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Probably a cost saving exercise - when Mazda split with Ford, they didn't have as much financial clout and may have reduced their opinions list to save money at the factory as it would need less tools and equipment, as well as paints, etc. The latest generation of models in their range has even less options. I presume they just don't have enough sales to justify the expense. Even with seat fabrics - to get any option at all, you have to spec the range topping Sport models and have only leather, with a colour difference on the larger cars in leather only.
Some smaller makes seem to be following them in this regard to stay profitable, but most, especially the Germans, still offer a myriad of options. Given the current state of the motor industry, I'm not sure how long that will last, as I think cost cutting is not far away.
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