Latest news with #CX-3
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Mazda made a 50+mpg super-SUV
Is Mazda losing its marbles? It's becoming increasingly more Honda-like, just when Honda itself is now turning away from being ICE-centric by default. Should we worry that this modestly-sized OEM is too eccentric, gambling with shareholders' money in a dangerously risky manner? Not at all. North-south engines, rear/four-wheel drive platform New (and forthcoming) models - such as the CX-80 pictured - which on the surface seem to be aimed at small niches, are in fact much bigger deals than some think. This large SUV, which, incidentally, does not come as an EV, was relatively cheap to develop. Plus its array of four- and six-cylinder engines, each fitted to a RWD-4WD platform developed from scratch, offers novelty in a same-same segment. This all sounds well and good but the sceptics will insist that a fresh line of straight-sixes is far from what buyers want in 2025. Not so. And, Mazda also offers its high output/low emissions 2.5-litre four-cylinder PHEV alternative in not just the CX-80 but related models. Here then is an entire family of cleverly engineered SUVs. The CX-30 and CX-50 are outliers in the firm's two-letters and two-digits line-up. The first is an older model and the second part of a JV with Toyota for North America. Then there's the CX-3 and CX-5, both legacy vehicles from an earlier era and therefore probably quite profitable. Demand for the CX-30, CX-3 and CX-5 remains good in many countries, while the CX-50 is new-ish and doing well in the US/Canada/Mexico. Four models, one engine family Above the four models just mentioned sit the CX-60 and its wider-bodied CX-70 brother - essentially the same in most other ways though engines can differ. At the top of the tree are the CX-80 and CX-90. These four (60-90) were developed as part of the same project so they share an architecture and powertrains. It being such a big market for the brand, Australia is about the only country where buyers can choose a 60, a 70, an 80 or a 90. Here in Europe the CX-70 and CX-90 would be too wide for a lot of parking bays and garages. For the same reason and despite being built there, they are similarly unavailable in Japan. Why does no other OEM copy this idea? Instead, we are so often saddled with unwelcome girth. The CX-80 is the same width as the CX-60 but taller and longer (with a 250 mm lengthier wheelbase), has three rows of seats and is mainly for Europe. AWD and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are standard, with layouts being either 2+2+2 or 2+3+2. The back doors are extended compared to the 60 and they also pivet to almost ninety degrees which is really handy for those who regularly use both rear rows. 'INLINE6' times two but not one 'DIESEL' badge The bountiful Aussie market, a place where Mazda closely trails second-placed Ford, is some of the reason why the six-cylinder engine programme happened. North America and the Gulf States are the major justification though, even if the 3.3-litre diesel is irrelevant and less relevant there, respectively. But there are certain other countries, and the UK is one, where the 'INLINE6' also works. That such badges feature on the CX-80's front wings show how proud its maker is of the diesel derivative. However, let's be honest: due to our taxation system, most examples sold to British buyers will be the I4 petrol PHEV. Which only makes the pricier-fuel alternate choice all the more interesting. Drinking from the black pump is nothing like the value proposition it used to be. Still, there will be people - I am one - who prefer the 3.3d to the 2.5 PHEV. Let's also discuss the way it sounds, and the way it goes. As tow-tastic as a TDI? Sure, this is no Audi SQ7 TDI but the noise which comes from below the bonnet and the back end is very nice. A low-revs idle, naturally, just the hint of turbocharger whistling, a lovely near-burble and the suggestion of immense torque. You can see why people who tow will want this engine in their CX-80. Outputs for the mild hybrid I6 are 187 kW (254 PS) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft). Considering this is not a light vehicle - but equivalent EVs are several hundred kilos heavier - it hustles along and acceleration is great. Nor is there much nose diving under brakes or wallow in bends. Best of all? You can easily achieve more than fifty miles per gallon: quite something. That 3.3-litre six is a great engine in so many ways. Personally I find the proportions of this sub-five metres car to be near-perfect. Even when you know the wheelbase is an extraordinary 3,120 mm it still looks right. The overhangs at both ends are short and that amazing length between the wheelarches means abundant space for each of the six or seven occupants. Intelligent design There are many luxury-brand appointments throughout the cabin. Mazda really is becoming ever more premium. There is quite convincing chrome-effect trim, some rather beautiful light-coloured wood-effect panelling, padded surfacing seemingly everywhere and a not-too-large screen. On the move, the visual display is controlled by a lovely-feeling little wheel rather than stabbing prods (touch works only when the vehicle is stopped). Each time it clicks you think Japanese Precision. Remember when every Audi, Benz, Lexus, Range Rover and Volvo was like this? Now it's oversized screens demanding one's attention, fingerprints, laggy software, endless presses and long periods of being forced to look left rather than ahead. As bongs assail you for having eyes off the road. High-end from Hiroshima versus pestiferous past masters, in other words. Summary The big Mazda, just like any Genesis - I've been driving one of these recently too - shows how to do a luxury SUV. And yes, it does seem a little odd to use the l word for vehicles made by the maker of the Scrum Wagon and MX-5. But we should. The CX-80 isn't inexpensive yet it's priced fairly considering all the gear which comes as standard. Not forgetting an air of understated prestige and a fantastic USP: that smooth-as 3,283 cc engine. Not even BMW does a six-cylinder diesel as characterful and fuel-sipping as this quirkiness the secret to Mazda's profits? "How Mazda made a 50+mpg super-SUV" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Malaysian Reserve
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Mazda Vehicles Named as IIHS and CR Recommended New and Used Vehicles for Teens
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is pleased to announce that nearly every Mazda model has been named in the updated list of recommended new and used vehicles for teens from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR). IIHS and CR have jointly produced the list of recommended vehicles for teens since 2020 with the intention of helping families prioritize safety without breaking their budgets. Teen drivers are already at heightened risk because of inexperience and immaturity, so vehicle choice is particularly important for this demographic. 'The most dated car in the driveway may not be the best choice for your teen,' said Mazda North American Operations Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy Jennifer Morrison. 'But good news, there are plenty of new and used Mazda vehicles that are both affordable and loaded with safety tech according to this updated list. Mazda is proud to have vehicles in nearly every category to choose from.' Both new and used vehicles on the list have average or better scores (3 out of 5) from CR for braking and for emergency and routine handling. They also have usability scores for controls and displays of at least 2 out of 5, meaning the vehicles with the most confusing and distracting setups are excluded. All have standard electronic stability control. When it comes to protection in crashes, all recommended used vehicles have good ratings in five IIHS tests: original moderate overlap front, original side, driver-side small overlap front, roof strength and head restraints. The recommended new vehicles are winners of the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, which means they excel in the Institute's newer, more challenging crash tests. They also have standard good or acceptable headlights and standard, good-rated seat belt reminders, and high-performing automatic emergency braking. 'Having a teen driver myself, I find peace of mind knowing they are behind the wheel of a vehicle with top safety ratings and systems like automatic emergency braking and seat belt reminders,' said Morrison. 'These are standard features on new and used Mazda vehicles because they have been proven to reduce crashes and mitigate injuries. A benefit I'm happy to provide to my teen, and yours.' Best New Mazda Vehicles for Teens (2025 Models)Small Cars – Mazda 3 hatchback and Mazda 3 sedanSmall SUVS – Mazda CX-30 and Mazda CX-50Midsize SUVS – Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 Best Used Mazda Vehicles for TeensSmall CarsMazda 3 sedan (2014-19; only vehicles built after October 2013) $5,000Mazda 3 hatchback (2014-19; only vehicles built after October 2013)Mazda 3 hatchback (2019 or newer) $12,100Mazda 3 sedan (2020 or newer) $13,000Midsize CarsMazda 6 (2016-18) $7,300Mazda 6 (2019-21; only vehicles built after June 2019) $14,000Small SUVSMazda CX-3 (2016-2019) $6,800Mazda CX-3 (2020-21) $12,900Mazda CX-5 (2014-2019; only vehicles built after October 2013) $7,200Mazda CX-5 (2020 or newer) $15,400Mazda CX-30 (2022 or newer) $18,000Midsize SUVSMazda CX-9 (2017-20; only vehicles built after November 2016) $9,800Mazda CX-9 (2021 or newer) $18,500 About Mazda North American Operations Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.
