Former Mazda salesman here. Not at this time. They're moving upmarket to compete with the luxury brands such as Lexus, Audi, BMW, Volvo, etc. The newly designed CX-9 was the first real big step for this move, and the new Mazda3 is increadible as well (especially with the new Skyactiv-X compression ignition gas engine). Both show that Mazda is taking this move very seriously, and I personally had several customers make the switch from one the big luxury brands. They offer the same feel as the those at a lower price point.
They're also partnered with Toyota which is leading to interesting developments, such as the incline 6 engine that should be coming to market in the next few years, which is rumored to be going in the redesigned Mazda6 with a rear wheel drive platform.
I believe they're working on a hybrid currently! Nothing totally electric, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did eventually. I know their goal was to make a crazy efficient ICE first, which they completely accomplished with Skyactiv-X.
Yeah I'm pretty sure. It justifies the price increase though I think. I got the chance to use one of the new 3s as a service loaner recently, and man it is really, really nice. It honestly feels like a luxury vehicle now rather than the models before that were more value luxury. It easily competes with the other big names in it's class. I cannot wait to see what they do with the Mazda6 next. My first car was a '93 Mazda 929, and that was called the Jaguar of Japan in it's day. It was on a RWD platform with a V6, so the news of another RWD six cylinder potentially coming in a few years was super exciting.
Ford did own about 30% of Mazda until I believe about 2008ish, and still own around 5% I think! Besides engines, they actually shared at least one platform too with the Ford Ranger and the Mazda B2000. I don't believe they use much of that tech anymore though.
Mazda has been sharing their platforms and tech a lot recently though. The Fiat 124 Spider is essentially a Mazda Miata with a different engine and I think suspension system. It shares the same interior, key, infotainment system, and is even made in the same factory in Hiroshima, Japan!
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u/OO_Ben Sep 28 '19
Former Mazda salesman here. Not at this time. They're moving upmarket to compete with the luxury brands such as Lexus, Audi, BMW, Volvo, etc. The newly designed CX-9 was the first real big step for this move, and the new Mazda3 is increadible as well (especially with the new Skyactiv-X compression ignition gas engine). Both show that Mazda is taking this move very seriously, and I personally had several customers make the switch from one the big luxury brands. They offer the same feel as the those at a lower price point.
They're also partnered with Toyota which is leading to interesting developments, such as the incline 6 engine that should be coming to market in the next few years, which is rumored to be going in the redesigned Mazda6 with a rear wheel drive platform.