Staying Ahead of the Competition

Mazda has been on quite a roll lately, with the Mazda3, Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 taking center stage. These fun-to-drive, safe, attractive and efficient vehicles are the result of outside-the-box Mazda thinking and a holistic attitude toward vehicle design and engineering. With an impressive list of technologies, Mazda continues to innovate and challenge the status quo, giving drivers all the rewards.

Used on the newest Mazda vehicles––from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 sedans to the CX-5 crossover, and soon to make its way onto the entire lineup––is the all-encompassing Mazda approach to car building using SKYACTIV® technology. SKYACTIV® is employed on everything, from the platforms to the engines and transmission to the regenerative braking systems.

It starts with the SKYACTIV-G engines. Both the four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines develop maximum power and fuel efficiency through various features. A high, 13:1 compression ratio that increases both efficiency and torque, advanced direct fuel injection, and a more efficient “4-2-1” exhaust system all create a rewarding driving experience while reducing fuel costs. The transmissions had to match the new engines, so engineers studied all the modern transmissions made and combined the best features of each to develop the SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, which shifts quickly and smoothly, and also helps improve fuel efficiency by up to seven percent. Likewise, the SKYACTIV®-MT six-speed manual is an improvement over other manuals, as it is smaller and lighter and has a connected, fun-to-drive nature that drivers crave.

The SKYACTIV® Body and Chassis are foundations of the newest Mazda models, and they accomplish two main goals. The first is weight reduction and the second is enhanced crash test performance. Body rigidity is up by 30 percent and weight has been reduces by up to 220 pounds on the Mazda6, which also helps improve handling and mileage.

In addition to the SKYACTIV® suite of technologies, Mazda employs some of the most cutting edge features in the automotive industry. Among them are the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system and Smart City Brake Support. The i-ELOOP system captures the kinetic energy generated through braking (normally wasted in other cars) and converts it to electricity. That electricity is then used to power some of the electronics, lessening power drain on the engine and improving fuel economy by as much as five percent.

Smart City Brake Support is a safety feature that can bring your Mazda to a complete stop (when you are travelling at speeds between two and 18 mph) to avoid a collision in the event that you fail to stop in time. Using a laser mounted in the front windshield, the system scans the road ahead of you and can both reduce engine power and apply the brakes if the driver fails to take action. Other impressive safety features include Mazda Radar Cruise Control, a Forward Obstruction Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps.

The excellence of Mazda vehicles continues to attract the attention of the automotive media; one example is the 2014 Mazda3, which was selected by Car and Driver as one of their “10Best.” The all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata is also is sure to continue the trend when it’s released, as well.

Stop by today to learn more and to experience Mazda technology for yourself.

Vehicle Details: Mazda Safety

Mazda builds cars that are sporty, dynamic and fun to drive. While it is true that all Mazdas are created to excite the driver, Mazda pursues safety over everything else. Thanks to the new SKYACTIV® technologies and other advancements, Mazda has been able to make their cars safer than ever while still enhancing their performance and unique style.

The new suite of SKYACTIV® technologies illustrates how Mazda has engineered performance and safety at the same time. For example, 61 percent of the SKYACTIV-Body of the all-new CX-5 crossover is made of high-tensile-strength steel. This steel not only greatly decreases weight, for improved performance and handling, it also increases the strength of the outer shell for greater collision protection. The story is the same with the SKYACTIV-Chassis; the increased strength enhances handling while providing a rigid backbone for the entire structure of the vehicle.

In addition to cutting-edge construction materials and techniques, Mazda also makes use of many more traditional safety features. Every Mazda comes loaded with advanced airbags. Other standard features across the entire lineup include Antilock Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control.

The brand’s mission to make some of the best-handling cars on the market also makes them safer. When an emergency situation arises, you need a vehicle that will react quickly, confidently and predictably. The “Zoom-Zoom” character of Mazda cars also enhances your ability to make it through an emergency situation unscathed.

For even greater levels of comfort and security, Mazda offers some of the latest and greatest in the world of safety technology and driver aids. Features like Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring are just the tip of the iceberg. Hill Launch Assist, Smart City Brake Support and Rear Cross Traffic Alert System are also on the menu of electronic protection.

Smart City Brake Support is one of the newest additions to the Mazda line. This advanced system uses a laser sensor to detect when there is a car in front of the vehicle. The system pre-loads the brake pressure to make for quicker stops, and if the system feels that you will not stop in time, it will automatically apply the brakes for you. This can greatly reduce the forces and damage sustained from a collision.

Mazda safety extends beyond when the car is in motion. LATCH child-seat anchors are present to make sure your bundle of joy is safely secured, and child-safety door locks are also standard on all models with more than two doors to prevent the kids from accidentally opening the door when they shouldn't.

Thanks to its endless pursuit of new technology and lightweight, strong materials, Mazda has succeeded in creating a family of vehicles that possess some of the most comprehensive safety features on the market. If you want a car that takes the protection of your family as seriously as you do, come in and experience the safety of a Mazda.

This article has been presented to you by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.