This is very true and has been a problem for Mazda owners for a few years now. There is no upgrade path from Mazda3, Mazda6 or CX-5. Well the Mazda6 has one now, with the upcoming Signature trim, but it is still FWD and doesn't look like it will get a LSD, so boo.I find it frustrating that I don't have a clear upgrade path within Mazda for something bigger than a 3 Sport that I can get with a manual (not that I have many options elsewhere either save the GSW noted above).
But I'm pretty much a poster boy for their core demographic. Yeah, they have to appeal to the masses etc, I get that. But ignoring that your core demographic might just start families, own a dog and perhaps need to own something larger than a Miata or 3 Sport AND STILL LIKE TO DRIVE seems an odd choice to make for a company apparently struggling to retain/have repeat customers.
Maybe stop ignoring your core demographic? THOSE are the people that become 'customers for life' and encourage their friends and family to buy Mazda's etc.
[/rant off]
Mazda either needs to make the CX-5 diesel available now or drop it altogether and work on getting the 2.5T into a Signature Trim CX-5.