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Mazda mulling furniture, designer goods in bid to command higher prices

Brands like Porsche and Ferrari make a mint every year by selling branded lifestyle goods like shoes, hats and even wilder items. Bugatti takes things to the extremes with things like its $84,000 belt buckle. These products not only make their respective companies some extra money, but they reaffirm their high-end design aspirations to wealthy buyers. However, the next firm possibly dipping its toe into this upscale pool is a bit more mass-market - Mazda.
That's right. The Japanese automaker best known among enthusiasts for its segment-defining Miata and rotary engines is considering its own line of luxury goods in the coming years called Mazda Design. The project is the brainchild of styling boss Ikuo Maeda, and according to Automotive News, he has backing from company CEO Masamichi Kogai. Although the green light isn't quite on yet, Maeda is already brainstorming. "Not only furniture, but I'd like to build a Mazda Design brand. That's my dream," he said to Automotive News.
The possible project is just one aspect of Mazda's move to become a near-premium brand. According to Automotive News, it wants to see higher transaction prices partially by offering more stylish design than its rivals. Launching a line of luxury goods is meant to communicate this new focus to customers.

Mazda Miata RF gets price bump for 2019

Over the past couple of months, Mazda has been releasing information about updates for the 2019 model year of the MX-5 Miata. We got details about the car's 2.0-liter I4 making 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The car also gets a telescoping steering wheel, new door stops, updated cupholders and seat levers, standard rear-view camera and 17-inch wheels. Later, we learned the new Miata would also be a smidge more efficient. Now, Mazda has announced pricing for the 2019 Miata RF. Going on sale in August, the 2019 Miata MX-5 RF starts at $33,240 (including $895 in destination fees) for the Club trim level with a six-speed manual transmission. That's a price increase of $435. That doesn't seem so bad when you consider the extra 26 horsepower and higher redline. The Club 6MT can also be optioned with Brembo brakes and BBS wheels for an extra $3,770, or the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package for $4,670. The MX-5 Club with six-speed automatic comes with paddle shifters and sport mode for $33,840, but isn't available with the Brembo/BBS packages. The i-ActiveSense package, which includes features like Smart City Brake Support and lane-departure warning is a $450 option for the Club 6AT. MSRP for the Grand Touring trim starts at $34,230 with a six-speed manual transmission, which is $585 more than the outgoing model. The new GT-S package for the Grand Touring 6MT adds $750, and comes with a front shock tower brace, limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein dampers and a hand-painted black roof. The Grand Touring with six-speed automatic goes for $35,305. Auburn Nappa leather adds another $300. In terms of exterior colors, there are three premium options to choose from, each with its own added price. The gorgeous Soul Red Crystal tacks on another $595 to the price of the Miata RF. Machine Gray Metallic adds $300, while Snowflake White Pearl Mica costs $200. Pricing for the soft-top version of the 2019 Miata hasn't been announced yet. Related Video:

2016 Mazda6 and CX-5 see gentle price hike

Mazda has modestly updated the Mazda6 and CX-5 for the 2016 model year, and the company just announced revised pricing for the pair. The vehicles cost a little more now, but buyers also get additional features and an improved look. When it comes to the 2016 Mazda6, the already attractive sedan wears a revised look up front with more chrome and a redesigned cabin with a new instrument layout and seven-inch infotainment system on most models. Mechanically, things carry over with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet and either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox depending on trim. The base Sport trim with a six-speed manual gearbox costs $305 more than it did in 2015, and starts at $21,495*, plus an $820 destination charge on all models. Upgrading to the automatic gearbox at $22,995 also adds the revised infotainment system and reverse camera. Prices top out at $30,195 for the Grand Touring, which is $300 more than last year. All of the other versions see a $100 year-over-year increase. LED headlights are standard on the Grand Touring, but they can be added to the Touring through the Touring Technology package for $1,675. The 2016 CX-5 sees light exterior upgrades and similar interior improvements as the Mazda6, including the improved infotainment system for some trims. Pricing rings up for $250 more than last year, except the all-wheel drive Sport trim at just an extra $50. The cheapest CX-5 is the front-wheel Sport with a manual gearbox and 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft, and it costs $21,795. All other models combine a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft with a six-speed automatic. Prices go all the way up to $29,470 for a CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive. There's a new i-Activesense package for the Grand Touring for $1,500, as well, that adds safety sensors and radar cruise control, but it can only be combined with the Grand Touring Technology Package for $1,505 with navigation and LED headlights. 2016 Mazda6 Pricing Announced IRVINE, Calif. (February 9, 2015) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for its refreshed 2016 Mazda6 midsize sedan lineup. The 2016 Mazda6 is available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – and is equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine. There are a number of enhancements for 2016 including bold changes to the shape of the instrument panel and floor console giving the interior a fresh new look.