UNIQUE ANNIVERSARY EDITION MAZDA RX-8 AVAILABLE AT RIVERVALE MAZDA

Sports car fans looking for a unique and thrilling drive should hurry to Rivervale Mazda in Brighton to purchase one of the last Mazda RX-8 40^th Anniversary Limited Edition models in the country.  This special car was introduced in celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Mazda launching its first rotary-engine car, the Cosmo Sport back in the late 1960s. Just 400 examples of this very special Mazda RX-8 four-seat coupé model were made available in the UK and – due to its immense popularity – only a handful remains.

 

“The Mazda RX-8 is a magnificent drivers' car which brings real motoring excitement and exhilaration to everyday family life,” comments Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “It is still the world’s only rotary-engined production car, and that very rare creation, a genuine four-seater coupe.  The Mazda RX-8 40^th Anniversary Limited Edition celebrates this model’s immense appeal and has proved such a hit with motorists that there’s only a few left – so customers will need to hurry so as not to be disappointed.”

 

Available at the Victoria Road-based showroom, priced at just £24,184 (on-the-road), the 40^th Anniversary model can be purchased in a choice of two specially designed exterior colours – a unique Metropolitan Grey Mica that gives a strong touch of sophistication; and a truly distinctive Crystal White Pearlescent that will make this a ‘stand-out’ car on Britain’s roads.

 

Enhancing the Mazda RX-8 40^th Anniversary Limited Edition’s look of sporty sophistication are bespoke 10-spoke, 18-inch diameter bright-silver alloy wheels, an aerodynamic rear wing, new blue-light front fog lamps and a 40th Anniversary badge on each front wing – creating a unique sports car and that is a fine tribute to Mazda’s rotary-engined history.

 

Inside, the 40^th Anniversary model has seats trimmed in black leather with stone Alcantara^® non-woven suede centre sections.  For an extra touch of quality, the steering wheel is black leather – to match the seats – with stone stitching to match the seat centre section colour.  The handbrake and gear lever are trimmed in the same black leather with stone stitching and the lever top features a white centre insert.  Luxury carpet mats display the limited edition logo and bespoke stainless-steel scuff plates incorporate a ‘40^th Anniversary Rotary Engine’ legend together with each cars’ unique number.

 

Malcolm Hance explains: “With its, rear-wheel drive, perfect 50/50, front/rear weight distribution and the outstanding rigidity of its four-door bodyshell, the Mazda RX-8 is one of the very best handling cars on the market.  The Mazda RX-8 40^th Anniversary Limited Edition also features uprated suspension to enhance the drive experience still further.”

 

The drivetrain features the twin-rotor High Power 231ps RENESIS engine mated to a short shifting six-speed manual transmission.  The Mazda RX-8 40^th Anniversary Limited Edition accelerates from standstill to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 146mph. 

 

To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

 

SPECIAL OFFERS ACROSS MAZDA RANGE AT RIVERVALE MAZDA

January can be a difficult time of year financially for many people so Rivervale Mazda in Brighton is helping to ease the financial burden on customers by offering an array of special offers across the award-winning Mazda range.  Until 31 March 2009, customers can choose from a number of attractive finance packages and also take advantage of a fantastic free insurance offer.

 

"Many people tighten their purse strings in January following the expense of Christmas so we thought we'd help by introducing these amazing offers," enthused Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  "We have numerous finance packages available across the Mazda range so there is something to suit all budgets."

 

Rivervale Mazda is now offering drivers the chance to purchase the family-sized Mazda3 with typical 0% APR*.  The popular Mazda3 is available from just £11,201 on-the-road and customers who order the car before the end of March 2009 can take advantage of a number of typical 0% APR* finance deals on Mazda3 2.0 Sport and high-performance MPS models, while the rest of the range will be available with typical 4.9% APR* finance.

 

Rivervale Mazda is also offering 12-months free insurance** on Mazda2 3dr models for drivers aged from 21 to 70 years.  The free insurance offer is also available on the special edition Mazda2 Tamura, featuring a 1.3-litre engine and full sports styling.  Voted 'World Car of the Year 2008', the Mazda2 benefits from the marque's unique weight‑control 'gram strategy'.  The new version is 100kg lighter than its predecessor and offers improved levels of fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions.  With a starting price of just £8,899 on‑the‑road, the Mazda2 3dr is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.  Drivers can also purchase all Mazda2 Sport models at Rivervale Mazda with typical 4.9% APR* finance before the end of March 2009.  All other versions of the Mazda2 hatchback are available for the same period with typical 6.9% APR*.

 

Another exciting offer at Rivervale Mazda is the typical 6.9% APR* finance option available on the family favourite Mazda6, crowned 'Best New Car' at the 2008 Fleet World Honours.  Practical and stylish, the Mazda6 boasts a 25-strong line-up in saloon, hatchback and estate bodystyles.  Priced from £14,891 on-the-road, the Mazda6 achieves 0-62mph in eight seconds in 2.5-litre 4dr Sports Luxury form and is capable of reaching a top speed of 137mph. 

 

Until 31 March 2009, the Victoria Road-based dealership is also offering the Mazda Service Plan free of charge on all models (valid for the first three annual services).

 

Drivers also have the chance to purchase the multi-award-winning Mazda MX-5 with typical 4.9% APR*.  The world's best-selling sports car –– named 'Best Convertible' in the 2008 Auto Express New Car Honours –– provides open-top driving thrills with the added benefits of refinement, security and affordability.  The third generation Mazda MX-5 range offers customers a line-up of soft-top models, priced from just £15,420 on-the-road, or Roadster Coupe models, featuring the world's fastest folding hard-top, priced from £18,209 on‑the‑road. 

 

Also in the Rivervale Mazda showroom in Victoria Road is the new Mazda RX‑8 R3, the unique rotary-engined, four‑seater, four-door coupe that delivers faster responses and even more driving exhilaration than its predecessor.  Powered by the unique 231ps twin-rotor engine, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 offers drivers a heightened experience with faster steering, chassis and engine responses, more refinement and excellent levels of specification.  The new Mazda RX-8 R3 is priced at only £24,473 (on‑the‑road) and drivers can also take advantage of the typical 6.9% APR* finance deal.

 

Featuring unique sliding rear doors, the spacious Mazda5 has recently been upgraded to offer more passenger comfort, a more refined ride and greater practicality along with a refreshed look. The full Mazda5 line-up includes 10 models with a choice of four equipment levels and four engines starting from just £15,464 on-the-road.  The upgraded Mazda5 benefits from improved fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions.

 

The Victoria Road-based Mazda dealership is offering customers the chance to purchase the practical family car with typical 6.9% APR* finance until 31 March 2009.

 

To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

 

*Retail sales only. Metallic paint extra cost. Subject to availability at participating Mazda dealers for new vehicles contracted and registered between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2009. 4.9% finance available on all Mazda2 Sport models and all Mazda MX-5 models. 0% finance available on all Mazda3 Sport and Mazda3 MPS models. 6.9% finance available on all Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda RX-8 and Mazda CX-7 models. Minimum 10% deposit required. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR.

 

**Free Insurance available only on Mazda2 3dr models and Mazda2 Tamura models only. Mazda Motor Insurance is underwritten and administered by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc (No. 93792). Registered in England and Wales at St. Mark's Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Conditions apply.

 

 

FANTASTIC DEALS ON MAZDA MOTABILITY VEHICLES

Fabulous deals on both the three-door and five-door versions of the Mazda2 1.3 TS with air conditioning are available from Rivervale Mazda in Brighton through the Motability scheme with no advanced payments until the end of March 2009.

 

Motability is a national UK charity that helps people with disabilities to achieve greater mobility on the road.  Set up by the government in 1977, its aim is to provide vehicles and powered wheelchairs for disabled people and their families.  

 

“We are delighted to be able to provide our customers with such a large range of Motability vehicles,” commented Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “We offer more than 50 different versions of Mazda cars on the Motability scheme to suit all tastes and needs.  Customers will be highly impressed with the safety, reliability and sporty performance of all of our Mazda Motability cars.”

 

The Victoria Road dealership also offers three different payment plans; contract hire and purchase hire schemes for new cars and a hire purchase scheme for used vehicles.

 

Until the 31 March 2009, Motability customers can take advantage of a no advance payment offer on both the Mazda2 1.3 TS Air Con 3dr and 5dr models.  Voted ‘World Car of the Year 2008’, the new Mazda2 is 100kg lighter than its predecessor and offers low CO₂ emissions and excellent fuel economy.  With a starting price of just £8,899 on-the-road, the Mazda2 TS 3dr (1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) is one of the most competitive small cars in the UK.

 

To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

 

FREE INSURANCE AVAILABLE ON WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR 2008 - THE MAZDA2

Rivervale Mazda in Victoria Road is now offering customers a host of special offers on the Mazda2, World Car of the Year 2008, including free insurance.  Buyers (aged between 21 to 70 years) of the Mazda2 3dr Sport models can take advantage of 12 months free insurance on cars registered between 1 January and 31 March 2009. 

 

Drivers can also purchase all Mazda2 Sport models at Rivervale Mazda with typical 4.9 per cent APR finance before the end of March 2009.  All other versions of the Mazda2 hatchback are available for the same period with 6.9 per cent APR.

 

“The new Mazda2 is one of the very best cars available in the supermini market,” commented Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “It boasts distinctive styling, a spacious cabin and excellent driving dynamics as well as low running costs and low CO₂ emissions.  We encourage everyone to come and take the supermini for a test-drive and experience for themselves why it was voted World Car of the Year 2008.”

 

The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced in September 2007, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model.  Thanks to Mazda’s weight-reducing ‘gram strategy’, the new Mazda2 is 100kg lighter, leading to excellent fuel consumption –– up to 68.9mpg.  It also gives the range a CO₂ emissions rating starting at 114g/km, equating to an annual road tax rate of just £35.  

 

This month saw the new upgraded Mazda2 go on sale with improved overall interior styling and even better fuel economy.  In addition, both the entry level three-door and five-door versions feature air-conditioning as standard.  Occupant safety levels are amongst the best in class, with the Mazda2 5dr achieving a five-Star EuroNCAP crash test safety rating. The three-door also benefits from the same level of safety design, engineering and equipment.

 

Largely in recognition of Mazda's 'dare to be different approach', the new Mazda2 was named ‘World Car of the Year 2008’ beating a list of 39 other contenders, including the short-listed Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class. 

 

Both the three-door and five-door versions of new Mazda2 share common exterior and interior dimensions.  The differences between the two body styles are the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the five-door model as well as the three-door’s front door being 220mm longer than the five-door.

 

The exceptionally generous standard equipment on the new three-door model of the Mazda2 parallels the five-door’s specification closely with only a few differences.  The three-door model features ‘tilt-and-slide’ front seats to allow access to the rear seats, unique side skirts in the Sports Styling Kit.

 

With a starting price of just £8,899 on-the-road the Mazda2 TS AC 3dr (1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.  Prices for the Mazda2 5dr start at £9,399 (TS AC 1.3-litre, 75ps).

 

To find out more about the 14-strong Mazda2 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the Victoria Road showroom in Brighton.

 

'HAPPY NEW YEAR' WITH MAZDA'S TAMURA SPECIAL MODELS

To celebrate the New Year, Rivervale Mazda in Brighton is offering customers three new ‘Tamura’ Special Edition models based on its popular Mazda2 and Mazda6 hatchback cars. 

 

“As well as offering customers a uniquely sporty appearance on each new Tamura, Mazda is also maintaining extremely competitive pricing for these Special Edition models,” says Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “These new cars retain all the practicality, generous equipment and fun-to-drive dynamics for which Mazda models is known, bringing extra appeal with their distinctive looks and unique colours.”

 

Available at the Victoria Road showroom with a choice of three-door or five-door hatchback body styles, the Mazda2 1.3 Tamura is based on the regular TS² model and benefits from the addition of a Sports Styling Pack (including front and rear sports bumpers, 2-bar sports grille, side skirts and rear spoiler), new four cylinder headlamps, unique 16-inch dark grey alloy wheels and free metallic/mica or pearlescent paint.  For the exterior there is a choice of four colours – unique Aluminium Metallic or Radiant Ebony Mica, plus either Aurora Blue Mica or (for the five-door model) Crystal White Pearlescent. 

 

Mazda2 Tamura models (priced at £10,275 for the three-door and £10,775 for the five-door) come with the generous TS² standard equipment level that includes: manual air-conditioning, CD radio with Auxiliary input jack and four speakers plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Safety and security equipment includes ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution driver and passenger front airbags, side and curtain airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

 

Both Mazda2 Tamura models come with a 1.3-litre, 86ps petrol engine which enables the car to achieve 54.3mpg on the combined cycle and emissions of just 125g/km.   

 

More Space and Performance

For drivers in search of more space and more performance, Rivervale Mazda is offering the new Mazda6 5dr 2.0 Tamura, which delivers 147ps for 0-to-60 mph acceleration in just 10.2 seconds, while its CO₂ rating is a modest 168g/km.  Priced at £16,695, the Mazda6 Tamura is just £306 more than the equivalent TS model on which it is based. 

 

The new Mazda6 Tamura has the addition of a Sports Styling Pack plus Privacy Glass, clear rear light bezels and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.  The model is available in two unique mica colours –– Sparkling Black and Velocity Red –– plus Galaxy Grey mica and Sunlight Silver metallic, all free of charge.

 

Standard equipment on the Mazda6 Tamura includes: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), six airbags, remote central locking, Karakuri 60/40 split folding rear seats, a radio/single CD audio system with six speakers and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players, trip computer with speed alarm, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, plus a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

 

Rivervale Mazda is currently offering customers the chance to purchase the Tamura Special Edition cars with 6.9 per cent APR finance until 31 March 2009.  Mazda2 Tamura buyers (aged between 21-to-70 years) can also take advantage of 12 months free car insurance, while Mazda6 Tamura buyers can also benefit from the Mazda Service Plan, which gives free scheduled servicing for the first three years.

 

To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

 

GET FIT THIS YEAR WITH THE MAZDA2

The Mazda2 supermini, available at Rivervale Mazda in Brighton, is proving an inspiration to the thousands of dieters who have resolved to lose weight in 2009.  The supermini shed more than 100kg last year to reveal a sleek, new look which resulted in the model being named ‘World Car of the Year’.

 

“The Mazda2 is unrivalled in its class thanks to its superb driving qualities and attractive styling,” explained Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “The supermini’s low weight means it has excellent fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions as well as extreme agility –– it’s the perfect car for nipping around town or driving to the gym.

 

“Those looking to shape up this year should take up the challenge of triathlon.  Mazda UK is sponsoring triathlon throughout Britain, with the aim of encouraging greater interest in the sport.  Triathlon is the fastest growing mass participation sport in the UK and is a fantastic way to lose weight and get fit –– just like the Mazda2.”

 

The Mazda supermini, which was introduced in September 2007, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive model.  It was 100kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to Mazda’s ‘gram strategy’ diet, and the use of lightweight ultra-high strength steels and new technology.

 

The Mazda2 beat off 38 other new cars, including the short-listed Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class, to win the ‘2008 World Car of the Year’ (WCOTY) crown.  Previous winners of this prestigious award were all from luxury brands –– the Audi A6, BMW 3-Series and Lexus LS460.

 

With a starting price of just £8,899 on-the-road the Mazda2 TS 3dr (1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) –– now with air conditioning as standard –– is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.  Prices for the Mazda2 5dr start at £9,399 (TS 1.3-litre, 75ps). Drivers can purchase all Mazda2 Sport models at Rivervale Mazda with typical 4.9 per cent APR finance before the end of March 2009.  All other versions of the Mazda2 hatchback are available for the same period with 6.9 per cent APR.

 

Buyers (aged between 21 to 70 years) of the Mazda2 3dr Sport models can also take advantage of 12 months free insurance on cars registered between 1 January and 31 March 2009. 

 

As well as sponsoring the major British triathlons, including the Mazda London and Mazda Blenheim Triathlons, Mazda also sponsors elite triathletes Tim Don, Hollie Avil and Olly Freeman to act as Mazda Ambassadors for the sport.  The car manufacturer has also launched a grass-roots initiative, the Talent Identification (ID) Programme, to target 12 to 18-year-olds with the objective of finding and developing future stars of the sport.

 

To find out more about the Mazda range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

 

For more information, visit www.wearetriathlon.com

 

UPGRADED MAZDA6 SETS NEW CLASS STANDARDS

 

Rivervale Mazda in Brighton is offering customers a number of great deals on the Mazda6 until the end of March, including typical 6.9 per cent APR finance on all models.

 

Until 31 March 2009, the Victoria Road-based dealership is also offering the Mazda Service Plan free of charge on all models (valid for the first three annual services).

 

“The current Mazda6 has retained and enhanced many of the original model’s distinctive design features that set it apart from other vehicles,” comments Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “Not only is this new car one of the most stylish in its class, its performance, practicality and economy figures are amongst the best available.”

 

The latest Mazda6 was introduced at the end of 2007 and is an even more stylish, functional and economical car than its predecessor, which was popular with both families and company car drivers.  Last year Mazda introduced 10 diesels and nine estates to complete the 25-strong range, which is priced from £14,891 on-the-road, with CO₂ emissions from just 147g/km.

 

The Mazda6 –– named ‘Best New Car’ at the 2008 Fleet World Honours –– has achieved a weight loss of up to 50kg, despite being even better equipped with enhanced comfort and safety features over its predecessor.  Mazda believes that reducing weight and improving the car’s fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions should not have a detrimental effect on the car’s performance.  The upgraded Mazda6 still competes with the best in its class with the 2.5-litre Sport achieving 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 137mph.

 

The Mazda6 boasts five equipment levels –– S, TS, TS², Sport and a Sports Luxury ‘SL’ level.  The SL matches the performance of the Sport model but has a more discreet exterior and more luxurious interior, with full leather seats (heated in front), front and rear parking sensors and an electric sunroof 

 

To find out more about the Mazda6 range or to arrange a test-drive call, Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the Victoria Road showroom in Brighton.

 

NB ‘Commercial Vehicle On the road' prices include number plates, delivery, 12 months' road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance, but exclude VAT.  All models are available with free 7-day drive away insurance. 

 

GREAT VALUE NEW MAZDA6 LINE-UP AT RIVERVALE MAZDA FROM JANUARY

 

Drivers in Brighton will soon be able to purchase the new Mazda6 2.2-litre diesel from just £15,869 on-the-road.  The new line-up is due to arrive in the Victoria Road showroom in January and features a MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine in three power outputs and an additional diesel hatchback model as well as minor specification upgrades.  These new editions expand the award-winning Mazda6 range to 26 models.

 

"The new Mazda6 2.2 diesel is amazing value, offering drivers great performance with even more refinement," commented Malcom Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  "It is one of the quietest and most powerful engines in its class, with a lively yet cultivated character that will offer a truly exclusive driving experience.  All three diesel engines are emissions clean with modest CO₂ ratings and excellent fuel efficiency."

 

The all-new clean Mazda6 2.2-litre turbo diesel is introduced in three power derivatives –– 185ps, 163ps and 125ps –– and is priced from £15,869 to £22,211 for the range-topping Sports Luxury model.  It is one of the quietest and most powerful engines in its class, offering substantially higher power and torque than the previous generation Mazda6 2.0-litre diesel. 

 

Although the new Mazda6 is bigger and better equipped, it delivers equal levels of fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as the previous generation.   This is down to Mazda's strict weight control measures which have resulted in overall weight reductions of up to 50kg.  On the combined cycle, the new Mazda6 diesel returns between 51.4mpg and 49.6mpg, with CO₂ figures of just 147g/km to 152g/km (depending on model). 

 

A significant safety boost is also being provided for Mazda6 drivers with the introduction of Mazda's lane‑change 'Rear Vehicle Monitoring System' –– as standard on 15 models, from TS² upwards.  The new fully automatic active safety feature detects and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle before he/she moves across into a busy lane by mistake. 

 

In addition, all Sport and Sport Luxury models are now fitted with Smart Keyless Entry (with push button engine Start/Stop) as standard –– not just the petrol versions as previously.

 

To find out more about the Mazda6 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

 

 

 

FREE INSURANCE AVAILABLE ON WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR 2008 - THE MAZDA2

Rivervale Mazda in Victoria Road is now offering customers a host of special offers on the Mazda2, World Car of the Year 2008, including free insurance.  Buyers (aged between 21 to 70 years) of the Mazda2 3dr Sport models can take advantage of 12 months free insurance on cars registered between 1 January and 31 March 2009. 

 

Drivers can also purchase all Mazda2 Sport models at Rivervale Mazda with typical 4.9 per cent APR finance before the end of March 2009.  All other versions of the Mazda2 hatchback are available for the same period with 6.9 per cent APR.

 

“The new Mazda2 is one of the very best cars available in the supermini market,” commented Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “It boasts distinctive styling, a spacious cabin and excellent driving dynamics as well as low running costs and low CO₂ emissions.  We encourage everyone to come and take the supermini for a test-drive and experience for themselves why it was voted World Car of the Year 2008.”

 

The Mazda2 5dr, which was introduced in September 2007, broke the industry trend for increasing weight and size with each successive replacement model.  Thanks to Mazda’s weight-reducing ‘gram strategy’, the new Mazda2 is 100kg lighter, leading to excellent fuel consumption –– up to 68.9mpg.  It also gives the range a CO₂ emissions rating starting at 114g/km, equating to an annual road tax rate of just £35.  Occupant safety levels are still amongst the best in class and whilst the three-door model is yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, a best possible five star rating is expected to match the Mazda2 five-door performance.

 

Largely in recognition of Mazda's 'dare to be different approach', the new Mazda2 was named ‘World Car of the Year 2008’ beating a list of 39 other contenders, including the short-listed Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class.  Previous winners of this coveted award include the Lexus LS460, BMW 3-Series and Audi A6.

 

Both the three-door and five-door versions of new Mazda2 share common exterior and interior dimensions.  The differences between the two body styles are the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the five-door model as well as the three-door’s front door being 220mm longer than the five-door.

 

The exceptionally generous standard equipment on the new three-door model of the Mazda2 parallels the five-door’s specification closely with only a few differences.  The three-door model features ‘tilt-and-slide’ front seats to allow access to the rear seats, unique side skirts in the Sports Styling Kit.

 

With a starting price of just £8,899 on-the-road the Mazda2 TS 3dr (1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.  Prices for the Mazda2 5dr start at £9,399 (TS 1.3-litre, 75ps).

 

To find out more about the 14-strong Mazda2 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the Victoria Road showroom in Brighton.

 

MAZDA HELPS COMPANIES MAKE ALLOWANCES TO SAVE MONEY IN 2009

Companies in Brighton that choose to run low emission company cars stand to benefit from significant new tax breaks, which are being introduced this year.

 

Changes to capital allowances for company cars mean that from 1 April 2009 they will be based on carbon dioxide emissions and will reward companies for running vehicles that emit 160g/km of CO₂ or less.

 

Mazda is perfectly placed to help companies meet this challenge, with more than 40 individual model variants producing less than the 160g/km benchmark from its Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 ranges.

This includes the all-new low emission 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that arrives in the Mazda6 in three power derivatives in January 2009.

It is one of the quietest and most powerful engines in its class, offering 185ps, 163ps or 125ps, and all three meet the crucial 160g/km emissions benchmark in the saloon, hatchback or estate (see panel below).

Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda in Brighton, said:  “Vehicle emissions should be an even greater focus for fleet decision-makers than they have been in the past with the forthcoming capital allowance changes.  Making the wrong decision could be extremely costly.

“Choosing Mazda models will offer the best of both worlds to companies and their drivers.  Companies will benefit from vehicles that make the most of the capital allowance changes, which also offer low running costs, great reliability and strong resale values.

“Meanwhile drivers will pay low benefit-in-kind tax and get to drive some of the best looking cars on the road, which offer a very high standard of equipment, great economy, exceptional handling and market-leading comfort levels.

“The capital allowance tax burden should be part of every fleet decision-makers’ total cost of ownership equation to ensure vehicle operating costs are kept as low as possible, benefiting the business as well as drivers.  Mazda can help achieve that business aim.”

The important 160g/km emissions target will affect all company cars that are registered after 1 April 2009, whether they are outright purchased or leased by companies.

For outright purchased vehicles, cars with CO₂ emissions above 160g/km will only receive an annual 10% writing down allowance - the value of the car companies can offset against their profits to reduce their tax bill.

However, for vehicles with CO₂ emissions of 160g/km or less, companies will be able to claim a 20% writing down allowance to reduce their tax bill even more.

For companies that lease their vehicles, there is similar system.  Companies can offset all of the value of the lease against their profits if the vehicle emits 160g/km or below, but if it has higher CO₂ emissions, then firms can only claim 85% of the value of the lease (there is a 15% disallowance).

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association predicts that the changes will accelerate the shift to low-emission cars that was kick-started by the launch of            CO₂-based company car tax in 2002.

Leasing companies, which own the vehicles that thousands of fleets hire, will also be affected by the new rules and some have warned that the changes will see rentals for cars emitting more than 160g/km rise by up to £30 a month, while monthly contract hire rates for low emission cars could fall.

To find out how Mazda can cut the cost of corporate motoring, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.