Tuesday, July 21, 2020

The top 100 Mazdas (30-21)

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of Mazda Motor Corporation and to celebrate the Japanese carmaker's centennial anniversary, it's time to jot down the top 100 Mazdas ever made, from production cars, concept cars, new cars, old cars, Japanese ones, overseas-only ones, relatives, everything Mazda that made an impact over the last 100 years.

Mazda 100th anniversary

Picking up where the last one left off, let's continue the list from numbers 30 to 21.

30)  Mazda CX-5 (Second-generation) - The second-generation Mazda CX-5, launched in 2017, follows the same recipe as the previous generation model. Kodo design, check. SKYACTIV technology, check. i-ACTIVSENSE, check. G-VECTORING CONTROL, check. The list goes on.

29) Mazda CX-30 - This midsize crossover uses the same stuff as the fourth-generation Mazda 3.

28) Mazda Atenza (Second Generation) - Launched in 2008, the second-generation Atenza comes in three different styles; a sedan, a station wagon, and a Sport liftback. Sadly, no MAZDASPEED in sight. Bummer. The US-spec version is different and it uses a V6 engine.

27) Mazda Axela (3rd generation) - The third-generation Axela, launched in 2013, features three different powertrains to choose from; petrol, diesel, and hybrid (a first for Mazda, sedan only). Little known trivia that the hybrid sedan variant uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive stuff from Toyota.

26) MX-30 - The MX-30 is the company's first electric crossover which features the same Freestyle suicide doors as the RX-8. It is believed that it will come with a rotary engine for range extender purposes.

25) RX-VISION CONCEPT - Showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the RX-VISION envisions the future of sportscars while incorporating the next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, which proves that Mazda is still dedicated to revive the rotary engine, even though it will take several years from now to fulfill that revival dream.

24) Mazda Demio (4th gen) - The fourth-generation Demio, launched in 2014, draws its inspiration from Hazumi Concept in terms of design, while incorporating engaging and economical SKYACTIV Technology powertrains. The one with the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine made the Demio the best seller and thanks to such powertrain, it won the Japan Car of the Year.

23) Mazda Roadster NC - Launched in 2005, the Roadster NC incorporates the "one car, one driver, one feeling" slogan from its commercial, following the same recipe from the previous model while delivering a different kind of driving experience. It won the Japan Car of the Year at launch.

22) Shinari Concept - Showcased in 2010, the Shinari Concept previews Mazda's new KODO -Soul of Motion- design philosophy. A new design direction that is more distinctively Mazda than the previous Nagare designs.

21) Mazda Bongo Friendee - Launched in 1995, the Bongo Friendee is a family-friendly minivan that comes with an optional extra that allows the Bongo Friendee to become a campervan, which is great for camping trips.

...next time, let's jot down numbers 20 to 11 on the list of the top 100 Mazdas. Check back soon!

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