Mazda at the 2014 L.A. Auto Show

Before we go back over the last 10 years, let’s recall how Mazda was once a provider of low-volume niche cars. The whole series of RX cars is proof of that. Then came the GLC and 626 in the late ‘70s, and Mazda took off. 

Subsequent small cars such as the 323, Protegé, and the smash-hit MX-5 solidified Mazda’s position as a small-vehicle-maker extraordinaire. Although they build larger utility vehicles like the CX-9 and have attempted to sway larger car buyers with the 929 and Millenia in the past, Mazda remains a go-to make for compact automobiles. 

These last 10 years have seen the arrival of the extremely popular Mazda3, CX-7 and, most recently, CX-5. Each of these vehicles demonstrated that Mazda understands the needs of the modern car buyer, knows their wants, and addresses their concerns with well conceived and designed products that perform and are a pleasure to drive. 

This latest batch of cars unveiled at the 2014 L.A. Auto Show further show that Mazda intends to be at the forefront of trending small vehicle categories. The CX-3 and MX-5 are only two such examples of what Mazda still has in store for us. Let’s not forget that the next “2” is also on its way…

CX-3 Debut 
Finally, it’s here. Mazda’s unveiled their compact SUV at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show to an eager and welcoming crowd. With the CX-5 such a hit, the introduction of the smaller, compact crossover from the successful manufacturer already sparked much interest leading up to this unveiling. But is it as good as we’d hope? Oh yes, it is. 

The CX-3 will sport a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G mill along with Mazda’s SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive will be made available on the cute ‘ute, and a host of Mazda-esque safety features are also included. Of course, KODO Soul of Motion design language is strong with this one, and the look is equal parts adorable and rugged. We can’t wait to get behind the wheel.  

CX-5 Update 
Here’s a crossover we’ve loved from the beginning, and now Mazda’s updated and made it (hopefully) even better – we’ll truly know once we get behind the wheel. Great looking and practical, the CX-5 has always been one of our fave Mazdas in the lineup. Now, it’s got a new look, along with interior goodies such as MazdaConnect. Either way, we’re pretty sure it’ll be awesome on the road, too. 

2016 MX-5
We could go on and on about the Mazda MX-5 because, well, it’s the MX-5. We already attended the initial unveiling this fall in LA, so we won’t go on and on about it all again (though we so could), just know that it’s sitting pretty at the L.A. Auto Show and many an auto journalist will be drooling over the awesome little two-seat roadster because it is, well, awesome. From a brand new look to the rockin’ 2.0L SKYACTIV engine, the MX-5 is not to be missed. 

Mazda6 facelift 
Just over a year-and-a-half old, the “new” Mazda6 is already on the heels of a refresh, as leaked images of the new 6 already made the rounds on the World Wide Web before its debut at the 2014 L.A. Auto Show. While the exterior changes are minor (thankfully), it’s in the interior where Mazda engineers really put their hard work and dollars. 

The Mazda6 has been a winner in the eyes of Auto123.com, taking home top honours as our Midsize Car of the Year in 2013 and 2014, since its last redesign, and we can only imagine this newest iteration of the award-winner will be just as fetching both on the road and in the awards department.