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2018 Mazda CX-5 is the only IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus compact crossover

We've highlighted a number of vehicles tested by the IIHS, and specifically ones that come up just a little short of being lauded with the organization's highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick+. The reason most of these vehicles fall short is sub-par headlights. But this time we have a different story. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 actually snagged the coveted award, and impressively, it's the only small crossover SUV the organization has tested to earn it. The reason of course hinges on headlight performance. In order for a vehicle to get the award, it has to have headlights available that score a "Good" rating, in addition to having stellar crash tests. The award for good lighting and the Top Safety Pick+ only goes to the CX-5 with the optional adaptive lighting system available on all trims (optional on the base Sport). The standard headlights on the Sport model earned the second-highest rating of "Acceptable." The CX-5 also earned a "Good" rating in every crash test, including both small-overlap tests. It earned 5 out of 6 points in forward collision prevention, netting a "Superior" rating. There are many safe options in the small SUV category besides the CX-5, though. The Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda's own CX-3, and Mitsubishi Outlander match the CX-5's straight-"Good" crash test ratings. They all also pick up an additional forward collision point in the collision warning category. The best headlights any of them can offer, though, are just "Acceptable," and the standard headlights can be even worse with "Marginal" or "Poor" ratings. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mazda CX-5: First Drive View 25 Photos News Source: IIHS, MazdaImage Credit: Mazda Mazda Safety Crossover SUV consumer mazda cx-5

Mazda reveals new 'Game Changers' advertising campaign

Looking to highlight its unique and sporty mindset, Mazda is getting ready to launch its biggest advertising campaign since "Zoom-Zoom" became its tagline in 2000. The new campaign, entitled "Game Changers," will begin in May, and rather than focusing on its sporty past - like it did with Zoom-Zoom early on - the new ads will look at recent advancements made in building its future, including Skyactiv technologies and its new diesel race program, both of which involve its excellent new Mazda6 sedan.
As a part of the ads, Mazda will showcase game changers from the sporting world, including Dick Fosbury who changed how competitors perform the high jump and Laird Hamilton, who redefined how surfers attacked big waves. It doesn't sound like Zoom-Zoom is going away, but "Game Changers" will definitely feature heavily in the Japanese automaker's marketing moving forward. A few examples of the new ad campaign are posted in our gallery, and the press release is available below.

Mazda2 sedan debuting in Thailand this month?

Mazda is reportedly set to introduce a Mazda2 with a four-door sedan body. Unlike the upcoming CX-3, which is debuting at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show and is almost certain to be sold in North America, this other version's chance here are a bit more mysterious.
According to The Bangkok Post, the Mazda2 sedan will make its word debut at the Thailand International Motor Expo on November 28, and the traditional five-door hatch will be there as well. Both body styles will be built in Thailand with diesel engines and will be the first vehicles to adhere to the country's eco-car rules for oil-burners with a SkyActiv 1.5-liter diesel that will make 105 horsepower.
At this time, there's no indication whether the new sedan might also be sold in the US, but we're not holding our breath - remember, the previous Mazda2 sedan never made it Stateside, either.