IIHS certifies three Mazda vehicles as Top Safety Pick Plus

The most fuel efficient automaker in North America is also one of the safest! The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has certified the 2014 Mazda3, 2014 Mazda6, and 2014 CX-5 as Top Safety Pick Plus vehicles which distinguishes the safest autos on the road from the rest of the pack.

The safety found in Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology platform has helped revolutionize a brand famous for rotary engines into one that radiates safety, style, and performance. The three vehicles are the first Mazdas to be completely designed and built around SKYACTIV technology platform that has brought new life to the Mazda brand since the days when Ford was the majority stock holder.

In 2013, the only Mazda designated with the Top Safety Pick Plus status was the 2014 Mazda6 while the 2013 CX-5 only managed to earn a Top Safety Pick. Improvements were made to the CX-5 to tackle the newly introduced overlap test which prevented the Plus certification the previous year.

This is also the first year the Mazda3 has earned the Top Safety Pick Plus award which is just another trophy on the shelf of the Car of the Year for auto news sites like AutoGuide.com.

For more information about Mazda vehicles, visit our research center located at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Via: IIHS

Good Morning America is giving away three new 2014 Mazdas!

All this week from November 4^th to 8^th, Good Morning America will be giving away three brand new 2014 Mazda vehicles as part of “The Great GMA Car Giveaway!”

The Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda Orlando urges all Central Florida auto shoppers to try their chance this week to drive away with no strings attached in a 2014 Mazda by watching Good Morning America this week.

Three lucky winners will bring home a 2014 Mazda3, Mazda6, or CX-5 with taxes and fees covered by the good people at Good Morning America.

ABC and Mazda partnered up for this special giveaway to help bring light into someone’s life right before the holidays begin.

If you know anyone in your life that desperately needs a new vehicle, nominate them to win one of these fantastic Mazdas.

For more information about Mazda vehicles, visit the Mazda Experts at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

To enter, visit the Good Morning America page on ABCNews.com.

2013 Mazda CX-5 is J.D. Power’s newest APEAL Award recipient

J.D. Power’s APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study has declared the 2013 Mazda CX-5 the highest rated vehicle in the Compact Crossover class in the study. The APEAL award distinguishes a vehicle as one that commands a higher transaction value, creates owner loyalty when trading in, and remains on dealer lots, like Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda, an Orlando Mazda dealer in Florida, for a shorter period of time.

The 2013 CX-5 was the first Mazda to be fully built around the SKYACTIV platform of technological improvements that Mazda engineers have been developing for nearly a decade. It was also the first to integrate the Kodo soul of motion concept style into a fully launched vehicle with its signature five point grille and rounded front that is also seen on the 2014 Mazda6 and soon to be released 2014 Mazda3.

The most current version of the CX-5 is the 2014 model which offered slight improvements on the 2013 award winning model which gets up to 35 mpg thanks to the 2.5 liter SKYACTIV-G engine. For more information about the 2014 CX-5’s technical specs and technology features, visit us on our website at SportMazdaOrlando.com where the Mazda Experts can help you with your vehicle needs today.

2.5 liters make all the difference in the 2014 Mazda CX-5

When Mazda released the 2013 CX-5 last year, it rocked the industry with it's incredible chassis, stylish design and impressive fuel economy which redefined the crossovers. At Don Mealey's Sport Mazda, a new Mazda dealership in Orlando, Florida, it became one of the most popular cars for auto shoppers to test drive. In January, Mazda updated the popular crossover by making a few alterations including the upgrade from a 2-liter SKYACTIV gasoline engine to a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV engine.


Recently, Car and Driver had the opportunity to test out the 2.5 liter 2014 CX-5 AWD and compare their results with last year's 2.0 liter 2013 CX-5. Performance-wise, the extra half liter boosted the CX-5's horsepower by 35 resulting in a 1.6 second difference over the 2.0 liter engine's 0-to-60 time clocking in a 7.6 seconds. Car and Driver described the 2.5 liter 2014 CX-5 as “a bit of an instigator, cutting and running in traffic situations,” while the 2.0 liter “would best wait for a wider opening.”


For more information regarding the 2014 CX-5, read the Mazda Experts convenient CX-5 research page or visit SportMazdaOrlando.com and ask the Mazda Experts. If you're in the Central Florida area, schedule a test drive of the CX-5 with the Mazda Experts and experience for yourself what makes this a must-drive crossover.

Via:  Car and Driver

Does 2.5 liters make a difference with the 2014 Mazda CX-5?

Continuing the momentum that the 2013 debut of the CX-5 brought to Mazda’s line up, the 2014 keeps delivering an automotive experience that has drivers wondering what Mazda will think of next. As a new Mazda dealership in Central Florida, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda understands what auto shoppers are looking for in a crossover and are proud to meet these expectations with the 2014 Mazda CX-5. Last year’s model carried over a 2.0 liter engine capable of delivering 155 horsepower across all available trims. This year, Mazda has introduced a brand new 2.5 liter engine, alongside with the 2014 Mazda6, to up the ante on horsepower by 19% allowing drivers to attack hills and accelerate faster with ease.

Safety is always on Mazda’s mind with every new iteration of their vehicles and this remains the same with the 2014 CX-5. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2013 CX-5 a Top Safety Pick thanks to the safety conscious efforts of Mazda’s engineers. The 2014 continues to improve upon safety by introducing a new Smart City Brake Support system allowing drivers on dense urban roads to avoid low speed collisions by applying the brakes if the driver does not. For more information about the 2014 Mazda CX-5 and how you can get the opportunity to test drive one, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com where the Mazda Experts are ready to help you with your automotive needs.

Mazda wins the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost To Own Award

Chalk up another win for Mazda as they have been named Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost To Own Award winner for a non-luxury brand. As a new Mazda dealership, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, Florida commonly hears from customers that sticker price is always a concern when purchasing a new vehicle, but long-term costs in fuel, maintenance and insurance greatly determine whether a car is really affordable. Kelley Blue Book examined the full line up of 2013 vehicles released over the past year across all brands and has officially recognized Mazda as the greatest in long-term vehicle value. Thanks to a low depreciating value, fuel costs, and costs for maintenance and repairs, KBB recognized that models such as the 2013 Mazda3 and CX-5 greatly increased Mazda’s rank to the top of the list compared to last year.

Not only did Mazda win for overall brand, but the 2013 Mazda5 won for the lowest 5-year cost in the minivan/van category. Mazda’s commitment to making affordable, efficient and fun to drive vehicles paints a picture of the future ahead full of more awards to solidify the Mazda brand a must-own. For more information about Mazda vehicles including the 2013 Mazda5, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com to learn how the Mazda Experts can help save you money in the long run on your next vehicle purchase.

Via: Kelley Blue Book

Skyactiv wins again: Mazda3, CX-5 named Top Safety Picks

For a second year in a row the Mazda3 has been among the Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety along with a solid debut to the esteemed list, the CX-5. Car shoppers concerned with safety when searching for a new or pre-owned vehicle have visited the Mazda Experts in Central Florida at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda. These shoppers become true believers in Skyactiv technology when it comes to the safety features as did the panel at the IIHS that saw the Skyactiv-Body and Skyactiv-Chassis add to the overall safety factor while six airbags, “crusable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column made the 2013 Mazda3 and 2014 CX-5 worthy of a Top Safety Pick. These two vehicles join 117 other models by manufacturers across the globe. For more information on Mazda vehicle safety and how to test drive one of the Top Safety Picks, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com where the Mazda Experts are ready to help you today!

Mazda Announces Its Latest Crossover Utility Vehicle: The CX-3

Mazda is in the works with a brand new smaller CUV expected to hit showroom floors in 2014 to take on the likes of the Ford Fiesta-EcoSport and the Nissan Juke. Mazda dealerships like Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Central Florida, see the latest spike in demand for Mazda’s most recent crossover utility vehicle, the CX-5, and can only anticipate meeting the growing hype for this popular class of vehicle. Expected to fit somewhere between the CX-5 and Mazda2 in terms of size and structure, predictions on the actual design of the vehicle resemble a cross between the Mazda2 and the Minagi concept that the CX-5 came from with elements of the popular Kodo concept used in the new 2014 Mazda6.

The Minagi concept is the design Mazda engineers based the CX-5  on.

With a fresh design by Mazda engineers, every detail will be meticulously crafted around the Skyactiv philosophy that Mazda has been championing since its conception and what helped make the CX-5 Japan’s Car of the Year for 2012. A new diesel engine will be launched with the release of the CX-3 which is rumored to be a 1.6 liter engine capable of around 80 mpg as well as a new turbocharged 1.3 liter engine.  It is speculated that the new small CUV will be priced around $20,000 when it launched in North America.

For more information about new and pre-owned Mazda vehicles, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com where the Mazda Experts are standing by to help address your Mazda questions or concerns.

Mazda Debuts The New Skyactiv-G Gasoline 2.5 Liter Engine

Debuting in the 2014 Mazda6 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 this January, the all new Skyactiv-G gasoline 2.5 liter engine gives fuel efficient shoppers an alternative with more power. Don Mealey's Sport Mazda in Central Florida is a new Mazda dealership that has begun to already see a giant spike in interest regarding these newest models and can only expect it to gain momentum following their releases. Improving upon the already terrific performing 2.0 liter Skyactiv-G engine, the new 2.5 liter engine will bring the power from 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque all the way up to 184 hp and 185 lb/ft. This engine will be launching with the 2014 Mazda6 as the standard engine and will also be available in the Touring and Grand Touring models of the 2014 CX-5.

While fuel economy is still being weighed, the EPA estimates that the CX-5 will perform with 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models and slightly declining to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models. The Mazda6’s fuel economy gets an even greater boost with the engine thanks to the all-new i-ELOOP regenerative break system that will convert energy from braking into raw power to run key electrical components at stops. For more information about the launch of the 2014 Mazda6 and CX-5, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com and learn how a Mazda Expert can help you get behind the wheel of one this January.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Is Japan’s Car of the Year!

For the second time in 10 years, Mazda has earned itself the title of Japan’s Car of the Year with their newly revamped 2013 Mazda CX-5. As a new Mazda dealership in Central Florida, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda has heard first-hand from auto shoppers the lasting impression a spin behind the wheel of the 2013 Mazda CX-5 makes on potential customers. Voted on by 60 local automotive experts and journalists, the CX-5 claimed the title over other popular Japanese autos like the Toyota GT 86/Subaru BRZ which came in second place 45 votes under the CX-5.

This is the first win for Mazda since the 2005 MX-5 Miata and the fourth since the awards first began. Judges chose the CX-5 over other autos due to the Skyactiv technology that the popular crossover has come to embody, as well as the great handling and clean economical diesel engine which, at the moment, is only available in Japan. Kiyoshis Fujiwara, the man behind Skyactiv, accepted the award saying, “Spurred on by this honor, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of crafting cars that only Mazda can, in order to continue winning the support of our fans and customers into the future.”

For more information about the 2013 Mazda CX-5 and how a Mazda Expert can give you a behind the wheel experience at Sport Mazda, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. Our Mazda Experts are available and eager to help!

“Japan Premium” and The Future of Mazda

Mazda plans on upscaling their brand to what the Japanese automaker internally coined “Japan Premium” reports Automotive News. Mazda dealerships will be expanding their selection of mass marketed classed models and introducing higher end models to achieve what Mazda Motor Corp. CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has projected “more than 400,000 U.S. units by the fiscal year that ends March 31, 2016.” With recent releases like the 2013 CX-5  and upcoming 2014 Mazda6, the future of Mazda’s lineup will be completely equipped with Skyactiv technologies, a brand the Japanese automaker has seriously invested into.

Mazda dealerships like Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, Florida are able to demonstrate first hand to Central Florida car shoppers the Skyactiv suite of technologies by taking a test drive. In January, expect to see the newly redesigned 2014 Mazda6 in showroom floors. To learn more about future Mazda releases and the opportunity to test drive a Mazda today, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. The Mazda Experts at Sport Mazda are knowledgeable and happy to help address your concerns today.

Mazda’s North American Debut For 2014 Line Up In Los Angeles

Debuting this week at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show, Mazda’s North American line up for 2013 will reveal for the first time in the United States the 2014 Mazda6, 2014 CX-5, and an updated 2013 CX-9. As a new Mazda dealership in Orlando, Florida, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda has witnessed the demand for these latest iterations, specifically the 2014 Mazda6. The year 2013 will be another milestone year for Skyactiv with the introduction of the new Skyactiv-D diesel engine making it's first appearance in a North American model with the 2014 Mazda6. Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, agrees that “it’s definitely an exciting time for the Zoom-Zoom brand.” Expect a full announcement about the North American launch of these new autos and details about the updated design tweaks mid-cycle for the 2013 CX-9 which is currently available without the newest modifications being shown in Los Angeles this week from Mazda's press conference.

For more information about the latest updates to Mazda’s line of autos, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com and find out how a Mazda Expert can help you with any questions or concerns regarding Mazda vehicles, parts and accessories.

2012 Custom Car Show Gives a Glimpse of Mazda Creativity

Mazda’s showing at the 2012 SEMA Show this year brought on the eye candy with three customized concept CX-5s that brought out the best of this beautiful compact crossover. The bloggers at AutoBlog.com went to the show in Las Vegas and captured plenty of pictures and details of these special concepts. Taking a look at the future of Skyactiv, the CX-5 Dempsey concept was stocked with a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine, the first seen in a North American spec CX-5.

Check out their article and photo gallery of all three concepts that any Mazda aficionado will appreciate. For more information about the Mazda CX-5 and Skyactiv, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. The Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, FL are knowledgeable resources of information and can help anyone in person that is interested in a Mazda in the Central Florida area.

2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5 Finalist For 2013 Green Car of the Year!

Green Car Journal has announced their 5 finalists for 2013 Green Car of the Year and showing up on the list is the 2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5. As a Mazda dealership in Orlando, Florida, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda has seen the demand first hand for the fuel efficient environmentally improved Skyactiv CX-5. Normally, people do not associate “green” and “sport utility vehicle” together, but Green Car Journal has recognized the engineering feat that Mazda has achieved with their crossover SUV which is the only type of car in its class that is nominated.

The Skyacitv CX-5 is the most efficient SUV available in the US with an EPA rating of 35 miles per gallon and has a shot at the title when you look at past winners like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV which won the title in 2008 even with only a gas mileage of 22 mpg which clearly gives hope for a Mazda win this year. We’ll find out who wins the title when the winner is announced next month at the LA Auto Show. For more information about the Mazda CX-5 or Skyactiv vehicles, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Ford Escape vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5: An Automobile Mag Comparison

Automobile Mag earlier this year stacked up the 2013 Ford Escape, 2012 Honda CR-V and the 2013 Mazda CX-5 in a comparison of similarly classed vehicles. Out of the three vehicles, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 was the least expensive but that didn't stop Automobile Mag from gushing about it saying...

"somehow this porridge comes across as more substantial, more expensive, and more elegant. Or as Goldilocks might say, it's just right."

Read the entire article on AutomobileMag.com to find out what makes the 2013 Mazda CX-5 a standout vehicle. To test drive a 2013 Mazda CX-5 or learn more about Mazdas, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. To speak to a Mazda Expert in person, please stop by Don Mealey's Sport Mazda in Orlando, FL today!

Skyactiv-Chassis: Suspending Disbelief With Innovative Suspension

The 2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5 is the only model in the Skyactiv line of Mazda’s that is equipped with the innovative Skyactv-Chassis. Combining new suspension geometry, electric power steering with a quicker steering ratio, greater component rigidity and 14% less weight, it is easy to see why the Skyactiv-Chassis is living up to the Skyactiv name by setting new standards and raising the technological bar. Along with the Skyactiv-Body, the main structure of the 2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5 is an overall safe, lightweight experience that will save you money at the pump.

For more about the Skyactiv line by Mazda, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. The Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, FL are conveniently able to assist Mazda owners from Kissimmee, Casselberry, Altamonte, Sanford, Winter Park, Davenport, and Greater Central Florida.

Skyactiv-Body: Lighter, Stronger, Safer, Better

With a 30% stiffer frame and 8% lighter weight difference than previous models, the Skyactiv-Body was engineered for the future of autos. Made from a high-tensile steel, the lightweight body is designed with the key elements of lightness, stiffness and effective crash-energy management to help provide a fuel-efficient, sharp-handling and safe vehicle.

The new Skyactiv-Body delivers terrific Zoom-Zoom handling, exceptional ride comfort and significantly better crash safety as proven by top ranking safety results. You can find the Skyactiv-Body in the 2013 Skyactiv Mazda CX-5. For more about Skyactiv technology or anything Mazda, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. Our Mazda Experts are available to help your Mazda needs in person at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, FL.

Skyactiv-MT: A Manual Transmission Unlike Any Other

Skyactiv technology is revolutionizing the way Mazda engineers design the future of fuel efficient vehicles. One of these innovations has been the Skyactiv-MT which brings fuel efficiency to manual transmission vehicles in the Skyactiv Mazda family. It’s compact design, light weight, high torque capacity and quick smooth shifts make the Skyactiv-MT a perfect companion with the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine. Designed for front-engine / front-wheel-drive vehicles, the 6-speed Skyactiv-MT’s lightweight design offers less internal friction allowing for better fuel mileage.

Offering a super-short throw, highly direct feel, and ultra-low effort, the new Skyactiv-MT 6-speed manual transmission sets the standard for sweet-shifting manual gearboxes.

Mazda engineers revised everything they knew about shift mechanics when designing the Skyactiv-MT. The end result was a smooth shifting experience with a shift stroke reduction of 10%, the shortest of any Mazda competitor. The fully scalable design of the Skyactiv-MT allows it to be reworked for fit a wide arrange of Mazda’s in the future. Currently, the Skyactiv-MT is only found in the 2012 – 2013 Skyactiv Mazda3 sedan and hatchback and also in the 2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5.

To learn more about Skyactiv technology or all things Mazda, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. To speak to a Mazda Expert in person, come to Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, FL where they will work with you to take care of all your Mazda needs.

The Future of Skyactiv: The Skyactiv-D 2.2L Diesel Engine

On Saturday we discussed the muscle behind the 2012 Skyacitv Mazda3 and 2013 Skyactiv Mazda CX-5. Today we'll be focusing on a future engine being introduced to the Skyactiv technology family which is the Skyactiv-D 2.2L diesel engine. With dual-stage turbocharging and 20% greater fuel economy than comparable engines, this revolutionary engine is scheduled to make a debut in a future 2014 Mazda model. The launch of the new Skyactiv-D will make Mazda the first Asian brand to market a clean modern diesel engine in North America!

What makes the Skyactiv-D so special? Its combination of light weight, high performance, high fuel efficiency and clean emissions helps the 2.2 liter, dual stage turbocharging, 4-cylinder engine perform unlike any other. For instance, the typical compression ratio of a diesel engine in this class is 16:1 to 18:1. The Skyactiv-D performs at an astonishing 14:1 for enhanced fuel efficiency.

To learn more about Skyactiv technology from our Mazda Experts, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. Meet our Mazda Experts in person at Don Mealey's Sport Mazda in Orlando, FL. For more about Skyactiv technology and Mazdas in general, keep checking back here in the future.

Behind the Muscle of the Skyactiv-G 2.0L Engine

The design of the Skyactiv-G 2.0L gasoline engine featured in the Skyactiv models for the 2012 Mazda3 and 2013 Mazda CX-5 offers drivers fuel economy without sacrificing performance. This engine achieves up to a 15% increade in torque and 15% less fuel consumption compared to Mazda's MRZ 2.0L gasoline engine. Mazda was able to engineer this performance upgrade by including direct injection, an ultra-high 13:1 compression ratio, an advanced piston design, and a specially tuned exhaust system. These changes lightened the engine by 10% and decresed internal friction by 30% making a quieter smoother ride. The 2012 Mazda3 and 2013 Mazda CX-5 are currently the only two Skyactiv techonology models available at this time. To learn more about Skyactiv technology from our Mazda Experts, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. Meet our Mazda Experts in person at Don Mealey's Sport Mazda in Orlando,FL.

Keep checking the Mazda Experts blog for more about Skyactiv techonology and Mazdas in general.