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2021 Mazda6 gets small price increase and updates, and that Carbon Edition

Mazda's blowing a soft breeze of change over the 2021 Mazda6. We already knew the Japanese automaker has included the sporty sedan in its batch of Carbon Editions, along with the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9. The trio feature an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior hue with blacked-out trim and a black metallic finish for the wheels. while the interior shouts in red leather with black accents. We now know the Carbon Edition is based on the fourth-highest trim, the Grand Touring Reserve, adding just $275 to the price of that trim in standard guise. Pricing for the entire 2021 range and differences to 2020 after the $945 destination charge are: Mazda6 Sport $25,270 ($225) Mazda6 Touring $27,870 ($225) Mazda6 Grand Touring $30,970 ($225) Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve $33,470 ($225) Mazda6 Carbon Edition $33,745 Mazda6 Signature $36,695 ($350) Two of the three premium paint choices go up in price as well. Snowflake White Pearl Mica will cost $395 instead of $200, Machine Gray Metallic goes from $300 to $495. Soul Red Crystal Metallic holds steady at $595. At the entry-level, the Sport adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to its list of standard equipment, meaning the infotainment feature is now standard across the lineup. Everything holds steady until the Mazda6 Grand Touring, which adds a "Turbo" badge at the back for distinction, and wireless Apple CarPlay inside. Mazda didn't say so, but we're guessing wireless Apple CarPlay will be available on trims above the Grand Touring as well. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G four-cylinder gains 10 pound-feet of torque when filled with 93 octane, producing the same 250 horsepower but an improved 320 lb-ft. On 87 octane, the engine makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft.  The 2021 Mazda6 misses out on the new infotainment system shared with the Mazda3, CX-30, and CX-5, and the diesel and all-wheel drive options still haven't decided to come out of their hiding places. The sedan is expected on dealer lots later this month or early next. Related Video:    

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 CX-30 'just right' crossover will head from Geneva into production

As more and more customers move into the crossover segment, the less the segment is one-size-fits-all, or even three-sizes-fit-all. As such, Mazda has taken the opportunity at the Geneva Motor Show to offer a new, "just right" crossover to its lineup. The 2019 Mazda CX-30, as it's called, slots between the diminutive CX-3 and the compact CX-5 crossovers. The CX-30 shares the "Kodo" (meaning "soul of motion") design language Mazda does so well, and the execution here is excellent, too. We love the long hood and simple but elegant curves, the way the light reflects off the sides in dramatic waves. Its no surprise that Mazda chose its Soul Red Crystal to show off the new model. Mazda says it had four goals for the CX-30, two of which had to do with the size of the vehicle. It needed to be small enough to be highly maneuverable, so that drivers wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere they need to go, but it also had to be roomy enough to provide a comfortable space for multiple passengers to easily enjoy one another's company. Mazda wanted the design to "embody the joy of owning something that matches your sensibilities." Finally, it had to perform in a way to provide peace of mind and a relaxing driving experience. Mazda will offer the CX-30 with its Skyactiv-G 2.0 gasoline engine with cylinder deactivation, Skyactiv-D 1.8 diesel engine and its new Skyactiv-X engine with gasoline compression ignition. Both gasoline engines will use Mazda's mild hybrid technology to help improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The CX-30 will also be offered with Mazda's I-Activ all-wheel drive and G-Vectoring Control Plus for maximum grip and stability. It will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30 is equipped with a driver monitoring system to improve safety using an infrared LED and camera to watch the driver's face for signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness. It'll alert the driver to pay attention, and will sound the braking alert earlier. Other active safety systems include available Front Cross Traffic Alert and Cruising & Traffic Support, the latter of which will employ accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations in traffic jams to help avert driver fatigue. Mazda hasn't said whether it will offer the CX-30 outside of the European market. Related Video: