The global car market may be down, but it can’t stay there forever. When the market does return, Mazda will be ready. According to Mazda president and CEO James Muir, the Japanese automaker is planning a model expansion, which should help in the automaker’s quest to grow its market share.
Although the first of Mazda’s new models will probably do battle in the compact segments, Muir told Autocar that he wants Mazda to become a “more aspirational brand that will be an alternative to the premium manufacturers.” That means that small car buyers won’t have to sacrifice amenities for fuel economy.
Mazda’s Kiyora concept car – which debuted at the Paris Motor Show – is likely headed to production, and will serve as the company’s entry-level city car. No official word on naming, but it is widely believed Mazda will name its new city car the Mazda1.
The Kazamai show car that made its debut at the Moscow show is also set to make production as Mazda’s small crossover. No word if the Kazamai will make it to U.S. shores, but it seems like a sure bet for the rugged roads of Russia.
While the U.S. may miss out on the Kazamai, Mazda has no plans of leaving the States out of its sports car plans. A new, more radical MX-5 is in the pipeline for 2012 – which Muir says is “going back to basics” — and the long-rumored RX-7 is said to be under development. Look for the new RX-7 to pick up where the old one left off, including a high output version of Mazda’s signature rotary engine.
10/16, 5:17 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
Unless Mazda cleans up their drab lineup, and cuts my lawn every week, I’m not interested in what they have to offer. The kinky Kiyora will never make production anywhere near its concept so who cares?
10/16, 5:37 PM
posted by:
FRANKE_D
I am wondering ‘LLLLno.3”, if you find Mazda’s lineup drab, whose carmaker lineup do you find not to be drab??? Here I don’t want an answer like BMW or Ferrari, stay in the same market value.
10/16, 5:49 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
@FRANKE_D, fair question, Subaru has corky cars that have a devout following and offer something different. I did loved the RX-7, but that he about all I’ve ever loved of the Mazda lineup; great girlie car with the Miata, but not my cup of tea. My neighbor is a Mazda mucky muck who is always driving home the latest models of Mazda. We car-talk all time. We both think the same regarding the RX-8 = butt-ugly. I also like some of the Mits series in this league, can you say E-V-O? Yes, I can! Can you say Eclipse = no way in hell!
10/16, 7:28 PM
posted by:
A4
theres not really anything mazda makes that goes toe to toe with an Evo… the Mazdaspeed6 came a little close but definately not the same
10/16, 9:03 PM
posted by:
DrFill
The Kasamai would kick much ass here
Just Bring It!
DrFill
10/16, 9:49 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
Mazda’s current line-up doesn’t wow me… a new rotary engine might tho. That Wankel, he’s one crazy dood
10/17, 12:53 AM
posted by:
cereal
As long as its a bit more… “radical” than the next Mazda3.
Make it .. fresh. Hell, I know it’ll sell like hotcakes. At least let me look at something worthwhile.
(this is assuming it’ll make it to the U.S.) <– maybe to combat the Scion “iQ” ? Eh. What do I know?
-eat your cereal
10/17, 7:14 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
LLLL3, Subaru makes “corky” cars?
Corky was a retard on Life Goes On. Although Subarus are retarded, so maybe you meant to write that…
10/17, 4:37 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Proof of the car is in the driving, and Mazda are all about that and they are fun to drive for the money you pay. You want “drab” cars, buy a Toyota or GM, with lots of coffee cup holders, cuz you’ll need them to stay awake.
And Subaru being non-drab? You mean the one that has been going through grille identity crisis for the past 15 years?
About the only thing keeping Subaru on buyers’ list is the symmetrical AWD. Exterior design is a mess and interior design is not much better. There is something to be said when the late Saabaru 9-2X was actually better looking than the original. The styling of the current Impreza also has nothing on the Mazda3.
10/18, 1:45 PM
posted by:
trantz
the photo of this vehicle scares me
10/21, 2:44 PM
posted by:
Chunnder
Come on new rotary based car with forced-induction! PLEASE!!!