Okay, I’m going to preface this blog post in the interest of journalistic integrity (if such a thing even exists anymore) by disclosing that I am a proud and happy Mazda owner and, if I had the budget or means, would definitely be a repeat buyer.

Okay, I’m going to preface this blog post in the interest of journalistic integrity (if such a thing even exists anymore) by disclosing that I am a proud and happy Mazda owner and, if I had the budget or means, would definitely be a repeat buyer.

I think the company has one of the most stylish, exciting, and value-packed mass-market lineups in the industry. Okay, so maybe it’ll never be a Honda or Toyota in terms of overall sales or breadth of model offerings. But I think the company has been successful targeting its core market of enthusiasts and, on a larger scale, general consumers who simply want something a little zestier and more fun-to-drive than the generic offerings from the other big brands.

But no company is perfect. Although I applaud its recents efforts with the CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers, the award-winning and fun-to-drive Mazdaspeed3, and the innovative RX-8, there are still a few areas in its product lineup that could use some attention. Below is my wish list for giving Mazda a true superstar lineup.

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Mazda4: Personally, I would love to see Mazda field a genuine 3-Series competitor. Many automotive journalists have referred to Mazda as the “Japanese BMW.” Granted, it wouldn’t exactly be in the same class price-or-equipment-wise, but I think the company could make a compelling vehicle to offer enthusiasts an alternative to the Bavarian yuppie-mobile. Here are the specs: Rear-wheel drive, using components from the RX-8 and/or MX-5, appropriately beefed up for duty in a compact 4-door sedan. Slightly larger than the Mazda3 but smaller than the Mazda6. One engine offering: The 2.3 DISI turbo, spiced up to about 285 horse for rear-drive duty. Two tranny options: 6-speed stick, and a 6-speed DSG paddle-shift auto-clutch box. Keep it light. 3,200 lbs. would be a reasonable target. Price: $28-32k.

New MX-3: It’s believed that the MX-5-based Kabura concept car may be the basis for a revived MX-3, this time with rear-drive. I think if Mazda could keep the price in the low-20s, it will have an unqualified hit on its hands.

CX-5: Many believed the 2008 Tribute would be re-named the CX-5. Thankfully, this seems not to be the case. Perhaps Mazda is saving its alphanumeric designations for its “new” designs and didn’t want to tarnish the naming convention with a warmed-over design. But there’s definitely room for a compact crossover to slot below the CX-7, with dramatic styling and innovative design to match its big brothers, the CX-7 and CX-9.

MX-7: Imagine a larger Miata. Still two-seat, but with more shoulder, leg, head, and cargo room. Offer the 2.3 DISI turbo as the standard engine and possibly a 400+ horse turbo 3.5 V-6 for the “Mazdaspeed” version. Seems like Mazda has mastered the art of making folding hardtops while keeping weight down. Make this one a folding hardtop. Absolutely no heavier than 3,400 lbs. Price: $33-35k for “standard” version, $42-44k for Mazdaspeed.

RX-7: Who wouldn’t like to see a revival of its iconic sports car? Who knows if it’s coming back or not. With emissions standards getting tighter and tighter, the Rotary may be a dying breed although it seems Mazda’s experimenting with hydrogen rotary engines that may give it a reprieve. Mazda engineers may have something up their sleeves yet with this one.

Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part, or maybe great minds think alike. I guess I’ll have to wait until the ‘08 or ‘09 show season to see if my dreams might come true.

–Edward A. Sanchez