Why is Mazda Focusing on Affordable Cars when Luxury Automobiles are the Newest Trend?

Going into 2025, it seems like everything is going up in price, and getting value for money is a thing of the past. But one brand is about to restore your faith in bargain hunting! Mazda is a global automobile brand that has given consumers many reliable and enjoyable vehicles over the years. But this year an unusual trend has formed with the Japanese brand. While many automobile brands are focusing on more luxury and premium cars, they are releasing cheaper, affordable cars for the working family or professional.

Simply put, Mazda is saying no to rising automobile prices, and we are here for it.

A Brand That Moves with Purpose, Not Trends

While Mazda is a global brand, it is not a brand that takes changes lightly or does anything spur of the moment to follow trends. It is still selling its best-seller, the MX-5, and has not focused its future on electric vehicles like many other brands. This is because the national EV charging infrastructure is below where consumers need it to be. It has only recently released a hybrid vehicle due to a collaboration with Toyota, which again shows resistance to change as it contains both an internal combustion engine and an electric battery. 

Prioritizing Affordable Cars Over Electrification

Mazda believes that its customers want affordability over electrification. They want more reliable cars that last the test of time, like historical combustion engines. We all know a grandma or grandad who has had their car for 30 years and never had a problem with it. Mazda believes this is its future. 

While other companies are putting their efforts into electrification, Mazda is working on refining and improving what they already have. Cleaner fuel and less environmental pollution from cars have been a global hot topic for years, and Mazda has made a few strides of its own. While they may not be interested in EVs just yet, they have essentially combined the high compression stroke of a diesel fuel injection system, but it runs on unleaded fuel instead.  

The Evolution of SkyActiv Technology

They have also been improving the jewel in their crown, the SkyActiv-X. It was first released in 2020, so after five years, they have been re-designing it to be even better, and they also upgraded its name to the SkyActiv-Z.  

They have several other vehicles that are getting special treatment and are being upgraded. This includes the sportscar Iconic SP, which will surely be a hit with the younger generation. Also, the CX-5 recently saw a surge in popularity as Mazda released it just in time for “the crossover” to increase in popularity. It has been refined over the years using the kaizen philosophy, ensuring it is still a bestseller.  

Winning the War Against Electrification?

It seems like Mazda might win the war against electrification when it has vehicles like MX-5 RF in its repertoire. This car can get up to 40 miles to the gallon without even trying, and it is a soft-top sports car. While it has been around for decades, there is a reason that Mazda is still producing it. The even better news is that it is cheaper to buy now than in the 80s, so why wouldn’t the consumer pick affordability over luxury EVs? It seems like a no-brainer to me and an excellent marketing strategy from Mazda.

Are affordable cars more in demand than luxury electric vehicles? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!