NEW MAZDA BREAKS COVER

MAZDA has let the look of the slinky up-coming replacement for the Mazda6 out of the bag with the unveiling of the Takeri concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this month.

The saloon-hatch will get all Mazda’s new fuel saving SKYACTIV technology which includes brand new suspension, lightweight automatic and manual gearboxes and super-efficient petrol and diesel engines as well as start/stop, improved aerodynamics and lower overall weight.

All this has come after the company’s split from Ford and should help it to consolidate its position as an independent producer of high quality machinery.

The benefits of Mazda’s improvements will mean lower operating costs, reduced fuel bills and savings in vehicle taxes.

The company claims this has been done without losing the driving fun that has been part of most of its cars for the past few years.

Engines in the new 6 are likely to be 165bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 150 or 175bhp versions of the same 2.2-litre diesel.

The 150bhp diesel is likely to better 115g/km of CO2 and give combined economy of 65mpg.

Interior

The bold look of the Takeri could be carried over to the new 6, with its crisp lines and a coupe-like profile.

Interior shots reveal a minimal look but sadly, a BMW i-Drive type rotary controller has been adopted instead of a touch screen and that would be a retrograde step.

To find out more about the Mazda range please call Shires Mazda on 01823 444410 or visit the showroom on Deanegate Avenue, Taunton.

MAZDA’S CHRISTMAS TREAT FROM £8,995

For a limited time only, the Mazda2 is available from local dealership Shires Mazda from just £8,995 (OTR) including customer savings, making it the ideal choice for Taunton customers in need of a stylish, practical hatchback this winter.

The Mazda2 line-up features both three-door and five-door hatchback styles, and customers have a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine, manual and automatic transmissions and four generous equipment levels (TS Air Con, TS², Tamura and Sport) – and visitors to the Deanegate Avenue-based dealership can take the car for a test drive.

Drivers looking for a particularly special car this Christmas can buy the limited edition ‘Mazda2 Black’, an 84ps, 1.3-litre 5-door model, which brings a darker, edgy attitude to Mazda’s small car and is available in a choice of three striking colours – Spirited Green, Crystal White and True Red.

The Mazda2 Black also features a black wrapped roof, 16-inch matt black alloy wheels and other visual changes above the standard Mazda2, as well as climate-control air-conditioning to keep drivers and passengers warm during what is expected to be another cold winter.  With prices starting from just £12,395 (OTR), just 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black will be made.

“The Mazda2 Black makes our most popular car even more appealing, combining the fun-loving qualities of a stylish small car with the safety that consumers need on the road all year round,” commented Don Ricciardi, Dealer Principal, Shires Mazda.  “Generous equipment levels mean the car will outshine even the most spectacular present at Christmas this year, but with Mazda’s reputation for reliability, it’s a present that will continue giving pleasure for years to come.”

Prices for the Mazda2 range start from only £8,995 (OTR) for the Mazda2 TS Air Con, whilst TS² models begin at £10,780 with Sport models from £12,595 (including current customer savings).  Every Mazda2 comes with dual front airbags, air-conditioning, electric front windows, CD radio with auxiliary jack and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm to keep the car as safe and secure as possible.

Special customer offers until 31 December 2011

The Mazda2 TS Air Con is now available from just £8,995 including a customer saving of £1,310.  Buyers of this model can also benefit from Representative 6.9% APR** finance when purchasing on either Personal Contract Purchase, or Conditional Sale contracts over 36 months.

Shires Mazda is offering buyers of all other Mazda2 models two finance packages: 1) 0% APR* finance on Mazda Conditional Sale (with a 50% minimum deposit) up to 36 months (excluding TS Air Con).  2) Representative 6.9% APR** finance on Mazda Conditional Sale and Mazda Personal Contract Purchase (no minimum deposit) up to 36 months.  In addition to the special finance offers, customers purchasing Mazda2 models on Mazda Personal Contract Purchase with 6.9% APR** finance can benefit from a deposit contribution of £650 (excluding TS Air Con).

Currently, all Mazda2 models (excluding TS Air Con, Takuya and Black) are also available with a customer saving of £350 off the retail list price.  All offers are for retail customers only and for cars registered before 31 December 2011.

To find out more about the Mazda2, or to book a test drive, contact Shires Mazda on 01823 444410 or visit the showroom on Deanegate Avenue, Taunton.

Finance offers are for retail sales only.  Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered until 31 December 2011.  *0% finance available on Mazda Conditional Sale with minimum 50% deposit required.  **6.9% finance available on Mazda Conditional Sale and Mazda Personal Contract Purchase.  Finance subject to status.  Terms and conditions apply.  Applicants must be 18 or over.  Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR.

MAZDA TRIPS THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

LIGHTWEIGHT body structures first seen on the Mazda2 supermini are a key element of the Japanese car maker’s new fuel efficient SKYACTIV models.

The use of high tensile steel coupled to advanced welding and bonding techniques has helped the company shave 100 kilos off each of its new vehicles - the equivalent weight saving of almost two adults.

The result is a body which is eight per cent lighter and 30 per cent more rigid, improving handling and crash protection.

All SKYACTIV cars feature a straight, continuous underbody frame to aid rigidity and unlike other car makers Mazda has not turned to alternative and more expensive materials such as aluminium or carbon fibre to keep weight down.

The first model to wear the SKYACTIV badge will be the new CX-5 compact crossover which is due to go on sale early next year.

The CX-5 – first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September – will also feature a new suspension and chassis designed to deliver improved high speed stability while retaining agility when manoeuvring around town.

Further improvements reduce pitch under braking which not only improves the ride quality but also reduces stopping distances.

SKYACTIV – Heightened driving pleasure and enhanced economy for all Mazda drivers

·         SKYACTIV Technology offers greater driving pleasure through weight reduction and improved performance, whilst responding to environmental needs

·         Breakthrough economy-boosting and emissions-slashing technology for all Mazda drivers

·         SKYACTIV-G - compression ratio of 14:1, higher than a Formula 1 engine, resulting in a 15% increase in fuel economy

·         SKYACTIV-D - compression ratio of 14:1 – the world’s lowest of any mass-produced diesel engine delivers a 20% increase in fuel economy

·         Innovative SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission delivers a direct driving feel with up to 7% improvement in economy

·         Extensive use of ultra-high tensile chassis steels slashes kerb weight by a full 100kg, resulting in greater agility and dynamism

·         Further in depth information available at www.mazdaskyactiv.co.uk

The Mazda CX-5, which will be seen in production form for the first time at the Frankfurt motorshow, will be the first Mazda built using Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, but what does SKYACTIV really offer the consumer?

Mazda’s radical new SKYACTIV technology encompasses the whole car, through the intelligent application of advanced engine, transmission, body and chassis technology and lightweight engineering. Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies deliver uncompromised driving pleasure and class-leading environmental and safety performance and will be an integral part of every new Mazda model that comes to market from 2012 and not just selected “eco” models.

Every Mazda driver will therefore fully benefit from this egalitarian approach to improved fuel economy and emissions which means lower road fund tax, less company car tax and smaller fuel bills. This flies in the face of the current trend of forcing environmentally-conscious drivers to pay a premium for economy-oriented and hybrid models.

SKYACTIV centres on three key areas – advanced engines with world-beating compression ratios, highly efficient transmissions, and sophisticated lightweight chassis technology for outstanding crash safety performance and enhanced driving enjoyment.

Up to 80 per cent of the energy contained in fuel is lost within a vehicle’s powertrain, so Mazda’s engineers adopted a radical back-to-basics approach to boosting the outright efficiency of their next-generation engines.

The new petrol-powered SKYACTIV-G engine features a class-leading compression ratio of 14:1 – higher than that of a Formula 1 engine. The result is 15 per cent increase in fuel efficiency, 15 per cent drop in CO₂ - leading to lower road fund licence and benefit-in-kind bills - and an equally impressive 15 per cent hike in torque across the entire rev-range.

The SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, features an exceptionally low 14:1 compression ratio, coupled with two turbo chargers it posts some equally impressive figures, a full 20 per cent more economical than the powerplant it replaces, leading to reduced fuel costs and lower road fund licence and benefit-in-kind costs. It revs smoothly and cleanly to a high 5,200rpm and easily meets EU Stage 6 emission levels.

Rather than develop a range of transmissions to meet the different requirements of its global markets, Mazda’s drivetrain engineers took the bold decision to develop just two all-new six-speed transmissions to effectively deliver market demands.

The SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed lock-up automatic transmission brings together the best attributes of conventional step automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions and dual clutch transmissions in one compact and lightweight package. The result is a smooth and highly efficient gearbox that delivers up to 7 per cent better economy along with a direct feel and quick shift pattern – qualities aimed at the enthusiastic driver.

The SKYACTIV-MT is a lightweight six-speed manual transmission that has been designed to deliver crisp wrist-flick gear changes. Using a common second and third input gear and removing the reverse idle shaft has reduced the number of moving parts and trimmed its overall weight by 3kg.

Mazda’s SKYACTIV engineers also wanted to create a body that was stiffer and stronger, for enhanced dynamic performance and superior impact protection.

The new SKYACTIV-Body is the result of revisiting basic chassis principles and employs a forward-thinking straight and continuous basic framework in which each chassis section functions in a co-ordinated manner with other sections, creating a structure that disperses impact forces widely throughout the entire framework.

This, along with a 20 per cent increase in the amount of high-tensile steel, a higher proportion of weld-bonded sections and a markedly higher number of spot weld points has resulted in a body that is a full 30 per cent stiffer compared with current models in the Mazda range resulting in greater steering and suspension precision, meets the top tier criteria for crash safety assessments in all markets and an 8 per cent reduction in body in white weight, leading to significant reductions in fuel and emission based tax costs.

The SKYACTIV-Chassis is an impressive 14 percent lighter than before, and features suspension and steering systems that have been redeveloped from scratch to reinforce Mazda’s trademark driving dynamism while still achieving a lower overall weight, benefiting driving dynamics, economy and emissions.

The strut front and multi-link ear layout features lightweight construction as well optimised linkages and bushes for enhanced agility and greater ride comfort. A new electric power-steering set-up with a higher steering ratio, along with a new lightweight and highly rigid cross member results in exceptional steering precision and feedback.

For further in-depth information the Mazda SKYACTIV site is available at www.mazdaskyactiv.co.uk

MAZDA REACHING FOR THE SKY

THE first car to feature Mazda’s new fuel efficient SKYACTIV technology will make its debut next month.

With a brand new chassis, body and engines the CX-5 has been designed to be as lean and mean as possible.

Mazda is claiming a 2.2-litre diesel version of the car fitted with a stop/start system will have class leading CO2 emissions below 120g/km and average fuel economy of more than 60 miles per gallon.

The CX-5 will have its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13 and is due on sale early next year.

A compact crossover SUV, the car is the first to be styled around Mazda’s Kodo design theme which was revealed on its Minagi and Shinari concept models.

With flowing aerodynamic lines, the body is designed to be as sleek as possible – and the style is likely to become the ‘new face’ of future Mazda models.

As well as using lightweight components the SKYACTIV system features a range of new petrol and diesel engines with optimum compression ratios of 14:1. In the case of the petrol engine that is more than a Formula 1 car.

The CX-5 will be powered by a two-litre petrol engine as well as the diesel and will be available in both manual and auto forms.

Mazda will also be showing the latest version of the Mazda3 hatchback at Frankfurt which has been upgraded to reduce exhaust emissions and improve handling.

To find out more about the Mazda range, please call Shires Mazda on 01823 444410 or visit the showroom on Deanegate Avenue, Taunton.

Mazda unleashes track-inspired ‘Black Limited Edition’ MX-5 and Mazda2

·         Mazda MX-5 Sport Black inspired by this year’s highly successful MX-5 GT race car

·         Mazda2 Black introduces a black vinyl roof, privacy glass and matt black alloy wheels

·         Only 500 and 618, respectively of these Limited Edition Mazdas available for the UK market

Inspired by the highly successful 275bhp Mazda MX-5 GT race car competing in the 2011 Britcar Production GTN Championship, Mazda has introduced two new ‘Black Limited Edition’ models – a Mazda MX-5 Sport Black and a Mazda2 Black – bringing a darker edge to Mazda’s model range. 

The success of the 850kg MX-5 GT race car is that it retains the same characteristics that make the road-going Mazda MX-5 a great handling, nimble and fun-to-drive roadster.  In its first year of racing the MX-5 GT has achieved two podiums and is currently third in class. The MX-5 GT race car continues to challenge convention, taking on the more powerful established race cars from Lotus, BMW and Ferrari. 

The success of this year’s MX-5 race programme and the popularity of MX-5 GT has lead to the track-inspired ‘Black Limited Edition’ Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2. Available from mid-July, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black is distinguished by unique paint finishes and an enhanced specification, offering more for a lower price than the car it’s based on.  Externally the car is highlighted by a Brilliant Black powered retractable hard-top, this is in contrast with the choice of bodywork colours – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica – but compliments the dark ‘gun metal’ 17-inch alloy wheels.  

The model also comes with black leather interior with contrasting ‘sand’ colour stitching, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, and unique ‘Black Limited Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

The MX-5 Sport Black incorporates the generous equipment specification of the Sport Tech model, including climate control air-conditioning, a premium Bose^® audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth^® system, cruise control and front fog lights.  Owners will also benefit from the world’s fastest folding powered retractable roof, which goes up or down in 12 seconds.

Only 500 examples of the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black will be produced, each costing £22,995 (OTR), just £360 more than the 160ps, 2.0-litre, six-speed transmission Sport Tech model on which it is based. 

“Special Edition models of the Mazda MX-5 have always been eagerly received by UK consumers, and the new Sport Black model takes inspiration from the MX-5 GT race car that embodies Mazda’s Defy Convention brand strategy,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda Motors UK.  “Both the race car and road-going sportscar remain true to their roots, those of driving entertainment, great handling and fun to drive.  The Sport Black model delivers a distinctive and sharper edge to our long-running star performer and as in the Britcar Production GTN Championship, it remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar.”

Five-door Mazda2 with attitude

Following the MX-5 Sport Black theme, the new Limited Edition Mazda2 Black five-door is also available in Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and True Red.  Based on the 84ps, 1.3-litre Tamura model, the Mazda2 Black adds a black vinyl roof, matt black 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, privacy glass and a rear bumper sports trim.

Inside, there is the Sports interior with climate control air-conditioning, a Parrot Bluetooth^® hands-free system, electric rear windows, plus unique ‘Black Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

Inspired again by Mazda’s convention-defying race car, just 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black will be produced, with prices starting at £12,395 (OTR) for the True Red version and £12,815 for the other metallic and pearlescent colours.

The next Britcar race takes place at the Snetterton race circuit from 13-14 August 2011.

Mazda’s 1991 Le Mans-winning 787B to rocket up the hill at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed

 •    The rotary-powered Mazda 787B returns to Goodwood to mark the 20th anniversary of its famous victory in the gruelling 24-Hours of Le Mans.
•    Mazda is still the only Japanese car manufacturer to win Le Mans.
•    The 787B is joined by giant-killing MX-5 GT racecar, iconic 1967 Cosmo Sport, Banzai Magazine’s jaw-dropping MX-5 concept.

Visitors to this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be in for a unique treat when the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B takes to the hill, filling the West Sussex venue with one of motorsport’s most evocative and distinctive soundtracks.  In 1991 Mazda confounded its critics and rewrote motorsport history when its rotary-powered 787B won the 24-Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most arduous and taxing endurance race. Mazda became the first - and to date the only - Japanese car manufacturer to win the race, and the only marque ever to do so with a rotary-engined car. The 700PS carbonfibre-bodied racer, which has a 210mph top speed, completed 362 laps at an average speed of 127.62mph.  Under the seasoned eye of six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx, the factory-backed team entered three cars into the 1991 race. The winning 787B, number 55, wore the iconic green and orange livery, and was driven by the crack team of Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler and Bertrand Gachot. It ran faultlessly - its only mishap being a blown headlight bulb - and 24 hours and 3065 miles later, Herbert took the chequered flag. The two other 787Bs also finished in the top ten, underlining the strength and dependability of their rotary powerplants.  Ex-Formula 1 driver and Le Mans veteran Mike Wilds and current Mazda works driver Mark Ticehurst will be driving the 787B up the hallowed Goodwood hill throughout the festival weekend. The Mazda 787B arrives at Goodwood after a painstaking restoration and test programme to bring it back to driving condition for the first time since it took to the track in 1991. Last month saw the 787B participate in an evocative demonstration drive by Johnny Herbert in front of a huge audience before the start of the Le Mans race.  The 787B will be joined by Mazda UK’s latest motorsport sensation, the MX-5 GT. Taking on top racing brands like Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus and BMW in this year’s Britcar Dunlop Production GTN Championship, the MX-5 GT racecar epitomises the MX-5’s giant-slaying attributes of lightweight athleticism, wrist-flick agility and bullet-proof reliability, all at an affordable cost.   The MX-5 GT is powered by a tuned 275bhp 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and features a six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox, carbonfibre doors and polycarbonate windows. With a kerb weight of just 850kg – the result of a painstaking 400-hour build by motorsport engineering specialist Jota Sport – the MX-5 GT accelerates from 0-to-60mph in just three seconds and has a top speed of 160mph.  With Mark Ticehurst and talented Auto Express journalist Owen Mildenhall behind the wheel, the MX-5 GT has already racked up two podium results and currently lies fifth in the championship.  As if one red-hot MX-5 wasn’t enough, Banzai Magazine will also be displaying its jaw-dropping MX-5 conversion. Created by the UK’s best-selling Japanese tuning magazine as an homage to the Mazda Furai concept car, the matte black and glossy red 2.0i Roadster Coupe is fitted with a raft of dynamic and visual upgrades. The stunning 1967 Cosmo Sport, also on Mazda’s show stand, will be the perfect foil for the Banzai MX-5.  And coming right back to the 21st Century, Mazda will also have full details on its revolutionary SKYACTIV technology. This technology will ensure driving remains fun while also addressing environmental concerns with fuel economy and CO2 emissions on a par with hybrids.  Every new model from 2012 will embody SKYACTIV technology, this radical new efficiency and lightweight system saw Mazda’s engineers go back to the drawing board for a radical rethink of how the car’s chassis, body, engine and transmission could be redesigned to be inherently lighter and more efficient while still delivering Mazda’s hallmark on-road dynamism.  “Exactly half a century ago, Mazda started development of the rotary engine. The line that can be drawn from that bold new initiative, through to our 1991 victory at Le Mans, and on to our exciting SKYACTIV technology development programme, is founded on our desire to never stop challenging and to defy convention,” said Mazda PR director Graeme Fudge.