Mazda CX-3 Debuts in LA w/ New CX-5 & Mazda6

Ladies and gentlemen… The 2014 LA Auto Show is finally here!

To kick off our coverage, we’re going to look at everything that Mazda has brought to arguably the largest remaining automotive event in 2014. As you continue reading, you’ll learn about Mazda’s all-new CX-3 compact crossover, their makeover for the 2016MY Mazda6 and their refresh for the CX-5.

Mazda CX-3 Compact Crossover

First up, we have Mazda’s entry into the compact crossover segment, otherwise known as the Nissan Juke bandwagon. Even though it’s a highly competitive class of vehicles, you can see here that the segment’s top dogs shouldn’t underestimate Mazda’s newest offering. Even without Mazda’s mechanical prowess, this is one sharp-looking crossover.

The Mazda CX-3 is built on the same platform as the award-winning Mazda2. They’ve expanded the hatchback’s body to match crossover proportions with an extra 21.5cm length and 5.5cm height. Meanwhile, the interior cabin bears closer resemblance to the 2, although the extra size keeps the CX-3 feeling like an SUV behind the wheel.

The CX-3 will be offered in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Mazda hasn’t given us specific details about the available powertrains, but we do know that there’ll be a 2.0L petrol in the US and a 1.5L diesel in other markets.

For more information about the new Mazda CX-3, read Mazda’s official press release.

Mazda CX-5 Crossover

Shown alongside the all-new Mazda CX-3 is the new compact’s older brother – the 2016 Mazda CX-5. All in all, Mazda didn’t do a whole lot to this car… It’s a great SUV that really didn’t need much updating, and they certainly wouldn’t want to detract from the CX-3’s debut. Still, there are a few noteworthy changes:

Outside, the front grille has been tightened up, and Mazda says they’ve tried to enhance the eye-like look of the headlights to “heighten the car’s look of vitality.”

Inside, the biggest change is a 10% improvement in NVH – noise, vibration and harshness – on rough roads. With new safety features like Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support, drivers of the 2016 Mazda Cx-5 should feel more comfortable and more confident than ever before.

2016 Mazda6 Sedan

As one of the first cars to get fitted with Mazda’s Kodo design language, the sedan has had its current exterior mostly unchanged for the past three years. Thus, this update is mostly aesthetic. You can see that the grille has been updated with new chrome bars, restyled LED lamps both up front and in the back, a shark fin antenna, and two new colors to choose from (Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic). Mazda also refinished the 19-inch aluminum twin-spoke alloys with a darker gunmetal tint.

Under the hood, Mazda has embraced their KISS mentality by offering just one 2.5L petrol powertrain option for the 2016 model year. It currently looks like the only state of tune offered will be at 184hp.

Inside, just like in the Mazda CX-5, Mazda quieted the 6’s interior by 10% on rough roads, and a full 25% on smoothly paved highways or city streets. The sedan also gets the same upgraded i-Activsense safety suite. Unlike the CX-5, though, the Mazda6 gets a new Electrical Parking Brake (EPB), making it the first car in Mazda’s lineup to receive such a feature.