Mazda is confident in the premium segment, and the first steps it has already made are by launching equipment levels for current car models, some of which are particularly high in equipment for a relatively affordable price.
Under the plan presented, Mazda’s pricing strategy will be significantly extended to a higher level. The company’s range of models will be divided into two main directions.
- Compact models will be built on, or will be, of the so-called Small Architecture, and for them: new four-cylinder Skyactiv-X engines with SPCCI (Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition) technology will be designed, renewing the existing Skyactiv-G / D propulsion line, hybrid technologies will be further developed and proprietary production batteries for electric vehicles will be created.
- The surprising news among all these plans is the announcement of the new Large Architecture, which involves the introduction of six-cylinder in-line engines that will be both Skyactiv-X and Skyactiv-D! Mazda’s upcoming large models will have a longitudinal engine layout, as well as an optional i-Active AWD all-wheel drive system (the one most likely to be the one on the rear axle).
It is also announced that this new platform will be compatible with hybrid systems of the mild type and even plug-in that will work together with a 48 V electric system. With the new generation of premium cars, Mazda will also introduce a Mazda Co-Pilot electronic system, which is currently in a state of development.
All of these new technologies and propulsion systems are meant to drive Mazda into a segment where companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar are making the waves.
These are all official information that is available at the moment, and with these, some hypotheses can be made. Most likely, the first model to be built on the new Large Architecture will be the new generation Mazda6. The car already has a six-cylinder engine for the past seven years.
It seems that the production cycle has not been stretched in vain, because the development of a completely new platform requires time and resources. But shortly, Mazda will be ready for a major offensive on the market and we wait patiently to meet and drive these new models.
