C-Xciting new Mazda models at the MIAS

Sweet spot: Mazda MX-5 with retractable fastback

Whenever Mazda puts up a show at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), there’s always something great to look forward to.

This year, visitors and car enthusiasts are looking forward to catching the all-new line up of its CX-5, MX-5 RF hardtop variant and the premium 7-seater CX-9.

Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc., the country’s exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles is pulling out all its big guns for 2017, ranging from its latest CX-5 compact five-seat crossover, its all-new CX-9 seven-seat premium crossover, and the much-awaited MX-5 RF retractable hardtop sports car.

“While the latest CX-5, the all-new CX-9, and the much-awaited MX-5 RF have distinct characteristics that allow each of them to cater to different sets of buyers, they all share the same core values that Mazda has upheld over the years,” said Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines.

The all-new Mazda CX-5

Last year, this writer had the chance to see and experience first hand what its Kodo-Soul of Motion design is all about at Mazda’s test track facilities in Mine Circuit, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Based on the idea of “Refined Toughness,” the new CX-5 features a new and more premium interior layout and details while still adhering to its human-centered approach in line with the jinba-ittai principle.

Definitely the brand’s volume driver, this model accounts for about a fourth of its annual sales.

The all-new CX-5 is expected strengthen Mazda’s position in the market by offering a competitively priced vehicle that promises a great driving experience.

The second edition of Mazda’s SkyActiv model has G-Vectoring Control (GVC), an innovative system that controls lateral and longitudinal forces acting on the car by actively adjusting engine torque in response to throttle, braking, and steering inputs.

By effectively reducing the sideways motion of the cabin, it inspires driver confidence and less riding fatigue for its passengers.

The all-new Mazda CX-9

Previewed at the Singapore Motor Show last January, the second-generation CX-9 continues to feature superb quality, ride comfort and exhilarating driving dynamics in the premium 7-seater segment.

It also promises a higher level of refinement in its interior, with attention to fit and finish that uses well-selected materials and color palettes that evoke an air of sophistication and elegance.

Beating at the heart of the all-new CX-9 is Mazda’s groundbreaking SkyActiv-G 2.5T in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine, which made it to the 2017 Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list.

Its fuel-efficient powerplant delivers effortless acceleration with plenty of torque, thanks to Mazda’s unique dynamic pressure turbo.

It is the world’s first turbocharger that can vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed.

Peak output figures of 230 ps at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm from a low 2,000 rpm are also achieved with the use of a 4-3-1 exhaust and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

The engine is perfectly mated to a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, which works in tandem with a predictive i-Activ AWD system to direct torque to the rear wheels as necessary based on information from 27 different sensors.

The Mazda MX-5 RF

Last seen to debut also at the 2017 Singapore Motor Show, the new MX-5 RF is the hardtop version of the fourth-generation MX-5. The RF name comes from “retractable” roof and “fastback” styling, for those drivers who want to combine an open-top driving experience with the virtues of a hardtop coupe at the flick of a switch.

The retractable roof allows for quick opening or closing with a mere 13 seconds for the entire sequence even at speeds of 10 kph or less.

The ingenious folding roof does not eat up trunk space, which remains at 130 liters, the same as that of the soft-top model.

With the rooftop on, the MX-5 RF gives the occupants a cocoon-like feel of a coupe with a better noise level than its soft-top sibling.