Mazda the BMW of Japan?

[New CX-5]

Interesting article posted below, I think that they (we) are headed in the right direction. My CX-5 is so much fun to drive, and is clearly designed for drivers first. What do you guys think?


http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/can-mazda-become-the-next-bmw-1.1060484

 

[sxa]

While I have never owned a luxury car, I think it is interesting to see people on this forum going into the CX-5 from BMW's and Audi's. I hope that Mazda is able to continue offering value though even if it decides to really become a "luxury brand".

 

[paris1]

I find a comparison between Mazda and Audi more appropriate than BMW primarily because of both firms front wheel drive roots. I've also seen recent comparisons to Alfa because of both firms' unique performance apsirations.

 

[Kelme]

This is why I like Mazda:

“We came to the conclusion that if we make ordinary cars for the mass market, there is no reason for us to exist."

 

[speed3 britz]

"At Mazda, we build cars that are emotionally charged with unique personalities, cars some people love, not cars that many people like, cars that won`t please all the people all the time." -Yoshihiro Wada - Former Mazda CEO

 

[CX-SV]

Mazda has it's own unique future IMO. And Mazda reliability in last decade is better than BMW's.

 

[HandA]

Mazda has it's own unique future IMO.

I agree and think that if they can keep offering a wide range of options where you can get the car with our without the bells and whistles but always with the driving dynamics it will be good.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

It is the Fiat of European cars. It is almost a niche brand with character.

 

[Kayger12]

As a driver of what is arguably one of the best driving BMWs every made, I agree wholeheartedly with the article.

To take it a step further, BMWs design has been less and less driver oriented since the E90 platform debuted in 2006.

As a driving enthusiast, I don't envision ever owning another BMW after the ZHP.

I do envision owning future Mazdas.

 

[DKaz]

The only thing stopping Mazdas from completely becoming the BMW of Japan other than the MX-5 is the choice of drive axles. BUT, Mazda, Saab, and VW have proven that you can build fun to drive FWDs. But I would only trust Mazda to get to 200k miles trouble free.

 

[lfkmazda]

I hope they don't become like BMW. Have you seen what BMW has become?

Mazda has been on the right track since the Mazda6 debuted. Some stumbles along the way. The 2nd gen Mazda6 and early 2nd gen Mazda3 (pre-skyactiv and stupid smiley face) weren't nearly as exciting. But they already have made up for it with the new 2014 Mazda6 and the CX-5.

As someone who bought a first-gen Mazda6 and now in a CX-5, I'm very excited about what they have in store for us. I hope they keep giving me a reason to use my loyalty rebate.

If you test-drive a brand new Honda Accord and feel the steering, what's going on is criminal. Everybody (in the sub $40k vehicle market) should be able to feel how good the steering is on a Mazda at least once.

 

[xtrailman]

It is the Fiat of European cars. It is almost a niche brand with character.

God i hope not.

In GB Fiat has a very poor reputation.

I think of Mazda as a japanese Ford.

 

[xtrailman]

I find a comparison between Mazda and Audi more appropriate than BMW primarily because of both firms front wheel drive roots. I've also seen recent comparisons to Alfa because of both firms' unique performance apsirations.

In the UK the BMW is now available with X drive, same as Europe.

 

[jcarroll07]

I think of Mazda as a japanese Ford.

Yipe!! I think to most Mazda fans in North America, that comparison can easily be taken as an insult, especially since the companies have fully severed their ties at this point. But then again, almost every decent Ford sedan/small SUV we've seen in a generation in North America were European models brought over here (e.g. the Focus, Mondeo, Kuga) and you guys were spared the huge SUV trend (Excursions... ::facepalm:: ) and many of the worst models (Crown Victoria or Taurus X, anyone?).

 

[Kayger12]

I hope they don't become like BMW. Have you seen what BMW has become?

I hope they become the BMW that existed up until 2006. The BMW of today has lost its way and seems to be content with a vanilla driving experience marketed to soccer moms looking for a status symbol (with the exception of the Motorsport division).

If you test-drive a brand new Honda Accord and feel the steering, what's going on is criminal. Everybody (in the sub $40k vehicle market) should be able to feel how good the steering is on a Mazda at least once.

100%. Drove one same day as the CX-5 test drive. Couldn't believe how blah the steering was (and I wasn't expecting much).

 

[HandA]

Yipe!! I think to most Mazda fans in North America, that comparison can easily be taken as an insult, especially since the companies have fully severed their ties at this point. But then again, almost every decent Ford sedan/small SUV we've seen in a generation in North America were European models brought over here (e.g. the Focus, Mondeo, Kuga) and you guys were spared the huge SUV trend (Excursions... ::facepalm:: ) and many of the worst models (Crown Victoria or Taurus X, anyone?).

Yeah, I think Ford is regarded more highly over there. I was speechless when watching an old Top Gear episode when they were comparing cars and commented that the Ford had better name value and was 'higher end' than the Mazda.

 

[STE92VE]

While I have never owned a luxury car, I think it is interesting to see people on this forum going into the CX-5 from BMW's and Audi's.

Count me as one of the converts: 2007 BMW E92 to 2014 Mazda CX-5

The BMW of today has lost its way and seems to be content with a vanilla driving experience marketed to soccer moms looking for a status symbol (with the exception of the Motorsport division).

(iagree)

 

[CX-SV]

Yes, when I see how briskly new Fusions and new Escapes sell (retail not fleet sales), amazing...

 

[New CX-5]

There are much worse things in this world then being compared to a BMW! BMW is still pretty synonymous with a great driving experience, a few years of questionable decisions doesnt completely eradicate decades of near perfection! The first car I learned to drive on was a 97 M-Coup (the one with the Z3 body frame) my father still has it with about 15k miles on it, what an amazing car to drive. I also drove in a 2000 740il for a while when my father wasn't using it, same thing awesome car. He has an A8 now, and while it's amazing I still preferred the 02 740il. In between the A8's he has had an E500 which was a nice car but I personally considered it boring. With all that aside, the only Japanese car maker that has come close to creating the same feeling are Mazdas. My 2014 CX-5's steering is spectacular, especially compared to it's contemporaries.

When I told my father I bought a Mazda CX-5 after 1 test drive he was worried, thought I made a mistake, etc but that all changed the second he saw it in person. When I let him test drive my CX-5 he was impressed, which is tough to say when considering the stable of car's he has driven over the past 20 years.

The article is inspiring and really gives me the confidence as a new buyer that Mazda is heading in the right direction, makes me proud to be an "early adopter" of the CX-5. The car is really building a cult following.

 

[CX-SV]

Agreed, having Mazdas compared to BMW is certainly good news. I have my doubts about CX-5 and building cult following.