As we mentioned the other day, Mazda, through its official Philippine distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines, will be taking the wraps off three new models at this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2017. Well, today is the day when the Japanese brand launches the Mazda CX-5, CX-9, and MX-5 RF in the country.
Mazda CX-5: More Style and Driving Fun
Launched last year in the global arena, the second-generation Mazda CX-5 boasts an evolutionary interpretation of the vaunted Kodo-Soul of Motion design cues that defined the very first compact crossover that was launched back in 2012. The latest iteration is sleeker, more stylish, and still shows off the marque’s sharp lines.
The newest CX-5’s sharp creases are further emphasized by two new colors that bring out the true design details of the car and pretty much every Mazda on offer. The new hues are Machine Grey, which gives off the impression of a sculpted solid ingot, and Crystal Soul Red. The second hue is a deeper shade of Mazda’s signature color that uses state-of-the-art paint processes to bring out a luster like no other.
The most noteworthy feature of the new Mazda CX-5 has got to be G-Vectoring Control. The first system built under the brand’s SKYACTIV VEHICLE DYNAMICS suite of technologies, GVC uses throttle, brake, and steering inputs to help control lateral and longitudinal movements of the car. In plain English, this simply means reducing cabin movements and increasing driver confidence while providing a more comfortable and stress-free drive.
Speaking of engines, the second-generation Mazda CX-5 can be had with a choice of three motors: a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder with 155hp and 200Nm, a 2.5-liter four-pot mated to an all-wheel drive system that puts out 190hp and 251Nm, and the 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D with 175hp and 420Nm.
The Mazda CX-5 Pro starts at P1,550,000, followed by the CX-5 2.5 Sport AWD at P1,850,000. The range-topping Mazda CX-5 2.2 SKYACTIV-D AWD goes for P2,200,000.
Mazda CX-9: Seven-seat Zoom-zoom
Next up on the Mazda offensive is the second-generation Mazda CX-9. Just like its compact sibling, the seven-seat CX-9 takes the Kodo-Soul of Motion and jimba-ittai man-machine philosophy to the next level. The liens are crisper and more premium, while the drive promises to be more engaging yet still comfortable for passengers.
The highlight of the new CX-9 is arguably the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T four-cylinder motor that produces 230hp and 420Nm of torque and utilizes a new Dynamic Pressure Turbocharger. This essentially varies the exhaust position based on the engine speed. This means power on tap with stellar fuel economy.
With a weight savings of roughly 130kg, the new Mazda CX-9 is likewise equipped with class-leading SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic and i-ACTIV AWD technology. These two pieces of kit, together with the lighter weight, help build driver confidence and provide a more supple and comfortable ride. It promises to be a truly engaging drive for the family man who needs the space yet can’t leave his sporty ride at home.
The Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring retails for P2,780,000.
Mazda MX-5 RF: All-weather Open-Top Fun
Speaking of sporty drives, the Mazda booth is completed by the unveiling of the Mazda MX-5 RF. The vaunted roadster, that has become a symbol of the Spirit of Zoom-zoom, now gets the innovative retractable hardtop and fastback design. The former allows the driver to go topless in a quick 13 seconds while the latter provides protection via the fastback roof structure. This provides all-weather security that no soft-top roadster can give. Moreover, the roof easily folds into the trunk yet still allows for a rather generous amount of cargo room, similar to its regular MX-5 brother.
The MX-5 RF is likewise powered by the same 2.0-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder found in the soft-top MX-5. It still produces 160hp and 200Nm and is mated to a 6-speed autobox.
The Mazda MX-5 RF starts at P2,180,000 and goes up to P2,250,000 for the variant with nappa leather.
See the all-new Mazda CX-5, CX-9, and MX-5 RF, along with the rest of the Mazda lineup at the Manila International Auto Show 2017 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The show runs from March 30 to April 2, 2017 from 10am to 10pm.
