Mazda's commitment to budget-friendly vehicles

author: FutureCar Staff    

Mazda Australia is committed to offering more affordable models alongside its push towards a more premium brand status. The company recently launched two expensive new models, the Mazda CX-60 and CX-90 SUVs, which have received criticism for being too expensive for mainstream customers. However, Mazda Australia's managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, clarified that these new "Mazda Premium" models are part of an effort to retain loyal customers and move towards a more upmarket position, rather than a complete repositioning of the brand.

Bhindi explained that Mazda Premium does not mean luxury-luxury but rather offering something different in terms of technology, powertrain, driving dynamics, and luxury elements while ensuring that the value proposition remains strong. He emphasized that Mazda intends to remain a mainstream appeal brand in Australia but with an expanded product lineup. The CX-60 and CX-90 were designed to cater to customers who desired a more premium option beyond the CX-5, CX-8, or CX-9 SUVs.

Despite the launch of these high-end models, Mazda is not abandoning more affordable options. Bhindi confirmed that there will be a next-generation replacement for the popular Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV, ensuring that buyers who are not willing or able to spend more for a Mazda still have accessible choices. He hinted at the possibility of a Mazda CX-80 joining the lineup once production of the CX-9 ceases, further expanding the brand's offerings.

While Mazda has some aging models in its affordable range, such as the Mazda2 and CX-3, Bhindi could not confirm if there would be new-generation replacements for these models. However, he assured that Mazda constantly updates its vehicles and that affordable cars are not about to be abandoned. The company's focus is currently on its large product platform, but its next priority is a scalable architecture designed for battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology.

Mazda Australia is committed to bringing all of Mazda Corporation's products to Australia, even if they are niche. Bhindi mentioned that while some models, like the CX-50, are not available for the right-hand-drive market, Mazda still explores the possibility of making them available. The brand currently offers 14 different models in Australia, with the affordable CX-3 SUV being the top-selling model, accounting for almost one-fifth of Mazda's sales in 2023.

FutureCar Staff