Poll: Come on Mazda, bring back the Enthusiasm!

[Antoine]

This is something that has been on my mind a lot recently, the fact that Mazda “the enthusiast brand” doesn’t really offer any high performance models these days. They’ve got great marketing, amazing concepts and awesome motorsports programs but the current model lineup while sporty is quite tame in reality. Sure, these mainstream models are vital for survival and growth but I feel Mazda may be too conservative now…Brands need to stay fresh and generate interest, excitement, intrigue, passion etc…For Mazda, I think more enthusiast-grade models/specs is long overdue. Yes, the Miata is an icon but it’s been around a long time and seems to attract mainly older buyers. I miss the days when Mazda offered more enthusiast options like the RX models and Mazdaspeed variants, I’d love to see more of that again…Come on Mazda, bring back the Enthusiasm!

 

[N7turbo]

I checked them all, but a high performance CX-5 would be sweet. I don't expect it to keep up with a Trackhawk (though it will be 1500 lbs lighter), but let's see how much they can squeeze out of it.

 

[Antoine]

I checked them all, but a high performance CX-5 would be sweet. I don't expect it to keep up with a Trackhawk (though it will be 1500 lbs lighter), but let's see how much they can squeeze out of it.

Awesome and yes a high performance CX-5 would be super sweet. I don't know why they haven't introduced a high performance spec by now...They had Mazdaspeed but took that away (sadly). Even VW has the R line...Wouldn't it be a way to increase margins on their end and offer Mazda buyers something more at the same time? A win win if you ask me...

 

[11B-33T]

I remember reading the chief chucklehead at Mazda said Mazdaspeed was 'childish' and Mazda was going to meet the consumer needs of the more refined adult crowd...FTG IMHO for not envisioning or anticipating that as drivers (ok customers) needs/wants/desires progress thru life's stages, the driving choices will circle back. Hell look at all the older people driving Corvettes, Porsches, MOPAR muscle cars and any fast/sporty brand out there. Mazda corporate are missing out on this sector of American drivers.

Bought my 1st Protege LX in 1992 and love my driving experience and ownership. Upgraded to the current MSP in 2008 when I found one.

This beautiful commercial shows where “the enthusiast brand” of Mazda caught the proverbial lightning inna bottle: Mazda ZoomZoom Song

I smile like the Cheshire Cat in the opening 10 seconds after that tach rev and when those gorgeous Laser Blue cars flash across the screen while in motion...y'all watch it and pick your own favorite moments.

This other Mazda Zoom commercial will reinforce what Mazda was thinking when they needed to jolt their sales that were being crushed by Toyota/Honda and give all the automotive makers a loud-azz razzberry...I firmly believe it worked: Mazda Zoom Zoom Zoom

My grandkids always want to ride with me in the MSP to sing Zoom-Zoom whenever I bring her out to buzz around, cutting corners & curves while winding the turbo up! It's just plain damn fun to do and I'm able to do it whether daily or weekend driving and I didn't spend a buckets of money to get this experience for a higher price..I got it all in my Mazda (MSP) and that's why I'm a fan.

The new lineup is very nice for those that like that but it's too......boring and expensive now.

 

[Antoine]

I think they can have something for everyone like Toyota (not as many variations of course but a condensd version). Mazda's audience and customer base have expanded over the years...Some want more premium SUVs, some want a fun reasonably priced daily driver and others yearn for a high performance Mazda like they used to have! Add to that I think there is a market for high performance versions of all or most of the current lineup.

Regarding "Mazdaspeed", Mazda has started to use "Mazda Spirit Racing" (which I'm sort of neutral on as a name) in Japan and even there it's mostly for motorsports and "concepts". They don't really have anything special currently in the US in terms of a name...I don't understand this hesitancy to forge a unified performance brand like AMG that can be applied to the production models...Other manufactures have been doing this successfully for years!

I still think "Mazdaspeed" was a fantastic name. I mean Toyota has gone full force with "GR" "Gazoo Racing"...Not the best of names imo and still it works and the models are awesome!