Kia Just Released a Bunch of EVs, but Deep Down You Still Want a Mazda
It’s the last day of the month. I’m going to start sounding like a broken record now that I sell Mazdas. I’ve already got one out the door before I had any access to a computer. The remainder of the week so far has been Mazda corporate training to make sure I didn’t lose my head.
Let me save you the bulk of training and just give you the vibe. So far, the vibe looks like this:
Perfect for this week’s Vibe Check. Other news making the headline include rumors of a Mustang sedan and a plethora of new Kias. Let’s dive in.
1st Shift: The Mustang grows in length
The V-8 sedan seems to be making a comeback. Cadillac is alone in offering a V-8-powered sedan, let alone one with a manual transmission. Mercedes-AMG will implement eight cylinders back in the C63 sometime in 2026. Now, a third major sedan player will come in from the least likely source.
Presently, the vehicle count in the Ford passenger car portfolio in the U.S. and overseas is one. The Fiesta and Focus left our shores long ago while the Mondeo [think Fusion] is gone from the lineup, with the Fiesta and Focus are being phased out if they haven’t already.
Meaning the lone passenger car on sale anywhere is the Ford Mustang. I, for one, do not object to Jim Farley for giving the Mustang a new lease on life. I don’t even mind the electric Mach-E, which takes some Mustang cues and morphs it into a hatchback SUV.
It is this line of thinking that makes me keen to accept the Mustang in a new form. According to reports, a Mustang sedan is incoming, likely to be dubbed Mach 4.
Beyond that, there are no details of what that would look like, or how it would be powered. To pull this quote from Ford Authority: “Filed on February 25th, 2025, under serial number 99055118, this application contain the goods and services description of “Motor vehicles, namely gasoline and electric automobiles, pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles and their structural parts.””
Gasoline and electric. Heck. Well, actually that may be a genius move.
See, Dodge has just revamped the Charger. Not only that, but soon it will be sold in either gas or EV configuration. The electric ones are hitting dealers now while the ‘Sixpack’ will arrive later in the year. Sixpack refers to the number of cylinders in the engine, which gives Ford an advantage.
There is no Hemi V-8 inbound to compete against the Mustang, which comes with a Coyote 5.0 in the GT and Dark Horse. If the 5.0 was mounted under the hood of a sedan and follow Cadillac in putting a six-speed manual of it, that would make for a truly enticing package.
When details are scarce, it’s fun to speculate. I’ll keep an eye for one to hit my lot.
2nd Shift: All electric, all Kia
Let me tell you, Kia had a week. It released a multitude of models including an EV2, an EV4 that’s coming to the U.S., and an electric van called the PV5 [stunned they didn’t call it the EVan] that’s a tossup on U.S. arrival.
Like the Dodge Charger, Kia is slotting the EV4 to sell alongside its K4 gassed cousin. This could be a game-changing move that moves Kia ahead when it comes to compact car buyers. Presently, Honda and Toyota offer hybrid variants of its respective Civic and Corolla. Electric compacts are currently limited to the Fiat 500e and Nissan Leaf, and they don’t sell so well.
If the Kia EV4 lands on the scene with a price tag of less than $30,000, it may very well be a winner.
Two areas of concern don’t agree with me: Kia styling and quality. Styling requires risk of which the Koreans are not short on. Every model that comes out between generations never looks like the one before. Unfortunately, it also means certain vehicles can be an acquired taste, making for a hit-or-miss scenario.
Quality is also not a strong suit. While not as bad as the Italians, Korean cars have drummed up a reputation for falling short when it comes to electronics, paint, and interior wear. Toss a stone at a five-year-old Hyundai, and you’ll consistently see brake light failures courtesy of bad wiring that give out over time.
Not too long ago, I was cut off by someone in a light blue Sonata and I was met with a billow of smoke, lending to the theory that the cars give out as soon as the ten-year warranty give out.
Finally, last point is just a me thing, but in ten years time I can’t say I see myself with an EV. If the Kia EV4 is a recipient of these ongoing issues, it will be hard to say good things about the brand long-term.
We’ll chalk this up to a wait-and-see.
3rd Shift: Virtual Business Card Alert!
Yes, Mazda Monday couldn’t wait because look how beautiful that looks? Spoiler: I live near my new workplace and am no longer confined to Texas living, which felt like a slog 24-7.
I’ve retreated to the Arizona mountains away from the bustles of city life. In my bid to build a life here, I first need to build a book of business. Early days are always tough, which is why I won’t be shy about going public with the services I can offer.
Anyone who knows me personally knows I love cars. And anyone who knows what I can do is put buyers first in order to deliver a top-rated service to customers. That one car I pushed out has already posted a Google review.
I look forward to more of that so spread the word, put my name out there! For I can provide a stress-free experience of buying a car and share one or two laughs along the way.
So make sure to save that business card. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch here as well.
Weekend Getaway: You may as well buy here
That’s my building and that’s the car I sold! The owner named it Topsy after a family pet.
If you want a beautiful machine such as the Mazda CX-5 Turbo, I can most certainly help you there. Even better, I am in the fortuitous position to sell Ford and Lincoln vehicles as well, if that strikes your fancy. If so inclined, I may report on any future Mustang Mach 4s that make landfall.
So what time can you be here?
-TA