Why is the Mazda brand still so "under the radar".
Discussion
Interesting responses, a few inaccuracies made in some.
1) Ford bits...er no. I think Ford sold its last holdings circa 2011 or 2012. No Ford input now in terms of chassis or engine, yet they still drive very well.
2) "bargain basement Jap cars". I don't think so. Mazda are hardly a Dacia of the Jap car world. Perhaps Suzuki better fit that statement.
3) They always rust out. During Ford's ownership the rust was particularly bad, but my 11 year old Mazda 6 only has a few minor rust spots and I can't recall seeing a Mazda built after 2006 with any rust on it. In any case, Mazdas from the 90s and early 2000s were no worse than Ford, BMW or Merc in this regard. I couldn't find a rust free E46 when I was looking for one 6-7 years ago. Also, check out the number of Mk1 MX-5s still on the road after 20-25 years.....
4) They are boring to look at..subjective this one, but I would say that the current Mazda design is fairly distinctive. Certainly more interesting IMO than the Russian doll Audi range or the evolved to death Golf.
What I do agree is that they need some halo models. No hot saloons or hatches is a major negative. Come on Mazda, give us an MPS Mazda 3 or 6....another MX6 wouldn't go amiss either, as the coupe market is a popular one!
1) Ford bits...er no. I think Ford sold its last holdings circa 2011 or 2012. No Ford input now in terms of chassis or engine, yet they still drive very well.
2) "bargain basement Jap cars". I don't think so. Mazda are hardly a Dacia of the Jap car world. Perhaps Suzuki better fit that statement.
3) They always rust out. During Ford's ownership the rust was particularly bad, but my 11 year old Mazda 6 only has a few minor rust spots and I can't recall seeing a Mazda built after 2006 with any rust on it. In any case, Mazdas from the 90s and early 2000s were no worse than Ford, BMW or Merc in this regard. I couldn't find a rust free E46 when I was looking for one 6-7 years ago. Also, check out the number of Mk1 MX-5s still on the road after 20-25 years.....
4) They are boring to look at..subjective this one, but I would say that the current Mazda design is fairly distinctive. Certainly more interesting IMO than the Russian doll Audi range or the evolved to death Golf.
What I do agree is that they need some halo models. No hot saloons or hatches is a major negative. Come on Mazda, give us an MPS Mazda 3 or 6....another MX6 wouldn't go amiss either, as the coupe market is a popular one!
Mazda is an odd one, being an MX5 owner NC/MK3.5 I have met the good and bad side of Mazda Dealers and MMUK.
I love the MX5 dearly, but some dealerships I have had my fair share of frustration with and equally MMUK, only being resolved after really pushing my point home, even had one staff member say to me that the MX5 that they had never seen the common windscreen scuttle problem on the MX5 and that forums were quote "crap". Well done prize idiot, when I provided the TSB from the USA egg firmly on face and even the tech went on to say it was the problem and a "common one".
Now I know my other car has some dealerships that are useless and equally said UK company has made some silly decisions and mistakes, but there is more of an opening for goodwill and keeping "reasonable" customer relations which seems to exist less with Mazda in the UK as a whole.
It has been mentioned before but Mazda's rust problem, is a typical Japanese rust problem, where other manufacturers win is they actually do prepare and protect the metals better than Mazda. The MK3 was supposed to be galvanised, but up until now I have seen nothing to confirm that viewpoint.
Regarding the underside as well like many Jap cars there is a lack of underseal, or maybe should that be any modern car?
Mazda's thin and soft paint is typical Jap standard so I will gloss over that, same for the Jap wheels which like it or not tend to be of lower quality than say the Germans.
In relation to scenes for Mazda there is really no Mazda UK OC only model specific ones, and as said above Mazda is nearly almost MX5 in terms of what people think. I must admit the 2 I drove I loved, the 6 not as much as the tyre wheel combo with suspension setup was all sorts of wrong.
I love the MX5 dearly, but some dealerships I have had my fair share of frustration with and equally MMUK, only being resolved after really pushing my point home, even had one staff member say to me that the MX5 that they had never seen the common windscreen scuttle problem on the MX5 and that forums were quote "crap". Well done prize idiot, when I provided the TSB from the USA egg firmly on face and even the tech went on to say it was the problem and a "common one".
Now I know my other car has some dealerships that are useless and equally said UK company has made some silly decisions and mistakes, but there is more of an opening for goodwill and keeping "reasonable" customer relations which seems to exist less with Mazda in the UK as a whole.
It has been mentioned before but Mazda's rust problem, is a typical Japanese rust problem, where other manufacturers win is they actually do prepare and protect the metals better than Mazda. The MK3 was supposed to be galvanised, but up until now I have seen nothing to confirm that viewpoint.
Regarding the underside as well like many Jap cars there is a lack of underseal, or maybe should that be any modern car?
Mazda's thin and soft paint is typical Jap standard so I will gloss over that, same for the Jap wheels which like it or not tend to be of lower quality than say the Germans.
In relation to scenes for Mazda there is really no Mazda UK OC only model specific ones, and as said above Mazda is nearly almost MX5 in terms of what people think. I must admit the 2 I drove I loved, the 6 not as much as the tyre wheel combo with suspension setup was all sorts of wrong.
Mazda to me has little brand image or identity i.e. they stand for nothing. Not in a bad sense, but for most people a car brand conjures up an association - say, sporty, or prestige, or comfort, or reliability, or cheap utilitarian, or any combination - but with Mazda there is none that stand out.
So much so, that the interesting cars they do or did produce - MX5 and RX7 - I think of in terms of "MX5" and "RX7" respectively, not Mazdas - the fact that they are indeed, barely registers. Sort of like sub-brands.
Having no real / individual design identity also does not help. Even Kia has one nowadays.
So very meh.
So much so, that the interesting cars they do or did produce - MX5 and RX7 - I think of in terms of "MX5" and "RX7" respectively, not Mazdas - the fact that they are indeed, barely registers. Sort of like sub-brands.
Having no real / individual design identity also does not help. Even Kia has one nowadays.
So very meh.
I've remembered the last time I saw a Mazda garage - it was in Warrington down the road from the Hospital. We went there to look at the CX-5 as a potential new car, thats how forgettable it was!
High price and lack / cost of options did that one in - we could get a better specced car about £5k cheaper from Nissan (Qashqai) or Honda (HRV). And to top it off a test drive was something they put excuses in the way of, so we didn't even bother. In fairness their apathy was completely trumped (if such a thing is possible) by the youth at Toyota who didn't even want to talk to us about the Rav4 (which was comically overpriced and out of date) - just a nod and 'here it is' as he strolled off.
High price and lack / cost of options did that one in - we could get a better specced car about £5k cheaper from Nissan (Qashqai) or Honda (HRV). And to top it off a test drive was something they put excuses in the way of, so we didn't even bother. In fairness their apathy was completely trumped (if such a thing is possible) by the youth at Toyota who didn't even want to talk to us about the Rav4 (which was comically overpriced and out of date) - just a nod and 'here it is' as he strolled off.
Harji said:
Never! You want a world of bland, look at the other manufacturers, the rotary is the reason I bought my RX-8, a wonderful rev happy engine. Don't care about mpg, never had a problem in six years of ownership.
Ok maybe I went too far. I take that bit back. Perhaps include a rotary in some hybrid system?In the RX cars I've driven I loved the motor but it just seemed a bit too odd ball for me to part with my cash.
greenarrow said:
Interesting responses, a few inaccuracies made in some.
1) Ford bits...er no. I think Ford sold its last holdings circa 2011 or 2012. No Ford input now in terms of chassis or engine, yet they still drive very well.
2) "bargain basement Jap cars". I don't think so. Mazda are hardly a Dacia of the Jap car world. Perhaps Suzuki better fit that statement.
3) They always rust out. During Ford's ownership the rust was particularly bad, but my 11 year old Mazda 6 only has a few minor rust spots and I can't recall seeing a Mazda built after 2006 with any rust on it. In any case, Mazdas from the 90s and early 2000s were no worse than Ford, BMW or Merc in this regard. I couldn't find a rust free E46 when I was looking for one 6-7 years ago. Also, check out the number of Mk1 MX-5s still on the road after 20-25 years.....
4) They are boring to look at..subjective this one, but I would say that the current Mazda design is fairly distinctive. Certainly more interesting IMO than the Russian doll Audi range or the evolved to death Golf.
What I do agree is that they need some halo models. No hot saloons or hatches is a major negative. Come on Mazda, give us an MPS Mazda 3 or 6....another MX6 wouldn't go amiss either, as the coupe market is a popular one!
The latest Mazda 6 uses a form of the 2013 Mondeo chassis don't forget that would have started some Four or more years before the car hit the market, so while you're right in that Ford sold the last of it's holdings they still share certain DNA, this will no doubt change when the new Mazda 6 is introduced it's the same with the Mazda 3 none of which are bad things in my book.1) Ford bits...er no. I think Ford sold its last holdings circa 2011 or 2012. No Ford input now in terms of chassis or engine, yet they still drive very well.
2) "bargain basement Jap cars". I don't think so. Mazda are hardly a Dacia of the Jap car world. Perhaps Suzuki better fit that statement.
3) They always rust out. During Ford's ownership the rust was particularly bad, but my 11 year old Mazda 6 only has a few minor rust spots and I can't recall seeing a Mazda built after 2006 with any rust on it. In any case, Mazdas from the 90s and early 2000s were no worse than Ford, BMW or Merc in this regard. I couldn't find a rust free E46 when I was looking for one 6-7 years ago. Also, check out the number of Mk1 MX-5s still on the road after 20-25 years.....
4) They are boring to look at..subjective this one, but I would say that the current Mazda design is fairly distinctive. Certainly more interesting IMO than the Russian doll Audi range or the evolved to death Golf.
What I do agree is that they need some halo models. No hot saloons or hatches is a major negative. Come on Mazda, give us an MPS Mazda 3 or 6....another MX6 wouldn't go amiss either, as the coupe market is a popular one!
The rust is due to thinner paint which means they're more susceptible to stone chips & bird mess goes through the lacquer quicker not a lack of quality in the rest of the car
They do need a halo model & soon.
Tuvra said:
bungz said:
Had a look at one few years ago, a Mazda 2 as they looked great outside.
But when you are greeted with this I am sorry to say we just laughed and moved onto the next garage. Not cheap either.
I know recent efforts are better but look at it!
That is dreadful But when you are greeted with this I am sorry to say we just laughed and moved onto the next garage. Not cheap either.
I know recent efforts are better but look at it!
Previous generation Mazdas were pretty dire. The current range is MUCH better.
They have a small dealer network. Never really had much of a UK presence and haven't built cars in the UK, unlike Toyota, Nissan and Honda. Often lacking any standout volume seller (either on quality or price).
Can understand those who follow them loyally, however there's no USP to drag the sheep from their Foci, Golf or Astra.
Can understand those who follow them loyally, however there's no USP to drag the sheep from their Foci, Golf or Astra.
snotrag said:
996TT02 said:
Having no real / individual design identity also does not help. Even Kia has one nowadays.
So very meh.
I see a Mazda but only realise it's a Mazda when I get to see the badge.
Sorry.
The rust thing is possibly over-played because the car is mechanically still going long after the equivalent Ford / Vauxhall / VW has disappeared off to the scrap yard in the sky?...
My company car is a Mazda6 saloon. I would have preferred a tourer, but didn't get a say. The spec is more than adequate - whilst the cost is incredibly low for the tax. The equivalent Ford Mondeo is not as well equipped - you need to spend a fair bit more to get the same level of equipment. An equivalent BMW (318d?) with the same level of equipment would be heaps more (List Price - for P11 - is over £30k), and for what gain? Badge snobbery? No ta.
It's a great car, if a bit big. The sat nav in mine was horrific but was tracked down as a fault from the factory, it actually works now, which is nice.
IMO, they're like the Skoda of the Japanese marques - Skoda still has this 'cheap and nasty' image with some of the older generation despite being rebranded VAG bland-ness, at least Mazda have made an effort to make their models look more striking and drive well.
My company car is a Mazda6 saloon. I would have preferred a tourer, but didn't get a say. The spec is more than adequate - whilst the cost is incredibly low for the tax. The equivalent Ford Mondeo is not as well equipped - you need to spend a fair bit more to get the same level of equipment. An equivalent BMW (318d?) with the same level of equipment would be heaps more (List Price - for P11 - is over £30k), and for what gain? Badge snobbery? No ta.
It's a great car, if a bit big. The sat nav in mine was horrific but was tracked down as a fault from the factory, it actually works now, which is nice.
IMO, they're like the Skoda of the Japanese marques - Skoda still has this 'cheap and nasty' image with some of the older generation despite being rebranded VAG bland-ness, at least Mazda have made an effort to make their models look more striking and drive well.
Tuvra said:
bungz said:
Had a look at one few years ago, a Mazda 2 as they looked great outside.
But when you are greeted with this I am sorry to say we just laughed and moved onto the next garage. Not cheap either.
I know recent efforts are better but look at it!
That is dreadful But when you are greeted with this I am sorry to say we just laughed and moved onto the next garage. Not cheap either.
I know recent efforts are better but look at it!
the new Mazda 2 interior looks much better than the alternatives if you ask me
wildcat45 said:
Harji said:
Never! You want a world of bland, look at the other manufacturers, the rotary is the reason I bought my RX-8, a wonderful rev happy engine. Don't care about mpg, never had a problem in six years of ownership.
Ok maybe I went too far. I take that bit back. Perhaps include a rotary in some hybrid system?In the RX cars I've driven I loved the motor but it just seemed a bit too odd ball for me to part with my cash.
They aren't more popular because they have a stellar reputation for rust and engines going pop at low mileage, the reason you put up with nasty cheap plastic ugly interiors on many jap motors is their reliability and longevity, when you don't have that at least reputation wise they lose their appeal, which is a shame, as its only a few of their motors that destroy themselves but in chinese whispers the whole range gets tarred with the same brush.
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