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Infiniti QX60 AWD vs. Mazda CX-9 Signature

In certain ZIP codes around Dallas, Chevy's Suburban remains the Official SUV of Texas, but Infiniti's QX60 could be the Official Crossover. The Pathfinder-based three-row is everywhere. And while its popularity is based on transporting kids and their stuff, the QX60 is a more urban Suburban. Mazda's CX-9 is not as ubiquitous as the QX60 in McMansion driveways, but it has been making inroads into the near-luxury segment with its near-luxury spec. The CX-9's second generation has obviously upscale intent, in the sheetmetal and throughout the top-line Signature interior. And the prices of these two cars are surprisingly close. INFINITI QX60 AWD: The sheetmetal differentiating Infiniti's QX60 from its volume-oriented Nissan donor is attractive. The changes are subtle, and in profile the Pathfinder and Infiniti are almost identical, but the eye is drawn to the differences in the grille and D-pillar. The Infiniti has a luxury vibe with a more athletic stance. The QX60's interior surfaces seem upscale, but if you want wood it will cost you. In "building our own" and opting for graphite leather with maple trim, the wood requires another $12,000(!) of mandatory packages, including Infiniti's Premium and Premium Plus packages ($1,800 and $2,900, respectively) and $7,300 of Deluxe Tech. So, wood? We wouldn't. But if you do, know the QX60 won't match the larger QX80 in presence or passion, but it is certainly something beyond a rebadged Pathfinder. For you and your passengers, there is 156 cubic feet of interior room; with the second and third rows folded, you can accommodate 76 cubic feet of cargo. Like in most crossovers, that third row is best used by young kids, but taking six adults to lunch won't require too much gymnastics – or chiropractics. On the road, the QX60 is known more for comfort than composure; this isn't an old Buick, but neither is it a BMW. Nissan's 3.5 liter V6 produces generous power (295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque), but it's transmitted to either the front wheels or all wheels via a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Nissan has tried to mitigate the quirkiness, but it's a CVT all the same. At a well-equipped base of $44,000, we like the QX60. But start adding options, and you can approach $60,000, which is real money even in the better ZIP codes. MAZDA CX-9 SIGNATURE: This, ladies and gentlemen, is dramatic. Mazda has absolutely nailed it. Using Mazda's KODO design language on a large platform could have gone wrong.

Mazda5 may not be long for this world

The concept behind building a smaller but still useful minivan like the Mazda5 always seemed like such a good idea. However, since the little people hauler's introduction, there has been the rise of the compact crossover in the US, which fulfills a similar niche for many buyers. The future is not looking good for the utilitarian Mazda. Autocar from the UK reports that company officials confirm the Mazda5 is being discontinued there, with no replacement planned. Autoblog reached out to Mazda North America, but the company would not verify future product changes in this region. Though, the model's cancellation would hardly be a surprise to follow in North America, as well. The minivan market is a tough place these days, and dealers tend to prefer more expensive models for their high margins. Even FCA US is abandoning the inexpensive portion of the segment for the next-gen Chrysler Town & Country. The Mazda5 isn't exactly a sales standout, either. Mazda sold 11,613 of them in all of 2014, which was a 16.4 percent drop from 13,884 in 2013. To compare to larger, more expensive minivans, Honda moved 122,738 units of the Odyssey last year, and Toyota did 124,502 examples of the Sienna. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2012 Mazda5 View 31 Photos News Source: AutocarImage Credit: Mazda Mazda Minivan/Van mazda5

2016 Scion iA shows its face, for better or worse, in New York [w/video]

We have a theory that, among auto designers, there's something resembling Stockholm Syndrome. Designers spend so many hours looking at a single product that, after awhile, they can't help but fall in love with it, regardless of how bad it may look to everyone else. That might explain the appearance of the Scion iA, which while largely similar to the handsome Mazda2, replaces that car's attractive five-pointed grille with what could be described as a gaping maw. Fortunately, it's only the Scion grille that really causes any offense. The parts of the iA that have been left to Mazda designers are, as we said, rather handsome. That includes both the attractive rear and the Kodo-derived lines found in the tiny sedan's profile. The cabin, meanwhile, is well outfitted with standard equipment, including a seven-inch touchscreen display. Plastic is the dominant material, although the overall layout is logical and mostly attractive. Have a look at our live gallery of images of Scion's first-ever four-door sedan. Sports Sedan that Shouts Success All-New 2016 Scion iA Rolls Into New York With a Trunk - Brand's first-ever sedan with dramatically sporty look and agile moves - Estimated MSRP in the $16,000-range for well-equipped mono-spec model • High-spirited 1.5-liter engine; estimated 42 MPG highway - Choice of 6-speed stick shift or 6-speed automatic - Standard Low-speed Pre-collision safety system - Roomy cabin with premium amenities - 7-inch multimedia system with voice recognition NEW YORK, March 31, 2015 – Scion is expanding its line-up in more ways than one. In addition to adding a new vehicle to its stable, it's also adding its first-ever sedan, the remarkably sporty, yet very affordable, 2016 Scion iA. The Scion iA sedan joins the all-new 2016 Scion iM hatchback for a one-two punch in the subcompact and compact segments. The new sans-hatch Scion will arrive in dealerships this fall for an estimated MSRP in the $16,000-range. That's for a mono-spec model equipped with standard Low-speed Pre-collision safety system and 7-inch multi-media system with voice activation. Because Scion has a no hassle, no haggle Pure Price, customers walk out the door with the same price they saw posted in the dealership. "Dramatic" could be an understatement when describing the visual impact of the 2016 Scion iA. Beneath the daringly curved sheetmetal lies a tight, agile machine that re-defines "entry level." Call the design "class above," a term that applies throughout the car.