Is Mazda a Luxury Car to Buy in Nigeria?

Virtually every automakerAmazon to acquire self-driving Automaker Zoox for over ₦465 Billion makes upscale cars that offer exceptional comfort. However, any car brand considered luxury surpasses being merely upscale by taking refinement to the next level. So, where does Mazda fit in amongst its peers?

Mazda is one of those brands that’s driven in Nigeria, but not as popular as other car brands. The automaker has a stellar reputation within the industry. However, Mazda typically doesn’t command the same respect as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

So how can you tell if Mazda is a real luxury brand or if it’s an economy brand in disguise? In this article, we look at the manufacturer’s offerings, materials, and messaging to come to a conclusion.

Does Mazda Brand Call itself a Luxury Brand? 

Mazda doesn’t outrightly call itself a luxury car company. However, it doesn’t stick to the typical value-based messaging as Toyota and Hyundai do. Hyundai even implies that you’ll save money in the name of some of its trim levels. For example, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson’s second-most affordable model is called the Value trim. 

Many of the manufacturers that use economy-based cars also have luxury divisions. Hyundai recently introduced Genesis, and Toyota has Lexus. Notably, Kia doesn’t have a luxury division yet, but it offers high-end models like the Stinger, as well as the recently discontinued K900 and Cadenza.

Mazda is different from its peers in this regard. It uses more high-end language when referring to its models. For instance, its trim levels feature words like “Grand Touring,” “Reserve,” and “Signature.”

Are Mazda Models Equal to Other Car Brands?

Mazdas can’t compete with BMW’s performance models, but its cars are a step above most other manufacturers. The Japanese automaker is known for its exciting driving dynamics. And unlike competitors, it doesn’t just pack its cars with overpowered engines to achieve a fun experience. 

Instead, Mazda focuses on creating energetic engines that are also fuel-efficient. This genius engineering allows Mazda to make vehicles you’ll want to drive rather than just dull daily driving cars. In that sense, Mazda seems to emulate luxury manufacturers rather than standard brands.

Does the Mazda Use High-Quality Materials for its Vehicles? 

Luxury manufacturers emphasize the higher level of craftsmanship and materials used in their products. Mazda is no different. The company’s website highlights several features that separate it from lesser manufacturers. 

It goes into rich detail about its Kodo design philosophy, which claims that Mazdas create “a sense of motion, even at a standstill.” Mazda also emphasizes how it uses more clay than any other automaker when designing its models. It also gives consumers a sense that its cars feature a higher level of craftsmanship than many of its competitors.

Is Mazda Really a Luxury Car Brand You Should Buy?

In the end, Mazda is different in the automotive industry. The brand’s pricing structure and messaging separate it from traditional luxury brands, but it is undoubtedly a step above other manufacturers.

For example, most Mazda vehicles are priced slightly higher than that of a Honda. However, these models are still less expensive than a similarly sized Audi. Even a fully loaded Mazda costs around the same as many entry-level luxury models.

Critics placed Mazda in a “premium” tier, a shade below luxury. Its top-end trim levels don’t quite match the level of over-the-top luxury features of Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s higher-end models. However, Mazda’s blend of sporty performance and ultra-refined interiors would fit nicely in the middle of a luxury manufacturer’s lineup.

Conclusion

This doesn’t mean you should buy a Mazda instead of a Lexus if you want a luxury car. Unless you’re willing to spend hundreds of thousands on your next vehicle, you might get more for your money by purchasing a Mazda.