Updates aim to nudge Mazda upscale

LOS ANGELES — Mazda, the little automaker that could, is chugging into the near-premium space with updates to its core models that are aimed at pulling in more discerning, loyal and profitable customers.

The brand is among the most fuel-efficient in the industry, and that’s without any hybrid or electric vehicles in the mix. Look for electrification to seep into Mazda’s lineup later than most; the brand sees plenty of efficiency gains to be made using just the internal combustion engine and a second generation of its Skyactiv lightweighting philosophy. However, an EV is inevitable, so expect one by the end of the decade, likely in crossover form.

Mazda3: Mazda’s workhorse gets a light freshening for the 2017 model year, including tweaks to the exterior and interior refinements. Mazda’s new G-Vectoring torque-based handling feature is now standard, while the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engines carry over. Look for a redesign in 2018 as a 2019 model, with both the sedan and the hatchback returning.

Mazda6: The midsize sedan was freshened for both the 2016 and 2017 model years, the latter of which arrives at dealerships this fall with G-Vectoring and a refined interior. A redesign is expected in 2018 as a 2019 model and will continue the brand’s climb up the premium ladder. A naturally aspirated, four-cylinder Skyactiv engine will remain standard, though it’s possible Mazda will bring either the 2.5-liter turbo or a diesel offering to the Mazda6 family.

MX-5 Miata: Mazda’s fun box gets an additional iteration for 2017, the RF retractable hardtop, promising the best of both coupe and ragtop worlds. Further updates to the MX-5 Miata are likely a long way off; other than minor limited-series versions to keep up interest, a refresh isn’t expected until 2020. A redesigned version should bow around 2023. At that point, look for the car to stay the same size but continue to drop weight, possibly through the use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials.

CX-3: New for the 2016 model year, this pint-size crossover is built in Japan on the Mazda2 platform and comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A freshening is expected in 2018 with cosmetic updates.

CX-4: The biggest question mark in Mazda’s international lineup is this svelte, sexy crossover that’s sold in China only. With Mazda repositioning itself as a near-premium automaker, the CX-4 is exactly the kind of message the brand would want to project. In China, the CX-4 uses the same engines as the CX-5, so mechanically, it’s an easy sell in the U.S. If it does come here, however, it could see a name change, moving it up the ladder to either a CX-6, some derivative of the Mazda6 sedan, or a CX-7, lest it convey a downmarket image. It would arrive in 2018.

CX-5: This compact crossover dominates Mazda’s sales charts, so look for the automaker to take a redesign seriously when it debuts a second-generation CX-5 in 2017 as a 2018 model. Expect interior refinement similar to the larger CX-9, as Mazda works to reposition its products as near-premium; a higher-end Signature trim line could join the mix. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine could get cut, leaving just the 2.5-liter four. When the CX-5 went on sale in 2012, a diesel option was promised for the U.S. for later, so if Mazda does bring that motor here, the CX-5 will be the first place it lands.

CX-9: Redesigned for 2016, the CX-9 is the most conspicuous sign of Mazda’s higher aspirations. Positioned against stalwarts such as the Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, the three-row CX-9 offers refinement not usually seen in the segment. A new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and fwd or optional awd. That’s the only drivetrain currently, but if Mazda ever finishes its diesel for the U.S., this would be a likely candidate after the CX-5. Look for the CX-9 to get a freshening in 2019 or 2020.