It seems to be a natural evolution for carmakers to first design and build certain cars with good handling and sportiness but consumer demand softer rides and more comforts. These take away from the vehicle’s original intent but end up selling better. Now I think Mazda is following this cycle but only to a point. They still want to stay true with their heritage but some purists will disagree anyway. Look at BMW. Many say they have lost their way as they went mainstream. It’s a evolution, some good and some not so good.
Mazda's slogan is still Zoom Zoom here. They actively promote it