2016 Mazda MX-5 SkyActiv Chassis Previewed in New York Auto Show

The Parkway Family realizes it's been 25 years since the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car was unveiled at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, but Mazda has chosen to celebrate the model at this year's New York Auto Show. It has done so by bringing at least part of the next-generation vehicle along to tease enthusiasts. That part is Mazda's new SkyActiv chassis, a light-weight, rear-drive platform set to underpin the fourth-gen 'ND' MX-5 due in early 2015, as a 2016 model.

It's a message of intent from Mazda: The new car's mission is to bring the 2016 MX-5 back to its light-weight, compact roots. While the current car is no heavyweight by modern standards, it's long since climbed above the original car's curb weight, and its footprint has grown to accommodate modern safety features and larger engines.

The SkyActiv chassis will help deliver a weight-loss goal of 220 pounds in the new car, bringing some models below the magic 2,000-lb figure. Despite the weight-loss program, achieved through redesigned suspension and joining techniques, safety and rigidity have improved in line with modern standards. It will keep the current car's front-midship layout--where the engine largely sits behind the front axle, rather than over it--and Mazda also says it offers the lowest center of gravity yet in an MX-5.

Mazda's image shows a return of the famed 'power plant frame' between the gearbox and rear axle, which prevents twisting forces from upsetting the car's geometry under acceleration and deceleration. Also visible is the car's multi-link rear suspension and double-wishbone front setup, while one of the expected four-cylinder powerplants is also visible. The 2016 MX-5 is expected to offer 1.5 and 2.0-liter engines, both using Mazda's highly efficient SkyActiv technology.

Little is known about the car's styling, other than recent insider information that claims all existing renders of the car are "vastly wrong". It's expected to use a new take on Mazda's current Kodo design language, and Mazda's design chief Peter Birtwhistle has previously said the car will have an "edgier" look than the current car, a derivation of the softer-looking early Miatas. Mazda will release more information on the new MX-5 at a later date.

Parkway Family Mazda is excited to see just what is in store for the new 2016 SkyActiv MX-5. Mazda has already made many innovations with the SkyActiv technology, and we are interested to see how they are going to apply that to the highly revered Miata.

The Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Process

The Mazda Certified Pre-Owned
Process

                It takes courage to stand behind a car. This is how we approach every aspect of our cars. Including Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Each one comes with the confidence to greet every turn, on-ramp and green light with the driving enthusiasm Mazda owners know so well. It starts with the uncompromising quality, durability and reliability built into every one of our vehicles. Don’t just take our word for it: Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com named Mazda an overall brand winner in the 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Awards in recognition of the very qualities.

                Only well-maintained late-model vehicles get to make the cut. Then, they have to prove themselves again be passing a rigorous 150-point inspection. Major and minor components are studied, scrutinized and tested to make sure they meet expectations. For buyers looking for true value, your conscience can rest easy. Mazda doesn’t just dare to build cars that challenge convention. We dare to stand behind them.

Comprehensive 150-Point Inspection

                When you lead with your convictions, no detail is too small to obsess over. That’s why Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles don’t get the once-over. They get the 150-over. Meticulously inspected by Mazda technicians, each vehicle must pass a comprehensive 150-point inspection. Everything under the hood is analyzed for maximum performance, efficiency and reliability. Fromm brakes to transmission to A/C and heating, this is how we ensure every vehicle will look and perform like a new Mazda. If a vehicle doesn’t meet our high standards, it undergoes a thorough reconditioning using Mazda Genuine Parts until it does. Here are a few inspection highlights:

Exterior: Windshield is free of cracks, large chips and improper repairs. 1 of 14 Checkpoints

Under the Hood: Belts checked for cracks, wear and proper tension. 1 of 18 Checkpoints

Engine: Confirm smooth acceleration. 1 of 7 Checkpoints

Interior: Seats and headrests work properly in all positions. 1 of 6 Checkpoints

A/C & Heating: Pressure-test cooling system to check and correct leaks. 1 of 11 Checkpoints

Brakes: Confirm proper ABS operation on hard stops. 1 of 8 Checkpoints

Transmission: Check shifting quality and shift points. 1 of 8 Checkpoints

Confidence That Goes the Distance

12-Month/12,000-Mile Limited Vehicle Warranty:

 Starting when the factory warranty ends, each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a confidence0inspiring 12-Month/12,000-Mile Limited Vehicle Warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. If it’s out of warranty, the 12-month/12,000 mile Limited Vehicle Warranty begins on the CPO purchase date.

7-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty:

Flywheel to freeze plug, thermostat to turbocharger, cylinder block to constant velocity joints, our 7-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty has you covered.

Zero Deductible on Covered Repairs:

In the rare event a covered parts need to be repaired or replaced, your total out-of-pocket cost will be zero at Mazda Dealers throughout the United States.

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance for 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty:

Mazda Certified Pre-owned buyers and qualified family members are covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the complimentary Mazda 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Program.

150-Points Detailed Inspection:

Each vehicle is required to ensure a uncompromising 150-point inspection inside and out, performed by a Mazda technician.

Auto-check Vehicle History Report with 3-Year Buyback:

To make sure you know exactly what you’re getting, each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a full AutoCheck vehicle history report and 3-year Buyback Protection from Experian.

Available Extended Coverage:

To extend the coverage of your Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, take advantage of our Mazda Extended Confidence Plan, with various available term and mileage intervals.

Transfer Benefits:

No one likes to say goodbye to a Mazda. But if and when the time comes, your car be even more attractive to potential buyers since the Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Limited Vehicle and Limited Powertrain Warranties are transferable to future owners at no cost.

Mazda Capital Services:

Now that you’ve decided on the vehicle that’s right for you, it’s time to decide the best way to finance it. Mazda Capital Services offers an impressive range of financing programs to get you into your Certified Pre-Owned Mazda through your local Parkway Family Mazda. With Mazda Capital Services, financing a vehicle has never been easier. See the associates at Parkway Family Mazda for more details.

Mazda Produces One Million SKYACTIV Vehicles

Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce that Mazda has produced 1 Million SKYACTIV units to date. Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that global production of its three full-SKYACTIV vehicles, the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) and Mazda3 (Axela in Japan) has surpassed one million units, reaching 1,040,000 units as of the end of March 2014. All three models adopt the full range of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies. The milestone was achieved approximately two years and four months after production of the Mazda CX-5 began in November 2011.
Mazda developed SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY with the aim of offering every customer outstanding environmental and safety performance, without sacrificing the brand’s renowned driving pleasure. The innovative range of technologies is the result of an uncompromising overhaul aimed at improving the efficiency of the base components that dictate the fundamental performance of the automobile, such as the engine and transmission, while reducing vehicle weight. The new generation vehicles that feature SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY also adopt Mazda’s KODO—Soul of Motion design theme which aims to express the strength, beauty and tension found in the movements of untamed animals.
On reaching one million units, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai said, “At Mazda we put everything into developing our SKYACTIV vehicles, and it is because these models have struck a chord with a wide range of customers all over the world that we have reached the one million-unit landmark. On behalf of Mazda, let me express my gratitude to each and every person who bought one of our cars. With our undying challenging spirit and a great deal of hard work, Mazda will continue to make even more appealing cars that will enrich the lives of their owners, and help us build a strong and lasting bond with our customers.”

As of the end of March 2014, Mazda is producing its three full-SKYACTIV models in Japan, Mexico, Thailand and China, and selling them in over 100 different countries and regions. The automaker is continuing efforts to expand the lineup and plans to introduce another five all-new models with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY by fiscal year ending March 2016.

We are excited to see what the next generations of Mazda will bring in reference to the further development of SKYACTIV. Keep your eyes peels to our blog to follow the information as it unravels.

The Best Overall Compact Sedans of 2014

There was a recent comparison done for the overall best Sedan of 2014 that was conducted by Motor Trend. This is an annual thing that is a large amount of road testing that is completed with the best of the best in each class. Typically in North America and Europe the compact car sedans set the standard because of the economic effects given today’s price of ownership and cost of fuel. Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce that the 2014 Mazda3 did fantastically, taking the overall award. Parkway Family Kia is also pleased that the 2014 Kia Forte also took the number spot, overall. The testing for this award includes everything from a vigorous road test including performance, efficiency, cockpit and cabin, safety, value, and cost of ownership.

Ride & Handling

The 2014 Mazda3's in-town ride quality is a tad sharper-edged than that of the others, but mass-reduction efforts clearly left some sound-deadeners behind, as it seemed to be the loudest freeway cruiser. On the twisties, however, this engine's snarl, the chassis' agility, the best-in-test steering feel, and the well-bolstered seats earn straight A’s and encourage miscreant cornering behavior. Testing director Kim Reynolds was surprised the Mazda felt "nose-heavy, yawing at a noticeably slower natural frequency" on the figure-eight course, but it managed to edge out the much quicker and more powerful Jetta by a precious tenth to win that test. And the spry Mazda3 truly shone on Mulholland Highway, prompting executive editor Ron Kiino to declare it the "best driver here—great steering, nice ride, fun and sporty handling." Most of us agreed.

The zippy little 2014 Kia Forte also acquitted itself well on the curves of Mulholland Highway, with a ride that managed to feel firm and well-buttoned, without jiggling our giblets over the rough stuff. The Forte impressed Reynolds on the figure-eight course, demonstrating "the Forte's solidity and refinement with a slightly nimbler feel and tremendously improved steering."

7th Place: Dodge Dart

A handsome handler, and you'll pay less per pound or per pony, but it costs the most in the long run.

6th Place: Volkswagen Jetta

How many bells and whistles must you trade for big turbo fun? Most of them.

5th Place: Hyundai Elantra

Jack of all compact virtues, master of none -- a solid-C all-around.

4th Place: Toyota Corolla

You could do yoga in the back seat -- and have way more fun than driving the car.

3rd Place: Honda Civic

Great tranny, brakes, and sticker price, but where's that magic Honda driving joy?

2nd Place: Kia Forte

A fantastic little car let down by a dodgy safety rating and high ownership costs.

1st Place: Mazda3

The Big Test report card with the most A’s wins.

                The Parkway Family is very pleased with the performances that were accomplished by both brands Mazda and Kia. We stand behind both brands whole heartedly. There is no better time than now to purchase a new 2014 Forte or 2014 Mazda3. If you have any additional questions then feel free to stop in to Parkway Family Mazda or Parkway Family Kia. You can also message us on Facebook for Mazda here, and for Kia here.

Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

 Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 

This Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring is a fantastic vehicle for the family or the individual on the go. The primary difference with certified preowned over used is the fact that there is a warranty. The eliminates the "as is" factor where you, as the consumer, are responsible for any possible future issue that may occur. The process of qualifying a vehicle as certified preowned is extensive. There is a 150-point inspection that the vehicle has to pass, including a large criterion for qualification. The vehicle can be no more than 6 years old with no more than 80,000 miles. In the rare event a covered part needs to be repaired or replaced, your total out-of-pocket cost will be zero at Mazda dealers throughout the United States.

Each Mazda Certified Preowned vehicle comes with a 12-month/12,000 mile additional limited warranty with no deductible on covered components, which begins when the factory warranty ends. If it's out of warranty, the 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty begins on the certified retail date. If you are in the greater Houston, Kingwood, Atascosita, or Humble area, fell free to stop by and check out this CPO deal.

2012 Certified Pre-Owned Mazda3 i Grand Touring

2012 Certified Preowned Mazda3 i Grand Touring

This Certified Preowned 2012 Mazda3 iTouring is a fantastic vehicle. The primary difference with certified preowned over used is the fact that there is a warranty. The eliminates the "as is" factor where you, as the consumer, are responsible for any possible future issue that may occur. The process of qualifying a vehicle as certified preowned is extensive. There is a 150-point inspection that the vehicle has to pass, including a large criterion for qualification. The vehicle can be no more than 6 years old with no more than 80,000 miles. In the rare event a covered part needs to be repaired or replaced, your total out-of-pocket cost will be zero at Mazda dealers throughout the United States.

Each Mazda Certified Preowned vehicle comes with a 12-month/12,000 mile additional limited warranty with no deductible on covered components, which begins when the factory warranty ends. If it's out of warranty, the 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty begins on the certified retail date. If you are in the greater Houston, Kingwood, Atascosita, or Humble area, fell free to stop by and check out this CPO deal.

Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Program

If you are in the market to buy a pre-owned vehicle, here is why you would want a certified pre-owned over used. With Mazda, there is an extensive process to qualify the vehicle as a certified status. 

Mazda Search Mazda Certified   Certified Financing

6/80,000

·         150-point inspection and reconditioning ·         24/7 roadside assistance ·         Vehicle history report

·         12-month/12,000-mile vehicle limited warranty ·         7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty ·         No deductible

Mazda Program Details

Age (Years)/Mileage Eligibility 6/80,000 Inspection 150-point inspection and reconditioning Return/Exchange Policy Autocheck® Vehicle History Report with 3-Year Buyback Protection from Experian (subject to all Experian & Experian Automotive Buyback terms and conditions.) Participating Dealers 615 dealers 96 percent

Program Benefits In the rare event a covered part needs to be repaired or replaced, your total out-of-pocket cost will be zero at Mazda Dealers throughout the United States. Limited Warranty Each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a 12-Month/12,000-Mile Additional Limited Warranty with no deductible on covered components, which begins when the factory warranty ends. If it's out of warranty, the 12-Month/12,000-Mile Limited Warranty begins on the certified retail date.

Note: Warranty terms for years/mileage are capped by whichever is reached first.