It’s been a busy year for Mazda, with several new releases landing here on UK roads. As a result, we’ve had a busy time at David Hayton too and if you’d like to get in on this exciting period, head to our website where you’ll be able to check out some of the latest Mazda vehicles available.
But what else has happened in the world of Mazda and what have been the key new releases? Let’s take a look.
Updated MX-5 hits the road
The MX-5 remains a crucial member of the Mazda line-up, having provided accessible performance to thousands of motorists over the decades. During 2024, the MX-5 was given a mild facelift, tweaking and updating it in a few choice areas to make it even better than before.
A new, larger 8.8-inch infotainment system was incorporated into the MX-5’s interior, while top-spec Homura specification cars gained new leather upholstery and sporty Recaro seats. Thankfully, Mazda didn’t choose to change the MX-5’s engines whatsoever - with the 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrol options being some of the strongest.
Commitment to combustion engines
Back in May, Mazda became one of the car makers that committed to combustion engines. That doesn’t mean that the firm will start creating highly-emitting vehicles; instead, it plans to forge ahead by combining petrol and electric power to make their cars cleaner and more efficient.
At the time, Masahiro Moro, representative director, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation, said: “We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality.”
That means continued refinement of Mazda’s engines - including clever Skyactiv models will blend the efficiency of a diesel with the performance of a petrol. These too have gained an added electrification boost in 2024.
CX-80 gets five-star rating in Euro NCAP
It was a big year for the CX-80 in terms of safety, too. In a recent round of Euro NCAP’s safety testing, the CX-80 was awarded a full five-star rating, with testers praising this SUV’s high number of standard safety systems. It bodes well for the new range-topping Mazda, which will arrive in January 2025.
The testing process also flagged up the CX-80’s excellent protection during a head-on collision, which was aided by the inclusion of standard autonomous emergency braking.
Celebration of 35 years of MX-5 with a sustainable twist
2024 marked 35 years of the famous Mazda MX-5, showcasing this roadster’s longstanding popularity. To celebrate, Mazda in the UK decided to take its cars on a little road trip, bringing together its heritage models to drive from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
The twist here was, however, that all the cars were running on sustainable fuels, showing that this next-generation fuel can still be used without loss of power. Working in partnership with Coryton Fuels, the roadsters completed the entire journey on sustainable fuel without a single issue.
Two new Mazda vehicles revealed at Auto China
Mazda is a company that is always looking forward, which is an ethos reflected by the reveal of two new battery-powered models at this year’s Auto China show. The new EZ-6 and Arata are both models destined for sale in China, but they show an indication of what we could expect from future Mazda vehicles.
The EZ-6 will be available with both hybrid and electric powertrains while the Arata is what Mazda calls a ‘design concept’ which displays a crossover SUV look and feel. It could give a little insight into what we could see from Mazda in 2025.
A new CX-5 is on the horizon
The CX-5 is one of Mazda’s most popular models, but if we’re looking at automotive insights into the next 12 months then it seems it’s going to be a big year for this SUV. It’s expected that a new version will be arriving in 2026, so there’s a good chance that during 2025 we’ll get to see a preview of it.
Expect a fresh take on the CX-5’s design and the implementation of some new powertrains - it’s rumoured that a hybrid version could be joining the line-up.
It’s been a jam-packed year for Mazda and here at David Hayton, we’ve been along for the ride too. If you’d like to get behind the wheel of a new Mazda then head to our website where you’ll find all the latest models and a number of finance options. And, from all of us here at David Hayton, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
