In what could be the most anticipated of car launches this year, Bermaz Motor has officially launched the all-new, sexy-looking, fully-imported Mazda3.
The new Mazda3 is categorized as an energy efficient vehicle (EEV) and it comes with a host of Mazda’s SkyActiv Technologies. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine that is capable of producing 162hp and 210Nm of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission is also developed using SkyActiv technology and features paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Just like the Mazda6, the new Mazda3 is inspired by ‘Kodo’ – Mazda’s ‘Soul of Motion’ design theme. According to the automaker, the nicely sculptured shape represents the ‘power and beauty of an animal poised to pounce’. It speaks of muscular, graceful motion full of vitality. It is all about rhythmic, energising lines.
Inside, the car has a sporty interior, inspired by another design philosophy called “Jinba Ittai“, which means the feeling of unity and pure fun-to-drive relationship with the vehicle; it promises the ultimate in command and response. Taut, linear response to your driving commands makes Mazda3 feel like an extension of you. By precisely tuning the SkyActiv chassis and body to match the compact dimensions, Mazda added extra confidence, comfort and refinement. In addition, the breakthrough efficiency of the SkyActiv powertrains is further enhanced by the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system and i-STOP idling stop system to offer better fuel efficiency.
The Mazda3 comes with six airbags, ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). It also comes with Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, Immobilizer and anti-theft. Available in 4 colour choices, and locally the new Mazda3 is currently available in only the sedan version with selling price of RM138,935 OTR with insurance. There will be a sporty hatchback in the near future though, so stay tuned!
At the official launch of the Mazda3, Bermaz Motor also took the opportunity to introduce the Mazda CX-5 with 2.5-litre petrol engine. It is a fully-imported (CBU) version from Japan and it comes fully loaded with equipment available in the high-spec 2.0 CX-5 model with the addition of an i-STOP start/stop system, sunroof and a nine-speaker Bose sound system as well as 225/65 R17 alloys wheels.
Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh, Managing Director of Bermaz Motor explained that the main purpose of having the 2.5 version in CBU is basically due to the present production constraints and the long delivery period. Once the production capacity is increased following the commissioning of the new assembly line, the CX5 2.5 will be locally produced.
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 CBU is powered by the 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine found in the Mazda6 2.5. It boasts of 184hp and has an impressive 250Nm of torque compared to the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G’s 153hp and 200Nm of torque.
The new addition to the CX-5 line-up comes in two versions – 4WD and 2WD with selling prices of RM166,594 for the 2WD and RM176,797 for the 4WD, OTR with insurance.The Mazda CX-5 2.5 is available in 4 colour choices including Sky Blue Mica, Meteor Grey, Arctic White and Aluminium Metallic.
