With just a few days away ‘til the opening of the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Mazda Philippines went ahead and threw a party that gave everyone a sneak-peek of what it’ll showcase come the said auto show. Presenting the new Mazda 6, MX-5, and CX-9 – three of the most sought-after Mazdas, refreshed and slated for 2019.
Mazda 6
On the outside, the “6” features a new grille, flanked by a set of new LED adaptive headlights. Mazda notes that the Vision Concept Coupe played a huge role in inspiring the new grille’s elegant aesthetics. Accenting the headlights is a pair of LED running lights that offer greater road visibility at all times. On the side resides a set of new alloy wheels, and in back is where one would find a pair of updated tail lights.
Without spilling the beans too much, Mazda highlighted a few new things inside like the improved Mazda Connect infotainment and in-car connectivity system. It’s now bigger and allows the driver to engage a 360-degree camera for an all-around scan of the car’s surroundings. Aside from this, Mazda re-calibrated the 6’s vibration/harshness and interior sound deadening, things that determine the riding comfort during long and short drives.
Under the hood is a choice of 2 SkyActiv engines; a 2.2L turbo diesel motor and a gasoline-fed 2.5L mill. Both engines have been endowed with performance increase in both power and torque. The gasoline motor, in particular, now has cylinder deactivation, a feature that temporarily shuts down 1 of its cylinders to improve fuel efficiency.
MX-5
Also unveiled in the party is the new MX-5. At a glance, it would seem like nothing has changed. However, Mazda took the MX-5’s fun-to-drive nature up a notch by tweaking its 2.0L SkyActiv-G engine. Case in point, it now delivers 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, transmission option is still a choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto.
Mazda said that it will beef up the MX-5’s line with a variant called Club Sport. In this light, the MX-5 Club Sport boasts cosmetic upgrades such as 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, Recaro bucket seats, and an exhaust that gives the car a meaner sound.
CX-9
Lastly, Mazda previewed the 2019 CX-9, its flagship 7-seat SUV. The new CX-9 still runs with the tried and true 2.5L SkyActiv-G gasoline engine with 6-speed auto and all-wheel-drive. What’s new for the SUV, however, is a refined set of cabin goodies. The most prominent of which is the head unit which now supports iOS and Android devices via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, respectively. Aside from this, it also has 360-degree camera view similar to the Mazda 6.
More details about these 3 new Mazdas and the rest of Mazda Philippines’ product line will be disclosed at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show, happening on October 24 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Photos by Paolo Lesaca
