2013 Mazda Show Lineup: New York Auto Show

On the face of it, you would think Mazda is doing ok. Their lineup has been getting very good reviews and you would likely seen one of their vehicles running around. However, Mazda is not in very good health. This past year, Mazda made a number of crucial decisions to keep themselves afloat; including laying off a number of people at their headquarters and bidding adieu to the Flat Rock, Michigan plant it shared with Ford Motor Company. 2013 looks to be the year where Mazda is starting the process of recovery. So far, sales have been on the rise thanks to new vehicles and improvements on their current lineup. For their showing at 2013 New York Auto Show, Mazda has some tricks up their sleeve they would like to show us.

Why Does The 2013 Mazda CX-9 Matter?

Mazda was one of the first entrants in the three-row, crossover market with the CX-9 in 2007. The killer feature the CX-9 had was that it was actually fun to drive, something that cannot be said of the competition. Six years on, the CX-9 is still the best driving seven-seat crossover in the marketplace. For the 2013 CX-9, Mazda made some small changes. Outside, the CX-9 wears a new front end with a new grille and small design tweaks here and there. Inside, the CX-9 gains a new 5.8-inch multi-information display that is standard across all trim levels. Also new is HD Radio, Pandora, and the ability of the CX-9 to read out SMS messages. The 2013 Mazda CX-9 will begin at $29,675

Why Does The 2014 Mazda6 Matter?

The 2014 Mazda6 is Mazda’s entrant in the cutthroat world of midsize sedans where you have to bring it or live in the shadows of your competitors. On paper, the 2014 Mazda6 looks to have brought it to the midsize class. For starters is the Mazda6’s look. Taking many of its styling cues from the TAKERI Concept shown at the 2011 Toyko Motor Show, the 6 has a very distinct style that stands out in the class. With a bold face and and masculine lines, the Mazda6 will not be mistaken for anything else. This design has made the Mazda6 one of the finalists for for the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award that will be announced at the show. Under the unique sheetmetal lies Mazda’s full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies that includes a lightweight body and chassis, a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine making 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, and the choice of either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.

That gives the 2014 Mazda6 fuel economy numbers of 25 City/37 Highway/29 Combined with the manual or 26 City/38 Highway/30 Combined with the automatic. For those who want more MPGs in their Mazda6 will be happy to know that in the second half of this year, Mazda will introduce a 2.2L SKYACTIV-D diesel engine which promises added performance and economy. Safety-wise, the new Mazda6 comes equipped Radar Cruise Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, a Lane Departure Warning System, Smart City Brake Support system, and a top pick distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,880. Also being shown at New York Auto Show is the Mazda6 SKYACTIV Diesel Race Car which competes in the GX Class in Grand-AM Championship. The Mazda6 SKYACTIV Diesel Race Car uses the 2.2L SKYACTIV-D diesel engine that will available in the Mazda6 later this year.

Why Does The 2014 Mazda CX-5 Matter?

When it was introduced last year, the Mazda CX-5 was the first vehicle to introduce the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies; the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine, SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic, and the lightweight body and chassis. 2013 sees Mazda introducing the 2014 CX-5 with a big change. Under the hood of the 2014 CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring is a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine producing 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque going through a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic to either front or all four wheels. The base CX-5 Sport sticks with the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine. Also new for this year is the Smart City Brake Support system. The 2014 Mazda CX-5 starts at $21,195.

Mazda's New York Auto Show Lineup: What Autobytel Thinks

Mazda is putting 2012 aside and focusing on 2013 to make it their year to shine. Judging from what they will be showing at the 2013 New York Auto Show, we think 2013 will be a very good year for Mazda. The lineup of Mazda vehicles provide a good mix of fun to drive and excellent fuel economy, two items that should interest buyers.