World Auto News & Reviews

Featuring a driver-oriented cockpit layout, the CX-5 is designed to help drivers avoid accidents and, if one happens, reduce the severity as much as possible. The CX-5 comes equipped with the latest active safety technology, like Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning System, as well as state-of-the-art passive safety structures. These range from the lightweight yet highly-rigid SKYACTIV-Body and various impact-absorbing structural innovations to an array of interior bonnet-to-boot design advancements. Mazda’s goal is no less than top ratings in crash tests around the world.

Active safety: technology and more
Active safety takes many forms in the CX-5. It starts with a cockpit that enables accurate recognition and judgement by offering superior visibility. Being a Mazda, it also includes the characteristic refined driving feel and predictably responsive handling. And, as the first model of a new generation, the CX-5 is equipped with a host of cutting-edge active safety technology.

The CX-5 symbolises the latest advancement to the company’s focus on Jinba Ittai, the feeling of oneness between car and driver known from the legendary MX-5. As the first Mazda to feature the entire range of brand-new SKYACTIV technology for more efficient, more fun and more environmentally-friendly lightweight cars, the CX-5 paves the way for a new generation of Mazda vehicles. Developed using Mazda’s distinctive breakthrough approach to vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing, SKYACTIV’s creators successfully resolved conflicting objectives to come up with a line of engines, transmissions, bodies and chassis that offer customers a new level of value.

Developers of this special new model focused on four key values. Hence the CX-5’s appealing, emotional design as well as its interior functionality and craftsmanship. Sustainability, too, was a top priority, both in terms of the vehicle’s environmental imprint as well as safety. The remarkably responsive yet predictable driving dynamics, finally, were obligatory for Mazda’s latest model.

For a fourth fiscal year in a row, Mazda’s partnership with the SOS Children’s Villages organisation helped children and young adults across Europe. SOS Children’s Villages has given a home and hope to children, young people and the handicapped for more than 60 years in their own culture and religion, in a family-like atmosphere. Seven Mazda national sales companies – Mazda Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Spain – renewed their commitment a year ago and have supported SOS Children’s Villages locally during the last 12 months.

Mazda Austria, where SOS Children’s Villages was founded, had a very active year with several events. Not only did they continue to support the Barbakus House, a therapeutically-assisted living group at the SOS Children’s Village in Moosburg, they also loaned three Mazda2s with a special exterior design to the SOS Children’s Villages “MoFa” (“Mobile Families”) project. The exterior decals for these Mazda2s were created by SOS children working with an Austrian graffiti artist at a special event. Mazda Austria employees also took part in the “Take Responsibility” social-initiative network in Austria with a day-long bicycle-safety event at the village in Moosburg repairing and maintaining about 60 bicycles. And last but not least, SOS teenagers visited Mazda Austria offices for two days, where they were able to get acquainted with a possible future career.

Here are some first impression from the Geneva Motorshow and the Mazda stand.

Last Monday the “Defy Convention” ad from Mazda’s current brand campaign, launched at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, was chosen as one of the ten winners of the second annual Ads Worth Spreading challenge organised by TED, a non-profit organisation bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design at several occasions like global events. The contest is meant to “reward innovation, ingenuity and intelligence in advertising” according to TED and saw entries via YouTube from agencies and marketers in 39 countries around the world.

Mazda’s inspiring “Defy Convention” ad features Masahiro Moro, Executive Officer at Mazda Motor Corporation, and formerly Vice President for Marketing at Mazda Motor Europe. He describes how Mazda is intimately linked to its hometown of Hiroshima, Japan and – like the city and its people – has always had the ability to defy convention to overcome challenges throughout its history. A Mazda culture of innovation grew out of this tradition to create products that have changed the automotive industry over the years – the ad cites only two of many, the rotary engine and Mazda’s unique lightweight strategy. This latter innovation has helped create a new generation of Mazda vehicles with SKYACTIV Technology that are about to change the industry again by setting a new benchmark for low fuel consumption and low emissions combined with pure driving fun.