Thursday, December 25, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Mazda CX-5 dethrones Honda CR-V in recent crossover SUV comparison

Matt Castrucci Mazda compares 2015 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2015 Honda CR-V

Source: Matt Castrucci Honda
December 22, 2014

 DAYTON, Ohio, Dec. 22, 2014 — /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The crossover SUV segment is one of the most competitive classes in the auto industry.  Every automotive manufacturer is trying to design a new vehicle that is better than their competitors' offerings which makes the popular SUV class even more competitive.  Two of the hottest sellers, and two of the best choices, have finally been pitted against each other in a recent SUV comparison.  The 2015 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2015 Honda CR-V has been a long anticipated comparison, and now drivers have the side-by-side analysis they need to make the most informed decision.

The recent SUV comparison between the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Honda CR-V shows drivers important details about each SUV in key areas like starting price, towing capacity, horsepower, seating capacity, cargo space, available interior features and safety equipment.  The information provided by Matt Castrucci Mazda, a Mazda dealer in Dayton, Ohio, is helping drivers see the differences between each new crossover SUV.

The Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are formidable foes, they each offer similar features, interior space and safety equipment, but when it comes to performance, the 2015 Honda CR-V falls short of the 2015 Mazda CX-5.  The key to the Mazda CX-5's superior driving dynamics is due to its innovative SKYACTIV engine technology.  Another glaring difference between these two popular compact crossover SUVs are their suggested starting prices, the new Mazda CX-5 starts at almost $2,000 less than the 2015 Honda CR-V.

To view the full comparison of the 2015 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2015 Honda CR-V, SUV shoppers are encouraged to visit the Mazda dealer's website at www.mattcastruccimazda.com.  The informative website also offers other vehicle comparisons and Mazda model research so drivers can learn more about each vehicle in the Mazda lineup.  For more detailed information about the 2015 Mazda CX-5, or any other new Mazda model, drivers may also call the Mazda dealership's sales department at 877-321-5043.

Media Contact: Todd Williams, Matt Castrucci Mazda, 877-321-5043,

Friday, November 28, 2014

2016 Mazda CX-3

Nov 18, 2014 (8:00pm) - Mazda debuts the 2016 Mazda CX-3 at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new compact crossover SUV is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles that feature the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO (read more) http://qoo.ly/4bffn

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Mazda Moves to Head of the Class with the 2015 CX-5

Since its birth in 2013, the CX-5 has been soaring in popularity in the compact crossover market segment.  It might be because of its spunky appearance or sporty handling.  One thing is sure.  It most assuredly stands out from the waves of competition it has to share the road with.


The most popular of trim levels will surely be the Touring trim.  It comes with amazing features such as Keyless ignition/entry, rearview camera power driver seat leather steering wheel, upgraded sound system, a 5.8 inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity with text message reading, Pandora radio connectivity and HD radio.  You can also add an optional Technology package that gives you things like TomTom navigation, Smart city brake crash avoidance, and HID headlights.  That is an amazing list of options and features without even purchasing the upper tier trim level.

With an incredible average fuel economy of over 26 mpg and an amazing suspension that handles bumps and road imperfections seamlessly, you will want to spend all day behind the wheel.  It has incredibly precise steering which makes the driving experience enjoyable.  It comes with a powerful 184 HP 2.5 liter four cylinder engine.  You can easily fit 4 passengers with you for an exhilarating yet comfortable ride.  Everyone will benefit from the technology and all of the offerings in this model.  You will not be surprised after you get behind the wheel that this one is literally flying past the competition.


Don’t fall behind.  Come get more info on this leader today at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today!



Thursday, September 25, 2014

Back To School with Mazda Motorsports

Mazda’s R.A.C.E. STEM Education Outreach Program Surpasses 10,000 Students

Sep 19, 2014


September 19, 2014 (AUSTIN, Tex.) – It’s back-to-school time for school kids across the county and the acclaimed R.A.C.E. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education outreach program is back in action.  Launched by Mazda in January, the Racing Accelerates Creative Education (R.A.C.E.) outreach program has now positively impacted more than 10,000 middle and high school students. To date, there have been 22 interactive presentations at 12 schools local to the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship events.

“This STEM program has been one of the most rewarding things we’ve done at Mazda Motorsports,” enthused John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports and driving force behind Mazda’s R.A.C.E. STEM initiative. “We’re happy to report that our future is in good hands as the students that we’ve been fortunate enough to interact with are demonstrating the drive, initiative and curiosity that it takes to convert STEM education into global innovation.”

Earlier this week over 1,400 students from James Bowie High School and Akins High School in Austin experienced Mazda’s STEM presentation.  Thanks to the STEM advocates and leadership team at Circuit of the Americas, each student was given a free race ticket for this weekend’s race.

“Through the track promoter ticket giveaways, we’ve been able to bring students to the race events and take them behind the curtain to show how Mazda uses STEM in every aspect of our racing and engineering programs,” explained Joel Miller, Mazda factory driver, race team degreed engineer, and Mazda’s featured speaker at the schools. “We’re grateful to those promoters that have supported the program, because together, we’ve created not only new sports car racing fans, but we’ve made the connection between the classroom and the careers in motorsports. It’s fantastic.”

Mazda’s 2014 STEM campaign will close out with two more presentations in advance of the Road Atlanta Petit Le Mans race. Both will be held at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga. on September 30. Plans for the 2015 R.A.C.E. STEM schedule are underway.

About Mazda, Mazda Motorsports, and MAZDASPEED

Mazda is a leading player in all aspects of sports car racing with an emphasis on endurance road racing.  Mazda is the number-one brand for road-racers across North America among both club racers and professionals.  Thousands of Mazda-powered grassroots racers compete in various classes with the SCCA and NASA highlighted by Spec Miata, the world’s largest spec class with over 2,500 cars built.  Via the Mazda SportsCar Racing Academy, Mazda supports racers at all levels of the sport from club racing up to the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship where it races with production SKYACTIV Technology.

Mazda remains the only Asian car company to score an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1991).  Mazda has had a naming rights agreement at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca since 2000.

Mazda Motorsports is managed by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  MNAO is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Consumer information can be found at www.mazdausa.com, with press information at www.mazdausamedia.com.  Racers and fans can follow the action on Facebook (Mazda Motorsports), Twitter (@mazdaracing), Instagram (MazdaMotorsport) and www.mazdamotorsports.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Mazda RX-9 Supercar Could Arrive in 2020

Source: GTspirit.com

Next-Generation Mazda RX-7 Could Feature 450hp Rotary Engine
Could Mazda be considering launching a supercar for its 100th anniversary in 2020? Well according to Motoring, it could be.

The Australian publication suggests that a new model, possibly dubbed the Mazda RX-9 could be released in 2020 not only to coincide with the firm’s 100th birthday but also because the Olympic Games are being held in Tokyo that same year.

The next-generation of Japanese supercars, like the next Nissan GT-R and Lexus LFA are both likely to use hybrid powertrains to maintain high power while increasing fuel economy. The 2015 Nissan NSX has already been confirmed to feature such a system. However, Mazda believes that its own GT-R rivalling supercar may not go down that route.

“We have our own definition of sports and our own definition of how to get Jinba Ittai, the oneness between car and driver – and we do not have to necessarily compete with segments or competitors,” he said.

“We won’t follow them just for the sake of it. We are indifferent to the successes that our rivals are making; we need to make our own success and forge our own way forward.”

While Mazda has yet to confirm if such a mode will be released, it has said that it has big plans for 2020 as well as 2017 for the 50th anniversary of the rotary engine.

[Via Motoring]

Monday, August 25, 2014

Hixson Alexandria and Keeping Kids Safe

Hixson Autoplex of Alexandria is proud to announce their partnership with the Keeping Kids Safe Project and are housing an event from September 12th and 13th.

Parents and children of all ages are invited to this event.  This is one of the top child safety programs in the country.  Many children are reported missing in the USA each year.  Some are found within a few minutes or hours.  Police officials say that time is critical in the recovery of a missing child.  A major source of wasted time is in the gathering of resources, fingerprints, statistical information, and photographs.  This can be avoided by providing a pre-made file to the authorities.
The event will be run by S.I.P. Kids and they will be taking FBI quality digital fingerprints and photographs of your children.  Their inkless digital scanner captures high quality fingerprint images that are printed on a record and then provided to the parents for safe-keeping.  The only record taken is sent directly home, they do not database any information.  In the case of an emergency, parents are able to turn this file over to the authorities anywhere in the world to instantly aid in the investigation, saving crucial time and resources.  For more information about Keeping Kids Safe visit http://www.KeepingKidsSafe.us 

For more information contact the professionals at Hixson Autoplex of Alexandria at 318-448-0871 and we look forward to seeing everyone at the event to help keep children safe at 2506 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana on September 12th and 13th!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

2016 Mazda Miata may have Alfa Romeo 4C's amazing 240 HP engine


By John Goreham 2014-07-28 10:54
Source: Torque News

Will Mazda offer the Alfa's incredibly powerful engine as an option?


It is no secret that Mazda and Fiat’s Alfa Romeo division are co-developing the next generation 2016 MX-5 Miata. The engines are secret though, and we have reason to believe that the Miata may have the Alfa Romeo 4C’s amazing 4-cylinder turbocharged engine as an option.

2016 Miata Test Mule Spotted


Contributing writers at Torque News’ were at an event recently where a Miata-bodied vehicle was making hot laps on the track. At the request of the host automaker, we will not reveal more details. Attendees familiar with the Alfa Romeo 4C who had recently driven the vehicle said the exhaust note of the test-mule Miata sounded exactly like the 4Cs. The vehicle was photographed, and I have seen the photos, but again, the automaker hosting the event asked that those in attendance not publish any pictures yet. In any case, the vehicle looked exactly like any other 3rd generation Miata (currently on sale.)

The Alfa Romeo 4C’s engine is not at all like anything the previous Miatas have seen. Although there were turbocharged MazdaSpeed Miatas in the second generation, they didn’t have more power than the 2006-2015 Miatas have, which is about 167 horsepower. The Alfa Romeo 4C’s engine makes 240 horsepower. In a Miata that would mean mid-4 second 0-60 times. Suddenly the Miata would be one of the fastest convertible cars for the dollar in the world.

Too Much Power For Miata?


It is hard for us to believe that Mazda would put so much power into such a small, yet capable, car. For one thing, it would be a car that would rival the 4C, so Alfa has reason not to allow the creation of a Mazda-branded MX-5 that will run with its current halo car in the US. Fiat and Alfa might be crazy enough to do it for their Spyder version of the upcoming car. Nothing will surprise us again after seeing the 700 HP Dodge Hellcat SRT. On the Mazda side, this simply seems like much more power than the Miata needs to fulfill its goal. The Honda S2000 had power on this scale, but was a larger, heavier vehicle. Frankly, this Miata would be a widow-maker if it packed so much power. Perhaps the plan will be for Mazda to offer the base engine in the US Miatas and the Alfa Spyder and top-spec Miatas will get the 4C engine? In Europe and other markets Alfa will likely offer a lower-powered Fiat engine in the Spyder.

Draw your own conclusions from what we have conveyed to you. Mazda is planning to reveal the 4rth generation, 2016 Miata in September (less than 2 months from now). All of our instincts and background tell us the Mazda will only pack a normally aspirated, sub-2-liter engine with about 170 Horsepower made by Mazda. If that is not the case, and the Miata is suddenly a rocket with an available 240 horsepower Italian engine, you heard it here first.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Beat the Heat at Hixson

Summertime is travel time, we just can’t resist the lure of sunny skies and the open road.  However, before you hit the road this summer you can take several precautions to keep your family safe and save money at the pump.

Extreme heat and long drives can be tough on cars.  Cracked hoses, leaky radiators, underinflated tires and dirty filters significantly lower your fuel efficiency or in the worst case, lead to a total breakdown.  That is why the professionals at Hixson are here to help you get your vehicle ready for the summer heat!
Come by today and ask for your FREE charging and starting system check that includes a free battery check.  There’s no reason to not be prepared for the hot days to come and there’s no purchase necessary to get your vehicles charging and starting and battery check.

For more information and to get yourself ready for summer visit Hixson Mazda of Alexandria at 2506 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana or call 318-448-0871 today!