The Mazda brand has found resounding success in the automotive industry, winning over the public by establishing itself as a company that produces affordable vehicles with a unique blend of impressive performance and modern style. But, the best part about Mazda is that every vehicle is designed with the driver in mind, creating a fun and exciting driving experience the second you climb behind the wheel. If you need proof, stop by your local Mazda dealer and see for yourself; Mazda means innovating thrill rides for all. Technically, it doesn’t mean that, but rather, it is a reference to the Japanese god Ahura Mazda, but you get the point.
The naming of the Mazda Motor Corporation is actually quite relevant when considering the company’s platform. From the beginning, Mazda was intended to be a beacon of positivity and light in the automotive industry. These ideals are what led Jujiro Matsuda, one of the original founders of Mazda, to choose the name. Ahura Mazda is a supreme god popular in West Asia, where he stands for wisdom, goodness, and creation, all of which represent the aspirations of the Mazda Motor Company. Further interpreting Ahura Mazda as a symbol of innovation within the automotive industry, Matsuda knew this was where the company’s story should start.
Signifying the path Mazda was to lead, the iconic Mazda emblem was created. This further enforced their intentions, infusing the design with elements that reflected their noble and promising pursuits. From the “M” formed from the “V” shaped wings to the encircling oval, the Mazda logo radiated the company’s determination, creativity, and determination to continually grow and evolve the company and, as a result, the automotive industry. Every car badged by the winged “M” would proudly showcase the principles behind Mazda’s creation.
Mazda is known as a company that “Celebrates Driving,” emphasizing the experiences one has inside their vehicles. From this perseverance came creations like the CX-30 and the MX-5 Miata, vehicles designed to thrill and excite. Every vehicle that rolls off the assembly line is a part of Mazda’s story and, eventually, a part of someone else’s story. One such vehicle is the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and its uncanny ability to put a pep in your step.
The Energetic Mazda CX-30
Entering the lineup only a few short years ago, the Mazda CX-30 has already won the hearts of the public. As a crossover, the CX-30 is a mixture of sorts, combining the benefits of an SUV with those of a car. Light on its wheels, the CX-30 is easy to maneuver and fun to drive. On the flip side, the CX-30 has plenty of cargo and passenger space. These are a few of the reasons the CX-30 has been so well received.
The CX-30 currently models Mazda’s latest delve into the design realm with their Kodo design. Kodo seems to be an allegory for life, representing innovation and change through light and movement. Approaching the CX-30 offers a sneak peek at what you can expect when behind the wheel, reminding us that sometimes you can judge a book by its cover or, in this situation, a car.
The movement experienced on the outside is played throughout the cabin inside. Comfortable yet refined finishes create a warm and welcoming environment. Inside the CX-30, you can take a step back from the hustle and bustle and instead feel inspired by what’s around you. The available turbocharged engine paired with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system keeps everything running smoothly, better preparing you for the road ahead.
The Masterfully Unmatched MX-5 Miata
When we talk about a fun drive, there is a solid chance that the Miata comes to mind. It’s been around the block once or twice, having been introduced more than thirty years ago, and it has been a favorite amongst young and old since the beginning. A near depiction of fun, this sometimes open-topped roadster offers the excitement of driving a sports car, but at a price many can afford.
The Miata is another facet used to represent Mazda’s approach to the industry, once again reflecting the philosophies of Jujiro Matsuda and his desire to impact the driving world for the better. The Miata was intended to demonstrate Jinba Ittai, a phrase that references the unity developed between a horse and its rider. Matsuda wanted to mimic that connection but with a car and driver instead. By creating a oneness between the Miata and its driver, Matsuda was able to amplify the thrill of driving, providing a unique experience.
Creating a vehicle with high safety ratings, plenty of cutting-edge technology, and loads of practicality is one way to sell a car. However, creating one with all of that and also the ability to coax a smile is how you sell a car that is unforgettable. The Miata is definitely unforgettable, prompting head turns from everyone it passes. Outdoing even itself, Mazda recently introduced the Miata RF. This astounding vehicle is everything we love about the Miata, but with a retractable top. The hard top retracts into the trunk, offering open-air driving when the top is down and gorgeous styling when the top is up. Without sacrificing space or retracting from the Jinba Ittai philosophy, the RF offers a new take on an old classic.
Practicality Meets Fun in the Mazda 3
The Mazda3 does an excellent job of maintaining Mazda’s impeccable reputation, making sure that even the sedan offers a distinctly exciting ride. The Mazda 3 sports a nimble design and responsive handling, both of which deserve a lot of credit for maintaining the joy factor. The hatchback is also available, but the consensus seems to agree that the sedan is the top choice here despite the hatchback’s one-off design. High-end materials and a refined cabin push the Mazda 3 into luxury territory without the expensive price tag. The Mazda 3 sedan is a great option for those looking for a fun and spirited car that works for any occasion.
With somewhat bold styling, it might come as a surprise that the Mazda 3 is decked out with safety features and has brought in several safety accolades. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick,” with an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ranks this vehicle high on the list of “having it all.” Premium interior options, an available turbo engine, and the i-Activ AWD system mean when you drive the Mazda 3, you are driving with a full arsenal at your back. You don’t have to choose slow and boring to have a safe ride, and the Mazda 3 is proof of that.
The Legacy Continues
Mazda may be an automotive company, but its focus is on people. Since the beginning, their desire to better the industry has dictated the direction of every automobile to roll off their line. They didn’t just want to be a part of the industry; they wanted to impact it, and so far, they have succeeded.
Their dedication to creating vehicles that embrace life encourages people to do the same when behind the wheel of a Mazda. Offering a vehicle that focuses on the thrill of driving isn’t just about making a vehicle fast or nimble; it’s about creating a connection that reminds us to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. It’s about creating affordable luxury and exciting safety and putting a bit of fun into our everyday drive. In the end, Mazda excels at encompassing the ideas behind Ahura Mazda, and we’re here for it.
