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| New Mazda2 3dr on sale |
Mazda is introducing three-door versions of its all-new Mazda2 small car this month, with a starting price of just £7,999 on-the-road - making the Mazda2 TS 3dr 1.3 petrol one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.
This is the first time that Mazda has offered a three-door variant in its popular Mazda2 model range. The newcomer features all the technology and attributes of the five-door hatchback, while delivering the same sporty feel to its dynamic drive at an even more affordable price. Since launch, the new Mazda2 has attracted almost 7,000 buyers and raised Mazda's share of the small car market in 2008 to 2.4 per cent.
The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced in September 2007, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model. New Mazda2 is 100kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to Mazda's 'gram strategy' diet, and the use of lightweight ultra-high tensile steels and new technology - leading to excellent fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.
"Demand for the new Mazda2 5dr has been greater than we anticipated and the arrival of the new three-door model, with its special appeal to a different group of consumers, will accelerate sales to a much higher level," comments Mark Cameron, Mazda UK marketing director.
"Our original small car segment sales target for 2008 was an ambitious, but realistic 12,000 units - tripling our sales in this sector. Now, we are confident of achieving 15,000 sales as the three-door model with its keen pricing, £500 lower model-for-model, boosts the Zoom-Zoom appeal of Mazda2 to a wider audience."
Mazda anticipates that up to 50 per cent of new Mazda2 buyers will choose the three-door body style and that a large number will opt for the highly specified 'Sport' version. The unique Crystal White Pearlescent exterior paint is also expected to be a popular choice.
"Mazda hasn't had a three-door model in the small car segment since the 1990s and certainly not with the appeal of the new Mazda2, so in some ways we are moving into unknown territory," observes Cameron. "The advertising for the three-door will build on the momentum established by the successful campaign featuring the 'Spirited Green' five-door. We will continue to highlight the Mazda2's athletic performance, agility and light weight, but will feature a Pearlescent White car and also spotlight the lower entry level price."
The Same - But Different
Both the three-door and five-door versions of new Mazda2 share common exterior and interior dimensions. The only difference between the two body styles is the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the five-door model.
The exceptionally generous standard equipment on the new Mazda2 3dr model parallels the Mazda2 5dr specification closely with only four differences. The three-door model features 'tilt-and-slide' front seats to allow access to the rear seats, unique side sills in the Sports Styling Kit and the exclusive availability (for a limited period during the launch), of Crystal White Pearlescent exterior paint on all models. Unlike the five-door, the Sport three-door model is not equipped with electric rear windows.
So well equipped is each trim level of Mazda2 that the line-up starts with TS, rather than S, models and the options list is remarkably short (see table). Standard equipment on the Mazda2 TS 3dr (from £7,999) includes: driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, driver seat height adjust, 'tilt-and-slide' front seats, CD radio with auxiliary jack, multi-function glovebox with magazine rack and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.
The new Mazda2 TS2 3dr (from £9,509) has 12 additional equipment items. Topping the three-door range is the new Mazda2 Sport 3dr (from £11,399). This model also gains 12 extra items of equipment.
In addition to Pearlescent White, customers for both three-door and five-door models can choose between nine regular exterior colours. Inside, both body styles are finished in three colours - Charcoal Black (TS), Black (TS2) or Black Sports (Sport) upholstery.
Less weight without compromising Safety
The Mazda2 5dr achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating last year and the new three-door Mazda2 benefits from the same level of safety design, engineering and equipment. The front doors of the three-door model are 163mm longer than those on the five-door and the B-Pillar has been moved back by a similar amount.
Consequently, the three-door's structure has been redesigned to provide extra resistance to side impacts. Inside the front doors, the lower side impact bars are made of 25 percent thicker material and also have a 17 per cent thicker cross section. The repositioned B-pillars are shaped differently from those of the five-door, giving extra strength to the bodyshell at the beltline.
Recently, new Mazda2 5dr was declared winner of the 2008 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title. The Mazda2 beat off 39 other new cars, including the short-listed Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class, to claim the 'world's best car' crown.
Lively Performance and Excellent Economy
The new Mazda2 3dr models weigh just 5-to-10kg less than the Mazda2 5dr models, so the lively performance (0 to 62mph from 10.4 seconds, top speed up to 117mph), excellent fuel economy (up to 65.7mpg), low exhaust emissions and modest CO2 levels (from just 114g/km) of the two versions are identical.
Ultimately, the Mazda2 3dr will be offered with the same choice of three petrol engines, and one turbo-diesel engine, as the Mazda2 5dr - each mated to a five-speed manual transmission. At launch, customers can choose from the 1.3-litre petrol engine in two power outputs (75 and 86ps), and a 1.4-litre 68ps diesel. The 1.5-litre 103ps petrol engine will be available from the end of July. |
| New 2008 Mazda5 now even more family friendly |
Demand for Mazda's popular multi-activity vehicle, the Mazda5, with its unique dual sliding rear doors, is sure to rise next year with the introduction of a significantly improved model that will be even more family friendly.
The new Mazda5 2008 upgrade is set to continue the original model's success with a refreshed design, new power sliding doors and new automatic transmission options, a more luxurious interior finish, more comfort and convenience, new suspension settings for optimised handling, improved fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions - and a more individualised Sports Appearance Pack.
Mazda5 is the only C-segment vehicle with two sliding rear doors, each with an impressive door opening width of 700mm, and that convenience will be further enhanced by the introduction of optional new power sliding rear doors that open and close in less than five seconds and stop automatically if obstructed. They are operated by a button from the driver's seat, by the door handles or by the remote control key.
Not only is the upgraded Mazda5 more convenient to use, it will also be more fun to drive. The MZR 2.0-litre petrol models will feature an engine that has been completely revised and now has an electric throttle and sequential valve timing (S-VT), which makes maximum torque available at a lower engine speed (4000rpm) than before for quicker engine response in every gear. Two newly-introduced transmissions will enhance the lively and agile character of this engine: a six-speed manual transmission will be fitted as standard and a five-speed automatic will be an option - a first for the Mazda5 line-up.
The refreshed appearance of the Mazda5 2008 upgrade includes new front and rear bumpers, new front and rear light clusters, new front grille, new-style 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, and a choice of seven new exterior colours. The new model retains its excellent aerodynamic efficiency with a Cd of 0.29.
Inside, the upgraded Mazda5 retains its predecessor's uniquely communicative interior - with Karakuri seating for up to seven people and maximum storage flexibility - and adds new navigation and audio systems for even more fun and convenience. It has a new DVD navigation system with a 7-inch multifunctional touch screen now integrated into the centre panel, which makes it easier to read and use. This system allows drivers to use the Mazda5's rear-view camera for stress-free parking.
Also new is an auxiliary (AUX) jack and recessed niche at the front of the floor console - for holding, hooking-up and listening to an MP3 player using Mazda5's audio system - and a new in-dash, 6-CD changer for hours of non-stop music. For those who need to stay in touch while driving, a new Bluetooth mobile phone system with steering wheel-mounted controls is now available.
To ensure that Mazda5 buyers can enjoy these new features to the full, the upgraded model's interior is now quieter and more comfortable. The new car features several noise-reducing additions, including: a new multi-resonator located around the fresh air intake duct at the base of the windscreen, which lowers the transmission of engine noise, plus strengthened wheel rims and Thinsulate® insulation sheeting within the roof liner to reduce road noise. Together, these updates make holding conversations and listening to music, easier and much more enjoyable.
New dampers, front and rear, and increased rear toe-in geometry, result in a more refined suspension providing enhanced ride comfort and maximum stability when cornering at high speeds and when fully laden. A newly optimised brake booster is introduced to give drivers a quicker and more precise feedback and guarantee excellent and easily modulated brake response.
Every model in the Mazda5 2008 upgrade line-up will deliver improved fuel consumption and CO2 levels which are lowered by between 8 and 11g/km - depending on model - moving the 1.8 petrol and all diesel models down one Road Fund Licence band, producing annual savings of up to £40.
The upgraded Mazda5 will make its European debut at the Bologna Motor Show, in Italy, on 5 December 2007 and will go on sale in UK Mazda dealer showrooms during January 2008. |
| Company car tax- busting new Mazda6 gears up for launch |
The all-new Mazda6 will go on sale in the UK on December 26, 2007 with the promise of massive company car tax savings for drivers as a result of huge cuts in carbon dioxide emissions. Drivers can expect to save hundreds of pounds a year with the new Mazda6 range, which is up to five benefit-in-kind tax groups lower model-for-model than the outgoing car. This is largely due to the use of weight reducing engineering techniques - the successful 'gram strategy' employed on both Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2.
An estate will join launch saloon and hatchback models in February next year. A range of three petrol, (1.8, 2.0 and new 2.5), and one diesel engine (2.0 turbo diesel) will power models with a choice of five trim levels. As well as the new range promising benefit-in-kind tax savings, the ever-increasing business focus on corporate social responsibility and organisations reducing their carbon footprint is expected to contribute to demand for the CO2-efficient Mazda6.
The new car is larger than the outgoing model and model-for-model will be equipped to a higher specification. Add in Mazda's long-established record for marketplace-leading reliability, sporty styling and performance and rock-solid residual values and the manufacturer believes it has another upper medium sector winner on its hands.
The Mazda6's environmental credentials will be one of its strongest selling points with boards of directors, fleet decision-makers and company car drivers all having a higher consciousness about CO2 emissions, according to fleet and remarketing director James Hopkins.
"The current Mazda6 put the brand on the UK fleet map. The new car will take Mazda further into the fleet market heartland and will also, we believe, prove particularly attractive to user-choosers looking to drive a vehicle outside the mainstream.
"Among the many improvements to a multi-award winning model is the fact that the new car delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions and that means huge savings in benefit-in-kind tax bills for company car drivers as well as Vehicle Excise Duty savings."
The new 1.8-litre 120ps has a CO2 figure of 162g/km (hatchback) compared with the 186g/km for the current car - an amazing five-band reduction in company car tax from 24 percent to 19 percent in 2007/08.
There are similar reductions for the 2.0 147ps with CO2 emissions down from 191g/km (hatchback) to 168g/km - 25 percent down to 20 percent - and the 2.0-litre 140ps turbo diesel with CO2 emissions cut from 165g/km (hatchback) to 149g/km - 23 percent down to 19 percent. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions levels on the new 2.5-litre 170ps petrol engine are 192g/km (hatchback), significantly below the 207g/km of the 2.3-litre model it replaces - 25 percent down from 28 percent.
The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine in the new estate emits only 151g/km (20 percent benefit-in-kind tax) and Mazda expects sales of both the estate as well as diesel models across saloon, hatchback and estate ranges to increase significantly in comparison with the current model.
In terms of Vehicle Excise Duty, the 1.8-litre model is down two bands - from Band F £205 in 2007/08 to Band D £140 - while 2.0 and 2.0 turbo diesel are all down one band on the current model to Band E £165 and Band C £115 respectively.
Mr Hopkins said: "Offering cars with low CO2 emissions is key to UK fleet market success and the development work undertaken by our engineers means that the new Mazda6 comes with powerful tax advantages over the outgoing car.
"Fleet buyers will get a substantially improved car, which is effectively cheaper for them in benefit-in-kind terms than the outgoing model, a real win-win for our fleet customers. This should ensure Mazda secures additional fleet business, particularly among user-choosers who are specific targets for us. We are sure that the overall package of greater sophistication and quality, higher specification and rewarding driving experience, while being kinder to the environment, will prove successful. |
| Mazda CX-7 achieves 38.35 mpg |
After completing 330 miles on the gruelling AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon 2007 over the roads of south-west England, Mazda Motors UK has claimed not only pole position - with the greatest percentage improvement ever attained over the official 'combined' fuel economy figure - but also second place overall with its latest Mazda CX-7 model.
From a field of 35 entrants representing a cross-section of eco-friendly hybrids, economical city-cars, hot-hatchbacks and other family models, the performance of motoring journalist Sue Cooke (co-driven by her 19-year old daughter Joanne), was no less than extraordinary. Driving a 260ps Mazda3 MPS super-hatch, the Cookes were delighted to record 43.34 mpg.
Sue stated, "Because I have never regarded my driving style as being expertly economical, I avoided some of the typical ploys of economy drivers, whom I understand 'coast' as often as possible to improve their vehicle's fuel economy, and preferred to stick to a more realistic approach. That we produced a result, which shows a remarkable 48.95 percent improvement over the official government figure, (Mazda's best-ever result) demonstrates the outstanding integrity and efficiency of Mazda engineering."
Mazda had entered a two-car team in this year's testing MPG Marathon event, with the latest Mazda CX-7 Sports Crossover for Iain Robertson, motoring journalist and twice previous winner in a Mazda6 2.0i and Mazda6 MPS. He was co-driven by Jerry Ramsdale.
Iain described the event as, "one of the most exciting I have undertaken for many years! Naturally, I am delighted for Sue and her daughter, however, Mazda should feel proud of the 38.35 percent improvement and 38.32mpg achieved by the CX-7. Considering perceptions of this car as a sporting SUV, these figures are no less than outstanding."
The route commenced at the AA's motoring organisation headquarters in Basingstoke, travelling on a mix of motorways and A-roads to Torquay for the overnight halt. Restarting the next morning, the route finished with a return leg to the AA HQ, where the legal measurements and tank-refilling exercise took place and the results were announced.
Mazda's history in this event includes a recent hat-trick, with success for the manufacturer's models in three of the past three years. This unprecedented performance provides ample proof that Mazda's attention to mechanical detail and high quality engineering standards can help drivers to address their carbon footprints with the utmost efficiency.
Economy, marathon and World Record driver, Iain Robertson, explained: "If all drivers were able to reduce their annual fuel consumptions by just 10 percent, the ecological impact of the motorcar would be significantly reduced. That both of our Mazda models produced such startling improvements over the official figures, highlights that most drivers should be able to improve their economy and take pride in the achievement. However, before people think that driving economically means only driving slowly, they should consider that forward planning and driving progressively are the actual keys to success."
Sue Cooke's Top Three Eco-Driving Tips:
- Use the accelerator carefully, as though an egg (which you did not wish to break) were placed behind the pedal.
- Shift-up the gears earlier, but be prepared to shift down to avoid the engine labouring.
- Always plan your driving ahead and look for opportunities to cruise, avoid unnecessary braking and enjoy your safer driving style.
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| All-new Mazda Taiki concept car |
The all-new, the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, the new Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, new Mazda Atenza (Mazda6 in Europe) - soon to be introduced in Japan, a series of future-oriented powertrains, and a variety of environmental and safety technologies will all be revealed by Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show*1 on 24 October 2007.
Mazda's theme for the show is "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom- Mazda's showroom today and in the future" under which new and exciting second-generation Zoom-Zoom products and future-oriented technologies will reflect the long-term research and development plans to support the "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" program, Mazda's long-term vision for technology development which was announced this spring.
Mazda Taiki continues the evolution of the Nagare design theme, following in the footsteps of the Mazda Nagare, Mazda Ryuga, and Mazda Hakaze concept vehicles. As the fourth in the series, Mazda Taiki further advances and refines the theme through a fusion of the Nagare (flow) design concept and real-world technologies, such as a next-generation rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance. Mazda Taiki sets a new ideal for the front-engine, rear-drive sports car of the future.
The new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is equipped with a transversely mounted hydrogen rotary engine, featuring Mazda's hydrogen/gasoline dual-fuel system. The hybrid system efficiently converts energy from hydrogen combustion to electricity and uses it to power the motor. This vehicle promotes practical use thanks to an extended hydrogen-fueled range, and enhanced driving performance and packaging. Leasing programmes for this vehicle are now planned to commence in 2008.
The new Mazda Atenza (Mazda6) was premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show, held last month in Germany, and was highly rated by journalists and visitors. Marking a quantum leap forward in blending driving pleasure with safety and environmental performance, this model embodies Mazda's latest car-making philosophy and offers the ultimate long-distance touring experience, making it a striking statement of the evolution of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom. At the Tokyo Motor Show, an even sportier and more distinctive model will be showcased for the first time.
In the decade following 2010, Mazda will revise its entire powertrain series, aimed at reaching "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" with the emphasis on enhanced fuel and emissions performance, combined with superior driving performance. These next-generation powertrains will be on display at Tokyo, along with the many safety technologies currently under development to realize sustainable transportation systems.
Mazda is offering an exhilarating driving experience with vehicles that achieve Mazda's trademark fun-to-drive performance, allied with outstanding environmental and safety performance. Visitors will have an opportunity to test drive the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the clean energy vehicle demo drive course. |
| All-new Mazda2 range |
The all-new Mazda2 range of five-door hatchbacks goes on sale from 8 September and offers customers a three-strong model line-up with a choice of three petrol powertrains and three equipment levels (TS, TS2 and Sport) priced from just £8,499 (on-the-road).
New Mazda2 is the first model of the next generation of Mazda cars and features clever and fresh technical solutions plus eye-catching, distinctive styling that make the new Mazda stand out from the small car segment crowd.
Mazda is confident that the 3,885mm long new Mazda2 will prove to be so popular that its small car sales will triple during 2008 to 12,000 units as the sporty appeal of this new model hikes sales by 300 per cent.
Through innovation and ingenious weight reduction programmes, all-new Mazda2's outstanding total package represents a bold break from traditional trends in the automotive industry. Mazda was able to turn back the spiral of ever increasing weight. The new Mazda2 is 100kg lighter than its predecessor and Mazda has kept the weight of the car under 1,000kg, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent and ensures agile handling characteristics.
"The attractive and dramatic styling of the new Mazda2 is absolutely in tune with our brand's Zoom-Zoom values and from a styling perspective I'm certain this car has a class-leading sporty appearance," comments Mazda UK's marketing director Mark Cameron.
"It is also a car with real substance, introducing elements with particular appeal to younger buyers. While styling is one of the most important factors in the buying process, consumers are also aware of environmental issues and will appreciate this model's lightweight construction, increased fuel economy and reduced CO2 impact - while delivering an entertaining driving experience coupled with Mazda's renowned Japanese build-quality and reliability."
Simplified model range will Boost Sales
Mazda is focusing on retail sales with new Mazda2 and has deliberately simplified the model line-up - a choice of three engines and three equipment levels, in just three models. The simple approach, which is made possible by the exceptional levels of standard equipment on each of the three models and a minimal options list, offers customers a clear and straightforward choice.
"Today, we know that many young people demand more from a small car, while many older drivers, down-sizing as their families grow up, still want to enjoy the numerous comfort and luxury features of a larger vehicle," continues Cameron.
Such is the generosity of the standard equipment that the Mazda2 range starts with the TS model - rather than a basic 'S' model - priced at £8,499 (on-the-road). A £1,500 step up buys the TS2 model and a further £1,800 step purchases the Sport.
Exceptionally generous Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the 1.3-litre, 75ps Mazda2 TS includes: 15-inch steel wheels, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, driver seat height adjust, CD radio with Auxiliary jack and two speakers, multi-function glovebox with magazine rack, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser and electric, heated door mirrors.
The new Mazda2 TS2 with the 1.3-litre, 86ps engine has 11 additional equipment items including: 15-inch alloy wheels, side and curtain airbags, body coloured electric folding door mirrors, body coloured door handles, two additional audio speakers (total four), 60/40 split rear seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, leather steering wheel and gear knob and manual air-conditioning.
Topping the launch range will be the new Mazda2 Sport, powered by a 1.5-litre 103ps engine and fitted with a Sports Styling Kit including body coloured sports grille, front sports bumper, side skirts and roof spoiler. This model also gains extra equipment, including: 16-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, cruise control, front fog lights, auto lights and wipers, electric rear windows, trip computer, speed alarm, two additional audio speakers (total six) and climate control air-conditioning.
So well equipped is each trim level of Mazda2 that the options list is remarkably short, just metallic or mica paint (£350), manual air-conditioning for the TS model (£500) and Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System (standard on Sport models) for just £395 on both TS and TS2 petrol models.
Customers can choose between nine exterior colours (two solids, Brilliant Black and True Red, three mica colours - Aurora Blue, Golden Red and Metropolitan Grey - and four metallics - Golden Yellow, Icy Blue, Spirited Green and Sunlight Silver), and three interior colours - Charcoal Black (TS), Black (TS2) or Black Sports (Sport) upholstery, depending on model.
From launch, Mazda2 will be offered with a choice of three petrol engines, each mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Customers can choose from the 1.3-litre powerunit in 75ps or 86ps forms, both returning 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and generating a modest 129g/km of CO2. Those buyers in search of higher performance can specify the 103ps, 137Nm, 1.5-litre engine which still records a commendable 47.9mpg and has a CO2 rating of 140g/km.
Thanks to its lightweight construction and sophisticated aerodynamics, the new Mazda2 combines spirited performance with remarkable fuel economy. Top speeds range from 117-to-104mph and acceleration times from 0-to-62mph are between 10.4 and 14.0 seconds - depending on model.
At the start of 2008, the appeal of new Mazda2 will be further enhanced by the availability of the fuel-efficient, 1.4-litre, 68ps, 160Nm, MZ-CD turbo diesel engine. With this engine Mazda2 will achieve more than 65mpg on the combined cycle. |
| New Mazda CX-7 sports crossover onsale now |
The new Mazda CX-7 Sports Crossover vehicle, which goes on sale in the UK tomorrow priced from £23,960 (on-the-road), takes Mazda into a whole new sector of the marketplace. It is expected to define its own market, creating a niche within a niche, by bringing the brand's unique 'Zoom-Zoom' sports car attitudes to the traditional SUV sector.
"Our new Mazda CX-7 is different from other SUV-type vehicles because it is more heavily oriented towards a sports car in its styling and driving dynamics, while offering an SUV-style commanding driving position and strong road presence, together with the stature and practicality of an off-road vehicle," comments Mazda UK's marketing director, Mark Cameron.
Manufactured in Japan, the 4675mm long CX-7 is powered by the highly efficient 260ps turbocharged four-cylinder power unit also featured in the Mazda6 MPS and Mazda3 MPS - matched to a six-speed manual transmission and Mazda's unique Active Torque 4-wheel drive system. The fully-independent suspension set-up has also been tuned for European roads and delivers handling agility that is unmatched in this class.
This new Mazda combines sensationally spirited performance - top speed is 130mph and 0-to-60mph is achieved in under 8.0 seconds - with exhilarating driving dynamics and genuine everyday practicality, plus remarkable refinement. It is the ultimate expression of 'Zoom-Zoom' driving excitement in a sophisticated Sports Crossover vehicle.
The 'crossover' concept necessitates combining sporty design with sports utility comfort and practicality, and the new Mazda CX-7 is packed with all three. There is ample space for five occupants to travel in comfort, while the generous boot space is large enough to easily accommodate three golf bags, and has a load volume of 455 litres (to the belt line) with the 60:40 split rear seats upright. With the back seats folded, load space is increased to 774 litres, making this Mazda an ideal vehicle for multi-activity lifestyles.
Every Mazda CX-7 features a generous level of equipment as standard, with leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, electric windows front and rear, powered driver's seat with six-way adjustment and lumbar support, heated front seats and a bespoke BOSE premium surround sound audio system with 6-CD autochanger and nine speakers.
Customers can choose between five exterior colours (solid Brilliant Black, metallic Graphite Silver and three mica colours - Aurora Blue, Copper Red, Galaxy Grey) and two interior colours - with Black or Stone leather upholstery - plus a range of accessories such as satellite navigation, a roof carrier and detachable tow-bar. |
| Mazda CX-7 designing the sports crossover |
When Mazda presented the MX-Crossport concept car at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show media and public feedback was universally positive. Within a few days, the design team, under the direction of Chief Designer Iwao Koizumi, went to work to develop the production version: the new Mazda CX-7, a high-performance sports crossover vehicle with sports utility practicality and genuine Zoom-Zoom spirit.
The design story of this unique vehicle was to a significant degree, European‑inspired. One personal experience that Koizumi-San used to develop his design from a global perspective was his first encounter with European sports cars.
"I have a vivid memory from when I was a boy, not quite 10 years old. In France, I saw the 1967 Le Mans 24-hour endurance race and I remember being rooted to the spot as the leading Ferrari P4, Porsche 907 and Ford GT40 came round the track battling three-abreast at some points for lap after lap," enthused Koizumi.
"When I became old enough to drive that amazement grew into a deep respect for the European sports car culture. This feeling is infused into the Zoom-Zoom ethos I bring to designing cars now."
The design brief for the CX-7 was to deliver a 'sports crossover with SUV-style functionality', so the team began by consolidating the definition and image of a true sports car. Koizumi gathered Mazda's designers together and brainstormed all the design themes that make a driver feel 'this is a sports car'. It is interesting to note that the thoughts and images produced by the designers clearly drew a lot of influence from Europe, where there is a vibrant and enduring sports car tradition.
"There are so many genres, traditions and conventions that the image of a sports car can vary greatly from person to person. I believe that through our research we managed to come up with a universal definition of a sports car that would be loved by drivers all around the world. I believe this process was fundamental to the successful design of the Mazda CX-7 production car," added Koizumi.
The resulting combination of form and design language transforms the CX-7's larger proportions using a host of features to signify its sporty credentials. Its A-pillar is steeply angled and flows seamlessly into the roof line, which then breaks downward relatively early, over the B-pillar, to slope over the C-pillar and down into the D-pillar, finishing with a short rear end and roof-edge spoiler.
Other sporty design cues include a kick-up beltline in the profile and deep character lines over the bonnet, placed slightly inward to make room for muscular front fenders - echoing a theme used in the design of the Mazda RX-8 and new Mazda2. At the rear, round elements (lamps and large tailpipes) pay homage to a visual theme that has been admired by automotive fans for more than three decades on glamorous Italian sports cars.
Mazda CX-7's interior design also features elements of 'sports car' appeal. The driving position, with a wrap-around cockpit and a high mounted gear shift, was inspired by studies of modern European sports car interiors. Additional sporty touches include a large rev-counter and a speedometer scaled to 150mph, a leather steering wheel that replicates the wheel of the iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car and a six-speed gear shift.
Design contributes much to making the Mazda CX-7 a 'sports crossover'. It is a new Mazda model which wears its athleticism with the same fashionable sophistication as the Mazda RX-8 sports coupe, with its large mouth, eyes and powerful shoulders. It's a model that combines elements of European sports car design that have a timeless appeal, with the interior roominess, comfort and quality of a sports utility vehicle. Add Mazda's 260ps high-performance DISI turbocharged engine and superior build quality and you have Mazda entering a new market segment at its innovative best.
Mazda CX-7 is already available to preorder via with first deliveries scheduled for September. |
| New Mazda CX-7 sports crossover ready for order |
For customers who want to be sure of taking delivery of Mazda's new sports crossover before anyone else... Mazda UK is launching a dedicated Mazda CX-7 Pre-Order Website www.cx-7order.co.uk where buyers can reserve their new car now. This year, Mazda is allocating a restricted number of Mazda CX-7 vehicles to the UK market and customers can place a pre-order online from the comfort of home to ensure they have one of the cars from launch.
Customers can choose between five exterior colours (solid Brilliant Black, three Mica colours - Aurora Blue, Copper Red, Galaxy Grey - and metallic Graphite Silver) and Black or Stone leather upholstery, plus a range of options such as front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, a roof carrier and detachable tow-bar.
The pre-order site asks buyers to select their preferred Mazda dealer from a list of three nearest to their location. The pre-order site indicates the anticipated delivery date for each model and customers receive a confirmation email acknowledging their order.
Orders for a Mazda CX-7 placed via the website will be processed promptly, and at this point a visit to the chosen dealer is required to confirm the order and place a deposit on the new car. Customers can also choose to arrange individually tailored part-exchange or finance packages.
"The new Mazda CX-7 takes our brand's Zoom-Zoom philosophy beyond our sports cars and applies that same spirit and performance to a model which appeals to a very different audience and takes Mazda into a whole new sector of the marketplace," comments Mazda UK's Managing Director Rob Lindley.
"The Mazda CX-7 is a ground-breaking new sports crossover vehicle that delivers sports car-style performance and handling, along with sports utility comfort and practicality - all in one highly desirable package. This is a great new Mazda and we anticipate very strong demand. Now we are making it simple for customers to reserve their new car online through our dedicated website."
The 258ps turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazda CX-7, priced from £23,960 (on the road), will be available in the UK as a single, highly-specified model. Standard equipment will include leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, and a bespoke BOSE® Premium audio system with 6-CD autochanger and nine speakers.
Each Mazda CX-7 is mechanically identical, with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing up to 380Nm of torque at just 3000rpm, a six-speed manual transmission and Mazda's unique Active Torque-Split 4WD system.
This new Mazda combines sensationally spirited performance - top speed is 130mph and 0-60mph takes under 8.0 seconds - with exhilarating dynamics and genuine everyday practicality (with a 455-litre cargo bay, all seats upright), and remarkable refinement. It is the ultimate expression of 'Zoom-Zoom' driving excitement in a sophisticated crossover all wheel drive vehicle. |
| Mazda outgrows all other brands over last five years |
Following Mazda Motors' record performance during 2006 - breaking the 50,000 sales barrier for the first time and claiming a 2.11 per cent share of the UK market - official registration figures now confirm that over the last five years Mazda has outgrown all other car brands in the UK. In the five years since 2001 when Mazda took over the business from the MCL Group, Mazda has grown its annual sales volume by more than 35,000 units and achieved a growth rate of almost 250 per cent.
Last year witnessed a number of significant milestones for Mazda in the UK, commented Rob Lindley, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK. We celebrated the fifth anniversary of taking over the business from MCL in August 2001, passed the landmark figures of 50,000 and 2 per cent for market share, and now the figures confirm that over the last five years we have recorded the highest growth rate for sales volume of any brand in the UK.
There are three key factors behind Mazda's success in the UK - product, dealer development and investment in marketing, continued Lindley. During this period the Mazda Corporation has completely renewed its product line-up and kick-started the change in perception of the brand with the hugely popular Mazda6. That model bore no comparison to the worthy but not very well known Mazda 626 and marked the beginning of a new era. Every model in our range has been replaced and in addition the Mazda RX-8 four-door sports coupe took us into a completely new segment.
Compared to the previous independent importer, Mazda Motors UK has invested significant funds in marketing of the brand. It has also overseen a complete reinvigoration of the UK dealer network. The dealer network has grown from 100 in 2001 to 160 today. Mazda is proud of its regional strengths, particularly its robust Scottish network which claimed a 2.9 per cent market share last year.
Realistically, I don't think we will see the same level of growth over the next five years, observes Lindley. Clearly we are keen to consolidate our position and continue growing, though I can't foresee annual double-digit growth again, unless something really radical happens on the product front.
While we are looking to bolster our dealer network, growth in the next couple of years will again be primarily product driven.
For 2007, we have two exciting models arriving in showrooms - the Mazda3 MPS superhatch and the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe, plus the launch of the all-new Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV later in the year, which will win us conquest sales in a whole new segment for our brand.
In the summer, Mazda will start producing the all-new Japanese-built B-segment model. I'm really excited by the prospect of our new B-segment model, enthused Lindley. If we can repeat the performance of Mazda3 market share with this new model, then this alone would add 10,000 units to our annual volume. We won't expect to do that in the short term, but this car is going to be a real winner for us and it does show that the potential for further growth is definitely there. |
| The new Mazda3 MPS |
The new Mazda3 MPS will be the fastest, best handling, best braking model in the hugely popular Mazda3 range when it goes on sale in the UK next February, priced from just £18,995 on-the-road. In fact, Mazda3 MPS reaches the same heights of handling prowess as the Mazda6 MPS, Mazda RX-8 PZ special edition and the iconic two-seater open-top roadster Mazda MX-5.
The Mazda3 MPS will be marketed in the UK as a single, fully specified and lavishly equipped model. Highly sophisticated and remarkably refined, the Mazda3 MPS combines sensationally spirited performance with remarkable everyday practicality. Encompassing the true spirit of the UK's favourite sportscar brand, the Mazda3 MPS appeals to both the heart and the head and will be the perfect flagship for the Mazda3 range and the Mazda brand in the C-segment.
Each Mazda3 MPS will be mechanically identical with MPS-branded sports seats with black leather side bolsters and centre sections in black sports cloth. In addition, customers will be able to choose between four exterior paint colours - with mica or metallic finish.
1,000 Mazda3 MPS cars for the UK
Mazda UK will have a limited allocation of approximately 1,000 right-hand drive Mazda3 MPS vehicles during 2007 and anticipates a healthy waiting list for this stunning newcomer. The arrival of Mazda's 155mph 'super-hatch' will also have a 'halo' effect on sales of the Mazda3 range which are expected to reach a total of around 14,000 in 2007.
The Mazda3 MPS is designed for a global market and annual production will be more than 10,000 units in 2007, commented Mazda UK's Marketing Director Mark Cameron.
In the UK, the sports hatchback market is both well established and more demanding in terms of styling. For this reason we have developed a Sports Styling Pack, which includes a larger rear spoiler, two-spoke sports door mirrors and lowered suspension, to enhance the vehicle's sporting prowess.
Priced at £500 fully fitted, the Sports Styling Pack will be available in Mazda showrooms from March 2007, and we expect around 70 per cent of Mazda3 MPS buyers will opt for this pack. Over time we expect all Mazda3 MPS models in the UK to feature the Sports Styling Pack as standard.
A choice of four body colours will be available - two micas (Black and Cosmic Blue), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and one solid (True Red) - and every model will sport 18-inch diameter, 7-inch wide 10-spoke aluminium alloy wheels as standard. |
| Mazda3 MPS ultimate driving fun with a double dose of zoom zoom |
The new Mazda3 MPS will be the fastest, best handling, best braking model in the hugely popular Mazda3 range when it goes on sale in the UK next February. In fact, Mazda3 MPS reaches the same heights of handling prowess as the Mazda6 MPS, Mazda RX-8 PZ special edition and the iconic two-seater open-top roadster Mazda MX-5.
The Mazda3 MPS will be marketed in the UK as a single, fully specified and lavishly equipped model. Highly sophisticated and remarkably refined, the Mazda3 MPS combines sensationally spirited performance with remarkable everyday practicality. Encompassing the true spirit of the UK's favourite sportscar brand, the Mazda3 MPS appeals to both the heart and the head and will be the perfect flagship for the Mazda3 range and the Mazda brand in the C-segment.
Each Mazda3 MPS will be mechanically identical with MPS-branded sports seats with black leather side bolsters and centre sections in black sports cloth. In addition, customers will be able to choose between four exterior paint colours - with mica or metallic finish.
UK Sales
Mazda UK will have a limited allocation of right-hand drive Mazda3 MPS vehicles during 2007 and anticipates a healthy waiting list for this stunning newcomer. The arrival of Mazda's 155 mph 'super-hatch' will also have a 'halo' effect on sales of the Mazda3 range which are expected to reach a total of around 14,000 in 2007.
A choice of four body colours will be available - two micas (Black and Cosmic Blue), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and one solid (True Red) - and every model will sport 18-inch diameter, 7-inch wide 15-spoke aluminium alloy wheels as standard.
Mazda targets User-Choosers with Performance 'super-hatch'
Refined and sophisticated, the new Mazda3 MPS is the complete antithesis of the boy‑racer hot-hatch and will give both private and company car drivers the ultimate 'Zoom- Zoom' experience in a compact package - taking the already potent performance of the current range-topping Mazda3 2.0i Sport model to an extraordinary new level.
The Mazda3 MPS takes our brand's Zoom-Zoom philosophy beyond our sportscars and applies that same spirit and performance to a model which has appeal to a much broader audience, commented Mazda UK's Marketing Director Mark Cameron. The Mazda3 has always been praised for its driving dynamics, handling and road holding and clearly has a chassis that can handle more power.
Typical of Mazda's engineering ethos, the Mazda3 MPS is a very complete package - not just in terms of its enhanced powertrain and chassis upgrades, but also with regard to its very high level of standard equipment. And alongside sensational performance it will of course retain the accessibility, practicality, reliability and build quality of its sister models.
British motorists have had a long-term love affair with hot-hatches and our Mazda3 MPS 'super-hatch' will offer them an unbeatable combination of performance, refinement, equipment, value and exclusivity, concluded Cameron.
The exciting Mazda3 MPS will be Mazda's highest performance hatchback and it will give fleet decision‑makers and company car drivers the opportunity to choose an alternative to the performance car offerings from prestigious European marques.
With its exhilarating dynamics, practicality and unrivalled performance, the new Mazda3 MPS will be the ultimate expression of 'Zoom-Zoom' driving excitement in a sophisticated super-hatch.
The on-the-road price for the Mazda3 MPS will be highly competitive and will be announced nearer to its on sale date. |
| Mazda MX-5 roadster coupe |
In the UK, Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe customers will have a choice of three powertrains (1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox, 2.0i Sport with 6-speed gearbox), and a range of individual options and accessories to personalise their car. Prices for the exciting new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe range will start from £18,210 (on the road). This represents a modest premium of £1,200 over the soft top model, as both climate control air conditioning and the Option Pack are standardised on the 1.8i and 2.0i Roadster Coupe models.
Global demand for the new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is already very strong, so availability is going to be a little bit restricted this year, commented Mark Cameron, Marketing Director Mazda Motors UK. We have several hundred cars destined for the UK, but to be sure of obtaining the model they desire, customers should visit the pre-order website and reserve their vehicle soon to avoid the possible disappointment of having to wait until 2007 for the car of their dreams.
From the six-strong line-up, the UK's Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe pre-order website offers customers a choice of three range-topping models (2.0i Option Pack with Leather, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Sport with BOSE®), for delivery from November 2006.
Previous Mazda pre-order websites in the UK have proved immensely popular, with the Mazda RX-8 site selling 1,800 cars and the third generation Mazda MX-5 site finding buyers for all 300 of the special Launch Edition model - several weeks before the official on sale date.
All Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupes currently available on the pre-order website feature two chamber side airbags for the head and torso as standard, integrated into the seatback sides. The upper chamber protects the occupant's head, remains firmer and inflated longer than the lower chamber, achieving an effect similar to curtain airbags in a closed-body vehicle. The lower, smaller airbag chamber provides optimal protection for the torso. Dynamic stability control with a traction control system is also standard.
A choice of six body colours is available - including two new mica colours (Stormy Blue and Copper Red), plus one mica (Galaxy Grey), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and two solids (Brilliant Black and True Red).
Appropriate to its premium positioning, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe will not be available in the UK with steel wheels. The six-model range starts with the 1.8i Option Pack and every model will feature stylish alloy wheels as standard - 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (on 1.8i and 2.0i Option Pack models) and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (on 2.0i Sport models) - to give the new model a truly premium appearance.
A first in the Mazda range, every model in the MX-5 Roadster Coupe line-up will have iPod® connectivity. The connection is located in the glovebox and the iPod® can be operated using the steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Owners can play their favourite tunes from their iPod® playlist through the car's audio system, though the audio display will not show the artist or track name. The system is compatible with Apple iPods® only, not with other MP3 players.
Every MX-5 Roadster Coupe buyer will also be able to order a BOSE® 'SoundDock' home iPod® docking station at a 20% discount on the normal BOSE® retail price.
The new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is just 10 mm taller than the soft top version and has lost none of its sister car's beautifully balanced driving dynamics which so accurately reflect the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Although the MX-5 Roadster Coupe weighs an extra 37kg, it still achieves an ideal 50:50 weight distribution because the roof retracts into a space behind the seats - just like the soft-top MX-5. This perfect balance between the front and rear axles ensures maximum agility and fun-to-drive motoring pleasure.
When retracted the roof leaves the boot space untouched, does not compromise luggage capacity and ensures that the driver or passenger in an MX-5 Roadster Coupe can open or close the roof quickly and easily without needing to step out of the car.
Thanks to the excellent levels of security, including a Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser, together with the modest overall costs of crash repair, the insurance groups for the all‑new
MX-5 Roadster Coupe remain equally competitive. Improved residual values are also anticipated, making the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe an unbeatable proposition for fleet operators. |
| Mazda shows off hydrogen powered RX-8 |
Think hydrogen power for cars and most will think of fuel cells. But not if you are Mazda.
The Japanese car maker used the opening in August of Norway's first hydrogen filling station near Stavanger as the perfect occasion to show off its RX-8 Hydrogen RE for the first time outside of Japan.
Leasing of this model - a dual-fuel, hydrogen and petrol rotary-engine vehicle - began earlier this year in Japan, a world first for a passenger car with a hydrogen internal combustion engine. This is the latest step in 15 years of Mazda research into hydrogen vehicles.
Car makers currently are tackling the problems of emissions on two major fronts - hybrids, which have been available to buy or lease since the turn of the century, and more recently developing engines that can run on hydrogen, which is completely clean.
Most engineers believe that these are not stop-gap measures being used until fuel cell engines become affordable but genuine alternative technologies that make cars cleaner and more economical.
A hydrogen rotary engine only emits water. It is not as efficient as a fuel cell, but structurally it is closer to the petrol engine, hence its manufacturing cost is lower and it has fewer durability issues, said Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda's Hydrogen Programme Manager.
Compared to fuel cells, hydrogen engines with dual-fuel system are more likely to play a significant role in the initial phase of the hydrogen energy society in the future. That is why Mazda is currently focused on developing dual-fuel system hydrogen engine.
For Mazda, with its heritage of rotary engines, this has presented a particular challenge, and one it has met with a number of solutions using both hydrogen and hybrid power.
These ideas came together in the Senku concept, first shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.
Hisakazu Imaki, Representative Director, President and CEO of Mazda Motor believes that Mazda's creativity and spirit of innovation helps the company produce these solutions.
The four-seater Senku, he said, is a rotary sports car that strives to be both eco-friendly and very safe, and makes us ponder the transformation of what we consider to be of value, of thinking about the world we live in...and yet is still compatible with some distinctive Mazda Zoom-Zoom fun.
But these solutions are not just in concept cars - there are real world applications. Mazda first used hydrogen power in 1991 and tested a fuel cell in 1992.
This year, Mazda began leasing the RX-8 Hydrogen RE to its first two corporate customers - both energy-related companies. These vehicles, equipped with a rotary engine, feature a dual-fuel system that allows the driver to select either hydrogen or petrol with the flick of a switch.
By the end of 2006, Mazda plans to lease about 10 RX-8 Hydrogen RE cars to local government and energy companies in Japan.
It took Mazda 29 months from the time it announced the hydrogen concept model at the 2003 Tokyo show to achieve the breakthrough, real-world rotary hydrogen vehicle.
Employing a dual-fuel system, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE can run on either high-pressure hydrogen gas or gasoline. This means it can be driven in remote areas where hydrogen fuelling stations are not readily available, easing driver concerns about running out of fuel. In addition, this system boasts great environmental friendliness - zero emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and near zero nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission when fuelled by hydrogen -together with the natural driving feel of an internal combustion engine. It uses engine parts and production facilities that already exist in Mazda's inventory, which gives reliability and reduced manufacturing costs.
While the £2,000 (420,000 yen) monthly lease might sound high, it is about half the monthly lease price of a fuel cell vehicle already available in Japan. |
| Mazda launches special edition cars to families |
Families in the UK will benefit from even greater affordable family motoring this autumn on three new special edition models from Mazda. The manufacturer that brought you Zoom Zoom is offering customers special editions of the Mazda3 (Katano), Mazda5 (Furano) and Mazda6 (Katano) with extra specification as standard, from styling enhancements and added accessories to touch‑screen satellite navigation and cash savings.
Best-selling model, the Mazda3, is available as the 'Mazda3 Katano' special edition with free metallic or mica paint, chrome exhaust trim and Mazda's SmartNav satellite navigation system. Priced at £12,995 on-the-road, the 1.6i five-door Mazda3 Katano costs less than its equivalent standard model and comes with almost £1,400 of extra accessories.
The 2.0i five-door Mazda6 Katano is priced at just £14,995 on-the-road making this family favourite even more affordable. The Mazda6 Katano also is available with SmartNav and metallic/mica paint, but additionally features a boot spoiler and twin-pipe chrome exhaust, adding to its sporty characteristics. With these extras, and a cash saving of £655, the Mazda6 Katano represents a value almost £2,500 over the standard 2.0i TS model.
Mazda's practical Compact-Multi Activity Vehicle (C-MAV), the Mazda5, is number one in its class for practicality, style and Zoom-Zoom appeal, boasting class-leading sliding rear doors and flexible seating for up to seven.
The special edition 'Mazda5 Furano' model is based on the Mazda5 Sport with both petrol (£16,995) and diesel (£18,595) engines available and adds a sports styling kit, new clear rear light lenses and unique paint colours (Stellar Silver Metallic and Strato Blue Mica) - totalling more than £1,500 of extras.Each of the special editions represents fantastically affordable family motoring, commented Mark Cameron, Marketing Director for Mazda Motors UK. The styling of the Mazda5 Furano is very stylish, especially with the new paint colours whilst the SmartNav system in the Mazda3 and Mazda6 Katano is excellent, as it comes with 12 months' subscription and three months' free use of the GPS speed camera location system - 'Safe Speed'. |
| Mazda confirms new MX-5 roadster coupe prices |
Mazda Motors UK has confirmed that prices for the exciting new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe range will start from £18,210 (on the road). This represents a modest premium of £1,200 over the soft top model, as both climate control air conditioning and the Option Pack are standardised on the 1.8i and 2.0i Roadster Coupe models.
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe customers will have a choice of three powertrains (1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox, 2.0i Sport with 6-speed gearbox), and a range of individual options and accessories to personalise their car.
Global demand for the new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is already very strong, so availability is going to be a little bit restricted this year, commented Mark Cameron, Marketing Director for Mazda Motors UK. We have several hundred cars destined for the UK, but to be sure of obtaining the model they desire, customers should visit the pre-order website and reserve their vehicle soon to avoid the possible disappointment of having to wait until 2007 for the car of their dreams.
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe pre-order website offers customers a choice of three range-topping models (2.0i Option Pack with leather, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Sport with BOSE®), in up to six colours (depending on model) for delivery from November 2006.
Previous Mazda pre-order websites have proved immensely popular, with the Mazda RX-8 site selling 1,800 cars and the third generation Mazda MX-5 site finding buyers for all 300 of the special Launch Edition model - weeks before the official on sale date.
All Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupes currently available on the pre-order website feature two chamber side airbags for the head and torso as standard, integrated into the seatback sides. The upper chamber protects the occupant's head, remains firmer and inflated longer than the lower chamber, achieving an effect similar to curtain airbags in a closed-body vehicle. The lower, smaller airbag chamber provides optimal protection for the torso. Dynamic stability control with a traction control system is also standard.
A choice of six body colours is available - including two new mica colours (Stormy Blue and Copper Red), plus one mica (Galaxy Grey), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and two solids (Brilliant Black and True Red).
Appropriate to its premium positioning, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe will not be available with steel wheels. The six-model range starts with the 1.8i Option Pack and every model will feature stylish alloy wheels as standard - 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (on 1.8i and 2.0i Option Pack models) and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (on 2.0i Sport models) - to give the new model a truly premium appearance.
The new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is just 10mm taller than the soft top version and has lost none of its sister car's beautifully balanced driving dynamics which so accurately reflect the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Although the MX-5 Roadster Coupe weighs an extra 37kg, it still achieves an ideal 50:50 weight distribution because the roof retracts into a space behind the seats - just like the soft-top MX-5. This perfect balance between the front and rear axles ensures maximum agility and fun-to-drive motoring pleasure.
When retracted the roof leaves the boot space untouched, does not compromise luggage capacity and ensures that the driver or passenger in an MX-5 Roadster Coupe can open or close the roof quickly and easily without needing to step out of the car.
Thanks to the excellent levels of security, including a Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser, together with the modest overall costs of crash repair, the insurance groups for the all-new
MX-5 Roadster Coupe remain equally competitive. Improved residual values are also anticipated, making the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe an unbeatable proposition for fleet operators.
|
| Mazda issue a Zoom-Zoom Challenge |
Mazda Motors UK is issuing a thrilling Zoom-Zoom Challenge to visitors at the British International Motor Show at ExCeL, London.
Throughout the fortnight of the show, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique driving experience, piloting a Mazda RX-8 PZ and Mazda MX-5 on a purpose-built Driving Dynamics Test Track, and will have the chance of winning a top prize - the use of a Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport roadster for a whole year.
Mazda has created an all-new 300 metre-long driving course on the dockside next to Excel and will operate its Zoom-Zoom Challenge from 10am to 8pm each day of the show. Participants will have a chance to learn the twisty course during a practice lap, before taking the Challenge - two timed laps. One lap in a Mazda RX-8 PZ and one at the wheel of a Mazda MX-5.
Mazda is an emotional, involving and accessible brand, comments Mark Cameron, Marketing Director, Mazda Motors UK.
We believe that the best way to communicate the thrilling Zoom-Zoom spirit of Britain's favourite sports car brand is to present this exciting Challenge opportunity at the show, offering visitors a unique free of charge driving experience in our award-winning sports cars.
The Mazda RX-8 PZ is the most driver-focused RX-8 and the purest expression of Zoom-Zoom, powered by an ultra-smooth 231ps Renesis rotary engine.
The third-generation Mazda MX-5 is the iconic soft-top roadster which achieves perfect 50:50 weight distribution and embodies the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai (the symbiosis between rider and horse), to produce a beautifully balanced driving machine and deliver maximum driving fun.
Participants will be accompanied by a professional driver who will describe the best way to achieve a fast lap time, assess their car control skills and driving smoothness, and their Zoom-Zoom attitude. So a quick lap time will not be the only criterion judged before the prize is awarded. Participants must be aged 21 or over and bring their full driving licence with them.
Show visitors taking the Zoom-Zoom Challenge will be allocated a time-slot for their drive and will receive a full safety briefing. Mazda hopes to put thousands of people through the Zoom-Zoom Challenge during the British International Motor Show. |
| Mazda RX-8 PZ - The driver-focused coupe |
Responding to enthusiastic customer feedback, Mazda is introducing an even more 'focused' version of its highest performance, four-door, sports coupe. On sale in the UK from 1 July it will be called the 'Mazda RX-8 PZ'.
Based on the 231ps high-power version of Mazda RX-8 with leather trim, the PZ has been further developed by Mazda jointly with leading motorsport company Prodrive, and specialist component suppliers Bilstein, Eibach and OZ Racing. Mazda's brief to Prodrive was to build on the remarkable attributes of the standard Mazda RX-8 and create a special model that delivers greater driver involvement and an even more rewarding motoring experience, with enhanced ride and handling, while staying true to the original concept and without compromising the car's passenger comfort as a unique four-seater sports car.
Ensuring a touch of exclusivity, just 800 examples of the Mazda RX-8 PZ will be available, priced at £25,995 on-the-road with an insurance rating of 17E compared to 16E for the standard RX-8 231ps model.
Distinguishing features include a choice of two colours Brilliant Black (solid) or Galaxy Grey (metallic), unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels, rear silencer and aerodynamic rear spoiler, lowered suspension, sporty door mirrors, grille mesh inserts on front and rear bumpers as well as 'PZ' and 'Prodrive' badging. Additionally, inside RX-8 PZ features the black leather seat trim, plus black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand‑brake lever that features as standard on all RX-8 231ps models.
While the PZ certainly looks sophisticated and different from regular RX-8s, the changes and components that deliver the 'greater driver involvement' lie beneath the car's stylish exterior. Bespoke suspension settings were developed by Prodrive during extensive testing of the prototype car at its Warwick test centre, the MIRA proving ground and on selected public roads, including challenging A and B roads as well as motorways.
The final specification derived by Prodrive for the Mazda RX-8 PZ sees the ride height lowered by 15mm all round, while the car is equipped with top-quality components from three companies at the leading edge of world-class motorsport.
To reduce roll and pitch, and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, special Bilstein dampers and Eibach coil springs, made to Prodrive specifications, are fitted. The spring rates are increased by over 60 per cent, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control, yet maintain good compliance over ridges and bumps in the road. The front bump stop is changed for a new Bilstein item, (10mm shorter than standard), to achieve enhanced handling. The suspension geometry has also been revised to optimise the steering and handling. The anti-roll bars, rear bump stops and tyres are to the standard RX-8 specification to maintain rear passenger ride comfort.
The RX-8 PZ is also fitted with uniquely designed 10-spoke, 18-inch diameter lightweight alloy wheels, finished in dark silver with carbon fibre centre caps, branded with Prodrive and OZ logos. The OZ Racing wheels are just one ingredient of the subtle visual makeover given to the PZ. The standard boot lid spoiler is removed and replaced with an aerodynamic spoiler developed in the MIRA wind tunnel. Specially created for the RX-8 PZ by Prodrive, the spoiler is designed to generate down-force and enhance high-speed stability, while also endowing the PZ with a more pronounced appearance.
Black mesh grilles are fitted to the outer and central front air intakes and to the rear bumper vent. Lower-drag sporty door mirrors (similar to those used on the RX-8 Evolve) are also featured. Branding is applied to the front wings alongside the air vents, the rear spoiler, the twin chrome exhaust tailpipe surrounds and the wheel centres.
The PZ also sounds different from other RX-8s. An upgraded rear silencer was developed to give a sportier sound inside and outside the car.
In terms of acceleration and top speed, the Mazda RX-8 PZ performance matches that of the standard 231ps model, with a 0 to 62mph time of just 6.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph. However, the spring, damper and aerodynamic changes result in a significantly more focused car, with greatly enhanced appeal for drivers wanting to fully exploit the car's dynamics including better cornering ability and a more precise steering feel.
The changes embodied in PZ will inspire driver confidence and make the Mazda RX-8 range even more attractive to motorists in search of a seriously capable sports car with the unique ability to take the family for an exciting drive.
Taking Mazda's Zoom‑Zoom experience to a higher level, the RX-8 PZ is set to build on the whirlwind success of the Mazda RX-8, voted 'Best Coupe 2006' by the influential What Car? magazine earlier this year - for the third year running. Since launch more than 17,000 RX-8s have been delivered to customers in the UK. |
| Upgraded Mazda2 range on sale now |
The bold and sophisticated exterior design of the Mazda2 model range is now enhanced for 2006 with new interior and exterior colours, new front, rear and fog lights, new design alloy wheels and black body trim updates. On the inside, Mazda2 has two new trim levels, and a new audio system with CD player. Mechanically the Mazda2 for 2006 is unchanged.
On sale now in the UK, the upgraded Mazda2 offers customers a nine-strong model line-up. Prices start at £8,700 (on-the-road) and rise to £10,630, with a choice of four powertrains (all Euro Stage 4 compliant) and three equipment levels. Three new body colours are available - Sea Grey Mica, Breeze Green Metallic and Neptune Green Mica - in the range of 10 exterior colours and the Capella now has stylish five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. The 1.4 diesel with the five-speed ASM semi-automatic transmission is no longer available.
Exterior - sophistication enhanced
The 2006 Mazda2 retains its athletic and sophisticated exterior with the unmistakable Zoom-Zoom front end, strong shoulder lines and broad stance for its fun to drive appearance.
Overall length (3,925mm) and width (1,680mm, excluding door mirrors) remain as before. Enhancing this sportiness are newly designed headlights (now with round-shaped combination lamps for even more elegance), new clear-glass rear combination lamps (to emphasise the youthful look) and new 'all black' rear pillar design (which visually lowers the rear of the car).
Standard wheels and tyres on S and Antares models are 14-inch steel with plastic trim covers and 175/65 R14 tyres, while new five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 low-profile tyres are standard on the Capella.
Interior - improved quality feel
The interior design of Mazda2 has always combined stylishness and high levels of craftsmanship, with sporty touches and premium fabrics and textures for a high quality feel interior. For 2006 the Mazda2 introduces two new trim levels along with new fabrics for the seats and door trim to enhance these attributes even further. For the S model interior, the former Black is replaced by a new Khaki colour. An enhanced Black interior colour is introduced for the Antares and Capella models. Higher quality new seat and door trim materials were chosen to visually coordinate with the titanium-look centre console for a more unified interior atmosphere.
Award-winning accessibility
On the inside, the 2006 Mazda2 retains the same award-winning interior with easy access, a spacious cabin, exceptional functionality and generous equipment. With room for five adults to travel in comfort and style, Mazda2's dimensions provide roominess that is unique for a car in this class. Versatility is enhanced by rear seatbacks which split 60/40 and can be folded to create a nearly flat load floor and a front passenger seatback which folds forwards (on all but the S models) to allow long loads to be accommodated.
The high opening hatch and low load sill (513mm from the ground) make it easy to convert the car into a small two-seat transporter for larger items. Mazda2 was voted the overall winner of the What Car? magazine 'Comfort Test' in 2003 and 2004.
Powertrains boosted by improved Diesel
The 2006 Mazda2's powertrain line up retains its three spirited, 16-valve DOHC petrol engines with a choice of 75ps, 80ps and 100ps power outputs. Each engine is frugal and Euro Stage 4 compliant. The petrol engines are matched to a precise shifting five-speed manual transmission that makes driving the Mazda2 sporty and fun.
The 1.4-litre can also be ordered with a five-speed Auto Shift Manual (ASM) transmission, which allows fully-automatic or clutchless driver-selected gear changes, and makes this version of the Mazda2 especially easy to drive.
The smooth operating and lively MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine is now Euro Stage 4 compliant without a diesel particulate filter system. The engine features an updated powertrain control module (PCM) and a new high pressure injection system with improved injection nozzles that deliver good fuel atomisation.
The engine's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has also been improved to reduce NOx emissions with an electric EGR valve (replacing the former vacuum actuated EGR valve) a new EGR cooler, a new throttle valve that increases EGR flow and a boost temperature sensor. Although it now has cleaner emissions, the 1.4 diesel produces 68ps of power and 160Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm - as its predecessor, with a fuel-sipping consumption of 60.1mpg (Combined Cycle) and a CO2 rating of 124g/km.
Generous equipment
Mazda2's standard equipment for 2006 includes retractable 'jack knife' key with remote central locking, power steering, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height and slide adjustable driver's seat, a stereo radio/single CD payer with two speakers and a perimeter alarm.
The Antares model gains air conditioning, electric front windows, folding front passenger seat, body colour door mirrors and door handles, two additional audio speakers and black trim. Capella model customers benefit from electric rear windows, electric and heated door mirrors, two additional audio speakers and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Enhanced Safety
Mazda2 retains the same chassis systems for 2006 that made the original model such a fun car to drive with precise steering, front MacPherson struts and a twist beam axle at the rear for predictable handling and a supple ride. The braking system features robust 258mm ventilated front discs and 203 mm rear drums working in conjunction with three electronic safety aids as standard - ABS, EBD and EBA - to stop the Mazda2 in just over 38 metres from 62mph.
Standard passive safety features include driver and passenger airbags, three-point seatbelts for all five occupants (with pretensioners and load-limiters in the front), along with impact absorbing materials in the B-pillars and roof lining.
European Sales
Since launch, more than 105,000 Mazda2s have been sold in Europe where customers have taken advantage of this Mazda's combination of fun driving attributes with low fuel consumption and the brand's renowned reliability and durability. The 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol models accounted for 33.5 per cent sales in 2005, with 27 per cent of customers buying the 1.4-litre diesel and 6 per cent the range-topping 1.6-litre petrol last year. Globally, Mazda2 attracted over 370,000 customers in the three years from January 2003. |
| Three stars for Mazda at Geneva Motor Show |
Two Mazda models making their world premieres and an exciting sports coupe concept are currently playing a starring role at the Geneva International Motor Show, in Switzerland.
Taking centre stage is the sensationally powerful 155mph Mazda3 MPS, (Mazda Performance Series), the new flagship model of the upgraded Mazda3 range and exciting Mazda Kabura compact 3+1-seater sports coupe, which indicates possible directions the company could take with future vehicles.
Mazda3 MPS - A Double Dose of Zoom-Zoom
The all-new Mazda3 MPS, (Mazda Performance Series), takes its place as the flagship of the upgraded Mazda3 line up and is the second MPS series sports model after the Mazda6 MPS, launched just two months ago in Europe.
The Mazda3 MPS has a distinctly MPS design that combines a refined, yet strong and sporty road presence that is carried over into the interior with the look and feel that evolves Mazda craftsmanship and quality even further.
Mazda3 MPS is fitted with Mazda's 2.3-litre DISI Turbo petrol engine, transversely mounted and driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine produces more than 250ps at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000rpm - making the Mazda3 MPS one of the world's most powerful compact sports models with FWD.
Mazda3 MPS combines this sensational powertrain with a stiffer body shell and uprated suspension - featuring a 60 per cent increase in roll stiffness - for superior Zoom-Zoom handling attributes.
Mazda's petrol direct injection technology not only makes the new Mazda3 MPS powerful, it is also Euro Stage IV compliant for emissions, with fuel consumption levels that are particularly good for a car with this level of performance.
Upgraded Mazda3 - Enhanced Design, Quality, Comfort and Performance
Since its launch in 2003, Mazda3 has become Mazda's best-selling vehicle globally and the company has had to increase production to meet worldwide demand. To further enhance its global popularity, Mazda has refreshed its compact star's line-up for 2006 with enhanced design and comfort, optimised performance and even higher levels of interior quality feel for both the elegant saloon and the sporty hatchback.
The upgraded Mazda3's petrol engine line up features three MZR power units - a 2.0-litre, a 1.6-litre, and a 1.4-litre - all of them further optimised for 2006, so the model will continue to be one of the best driving cars in its segment and adds a new six-speed transmission for the range-topping model.
Enhancements to the body shell along with improved damper performance and improved aerodynamics, deliver better handling, stability and driving fun. Overall comfort has also been improved with more insulation against road noise, revised tyres and reduced suspension vibration. New features added to the line up, like available advanced keyless entry, make the upgraded Mazda3 even easier to use and enjoy on a daily basis.
Mazda Kabura - Redefining the Sports Coupe
Mazda Motor Corporation is using Geneva 2006 to display its design expertise with the new Mazda Kabura concept. The coupe was created by Mazda's design centre in Irvine, California and indicates a possible future direction Mazda could take with an exciting compact sports coupe.
Designed to meet the demands of young car buyers, it pushes the envelope for both exterior design and interior functionality, and features an innovative 3+1 seating system for high levels of comfort and convenience.
The interior is accessed via a unique three door system with an additional third door on the passenger side that slides neatly into a space in the rear quarter panel, giving superior access to the rear seat compared to other compact coupes.
The roof of the Mazda Kabura design compact is also new and innovative: the windshield and forward section of the roof are made of a single piece of glass while the overhead sections of the glass can be adjusted to let more or less sunlight into the interior. Behind this is a glass rear hatch, whose upper section contains a photovoltaic solar cell that helps control cabin temperatures and recharges the battery, and which pivots open at the bottom to create a roof spoiler. The large glass panel below this is a unique side-hinged glass hatch door that opens in one piece from right to left for easy access to Kabura's boot. |
| Mazda3 MPS & Kabura |
Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the new high-performance Mazda3 MPS, as well as present the European debut of the Kabura concept vehicle, at the 76th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 28 February through Sunday, 12 March 2006.
Joining them on the Mazda stand will be a Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle powered by a RENESIS rotary dual-fuel engine - that can use hydrogen or gasoline - and an electric motor, for both outstanding eco-friendliness and high levels of driving pleasure. The new, upgraded Mazda3 line up will be revealed at the Geneva Show as well.
New Mazda3 MPS
The flagship of the Mazda3 range, the all-new Mazda3 MPS, will give sports-minded customers outstanding performance coupled with a stylishly sophisticated design and everyday practicality and comfort the Mazda3 line up is known for. Mazda3 MPS is the second model in the Mazda Performance Series, following the Mazda6 MPS launched in the UK in January. The car will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, Mazdaspeed3 in North America and, in other key regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Mazda3 MPS.
Mazda looked to embody three distinct attributes with the new vehicle: driving fun, ownership delight and everyday convenience. With its compact, lightweight body and substantial power generated by its 2.3-litre MZR DISI turbo petrol engine, Mazda3 MPS is one of the most powerful high-performance sports compacts with front-wheel drive (FWD) on the road today.
The car's styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys its unmatched dynamic performance at a glance. Mazda3 MPS reflects Mazda's intention to continue delivering Zoom-Zoom in all its products.
Mazda Kabura
The Kabura design concept, which made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006, continues the Mazda tradition of delivering exhilarating sports cars, while stretching the bounds of interior versatility in new directions. Designed to appeal to young customers and to support their lifestyles, Mazda Kabura combines the look and feel of an exotic sports car with practicality and affordability, and indicates a possible direction Mazda could take with an exciting compact sports coupe in the future. |
| Three models for new Sakata special edition range |
Mazda is introducing a sporty range of three of the popular Sakata special edition models. The Sakata special edition was first introduced in 2004 and proved tremendously popular, this new special edition brings more value and more specification at an affordable price.
For 2006, the Sakata range is based on five-door hatchback versions of the entry-level Mazda2 Antares, and S models of Mazda3 and Mazda6 (in both petrol and diesel versions). Customers are offered a selection of free metallic or mica exterior paint, a stylish aerodynamic body coloured rear spoiler, alloy wheels and air-conditioning. On-the-road prices range from £8,995 to £14,995.
The reaction to the earlier Mazda6 Sakata and Mazda3 Sakata models was extremely positive, commented Mark Cameron, marketing director for Mazda Motors UK. Sakata special edition models combine the practicality and comfort of the donor vehicle with some excellent additional features, adding up to a great value package.
There was a time when maximum driving pleasure came with a price tag to match. Not any more. Britain's favourite sports car brand brings customers the sporty Mazda Sakata range. Offering superb driving dynamics, the Sakata range also breaks the boundaries of affordability. For 2006 we decided to offer customers a wider range of Sakata models, simultaneously.
The Mazda2 Sakata is powered by a 1.4-litre 80ps petrol engine and brings customers the additional benefits of metallic paint, rear spoiler, 15-inch alloy wheels and an exterior finished in Black Metallic. Priced at £8,995, this model gives a saving of over £1,000 compared to a similarly equipped regular Antares model with optional extras.
Customers in search of more performance and more space can choose the Mazda3 1.6 5dr Sakata. This model's 1.6-litre petrol engine delivers a lively 105ps and specification includes a free paint upgrade (Black Mica or Unique Strato Blue Metallic), rear spoiler and manual air-conditioning. With an on-the-road price of £11,745, the customer benefits from over £1,200 of additional specification and discounted price versus the donor model.
The Mazda6 1.8 Sakata hatchback is fitted with Mazda's responsive MZR 1.8-litre 120ps petrol engine. Sakata benefits feature free paint upgrade (Black Mica or Unique Strato Blue Metallic) and a body-coloured rear spoiler amounting to over £900 of customer benefit and giving an on-the-road price of £13,895.
For diesel enthusiasts, the Mazda6 2.0D Sakata hatchback is priced at £14,995. This edition shares the same features as the Mazda6 1.8 Sakata petrol model.
All three models in the Sakata range are equipped with a CD player, manual air‑conditioning, electric front windows (and electric rear windows in both Mazda6 models), remote central locking, driver and front passenger airbags, alarm and immobiliser (Mazda3 and Mazda6 feature Thatcham Category 1 approved alarms and immobilisers ) and Anti‑lock Braking System (ABS) backed by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) for shorter stopping distances and safer braking control. 2006 Special Edition Mazda Sakata Range Model Bodystyle OTR Mazda2 1.4 Sakata 5-door £8,995 Mazda3 1.6 Sakata 5-door £11,745 Mazda6 1.8 Sakata 5-door £13,895 Mazda6 2.0D Sakata 5-door £14,995 |
| Mazda reaches all-time record market share at 2.7% |
January sales have proved outstanding for the Japanese manufacturer that brought us Zoom‑Zoom with the iconic two-seater sports car Mazda MX-5 and the rotary-powered Mazda RX-8 sports coupe. Despite a car market that fell 13% year-on-year, Mazda has reached an all-time record market share in the UK at 2.7 per cent with sales of 4,400 units ranking as the 12th th best selling car company in the UK for the month.
January 2006 marks the most successful January ever for Mazda UK with a nine per cent increase on January last year. The market share high follows Mazda's most successful sales month ever last September which achieved a 2.2 per cent market share.
Britain 's Favourite Sports Car Brand
Mazda is celebrating two landmarks for sales this month as the recently published SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) sports car segment figures for 2005 confirm that Mazda is now Britain's favourite sports car brand holding a majority share of the total sports car segment of 13.8 per cent from 10,153 sports car sales. Mazda's majority share of the sports car segment was followed by premium car brands Porsche at 10.9 per cent and Mercedes-Benz at 10.6 per cent.
January Sales Success
Most popular Mazda car for January was the Mazda6 at 1,324 units closely followed by the Mazda3 at 1,136 units. The sports models also enjoyed continued success this New Year with 583 and 393 sales respectively of the MX-5 and RX-8. Family models the Mazda5 and supermini Mazda2 had another popular month with 471 Mazda5's and 387 Mazda2's leaving showrooms. Meanwhile, pick up sales remain steady with around 100 sales of the B-series in January.
Sales director Jeremy Thomson commented on this record sales month: We are delighted to reach a 2.7 per cent market share for the first time. Sales of our volume family and company car models Mazda3 and Mazda6 continue to grow in popularity, while the success of our sports models Mazda MX-5 and RX-8 go from strength to strength.
Between now and March we have a lot of activity with a National Test Drive week at Mazda dealerships nationwide from 14-19 February promoting the all new Mazda6 MPS - our highest performance saloon ever - Mazda MX-5 and the first Special Edition Mazda RX-8 'Evolve'. We are also launching a Limited Edition Range called Sakata on Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6, which offers a little bit of sports car into everyday motoring at an affordable price. Finally, Mazda2 gets a refreshing upgrade this month and is on sale in showrooms now. |
| Mazda is UK's favourite sports car marque |
MAZDA sells more sports cars in the UK than any other car maker, figures just released show.
With total sports car sales of 10,153 units in 2005, Mazda has a 13.8 per cent share of the overall sports car and coupe segment of market. And there will be much more to come in 2006, according to Rob Lindley, managing director of Mazda UK.
We would have sold even more in 2005, but we ran out the old model MX-5 early in September and the new car did not go on sale until November. We also had supply shortages with Mazda RX-8 in the second quarter which impacted on total sports car sales, said Lindley.
He estimates that dealers could have sold 1,000 extra cars if they had them. We really only hit our full potential in October and November when we took a phenomenal 40 per cent share of the non-premium sports car segment.
Total RX-8 sales in 2005 were 4,971 and Mazda sold 5,812 MX-5s, according to figures from the SMMT.
Only the Vauxhall Tigra with 5,563 outsold the MX-5, but total Vauxhall sports and coupe sales, including VX220 and Monaro, were 5,936, giving Vauxhall an 8.1 per cent segment share.
Lindley predicts that the sports car and coupe segment will grow this year despite the demise of models like the MGTF and Toyota MR2 (which is being gradually phased out).
He forecasts sales of 9,000 MX-5s in 2006, around the same volume achieved in Mazda's best every year previously with the roadster (2003). He also anticipates selling 5,000 Mazda RX-8s.
What Car? magazine also endorsed the position of Mazda as the UKs favourite sports car company with two awards for the marque this month. The recent What Car? Awards 2006 were a huge boost and a great recognition for all of us at Mazda with the MX-5 and RX-8 winning the Best Open Top and Best Coupe categories respectively.
If you add in our newly-launched sports models, Mazda has a really strong, broad-based performance range, said Lindley.
The sports car range now also includes a 260ps, 150mph high-performance saloon the Mazda6 MPS at £23,950, the Mazda MX-5 two-seater sports car from £15,600 and the rotary-powered four-seater, four-door sports coupe Mazda RX-8 from £20,500.
Lindley believes that the Mazda MX-5 is the only competitive, rear wheel drive genuine two-seater sports car in its price range. Honda's S2000 costs more than £25,000 and BMW's Z4 starts at £21,600.
Mazda's sports car line-up will be given an added boost when TV advertising returns for the Mazda RX-8 in March. It is still very early in the MX-5 launch period as well, said Lindley. TV advertising for that model starts in April.
The Mazda sports car range can be experienced at Mazda dealerships around the UK as Mazda MX-5, RX-8 and the Mazda6 MPS models are all on sale now. Mazda is holding a National test drive campaign for the three models at every dealership under the banner Storm Warning from 15 to 19 February (inclusive).
The SMMT figures show that in the non-premium sports car section, one-in-four buyers opt for Mazda which has a 25.3 per cent market, ahead of Vauxhall and Hyundai.
Overall, Mazda also outsells Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW sports cars. |
| The ultimate Mazda6 |
The fastest, best handling, best braking saloon Mazda has ever built, the all-new Mazda6 MPS will be marketed in the UK as a single, fully specified and lavishly equipped model. The MPS combines sensationally spirited performance with everyday practicality, which makes it the perfect flagship for the Mazda6 range and the Mazda brand.
Each Mazda6 MPS will be mechanically identical with black leather interior trim, but customers will be able to choose between four exterior paint colours - with mica or metallic finish as standard.
UK Sales
Mazda UK will have a limited allocation of right-hand drive Mazda6 MPS vehicles initially and anticipates a healthy waiting list for this stunning newcomer. The arrival of Mazda's 150mph super saloon will also have a 'halo' effect on sales of the Mazda6 range, which are expected to reach a total of over 14,000 in 2006.
A choice of four body colours will be available - one mica (Black Mica) and three metallics (Graphite Silver, Titanium Grey and Velocity Red) - and 18-inch diameter, 7-inch wide 15‑spoke aluminium alloy wheels will be standard.
Mazda targets User-Choosers with Performance Flagship
Mazda will give company car drivers the ultimate 'Zoom-Zoom' experience when it unleashes the new flagship model for its all-conquering Mazda6 range in 2006.
The exciting Mazda6 MPS is Mazda's highest performance saloon and it will give fleet decision‑makers and company car drivers the opportunity to choose an alternative to the performance car offerings from prestigious European marques.
Mazda fleet and remarketing director Adam Pumfrey said: Our brand awareness in the corporate sector has been growing daily and much of that is due to the fantastic reception that Mazda6 has had in the fleet arena.
Mazda6 has proved to be an enticing package for fleet operators and company car drivers alike. The new Mazda6 MPS, which will go on sale in the first quarter of 2006, builds on that reputation and further epitomises the Mazda brand, with its performance, sports styling and exhilarating dynamics, plus practicality that's unrivalled in the upper medium sector.
The arrival of this range-topper will provide new excitement and will take Mazda into a new area of the fleet market in the UK. User-choosers will be attracted to the Mazda6 MPS as a real performance alternative to offerings from Audi and BMW. The new Mazda6 MPS will be the ultimate expression of 'Zoom-Zoom' driving excitement in a sophisticated saloon.
Safety & Security All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Driver & passenger front airbags
Front side airbags
Front and rear curtain airbags
Front passenger airbag deactivation system
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Seatbelt reminder (all seats)
ISOFIX child seat anchorage
Thatcham Category One alarm & immobiliser
Estimated on the road reteail price will be £23,950
|
| Mazda Kabura Concept |
The essence of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit is to provide customers with stylish, insightful, spirited products capable of enriching their lives in exciting ways. At this year's North American International Auto Show (in Detroit, Michigan), Mazda is presenting Kabura, a design concept that ventures beyond the compact sports coupe norm to explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models.
- To deliver the true Soul of a Sportscar is the essence of every Mazda, so Kabura incorporates the front-engine, rear-drive layout universally admired by driving enthusiasts and long delivered by Mazda's MX-5 and rotary-engined sportscars.
- To support youthful lifestyles, Kabura stretches the bounds of interior versatility in radical directions. Replacing the typical 2+2 layout is a clever 3+1 seating arrangement. This presents a new interior concept giving greater passenger comfort, compared to a traditional coupe, without increasing weight or size. Obligingly accommodating spur-of-the-moment adventures and impulsive shopping sprees, all passenger seats fold flat to make way for snow boards, shopping bags and all the tools of an active life.
- While Kabura has the presence of an exotic sportscar, it has the practicality and affordability that youth yearn for and can afford.
Kabura is not only the first Mazda compact coupe for the 21st century, it's also the first project guided by Mazda North American Operations' (MNAO) Director of Design Franz von Holzhausen, who joined Mazda in February 2005 from GM. The 37-year-old von Holzhausen studied industrial design at Syracuse University (New York State) and graduated from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Reinvigorating the Affordable Coupe
With Kabura, we set out to use innovative design to rekindle the passion for driving, notes von Holzhausen. Our intention is to rouse the segment with some intravenous creativity. While we have no plans at the moment to build a production version of Kabura, it is not a complete flight of fancy. It embodies several innovations Mazda could implement when a compact sports coupe, steeped in Zoom-Zoom, is ready for production.
According to a recent survey performed by a major research organisation, Mazda's new-car customers are the second youngest in North America, with an average age of only 41 years.
Generation-Y buyers are several steps ahead of the latest trends and constantly on the lookout for affordable possessions that satisfy their hunger for stylish, insightful and spirited designs. One of Kabura's roles is exposing a likely future design direction to today's demanding consumers.
Power is supplied to Kabura's rear wheels by a 2.0-litre version of Mazda's highly respected MZR DOHC 16-valve engine. Unusually, Kabura has different size wheels and tyres - 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza at the front and 245/35 R20 at the rear. While this concept has been constructed over several Mazda MX-5 chassis components, basic dimensions fall between Mazda's MX-5 and RX-8 sportscars.
Were the Kabura design study to achieve production status, it would likely be a stand-alone product rather than an extension of any existing model line.
Spirited Exterior
Von Holzhausen describes Kabura's exterior as a nimble-looking fuselage with a powerful stance, pronounced wheel arches and taut surfaces. He adds, Every line flows into another with no open ends. Surfaces are drawn tight over the wheel arches, the way a spider's web stretches between anchor points.
While Kabura's profile is reminiscent of classic coupes, the windscreen and forward portion of the roof are integrated into one seamless glass surface that extends from the cowl to the B-pillar. Admitting extra light enhances the interior's feeling of airy space. Overhead portions of the glass have adjustable tinting so that the driver can twist a knob on bright days to change the roof's opacity, as desired, from clear to completely opaque.
Behind its B-pillar, Kabura has a two-piece glass hatch. The uppermost glass panel normally lies flush. When pivoted-up by an electric motor, the way ailerons rise out of an airplane wing, this panel serves three purposes: it acts as a roof spoiler, it vents air from the interior and it greatly augments the rear passengers' headroom. In addition, a photovoltaic solar cell in the panel helps to control ambient temperature as well as recharge the battery. The larger glass hatch panel has side-mounted hinges to provide ready access to Kabura's spacious cargo compartment.
Creative Interior Composition
While examining the habits and tastes of our youthful customers, we found that the majority have a need to carry one or at most two passengers in comfort, while a very small percentage actually use the fourth seat on limited occasions, von Holzhausen continues, noting the level of research and planning that goes into the creation of a major automaker's concept vehicle. Clearly, the standard 2+2 compact coupe configuration with restricted rear access and limited seating space doesn't really work in this context, so we created an innovative 3+1 layout for Kabura that resolves those shortcomings.
A standard left-side door provides access to the driver's cockpit and the rear jump seat. The right side is a wholly different and purposely asymmetrical arrangement. Removing the glovebox and minimisng the instrument panel allowed designers to shift the front passenger six-inches ahead of the driver's seating position. In turn, the second passenger, sitting in tandem behind the right-front passenger, enjoys approximately the same leg, shoulder, and headroom.
Developed on the RX-Evolv and RX-01 showcars, Mazda designers invented the rear-hinged freestyle doors to improve the Mazda RX-8's rear-seat access. Kabura proves that inspiration can strike twice in pursuit of spirited, stylish design that provides customers more than they ever dreamed possible.
To maintain a sleek roofline while offering rear access that's vastly superior to what's available in today's compact coupes, von Holzhausen's team designed Kabura with an extra right-side door. After the front door is opened, touching a button slides the bonus door straight back and out of the way.
Instead of swinging on hinges as in the innovative Mazda RX-8, this additional door glides neatly into a cavity notched into the rear-quarter panel area the way a pocket door disappears into a house wall.
Form and Function Meet the Future
Building on Kabura's innovative styling and interior packaging, von Holzhausen's team decided that introducing a level of sustainability and recyclability was a critical part of the concept. By partnering with Sustainable Solutions, Inc (SSI), a leader in reengineering post-industrial waste materials into quality consumer products, Mazda shows it has an eye toward the future in everything it does.
Kabura's interior is produced from SSI's innovative regenerated leather substrate. Itself produced from 100 per cent post-industrial waste - in this case, much of the waste was material recovered from the manufacturing of Nike brand athletic shoes - SSI's leather-grind is able to be dyed and printed in any colour or design and appears in Kabura as a technical yet inviting material. |
| 2007 Mazda CX-7 |
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today revealed the eagerly awaited 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. This breakthrough model will also be displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
Arriving in Mazda's US and Canadian dealerships this spring, the Mazda CX-7 is the first of three important all-new Mazda vehicles designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.
The North American market continues to play a pivotal role in Mazda Motor Corporation's global future, said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. Vehicles such as Mazda CX-7, designed and engineered specifically for the North American market, will make Mazda an important and influential force in the industry. This vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: powerful, with great styling and detailed craftsmanship and fun-to-drive. Mazda at its finest.
Mazda CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. It is engineered with Mazda's trademark, 'Soul of a Sportscar' and built entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture.
Program manager Shunsuke Kawasaki expresses his confidence in the latest Mazda: There is no doubt this SUV reflects Zoom-Zoom. Mazda CX-7 skillfully blends sports car verve with SUV practicality. It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before and this deviation from the crossover norm is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use.Distinctive and Sophisticated Exterior
Chief Designer Iwao Koizumi, whose previous works include the successful Mazda6 and the 1995 RX-01 showcar, names the Mazda CX-7 design theme, advanced frontier. The CX-7 takes Mazda and its Zoom-Zoom image to a whole new area of the automotive market, an area it has never before ventured into.
Iwao Koizumi comments: My idea for the Mazda CX-7 design was to combine dynamic movement, speedy shapes, and a bold presence in one passionate statement. Mazda has such a strong sportscar heritage that it can offer a crossover SUV with an exceptionally lively and distinctive appearance.
The 66-degree rake angle of the windshield is sleeker than many SUVs and even sports cars. Distinct character lines run through the A-pillars along the edges of the hood to the front fascia. A five-pointed grille and prominent front fenders reveal a clear Mazda family identity.
The side profile sports an aggressively rising belt line, a curved roof and prominent wheel arches, producing Mazda's unique signature. A tapered cabin rests securely on the lower body's broad shoulders. From the rear, the detailed round motif tail lamp and large dual exhaust outlets also emphasise the Zoom-Zoom sportscar styling.
This distinctive overall exterior design is well balanced with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Mazda CX-7's shape is aerodynamically efficient with best-in-class performance for co-efficient of drag. Beneath the vehicle, ribbed covers attached to the centre under-floor area are especially helpful in optimising the aerodynamics of the airflow.
While it provides outstanding aerodynamic performance, this exterior design does not compromise craftsmanship. Panel and component alignment and part-gaps are flush and tight. Wiper arms are configured to match the surrounding cowl design and minimise wind noise. Attention to detail makes this car what it is. Sporty and High Quality Interior
An advanced and sporty image was also pursued in designing the interior. The dashboard panel consists of a unique 'double-roof' structure, in which a small 'roof' over the instrument cluster is positioned just in front of a large 'roof' that extends across the entire dashboard panel bringing together the driver and front passenger.
To draw drivers inside, there's a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the gear selector within close reach, a three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel.
Koizumi emphasises that detailed attention is given to the entire interior, including the cargo area. For the two-tone interior trim, the side surface two-tone graphic reaches from the front doors all the way to the cargo space, and stylishly harmonises with the kicked-up beltline of the exterior side view.
High level craftsmanship completes the interior design. For example, for the leather trim, the steering wheel and gear shift knob are covered by high quality leather specially contoured for optimum tactile feel. The ventilation dials, the glove box door release and the door armrests were all tuned to provide a high quality look and feel. Soft-trim graining was engineered for perfect colour match, minimal reflectivity and low gloss. Mazda's close attention to detail is visible upon first glance into the vehicle. Zoom-Zoom with Room
Using the innovative MX-Crossport concept shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show for inspiration, the chief designer mapped out the Mazda CX-7 with ample space for five occupants and a 29.9‑cu. ft. cargo hold. The rear seat can not only carry three passengers in comfort, but also splits and folds 60:40 to stretch the cargo hold to 58.6-cu. ft.
To venture far beyond normal utility expectations, Mazda CX-7 has a cargo floor that is significantly longer than competitive models, with a flat load surface and a lip to prevent luggage from sliding forward. With the rear seats in use, three full-size golf bags can be carried. Rear seatback releases are located in the side of the cargo area for easy fold down from the rear. One side of the reversible boot floor is made of plastic, enabling the owner to carry soiled items without staining the carpet.
Thorough research into what personal possessions young couples are most likely to carry, resulted in a glove box, a floor console, and door pockets designed to accommodate a full life's paraphernalia. For example, the lockable centre console can swallow a compact laptop computer and space is provided for coins and sunglasses.
Front door pockets are handy locations for beverage bottles. Two cupholders in the centre console offer a stable place to carry large containers without interfering with shift lever operation. A pocket attached to front seatback is ideal for maps and brochures.
Balance of Ample Power and Environmental Performance:
MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo Engine
The heart of every Mazda is its spirited powertrain. Under the bonnet of the Mazda CX-7 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that powers the highly regarded Mazda6 MPS sports saloon. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda's MZR 2.3 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo-charged engine produces an enthusiastic 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm in the Mazda CX-7.
Key engine features are an aluminum block and head construction with forged internal components - crankshaft and connecting rods - for long-lasting durability. Balance shafts curb noise and vibration. A large air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection cool temperatures inside the cylinders. Changing the petrol's state from liquid to vapour through the intake manifold to the cylinders provides the substantial cooling effect. The low charge temperature permits use of a high compression ratio - 9.5:1 - which boosts low- and mid-range torque by approximately 10 per cent over conventional turbo engines.
A notable change from the Mazda6 MPS engine is a new turbocharger. The refined area of the turbine inlet port enhances throttle response at low rpm and minimises turbo boost lag. When the driver nudges the throttle, vigorous acceleration is like a much larger displacement engine - one approaching twice the size of the 2.3-litre MZR engine - but without the extra weight that hampers agility and the extra fuel consumption that boosts emissions and operating costs.
The MZR 2.3 DISI turbo engine's torque peaks at a low 2,500 rpm when 258 lb-ft of torque is available. The engine is tuned so that the muscular feel of torque beg | |
