I have no say in the matter (a hint)... But, I personally think that Mazda should start a customer-order program similar to the other premium brands (except Lexus; I don’t think they have one).

Yet they exist.

Yes... because crossover offerings from the competition are built and drive like appliances. The difference is much more noticeable.

Employees can only say so much (obviously).

It’s been reported that AWD is coming.

You’ve not shopped for a car for several years have you? $30k has been the average cost for a typical car for quite some time.

That’s been the challenge for Mazda. It takes a drive (and not just your typical dealership around-the-block test drive) to realize why Mazda is the better choice. A 10 minute spin is just not enough for anyone to really notice the attention to details and engaging driving dynamics.

2018 interior is a leap forward.

Let you in on a secret (and this is true of just about any car company): the social media presence is not manned by the people who make product decisions. Basically, you bitched to the people who have no say in the matter.

At that price point you speak of, the BMW and Audis are very low on content. For people who aren’t hung up on badges and have no brand loyalty, they will wonder why they had to sacrifice features for a badge.

The new Accord may drive as good as all the reviewers say... but I just can’t get past that unibrow face.

More upscale = greater customer satisfaction/loyalty = potentially higher profit margins (and implied ability to gradually charge more). No mass market manufacturer can thrive or survive by catering only to enthusiasts. Enthusiasts make up only a small portion of consumers. Even Porsche had to expand beyond the 911.…

It’s been said that packaging size of this turbo mill is the same as the NA 2.5L.

My impression from corporate level folks is that anything associated previous _speed products are deemed too immature/crude for where the brand is [clearly] headed. Think more towards Audi and less SportCompact (if you still remember that magazine). If there is ever to be a performance oriented line of Mazda, I would…

Speaking of tuning, I’m a little surprised the aftermarket has not started tinkering with this turbo motor. Packaging size is the same as the non-turbo 2.5L. Which means someone could potentially swap it into a Mazda3 (or possibly the Miata and RF).

I believe it is 227hp on regular 87 octane. Figure goes up with 91 or 93, just like the CX-9. Same trick dynamic turbo setup like the CX-9 to minimize turbo lag. Engineering Explained has a nice video on how the system works.

More is definitely coming. Stay tuned.

But with a different name. “Troller” is right for about 80% of the commenters here.

Who says it can’t feel like a class (or two) above, but at a lower price?? See Genesis (and Lexus, once upon a time).

You’re right. You’re so right that the Continental isn’t selling. Moron? takes one to know one I guess.