2016 Mazda CX-9

We do all things bigger and better in Texas.  So when the 2016 Mazda CX-9 was named the full-size CUV of Texas, people better take notice.

Excitement beamed from Gulf Region Mazda PR Manager Jamie Tinsley’s face when TAWA announced the 2016 Mazda CX-9 won the Crossover Utility Vehicle of Texas at the 2016 Texas Truck Rodeo awards dinner.  The off-road portion of the rodeo involved drivers selecting from three courses scattered around 1,650 acres of steep hills, ravines, streams and other obstacles – not to mention a wide array of exotic animals as they grazed throughout the property.

“Mazda’s all-new CX-9 earned class-leading marks from our judges particularly in exterior styling, premium interior finishes, the performance of the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T powertrain and overall personal appeal in the highly competitive full-size CUV category,” said Nic Phillips, Texas Auto Writers Association President. “Mazda’s CX-9 is a combination of sleek style with exciting, driver rewarding dynamics and family efficiency which makes for an award winning package, one that carried the CX-9 to be our runner-up for the overall CUV of Texas award.” In the decade since the first Mazda CX-9 made its world debut, it has transformed the full-size CUV segment and is the brand’s grandest expression of KODO – Soul of Motion design. The 2016 model year offers innovative technologies, premium and authentic materials and is simply fun to drive with a focus on overall driver experience.

Test drive one at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today!

2016 Mazda CX-5

It is great to talk about vehicles before or as they come out.  But if you want a true test of how people feel, wait until they have been out for a year or so and then see what people think.

The Mazda CX-5 has been the most fun-to-drive, mainstream compact SUV since arriving as a 2013 model. Starting with the 2016 model year, Mazda took significant steps forward in adding driver assists and ramping up the infotainment system. Mazda also made strides improving cabin noise and ride comfort on the highway.

The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring tops Mazda’s three trim lines, or model variants: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.  The GT has options for all wheel drive and comes standard with a 2.5 liter, 184 hp four cylinder engine mated with a six speed automatic transmission and two key technology packages as options.  The GT trim line Technology Packaging comprises navigation, smart city brake support (SCBS), an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink (garage door opener), auto-leveling LED headlamps that swivel with the steering wheel, and LED fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lamps.

The iActivSense package, which requires the tech package, comprises adaptive cruise control with close proximity warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and smart brake support with close proximity warning. Blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and a rear view camera are already standard, as they also are on the mid-level CX-5 Touring.

Come get more info at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today!

Mazda wins Car of the Year

So you know the 2016 Mazda MX-5 is a great little car that is fun to drive.  Well it appears it is getting a little recognition as well.  Telegraph Cars tests hundreds of cars every year for first drives and reviews as well as long term tests.  They look at a number of things from space and comfort to affordability, safety and reliability.  The Mazda MX-5 rose to the top.  Not only did it win Car of the year, it also was bestowed the honor of Best Sports Car as well.

Chris Knapman, Head of Motoring at The Telegraph, said: "Among an incredibly strong list of category winners, the Mazda MX-5 is thoroughly deserving of the overall Car of the Year title. Our judges all loved the way it delivers such back-to-basics simplicity without sacrificing any of the modern safety or connectivity that buyers expect. That it is also so affordable to buy and run only adds to its appeal."

Three trim levels are available: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring.  Sport models in the US come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, while Club and GT trims upgrade those to 17-inch alloys on 205/45R17 tires. True enthusiasts will want to opt for the Club – it comes with upgraded Bilstein shocks and BBS wheels, as well as unique exterior styling elements.  In lieu of that stuff, Grand Touring cars come with improved safety tech, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rain sensing wipers, smart keyless entry, and more. All cars get LED headlamps, which fit nicely into the slim housings that help make this car look so sharp.

Come test drive one at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today!

2016 Mazda CX-9

We think the 2016 Mazda CX-9 is something special.  It is a high end three row crossover that will set itself apart from its competition.  Let’s see what other people are saying about this offering.

“In terms of styling, Mazda chose not to mess with a good thing, as the CX-9 is a fitting evolution of the ‘Kodo’ design language that has permeated through their whole lineup. Sleek curves and handsome chrome accents make this crossover seriously good looking, and almost sports-wagon-like in its appearance.

“Inside is no different story, as the show-bound pre-production model was fitted with a handsome brown Nappa leather interior and seven seats. Silver and black trim, as well as faux wood accents, bring this economy crossover upmarket at first glance, and will certainly please buyers looking for a bargain price but premium look.” -- Brian Leon, New York Daily News

“Before cars can become fully autonomous and drive themselves from point A to point B without any human input, drivers are going to have to get used to -- and trust -- the technology. That’s where Lane Keep Assist systems (LKAS), a technology that uses radar and digital cameras to keep a car in its lane on the freeway, comes into play.

“When added to a car, like Mazda has done with its new CX-9, the tech -- in addition to Mazda Radar Cruise Control -- can introduce a driver and his or her family to the semi-autonomous systems without overwhelming or frightening them.

“Thankfully, the CX-9 offers more than a gentle steering-assist system for the new generation. It also ups the level of sportiness, efficiency and overall refinement on the full-size, family-friendly crossover.” -- Nick Jaynes, Mashable

Don’t take their word for it.  Come check it out for yourself today at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871!

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata brings back the feel of the classic roadster, but with class.  With its shorter wheelbase and lower frame, it dares to defy the giants on the road today.

For every inch they shaved from the wheelbase and frame they gave to the cabin.  It has been redesigned and feels bigger than before due to the seat recline and more headroom.  The steering wheel tilts and the sills are slightly higher, yet the seats are lower by an inch.  Lowering the seat position didn’t hinder the forward visibility.  It remains excellent.

The hood is over an inch lower because the engine is set half an inch farther back and a lower profile oil pan brings the engine down by half an inch.  The tall fender creases make it easy for this roadster to zip across the road.  The 1.5 liter four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine pumps out 129 hp at 7000 rpm with 111 lb. ft. of torque at 4800 rpm.  Couple that with a wonderful six speed that shifts as easy as it is to drive.  Don’t let the 129 hp fool you.   This baby will hum 0 – 60 to the tune of about seven seconds.  It will come with 17 inch wheels to guide the control arm front suspension and a multilink rear suspension.  This little gem weighs in at around 2200 lbs with much of the chassis made out of aluminum.

Come check it out for yourself at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today!

The Next Big Thing is here

No I am not talking about a new cell phone.  I am talking about the Mazda CX-3.  This is a huge step for Mazda to introduce a new vehicle into a popular and very competitive segment.  It is actually built on the Mazda2 platform which will give drivers the handling and comfort of a car platform and also add characteristics of an SUV to their driving experience.

This vehicle is an amazing combination of style, stocky and dynamically attractive.  It has a variety of style features borrowed from other Mazda models including the elongated nose and smaller windows.  The wheels are very large for this market segment and reinforced by gray body trim around the fenders.  

There is a simple choice when it comes to engine and transmission.  The 2.0 liter SKYACTIV four cylinder that has 146 horsepower with an engine speed of 6,000 rpm.  Couple that with a six speed automatic transmission and you are good to go.  Even on base trim you get a multimedia display screen that is above the competition.  The dashboard is a nice choice of materials to give an impression of luxury.  The simplicity of the controls and the instrumentation that differs in the GT version.  It is very roomy for the passengers in the front and lots of extra head room to spare.  This is a great offering by Mazda.  If this is a sign of things to come, they are on the right track.  I can’t wait to see what else they have coming out.

For all of the upcoming models, come by and see for yourself today at Hixson Mazda of Alexandria 2506 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, LA or give us a call at 318-448-0871 today! 

2016 Mazda Miata

The all-new, fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata’s long, slow march to dealerships has just spiked our excitement for the third time. The first jolt came when the car debuted, while the second arrived when we drove a European-spec car in Barcelona earlier this year. Now, the 2016 Miata’s price has been announced—and it’s mighty agreeable.

The new car may use more aluminum and high-strength steel (and pack more standard content) than before, but that hasn’t pushed its price much higher. At $25,735, the base 2016 Miata Sport model is just $945 more than the equivalent 2015 model and comes with a six-speed manual transmission, LED headlights, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a USB audio input, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The outgoing 2015 Miata Sport uses a five-speed manual, and a USB port, Bluetooth, or a leather-wrapped shift knob can’t even be ordered; in fact, a USB port isn’t available on any 2015 Miata, and Bluetooth comes standard only on the top-of-the-line Grand Touring. All of that, and Mazda says the 2016 MX-5 Miata is actually lighter than the old car. We’ll have to verify that with our own scales, of course, but the claim is at least promising.