Mazda 2 Sport
The introduction of two new Mazda2 1.6D Sport models this spring has doubled the line-up of diesel-powered cars in this popular range that has attracted more than 3,500 buyers so far this year. Mazda2 customers now have a choice of two diesel powertrains (1.4 68ps and 1.6 90ps), and two generous equipment levels (TS2 and Sport) - with three-door and five-door hatchback body styles.
With a CO2 rating of only 112g/km - qualifying for Band C and an annual road fund licence of just £35 - the new Mazda2 1.6D Sport delivers an unrivalled, class-best blend of performance and fuel economy. It accelerates to 62mph in just 11.4 seconds and achieves 67.3mpg (combined cycle) and well over 50mpg (55.4mpg) in the official urban cycle test. The new 1,560cc diesel engine features four-valves per cylinder and delivers 90ps at 4,000rpm with 215Nm of torque at just 1,750rpm, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
For drivers in search of even greater fuel economy, the Mazda2 1.4D TS2 achieves 68.9mpg (combined cycle), matches the 1.6D Sport around town (55.4mpg) and reaches 62mph from standstill in 15.5 seconds. This model's CO2 rating is 107g/km which qualifies it for a Band B road fund licence.
The Mazda2 5dr achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating and the 3 door model benefits from the same level of safety design, engineering and equipment - its structure redesigned to provide extra resistance to side impacts while accommodating 220mm longer front doors. Mazda2 breaks the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model. It was 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.
By adopting clever packaging solutions for its smallest car, Mazda ensured that the interior offers excellent passenger space for its compact exterior size, plus a competitive boot volume. Every Mazda2 still has 250 litres of cargo volume in the boot which can be expanded to a maximum of 787 litres by folding down the rear seatbacks.
Mazda New Zealand has notched up a new record, posting its highest ever market share for the month of May with 8.0 percent and achieving its strongest sales yet of the CX-7 crossover.Mazda has sold 2,590 units in New Zealand so far in 2010, 9.4 percent ahead of the same period last year cementing the company's fourth position in the market.
Leading the charge for the month was the CX-7 SUV crossover with a record 65 units sold. Mazda launched a new front wheel drive GSX variant of the popular crossover in April and it has proven to be extremely popular with New Zealand motorists, making up half of the May sales.
The Mazda3 and Mazda6 continue to remain popular choices also with both vehicles appearing in the Vehicle Industry Association's Top 15 selling models for the year so far with fourth and seventh place respectively. The Mazda6 continues to lead the medium four cylinder segment since it was first launched in 2002.
Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand said the company is pleased with the 2010 results so far and is focused on maintaining momentum through the winter months starting with the launch of the revamped Mazda2 in June.
"The light vehicle segment has become increasingly competitive and although the Mazda2 has always performed well here, the 2010 model features a small number of mid-cycle enhancements which we believe will further strengthen its appeal," said Clearwater.
Dubbed Mazda's ‘Super Little Model', the Mazda2's most striking change will be the new front grille which follows the design cues of Mazda's other second-generation vehicles. Sport models convey high performance with a fin-type grille and a jet-black finish, while Classic models adopt a body-coloured bar in the upper grille. Both variants also feature a newly-designed bumper with updated side intakes, and a wider lower-grille.
Inside, silver finishing has been applied to key contact areas including the parking brake button, inner door handles and air conditioning dials. Sport variants also now feature a premium solid black seat trim complemented by red pin-striping and piped-stitching.
Safety has been improved on the Classic model with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) becoming standard across both models.
Every new Mazda2 will come standard with mazdacare to ensure the vehicle continues to perform in optimum condition. mazdacare comprises Mazda Genuine Factory Warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance for a three year, unlimited kilometre period and Genuine Mazda Servicing for three years/100,000 km (whichever occurs first).
Available in nine exterior colours: Black Mica, Highlight Silver Metallic, Icy Blue Metallic, Spirited Green Metallic, Metropolitan Grey Mica, Aurora Blue Metallic, Cool White and firm order only Sparkling Gold Mica and Passion Orange Mica.
