Japanese-Market Mazda Miata Gains Aggressive New Face

BALTIMORE, MD. (07/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Often described as having a 'smiley-faced' front fascia, the current Mazda MX-5 Miata looks more fun than fierce, but that could soon change if the newly refreshed Japanese-market model is any indication. Called the 2013 Mazda Roadster in Japan, the popular sports car has received a more aggressive front end overseas, leading many to speculate about whether those same changes are in store for the 2013 Mazda Miata coming to the United States.

While the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata sports a broad, smile-shaped grille, the 2013 Roadster gets a more sculpted fascia, with pronounced fog-light openings and a new lip spoiler that give the car a bolder look. The changes go beyond aesthetics however, with the hood, bumper, wheels and wiring harness all modified to cut even more weight from the already nimble car. Though Mazda has not confirmed final details for the U.S. market, industry publications like Car and Driver and Automobile magazine expect the 2013 Mazda Miata to go on sale stateside with most, if not all, of those modifications later this year.

"Mazda doesn't need to make major changes to the Miata because it's already extremely popular among enthusiasts, but these expected adjustments should have a meaningful impact," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Mazda, a Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer. "The new styling previewed by the Japanese model gives the car a boost in attitude, and Mazda's efforts to reduce weight will make the Miata even more of a driver's car."

Featuring a curb weight as low as 2,447 pounds, the 2012 Miata is a welterweight in the automotive world, but it is not the only vehicle in Mazda's lineup designed with a focus on shedding pounds. The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover was created from the ground up with the automaker's innovative SKYACTIV technology, using high-tensile steel to reduce the weight of the chassis, as well as advanced engine and transmission designs to improve fuel efficiency.

Since going on sale in February, the Mazda CX-5 has quickly grown in popularity thanks to its low fuel consumption and sporty exterior design. With a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, the CX-5 can return up to 35 mpg on the highway with its standard six-speed manual transmission. An available six-speed automatic can also be mated to an optional all-wheel-drive system, which still allows the CX-5 to net 31 mpg on the highway.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is one of the fastest-selling vehicles on the market, with June sales topping 4,500 units for a 15-percent increase compared to the month prior. That impressive performance on the sales floor has prompted Mazda to increase production capacity of the CX-5 by 40,000 units per year at its Japanese plants, pushing total capacity to 240,000 units annually. Combined sales of SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles, which currently include the CX-5 and certain models of the Mazda3, made up 55 percent of Mazda's U.S. sales last month.

"Mazda's unique design approach with the CX-5 shows that being fuel efficient doesn't necessarily mean giving up on capability," added Ryland. "The CX-5 combines the cargo capacity of a crossover with the fuel economy of a compact sedan, but it's still a lot of fun to drive. That is a highly appealing mix for consumers right now."

About Russel Mazda:

A respected Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer for many years, Russel Mazda strives to provide nothing but the best Mazda buying experiences, one family at a time. Their wide inventory of new and pre-owned Mazda models is backed up with stellar customer service that is sincere, informative and hassle-free. Russel Mazda also provides top-notch automotive service performed by factory-trained and certified technicians with genuine Mazda parts. Browse their entire inventory online at www.russelmazda.com or in person at 6624 B Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be contacted by phone at 410-774-2300 or found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandMazda.