Sweet spot: Mazda MX-5 with retractable fastback
Mazda brought out its big guns at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) as it released not one but three new vehicles. At the imposing gray and red Mazda pavilion are the all-new CX-5 and CX-9 crossovers, and the MX-5 RF sports car. They’ll be on display from March 30 to April 2, 2017 at MIAS a the World Trade Center, Pasay City. They’re all aimed at different user segments, with one thing in common: they’re designed with the driver in mind.
The CX-5 is the second generation of Mazda’s compact five-seat crossover vehicle. The CX-5 was the first vehicle to receive the full Kodo-Soul of Motion treatment combined with the company’s SkyActiv fuel efficiency technology. It went on to great success, notching up 25 percent of Mazda’s annual sales. The all-new CX-5 may have the body and space of a crossover, but it aims to satisfy the driver with new technological advancments.
The highlight of the CX-5, aside from its striking new looks, is its G-Vectoring Control (GVC) technology, touted as the first of the new SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics tehcnologies. GVC adjusts engine torque after monitoring the driver’s throttle, braking, and steering inputs. In effect, it reportedly reduces the sideways motion of the cabin, resulting in a more confident feel for the driver, as well as a more comfortable journey for passengers.
The CX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with SkyActiv technolgy, making 155ps and 200Nm of torque. The gasoline version comes in two trim levels, with the base front-wheel drive version starting at P1.55 million. There’s also the diesel option, the CX-5 SkyActiv with 175ps and 420Nm. That one goes for P2.2 million. All come with six-speed automatic transmissions.
Available equipment include: 19-inch wheels with 55-series tires, 10-speaker Bose sound system, 7-inch touchscreen head unit with rear-view camera, LED headlights with active aim, LED foglamps and taillamps, blind spot monitoring, leather seats, power driver’s seat with memory, idle-stop, and cruise control.
For hauling along extended families, there’s no better alternative to the minivan than the CX-9, Mazda suggests. The CX-9 is a three-row, seven-seat SUV with premium interior and accouterments. The CX-9 gets the full SkyActiv technology drivetrain, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The CX-9 delivers 230ps and 420Nm, channeled to an all-wheel drive system. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. The engine features Dynamic Pressure Turbo, the world’s first turbocharger that can vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed, resulting in smoother and more consistent power delivery.
The CX-9 sheds 130kg from the previous model, depsite retaining a sizable interior. The weight loss and new drivetrain should make for a more efficient operation, as well as improvements in driver control and performance.
The world’s best-selling sports car gets a new family member: the Mazda MX-5 RF, for retractable fastback. The MX-5 can fold its roof in less than 13 seconds, converting from secure hardtop to a targa-type sports car with the push of a button. The trunk space remains the same as the soft-top model, at 130liters. The hardtop provides security and quietness of a fixed roof with the option to open up to the sky at any appropriate time.
Witness the turnover of the very first batch of Mazda MX-5 RF sports cars in the Philippines at the MIAS front driveway on Sunday morning.
Aside from the new vehicles, two premium colors make their debut. Machine Grey is designed to give the impression that the vehicle is sculpted from a solid steel ingot. It features strong contrast between light and shadow. There’s also Crystal Soul Red, a more advanced version of the familiar Mazda color. It now has 20 percent more saturation and 50 percent more depth than Soul Red. Newly developed red pigments and higher concentration of high-brilliance aluminum are the advancements here.
The other vehicles on the Mazda stand also embody the SkyActiv technology with Kodo styling. The Mazda6 Sports Wagon now comes with G-Vectoring control system, while the Mazda6 SkyActiv-D diesel offers the efficiency of a diesel engine.
The CX-3 Freestyle Crossover Vehicle continues to appeal to those seeking a more personal drive combined with a taller stance. The sleeker 2017 Mazda3 Speed, now with GVC; the Mazda2 Premium Series, and the top-end Mazda2 RS round out the series display vehicles. Also on the stand is the Mazda2 SkyActiv racecar driven by Philippine Touring Car Championship class winner and GT Driver of the Year for touring cars Edwin Rodriguez, highlighting the 2016 championship-winning campaign of Mazda Philippines.
Welcoming visitors at the MIAS outdoor exhibit area is the 2017 BT-50 pickup, with refreshed design cues highlighting its off-road capability.
All brand-new Mazda vehicles come with the company’s Yojin3 program, a free three-year (or 60,000km, whichever comes first) periodic maintenance service package and emergency roadside assistance with concierge service, for trouble-free zoom-zooming.
The Mazda vehicles are on display at the Manila International Auto Show, March 30 to April 2, 2017 10am to 10pm at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.
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