Does Mazda Have What It Takes To Actually Challenge The Germans?

Mazda may have lifted much of the design for the new CX-5 off of the previous car but rest assured, when it calls this new rendition “all-new,” we have to admit that after driving it (more on that later), Mazda is not spewing fake news. This is partially because it needed only to build on the current and already great CX-5 to make the new CX-5 and because the brand’s push to the premium segment has worked. The only problem with that is that prices have risen as well to help cover the tab of premium equipment and design.
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vdiv - 3/8/2017 6:38:13 PM

+2 Boost

Nope. Mazda's best chances are to partner with another automaker akin to Nissan taking over Mitsubishi Motors. How does Subaru/Fuji Heavy sound?

MDarringer - 3/8/2017 6:54:35 PM

+1 Boost

Subaru and Mazda will both be acquired by Toyota. Subaru is already intertwined with Toyota. In a very real sense, Mazda is a redundant automaker.

Then again Marchionne is too stupid to ink a deal to reskin Mazdas as Chrysler products.

qwertyfla - 3/8/2017 6:58:48 PM

+2 Boost

Mazda has a really nice, coherent design language centered around very nice reliable and fun to drive cars. Unfortunately it doesn't have the snob appeal to compete with the Krauts and is still considered second tier Japanese.

As Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Toyota get uglier and tackier with every new model launch, I think more people will open to the Mazda products which will help grow the brand. Dropping the stick option for the CX5 just cost me as a customer as this was one car that was on my radar for future consideration...

atc98092 - 3/8/2017 8:29:54 PM

+1 Boost

I will be looking seriously at the new CX-5 as soon as the diesel is available.

llaroo - 3/8/2017 10:27:19 PM

+2 Boost

Mazda does a good job with design. My fav Asian company. Drive a golf then a Mazda. I've had both. German completely different feel and interior finish quality. I'd take VW

MDarringer - 3/9/2017 8:25:51 AM

-2 Boost

I'd take the Mazda for its superior quality and reliability.

mini22 - 3/10/2017 12:56:34 AM

+1 Boost

I thought under Japanese law Toyota is prevented from owning any more than 12 % of another Japanese auto company.

MDarringer - 3/10/2017 8:36:25 AM

+1 Boost

OK so the Chinese want to buy Mazda and Toyota wants it, do you really think the Japanese government will allow that to happen?

It could be argued that Renault (a foreign company) owns Nissan and now Mitsubishi rather than Nissan owning Mitsubishi. If foreign ownership is some magic ticket. Toyota USA theoretically then could be the buyer because it is a legally separate entity under the law from Toyota Japan.

mini22 - 3/10/2017 5:56:52 PM

+1 Boost

Toyota USA I would think is still under the auspices of Toyota World. But I agree in that I don't think Japan would allow Toyota or any Jap auto company to go under the control of the Chinese. Honestly I'm not sure why or what the rule is. Toyota owns something like 12% of Subaru and for some reason is forbidden to own anymore(feel free to double check this). Subaru still appears to operate autonomously and only shares engine and chassis tech with Toyota on the BRZ/86 for the moment.