The Caravan Club Awards Mazda6 Estate Category Win at Towcar of the Year 2010

The Mazda6 Estate has proved its towing ability, for the fourth time, at The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2010.  Awarded for its practicality and excellent towing ability the judges said: "The Mazda6 is a very worthy class winner."  The results of the Competition were announced at The Caravan Club's annual awards ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London today (23 September). 

 

The Mazda6 Estate impressed the judges in the £20,000 to £25,000 Class: "With a flexible engine, bags of low-down torque and a six-speed gearbox that is not only good to use but well mated to the engine, it's no surprise this is a very worthy class winner. 

 

"Towing 1347kg, the good-looking estate car romped up the long 14% hill in third gear and tackled a 17% stop-and-restart quite easily.  A super car at a great price" the judges concluded.

 

Mark Cameron from Mazda UK added: "Whether you are towing a caravan to a motorsport event, a horse box to the county show, or a jet ski trailer to the beach, the Mazda6 Estate has proved over the years of awards from The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year that it consistently rates highly thanks to its flexibility, dynamic handling and great engine."

 

The exact specification that was tested for this highly regarded competition was the Mazda6 Mazda6 2.2litre Diesel Estate TS² 163ps Manual and is priced at £20,170 on-the-road.

 

Twenty-eight cars were put rigorously through their paces in August at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.  An independent panel of six driving judges carried out track tests assessing each car's towing ability as well as acceleration, braking and the ability to cope with demanding hill starts.   The vehicles were divided into five price categories and two All-Wheel Drive categories (under 1800kg and over 1800kg).  Vehicles are split into Classes to enable consumers in general, to make an informed choice regarding their car purchase depending upon the theory being that anyone thinking about buying a new car will first consider their budget.  These results are important not only to caravanners but to any car driver who tows; boat and horsebox owners have an equally keen interest in these awards.

 

Mazda6: The Facts

In the UK, the second generation Mazda6 offers customers a 26-strong model line-up, starting at £15,685 (on-the-road), with a choice of four powertrains and five equipment levels, in a range of eleven colours, plus stylish 16-inch ,17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels which were a 'first' for Mazda6.  Each of the equipment levels – S, TS, TS², Sport and Sports Luxury are highly specified within its price band and among the specification upgrades is a new standard equipment feature on 15 models from the £18,410 TS² upwards which benefit from enhanced safety with the new lane-change 'Rear Vehicle Monitoring System'.

 

From January the Mazda6 went on sale with the arrival of its all-new MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and some specification upgrades and one additional diesel model – offering both the low power (125ps) and mid power (163ps) diesel engines in the TS hatchback.

 

For more information or to arrange a test-drive in 2009 Tow-Car of the year, the Mazda6 Estate, contact Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit our Victoria Road, Brighton showroom.

RIVERVALE MAZDA HELPS SAVE LIVES BY SUPPORTING TYRE SAFETY MONTH

This October, Rivervale Mazda in Brighton is throwing its weight behind Tyre Safety Month, the annual national campaign that aims to highlight the need for regular tyre checks in order to cut the number of deaths and injuries on the nation's roads caused by unsafe and illegal tyres.

 

"Rivervale Mazda is committed to road safety and we hope that by taking part in this important initiative we can help prevent road accidents and save lives," explained Ben Riley, Sales Manager at Rivervale Mazda.  "Illegal tyre tread can double stopping distances in the wet and considering this country is wet 40 percent of the year, it is a massive risk to the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users.  Even cars with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) are at risk, as these have little benefit if the car is not in contact with the road, which is a result of low tread in the wet.  Rivervale Mazda wants to help ensure that Brighton's roads are safer places for motorists and pedestrians alike."

 

"As well as being dangerous, drivers found flouting the legal limits set for tyre tread face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on their licences, so it really is worth making regular checks," explained Ben Riley.

 

Tyre Safety Month is organised by TyreSafe and runs throughout October.  This year's campaign is themed, 'Lifesaver in your pocket' and is based on the idea that a 20 pence piece can be used to determine the legal limit for tyre tread, which is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its whole circumference.  For more information about Tyre Safety Month, please visit: www.tyresafe.org

 

"We hope everyone will support us in our attempt to make our community a safer place," added Ben Riley.

 

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 Raod, Brighton.

Mazda Leads the Way in Cutting Emissions

Mazda is one of Europe's leading brands in lowering the CO2 emissions of its cars, says a recent report by the European Federation for Transport and Environment[1]. The report is based on the EU car CO2 monitoring mechanism database for 2008. It analysed 14 major carmakers in Europe, and found that CO2 emissions had dropped by an average of 3.3 percent per vehicle. Mazda was far ahead of this figure, with a drop in CO2 emissions of 8.2 percent per car in 2008, just behind the top brand, BMW, which had an average drop of 10.2 percent.  This represents a CO2 reduction of the entire Mazda line-up in Europe from 172 g/km to 158 g/km, and is a further step in realising the goal of lowering CO2 emissions of Mazda's global line-up a further 23 percent by 2015. 

 

This excellent result can be attributed to Mazda's 'Sustainable Zoom-Zoom' strategy, which was introduced in 2007 and has since produced next-generation vehicles that are lighter than their predecessors, use less fuel and produce less CO2. Lightweight technology is also being applied to all newly-developed platforms that will be introduced from 2011.

 

Other technologies from this environmental focus include the new Mazda3 i-stop version with a stop/start system that saves up to 14 percent on fuel, and a next-generation 2.2-litre turbo diesel with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which greatly reduces harmful NOx emissions.

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REDUCE FUEL COSTS WITH MAZDA

For drivers in Brighton looking to save on the cost of fuel but still enjoy a stylish and thrilling drive, Rivervale Mazda recommends choosing a Mazda.

 

"Due to its policy of reducing the weight of new models, through clever design and the use of lightweight ultra-high tensile steels, Mazda has led the way in increasing fuel economy while also improving the safety, refinement and performance of its cars," explains Ben Riley, Sales Manager at Rivervale Mazda. 

 

"For the fuel-conscious car owner who still wants to enjoy exciting driving, a Mazda is a logical choice when purchasing a new car or when trading-in a gas-guzzling vehicle over 10 years old through the scrappage scheme," adds Riley.

 

In the lightweight, streamlined Mazda2, Mazda's weight-reducing strategy translates into an unrivalled, class-best blend of performance and fuel economy. 

 

Mazda2 drivers can benefit from real savings, with fuel economy of up to 68.9mpg, as well as CO₂ emissions as low as 107g/km without compromising on performance.  For example, the Mazda2 1.6 Diesel accelerates to 62mph in 11.4 seconds, yet achieves 67.3 mpg (combined cycle) and has a CO₂ rating of only 112 g/km, qualifying for Band B annual road tax of just £35.

 

With a starting price of £9,295 (on-the-road), or just £7,295 under the scrappage scheme, the entry-level Mazda2 (TS, 3dr, 1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) with air-conditioning as standard, is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.

 

The all-new Mazda3, priced from £13,500 (on the road), boasts a bold shape that has lowered aerodynamic drag to a class-leading Cd 0.28 (saloon) and 0.30 (hatchback).  The improved aerodynamics and retuned powertrains have resulted in significant reductions in both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions_.

 

In addition, the new Mazda3 2.0 Sport, which is fitted with Mazda's i-stop technology, delivers fuel economy improvements of up to 16 percent (combined cycle) over the previous equivalent model, with CO₂ emissions reduced by up to 19 percent. 

 

"Drivers whose mileage is predominantly city-based can achieve even greater fuel-savings," continues Riley.  "A further benefit is this model's official CO₂ rating (159g/km) crucially falls below the benchmark 160g/km capital allowance tax threshold, thereby enabling companies to maximise corporate tax savings following April's changes to the taxation system.  The car also falls into the 19 percent benefit-in-kind tax bracket in 2009/10, making it a cost-effective choice for fleets and user-chooser company car drivers."

 

"Both the Mazda2 and the all-new Mazda3 ranges are proving very popular with those wishing to reduce fuel costs by trading-in old cars under the scrappage scheme," continues Riley.  "Further cost savings are also available for Mazda3 buyers thanks to an increased Mazda Scrappage Allowance of £2,000, in addition to the £1,000 government contribution."

 

Until 30 September 2009, Rivervale Mazda is offering drivers the chance to purchase all Mazda2 and new Mazda3 models with typical 0 per cent APR* finance with a minimum 50 per cent deposit required or 3.9 per cent APR** with no minimum deposit. 

 

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

 

 

Retail sales only. Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered between 1 July and 30 September 2009. *0% finance available on Mazda Conditional Sale on new Mazda2 models with minimum 50% deposit required. **3.9% finance available on all new Mazda2 models. Offers not available in conjunction with Government Scrappage Scheme. 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 MX-5 NAMED AS ‘BEST ROADSTER’ AND ‘BEST USED CAR’ BY AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS

Mazda's range of 'Zoom-Zoom' vehicles continue to impress automotive experts, with the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster receiving critical acclaim from Auto Express and Carsite.co.uk.
Rivervale Mazda in Brighton is expecting to welcome a flurry of new and used car buyers to the dealership, looking to own the highly-regarded Mazda MX-5 after it was named 'Best Roadster' in the 2009 Auto Express Used Car Honours and 'Best Used Car' by online retailer Carsite.co.uk.

This is the fourth successive year the Mazda MX-5 has won the coveted Auto Express award, beating BMW and Porsche rivals for the top ranking. "To have such high profile motoring experts, such as Auto Express and Carsite.co.uk, confirm that Mazda products are among the very best on the market really does reinforce the fact that Mazda is Britain's favourite sports car brand, both on the new and used market," enthused Malcolm Hance dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda on Victoria Road.

"The Mazda MX-5 is unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, with low running costs and high levels of specification – and the whole sportscar ownership experience is supported by Mazda's legendary reliability and durability," adds Hance.

The latest exterior, interior and technical upgrades to the 2009 Mazda MX-5 range ensure that the soft-top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe delivers an even more coupe-like, premium experience together with the same driving excitement. Both models are available at [DEALERSHIP NAME] and carry-over the key features which have made the Mazda MX-5 the world's best-selling sportscar.

Commenting on the Mazda MX-5's victory, Auto Express stated: "The pretty roadster is the default choice for affordable wind-in-the-hair thrills thanks to its simple folding fabric hood, entertaining rear-wheel drive handling and incredibly attractive prices. The folding hard-top Roadster Coupe variant only serves to boost the car's appeal, providing improved refinement and security. Prices start from £16,345, which makes the MX-5 something of a bargain."

Praising the Mazda MX-5's achievement on the used car market, Carsite.co.uk commented: "The Mazda MX-5 deserves the top position thanks to strong reliability, value-for-money, residual performance and driveability. Its success in our poll only goes to further support the British love affair with the drop-top."

Significantly upgraded for 2009, the 10-strong range of new Mazda MX-5 sportscars, available with either traditional soft-top or in Roadster Coupe form featuring a powered retractable hard top, have a fresh design that enhances their dynamic appeal and is harmonised with Mazda's next-generation Mazda6, Mazda3 and Mazda2 line-up.

Prices for the Mazda MX-5 2009 soft-top range start from £16,345 on-the-road. The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe range starts at £18,345 on-the-road and boasts the world's fastest powered retractable hard top – up or top-down in just 12 seconds. Rivervale Mazda is currently offering 0 per cent APR* finance, with a minimum 50% deposit, or 3.9% APR** finance with no minimum deposit, on all upgraded models until 30 September 2009.

To find out more about the Mazda MX-5 range or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.

All-new Mazda3 MPS ‘super-hatch’ on sale 1 October priced at £21,500

The all-new Mazda3 MPS delivers a unique combination of even more exhilarating driving fun and everyday compact car practicality.  It retains the sensational 155mph performance of its predecessor, while adopting the numerous innovations of the second-generation Mazda3 on which it is based.  Improved aerodynamics give greater high-speed stability.  A stiffer bodyshell, new power steering and modified suspension guarantee a compliant ride with crisp, precise responses to driver inputs.  Higher gearing and the application of Mazda's weight-reducing 'Gram Strategy' helps to reduce CO₂ emissions by 3 percent and ensure the new model meets the stricter Euro 5 emission standards.

 

"The latest Mazda3 MPS is a strikingly bold design, more dynamic looking, more aggressive and more assertive than ever before," comments Malcolm Hance, Delaer Principle, Rivervale Mazda.  "The new bonnet air-intake, new-style 18-inch alloy wheels and larger rear spoiler create the muscular, athletic look of a sprinter.  Delivering sensationally spirited performance, the new Mazda3 MPS puts the heat back into the hot-hatch sector with 'stand out' looks that put rivals in the shade and it boasts exquisite handling and incredible dynamics.

 

The all-new Mazda3 MPS is being marketed in the UK as a single, generously specified and lavishly equipped model, priced at £21,500 (on the road) including mica or metallic paint finish.  The unique MPS body styling – featuring aggressive bonnet air scoop, special front wings, new grille, new bumpers and deeper sills, plus a larger rear wing – adds 20mm to the length of the regular Sport model. 

 

Power and control, with safety and refinement

Each Mazda3 MPS is fitted with the updated MZR 2.3 DISI* Turbo engine. This turbocharged petrol engine generates 260ps and 380Nm of torque (at just 3,000rpm) and drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.  An electronic throttle and electronic boost pressure control ensure lively throttle response and stunningly fast acceleration without turbo lag. 

 

Fully specified and lavishly equipped

The all-new Mazda3 MPS is so lavishly equipped as standard that there are no factory-fitted options available.  Standard premium features include Bluetooth^® technology, Welcome Mode lighting, and a surround-sound BOSE^® premium audio system with 10 speakers, plus steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

 

The all-new Mazda3 MPS also comes with Mazda's new MID (multi information display) with a compact satellite navigation system developed especially for this model, while dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear (with global closing), a heated front windscreen and smart keyless entry all come as standard. 

 

An arsenal of 'active' safety technologies

Naturally, safety is paramount on the high-performance Mazda3 MPS and it is equipped with an array of 'active' safety systems to minimise the hazards of everyday driving. A Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are standard, as is the new Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) system, a four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), an Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

 

Like all other Mazda3 models, the MPS is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, active front headrestraints, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters.

 

The exciting all-new Mazda3 MPS is Mazda's highest performance hatchback and it gives car drivers the opportunity to choose a high-performance, more than credible alternative to the hot hatch offerings from other marques.

 

For more information about the all-new Mazda3 MPS contact Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit our Victoria Road, Brighton showroom.

SOARING SCRAPPAGE SALES AT RIVERVALE MAZDA CREATES GREENER, SAFER ROADS IN BRIGHTON

Drivers in Brighton are discovering the money-saving and environmentally-friendly advantages of owning a Mazda, following an overwhelming response to Mazda's enhanced scrappage offers at local Mazda retailer Rivervale Mazda. 

According to the Victoria Road-based dealership, there has been a significant number of customers trading-in their older vehicles for a brand-new Mazda since the programme began earlier this year, attracted by the generous scrappage offers available at Rivervale Mazda and the overall low running costs attached to models across the range.

"We have received a high number of enquiries from customers wishing to participate in the Government-backed scrappage scheme," says Malcolm Hance at Rivervale Mazda.  "The enhanced scrappage deals offered by Mazda have meant that it is much more affordable for motorists in Brighton, who qualify for the scheme, to own a safer, more eco-friendly car than ever before.  As a result, our local road network is becoming increasingly populated with cleaner, more reliable cars."

The Mazda2 and Mazda3 have proved to be extremely popular model choices for customers trading in their older cars at Rivervale Mazda, attracted by impressive fuel economy, generous levels of specification, high safety levels and low tax banding.

 

With a starting price of £9,295 (on-the-road), or just £7,295 under the scrappage scheme, the entry-level Mazda2 (TS, 3dr, 1.3-litre, 75ps petrol) with air-conditioning as standard, is one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.  Prices for the Mazda2 5dr start at £9,645 (TS 1.3-litre, 75ps), or just £7,645 under the scrappage scheme.

 

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.

 

 

The all-new Mazda3 is available priced from £13,500 on-the-road or just £10,500 for customers trading-in vehicles over 10 years old under the scrappage scheme.

The newly launched model now has best-in-class aerodynamics, retuned powertrains and reduced weight (down by 15 kilos on some models), resulting in significant reductions in CO₂ and fuel consumption.

Safety is paramount on all-new Mazda3, with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an Emergency Stop Signaling (ESS) System standard on all models.  This system automatically activates the hazard warning lights at cruising speeds when the ABS sensors detect emergency braking – and cancels the emergency signal when either the demand for ABS relaxes or when the brake pedal is released.

 

Customers trading in a car of 10 years old or more for a new Mazda can now benefit from extra savings, ranging from a total of £2,000 minimum up to £6,000 maximum on some models at Rivervale Mazda. 

 

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.