When automakers go about renaming their entire model lineup, it rarely happens without some criticism. Just look at Infiniti's switch to QX names for all of its SUVs. Cadillac has done this many times with the switch to CT for sedans, XT for SUVs, trunk badges based on Newton Meters of torque, and most recently, the 'iq' name for EVs. Mazda is the latest automaker to conduct a name change for most of its lineup but don't worry, you'll still be able to recognize the models.

That's because Mazda hasn't been too extreme with its name changes by using some complicated new alphanumeric scheme or reverting to foreign market model names like Axela or Atenza. In fact, two of Mazda's models have already been switched over to the new scheme but the change is so subtle, you may not have noticed.

A Mazda spokesperson confirmed and clarified the name change to CarBuzz. "The CX-30 2.5 S [represents] a new naming convention Mazda has started to apply for its next-generation vehicles to emphasize multiple engine options. This was first applied to the 2021 Mazda3 (Mazda3 2.0, Mazda3 2.5 S, and Mazda3 2.5 Turbo) and while the 2021 Mazda CX-30 (CX-30 2.5 S) is offered in one engine option, the new naming is applied for consistency in the lineup."

This means you can expect to see Mazda include a model's engine displacement within the official name with an 'S' to denote the company's larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Models with a turbo will likely have the word 'Turbo' in its name. It will be interesting to see how this change affects the 2021 CX-5, which should be available as either a 2.5 S or 2.5 Turbo. We have reached out to Mazda for further comment on the new naming scheme to see if it will also be used when the 2021 model year MX-5 Miata is announced.