Announcements
25 november 2011 Mazda3 and SKYACTIV - Unbeatable Combination The wait is over; the highly anticipated Mazda3 GSE SKYACTIV model featuring Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV technologies has reached New Zealand shores, as part of the launch of the new Mazda3 range. With Mazda’s new-generation SKYACTIV technologies under its hood, the Mazda3 GSE SKYACTIV is the show stopper of the new Mazda3 range and will stand out against other small cars with its outstanding fuel efficiency and emission profile while still delivering signature performance and handling wrapped in a striking new exterior that’s impossible to ignore. After the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 (not available in New Zealand) engine was recently named the 2012 Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC) Technology of the Year, Mazda New Zealand is confident this new technology will impress local drivers as it is kind on the environment and the back pocket. Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand, says, “We are very excited to be releasing the Mazda3 GSE SKYACTIV with its all-new SKYACTIV technologies. This model will offer New Zealanders a renewed driving performance with a reduced environmental impact.” Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technologies are the result of a concerted effort by Mazda engineers to provide drivers with both green innovation and a Zoom-Zoom experience. While some rivals have embraced niche technologies like hybrid electric solutions, Mazda is staying loyal to the internal combustion engine which has great potential for improvement in energy gains but without the financial burden on owners. With the new Mazda3 GSE SKYACTIV model, Mazda engineers worked hard to design an improved driver experience and a combination of new SKYACTIV technologies that would deliver New Zealand’s most fuel efficient, petrol-powered automatic small car. The new model is equipped with the all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine and the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission. This delivers a greatly increased lock-up range for a more direct shift feel and fuel efficiency improvements. The introduction of a new drive control system coordinates control of the engine and transmission, resulting in an improved sporty and responsive performance. In addition, the new Mazda3 GSE SKYACTIV is the first Mazda model in New Zealand to feature Mazda’s revolutionary new engine, transmission and engine stop technology i-Stop, Mazda’s award-winning idling stop system. It turns off the engine automatically when drivers come to a complete stop for more than five seconds (for example at traffic lights) further boosting economy by as much as 10 percent. Using regular unleaded fuel, the new Mazda3 GSE SKYACTIV achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1 and delivers 113kW at 6,000 rpm and 194Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. This equates to a slight increase in power and torque with over 25% improvement in fuel efficiency when compared to the current Mazda3 2.0 litre engine and transmission. The new SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed transmission makes a valuable contribution to fuel efficiency and Zoom Zoom experience by integrating the key advantages of a conventional automatic transmission, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). As with all models in the new Mazda3 range, the GSE SKYACTIV is complete with superior safety, styling and comfort features, as well as state of the art engineering and new technology. The new GSE SKYACTIV is equipped with ABS Braking with EBD & EBA; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC); Traction Control System (TCS); front, side and curtain airbags; pretensioner front seat belts with load limiters; 3 x 3-point rear seat belts; engine immobiliser; cruise control with steering wheel switches; and vehicle speed sensitive power steering. Drivers will also enjoy the comfort and convenience of a multi-information display incorporating trip computer; remote central locking; tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel; height & slide adjustable driver’s seat; 60/40 split rear seats; power windows and mirrors; air conditioning with dual zone climate control; and Bluetooth® Handsfree Connectivity. On top of this, the new GSE SKYACTIV will entertain passengers and drivers with a suite of audio features including, 6-Speaker CD Player with AM/FM Tuner, MP3 Playback; AUX Input (3.5mm for MP3); and Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls. The new Mazda3 is a stunner both inside and out. Additional design elements to its enhanced cabin space include piano black finishing with silver highlights and new seat trims. A smart and sporty exterior is complete with new external colours, including Sky Blue, Dolphin Grey and Autumn Bronze, as well as a new fog lamp shape (GSX, GSE and SP25 models) and new front and rear bumper designs. The all-new GSE SKYACTIV is available in a 5-Door Hatch Body Style from Mazda dealers nationwide for $37,395. Recommended Retail Price (includes GST, excludes On-Road Costs). Every new Mazda3 comes with mazdacare as standard, including 3-years/100,000km (whichever occurs first) Mazda Scheduled Servicing, 3-years unlimited kilometre Mazda Factory Warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance.
Model Pricing cc RRP Mazda3 Sedan GLX Activematic 2000 $32,795 Mazda3 Sedan GSX Activematic 2000 $35,295 Mazda3 Sedan SP25 Activematic 2500 $41,195 Mazda3 Sedan SP25 Limited Activematic 2500 $44,195 Mazda3 Hatch GLX 2000 $31,695 Mazda3 Hatch GLX Activematic 2000 $32,795 Mazda3 Hatch GSX Activematic 2000 $35,295 Mazda3 Hatch GSE SKYACTIV Activematic 2000 $37,395 Mazda3 Hatch SP25 2500 $39,695 Mazda3 Hatch SP25 Activematic 2500 $41,195 Mazda3 Hatch SP25 Limited Activematic 2500 $44,195 Mazda3 Hatch MPS 2300 $49,195
For more information contact: mazda@palmfeilds.co.nz
2 november 2011
BT-50 PROVIDES THE PERFECT PICKUP LINES
If the BT-50 entered a beauty contest it would certainly win the award for outstanding looks and personality that have been combined with gutsy character, inspiring confidence and trust.
Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director Mazda New Zealand, says, “The BT-50 designers have done an outstanding job in creating a vehicle that has such a strong presence. This vehicle will turn many a head on New Zealand streets. It offers kiwi drivers passenger-car-like refinement and quality that overturns conventional truck expectations.”
To give it an appropriately bold, eye-catching appearance, the design team gave the new BT-50 dynamic, futuristic proportions based on a wedge shape, and adopted sporty, characteristic styling features that make it immediately recognizable as a Mazda from any angle.
Whether it’s viewed front on, side on or from the rear, the all-new BT-50 makes a statement that sees it stand head and shoulders above its competitors.
The strong, confident face is a clever reworking of several Mazda-family design elements, including an evolved version of the five-point grille. In particular, the headlamps feature a boomerang design more typical of a passenger car. The front Dynamic Prominent Fenders are an evolution of the design frequently found on Mazda passenger cars; they continue in pronounced body-side feature lines flowing to the rear, creating a strong-looking contoured form.
From the side, the new BT-50 represents a revolution in pick-up architecture. The class-topping length is used to full effect in creating a wedge-shaped profile.
The rear is also characterized by a strong horizontal contour line, echoed in the unique horizontally-aligned rear combination lamps. These sophisticated lamps give a sense of motion and speed thanks to a sporty design like the rear lamps on Mazda passenger cars. In addition, they also clearly differentiate the BT-50 from other pickups, making it immediately recognizable as a Mazda.
Such a great design requires colour to compliment it. The all-new BT-50 Mazda comes in eight body colours (including the new shades of Gunmetal Blue Mica, Sparkling Gold Mica and Aurora Blue Metallic) that combine sportiness and refinement to appeal to lifestyle customers.
Carrying friends, family members or business colleagues is a breeze in the all-new BT50 with all body types greater in length, width and height than the current BT-50. Cabin access is even easier than on the current model thanks to larger door openings and wider door opening angles. In particular, Mazda’s unique Freestyle Door System fitted to the Freestyle Cab allows extreme ease of entry/exit or stowing luggage behind the front seats. GSX and Limited models are also equipped with wide side steps for easy entry and exit from the high floor.
Once inside the BT-50 it’s easy to forget you are in a pickup. Every detail of the interior has been carefully thought out to give a satisfying feel of quality. An asymmetric layout for the front (wider for the passenger, narrower for the driver) gives the front passenger a spacious and comfortable area similar to a passenger car, while the driver enjoys a snug, sports style, wraparound driving environment. Front headroom is class-leading while front shoulder room is exemplary, and the Double Cab’s rear passengers enjoy top of the class headroom and legroom. Seats are newly-designed for fatigue-free driving and comfort, with the front seats offering greater adjustability.
If you want entertainment while travelling on holiday or to relieve the stress of work, the all-new BT-50 comes with a total entertainment package. All models have a radio, MP3- compatible CD player with AUX and USB inputs, with a Multi Function Display. For assured comfort, air conditioning is standard on all models. Limited models have a fully automatic dual-zone controlled air conditioning system.
Plentiful storage spaces throughout the cabin gives everybody a place for personal items. New additions include: a glove box on the driver’s side; an overhead console; a larger glove box on the passenger’s side; two cup holders on the floor console; an armrest and double-decker storage compartment; and 1-litre bottle holders in the front door pockets. The Double Cab’s rear seat has a new storage box beneath it.
The cargo box on all models is significantly enlarged over the current model to achieve class-leading capacity. Double wall construction gives durability while grooves and channels in the side walls allow easy installation of dividers or division into an upper and lower cargo area.
The keynote interior colour is black, highlighted with decorative silver elements. These silver parts on the door trim, floor console, shift knob, parking brake button, door handles, climate-control louvres, meter rings, dials. Other parts are made of different materials and have varying shades of silver according to location.
As an active lifestyle vehicle, the all-new BT-50 has to provide both comfort and utility in an enormous variety of settings. Three body types are available: the five-seater Double Cab, the two-seater Regular Cab, and the 2+2 Freestyle Cab to suit individual family or business needs.
All bodystyles are powered by the new 3.2 litre turbo-diesel engine - Mazda’s first 5 cylinder engine offering large displacement in a compact, highly-efficient unit that achieves class-leading power and torque, 147kW at 3,000 rpm and 470Nm at 1,750-2,500 rpm. All models have 6-speed manual transmissions and an optional 6-speed automatic transmission with the Double Cab. All 4WD models feature shift-on-the-fly switching between 2WD and 4WD (high range), with the electronically controlled locking rear differential promoting off-road driveability.
Mazda commercialcare comes standard with every new BT-50 and includes: three years or 100,000km (whichever occurs first) Fixed Price Servicing, pay no more than $200 (incl. GST) per service. Scheduled service intervals are six monthly or every 10,000km (whichever occurs first). Three years or 150,000km (whichever occurs first) comprehensive Mazda Warranty cover. Three years unlimited kilometre Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance 24hrs, 365 days.
The all-new BT-50 is available now from Mazda dealerships nationwide from $35,295 (including GST plus on road costs).
Mazda First Automaker to use 1,800 MPa Ultra-High Tensile Steel
- Super strongest steel to debut in all-new CX-5 crossover SUV -
Mazda Motor Corporation has become the first automaker to successfully develop vehicle components using 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
The super strength steel will debut in the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV set to launch in New Zealand in early 2012.
Mazda’s new production technology uses 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel to fabricate bumper beams, which fit inside the front and rear bumpers and mitigate damage in the event of a collision.
The bumper bars are 20 percent stronger and 4.8 kilograms lighter than previous versions and are a key part of Mazda’s next-generation, lightweight and highly rigid vehicle architecture.
The new body architecture was developed as part of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY programme and incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as an expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight.
The use of high tensile steel enables vehicle parts to be thinner yet still retain the same degree of strength. This leads to significant savings in vehicle weight.
Reducing the weight of bumper beams is particularly important because, as they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle’s centre of gravity, their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and responsiveness.
They must also be strong to provide sufficient collision protection. For these reasons, a method of mass producing the parts using stronger steel has been highly sought after.
However, stronger materials are less pliant and therefore absorb less energy in a collision. To overcome this, Mazda conducted extensive research into how bumper beams deform in a crash, and created a new design that absorbs energy more efficiently.
Mazda is committed to reducing vehicle weight and improving dynamic performance while also maintaining a high level of body rigidity and excellent crash worthiness, in order to provide all its customers with driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.
5 september 2011
Mazda3 Drives Mazda NZ to Record August
Mazda New Zealand is celebrating its best August sales results on record with the Mazda3 claiming the industry’s top selling Passenger Model for the month.
Mazda New Zealand achieved 606 retail sales for the month with all models performing strongly.
Leading the charge for Mazda was the ever popular Mazda3 with 272 units sold, contributing over half of the total passenger sales for Mazda in August.
Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand, says, “We are thrilled with this outstanding result for Mazda3 which clearly demonstrates the popularity of the model in New Zealand.
“It continues to charm kiwi car buyers with its unique design, innovation and outstanding value proposition.”
The Mazda6 continues to perform strongly in the mid size category with 106 sales for the month, while the Mazda2 has started to gain strong momentum after the launch of the 2011 facelift model.
“It is very pleasing to see strong sales across the range. We are in the fortunate position of having a model line-up that appeals to a large number of New Zealand car buyers.
“Our focus is on maintaining momentum through the next few months and into the New Year.
“With the upcoming launch of the BT50 and innovative models in the pipeline, we are looking forward to seeing improving consumer confidence after what has been a challenging couple of years for the industry,” concluded Clearwater.