Mazda PH teases us with more powerful MX-5, updated CX-9, Mazda6

It seems that Mazda Philippines couldn’t keep their newest vehicles under wraps for too long, as members of the media and Mazda’s car clubs celebrated at The Island at Bonifacio Global City. Called the Mazda Media Night Out, it was a good chance for Bermaz Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles and spare parts in the country, to quietly tease their trio of 2019 models that would be revealed to the public at the 7th Philippine International Motor Show from October 24 to 28, 2018.

Under car covers at the party were the 2019 Mazda MX-5, CX-9, and the Mazda6 sedan. Each sported significant upgrades, while still utilizing the same platforms introduced a few years back. While we don’t have a full list of specifications just yet, we can give you a rundown on what we know so far for each new model.

The 2019 Mazda6 is a flagship bestseller for Mazda Philippines. Its Sport Wagon carried the nameplate on in the Philippines since the sedan quietly went away, but for 2019, the sedan makes a comeback. Now sporting a grille based on the Mazda Vision Concept, the 2019 Mazda 6 sedan has a handful of exterior and interior touches that make it a competitor in the mid-size sedan category. New LED running lights and LED adaptive headlights are standard, and you also get a choice of two SKYACTIV engines – a 2.2L turbo diesel and a 2.5L gasoline power plant. Horsepower and torque have increased, and so has fuel efficiency. The cabin gets redesigned Nappa leather seats that are ventilated, and the addition of a 360-degree camera and various improvements in reduction of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) will surely make the 2019 Mazda 6 a more comfortable drive.

Mazda’s 2019 7-seater SUV, the CX-9, also gets a slew of new toys, introducing refinements and creature comforts. Powered by the same improved 2.5L SKYACTIV gasoline engine, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The addition of a 360-degree camera will help in parking and tight maneuvering, and Nappa leather ventilated seats are standard, as well. Improvements were also done to the suspension to increase ride quality and reduce cabin noise.

Eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts all over the Philippines, there was a collective wow from the audience when the covers were finally pulled off the 2019 Mazda MX-5. Powered by the familiar 2.0L SKYACTIV gasoline engine, improvements were made to give it more power and more torque, while still maintaining chassis agility and handling. A Club Sport variant will offer BBS wheels and Recaro bucket seats, and top-level automatic transmission variants get a reverse camera. A tilting and telescoping steering wheel and seat adjustment improvements will make it easier to find the perfect driving position. They’ve also worked on giving the 2019 Mazda MX-5 more character with a redesigned exhaust.

We’ll know more about specifications and features once Mazda launches these new models at the Philippine International Motor Show in a few weeks, so definitely look out for that. By then, we should also find out when these new products will make it to showrooms nationwide.