Mazda is renaming the unit. Mazda is losing its Zoom-zoom. *• N/A needs turbo diesel options, Mazda, take the lead.

The CX-3 won't be in the same class, it'll be Mazda's first in the sub compact CUV class along with the Buick Encore and popular Nissan Juke, for example. This class exists as some drivers want more cargo volume than a small car (Mazda3) and more MPG than bigger CUVs (CX-5) while looking like an SUV and not a station wagon (Mazda5). (confused)

 

[xtrailman]

What does "all-new sheet metal" mean?

Its not a term we use in the UK, does it mean a new body shape?

 

[Skorpio]

What does "all-new sheet metal" mean?

Its not a term we use in the UK, does it mean a new body shape?

Yes, basically a new body shape. A new design from the ground up, with little, or no body panels used in previous models.

 

[metalfab]

The CX-3 won't be in the same class, it'll be Mazda's first in the sub compact CUV class along with the Buick Encore and popular Nissan Juke, for example. This class exists as some drivers want more cargo volume than a small car (Mazda3) and more MPG than bigger CUVs (CX-5) while looking like an SUV and not a station wagon (Mazda5). (confused)

I'd like to see the volume capacity of the current Mazda 3 hatch back vs a CX-3. Also, the layout of that capacity. The Mazda 5 has less volume on paper than the CX-5 however, you can fit more inside the Mazda 5.

There is nothing special about the SUV and now CUV class. Marketing killed the MPV, cause SUV-types are cool, right? Other than that it was a great van that handled well, had enough power when loaded and at least 2x the space for cargo. My kingdom for a Mazda 8! Well, maybe not but you know what I mean ;-)

If I could I'd walk into Mazda right now and say here is my 14 CX-5 GT with Tech and about 11,000KM. I'll even-swap you for a 14 Mazda 5 GS (yes, GS). Easily give up the fancy partial working tech for better handling car and slightly more room.

 

[tibimakai]

I would too, specially if it would look like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/blink_me192/Mazda5-KODO-SIG.jpg

 

[xtrailman]

Great so soon my car will be dated already, not good for residuals.

 

[Skorpio]

I'd like to see the volume capacity of the current Mazda 3 hatch back vs a CX-3. Also, the layout of that capacity. The Mazda 5 has less volume on paper than the CX-5 however, you can fit more inside the Mazda 5.

There is nothing special about the SUV and now CUV class. Marketing killed the MPV, cause SUV-types are cool, right? Other than that it was a great van that handled well, had enough power when loaded and at least 2x the space for cargo. My kingdom for a Mazda 8! Well, maybe not but you know what I mean ;-)

If I could I'd walk into Mazda right now and say here is my 14 CX-5 GT with Tech and about 11,000KM. I'll even-swap you for a 14 Mazda 5 GS (yes, GS). Easily give up the fancy partial working tech for better handling car and slightly more room.

I can agree with that. I remember you mentioning how much useable space the 5 had. And you're right about the CUV/SUV class, it's just now the "it" thing (at least in USA), while station wagons and mini vans aren't. But Mazda is going with what makes them more money and what's "in". Hence, the birth of the CX-3!

 

[Skorpio]

I would too, specially if it would look like this:

That is pretty HAWT! [emoji7]