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!

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!