Mazda Won’t Launch Any New Models Until 2023 When It Gets Next-Gen Platform

Mazda is expected to unveil a new large, high-end platform in the fiscal year through March 2023, but until then, the Japanese car manufacturer will be resigned to updating its existing portfolio, the Nikkei Asian Review reports.

Prior to this new platform becoming a reality, there are a number of developments that Mazda is hopeful will keep its image up-to-date and encourage sales.

For starters, there is the brand’s advanced Skyactiv-X engine, introduced last year. This powertrain uses technology ordinarily found in a diesel engine to burn petrol at a leaner rate. The result is an engine that provides better fuel economy, burns cooler, and provides better power and torque figures than a traditional small-capacity petrol engine.

Unfortunately for Mazda, not that many customers are opting for the Skyactiv-X, at least according to the Nikkei Asian Review. The publication reports that just 4 per cent of new Mazda3s are being equipped with the engine and just 2 per cent CX-30s have it. Take these figures with a grain of salt however, as Mazda Europe chief executive Yasuhiro Aoyama has previously said 60 per cent of Mazda3 orders have the Skyactiv-X engine, while 45 per cent of CX-30 models sold also have the unit.

Related: Mazda Explains Why The MX-30 Has A Small 35.5 kWh Battery

Mazda will also start accepting orders for the all-electric MX-30 by March 2021. However, this vehicle is only expected to sell in small numbers, at least according to suppliers. In the coming years, Mazda can be expected to also add new safety features to its current models, while offering new financing arrangements.

According to a Mazda dealership executive in western Japan, such changes do help to attract customers.

“Yes, they do serve as a useful final nudge to persuade customers to buy but few customers come to a dealership because they want to buy a car with minor changes.”

In an age where the auto industry is changing at an extraordinary pace, it will be interesting to see if Mazda’s lack of all-new models will hurt it over the next couple of years.