RIVERVALE CELEBRATES TOP FLEET AWARD FOR MAZDA6

The Mazda6, available at Rivervale Mazda, has beaten off stiff competition to be named 'Best Large Family Car' at the 2009 Fleet News Awards. The accolade provides yet another reason for local businesses to choose the Mazda6 for fleets and for company car drivers.
The latest generation Mazda6 went on sale in Brighton early in 2008 and its very competitive running costs and stylish design were key factors in the model winning the award, along with the car's availability as a saloon, five-door hatch and estate.
"The Mazda6, as highlighted by the Fleet News awards judges, delivers a compelling wholelife cost package that puts the car ahead of the upper medium sector pack," commented Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda. "The very competitive pricing of the Mazda6, its track record for reliability and its specification contained within a stylish package makes the model a 'must have' not just for the awards judges but for fleets and company car drivers across Britain."
The award was presented at a glittering ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel recently. The independent panel of fleet expert judges declared: "With a stylish design that stands out on the road, the Mazda6 offers drivers something different to the norm in this sector. We were also impressed with the wholelife cost performance, new range of diesel engines and its driving appeal."
The 26-model Mazda6 range is available at the Victoria Road showroom from just £14,891 on-the-road. The range of models, which include 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol engines, has recently been supplemented by a choice of three 2.2-litre diesel engines available in 125ps, 163ps and 185ps power outputs.
Lightweight technology utilised by Mazda engineers mean that all the models deliver fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions levels that are among the best available in the upper medium sector. Crucially for businesses, fleet buyers and company car drivers, the lower the CO2 figure the lower the benefit-in-kind tax bill, which is also reflected in business car-related corporate tax savings.
Couple the Mazda6's cash-saving advantages in terms of fuel and tax with residual values that at the benchmark three-year/60,000 miles are among the best in the sector, and it underlines why the model overcame the other finalists – the Honda Accord and Toyota Avensis – to win the 'Best Large Family Car' title.
The triumph in the 2009 Fleet News Awards follows the Mazda6 winning the 'Best New Car' award at the 2008 Fleet World Honours in May last year, just months after going on sale. This is the second time Mazda6 has been awarded by Fleet News after receiving the Fleet News Award 2003 for Best Upper Medium Car.
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.

All-New Mazda3 On Sale from May 2009

The all-new Mazda3 range for 2009, with a 15-strong model line-up will go on sale in the UK during May. Both the hatchback and saloon bodystyles portray a more powerful and emotional design, with a richer expression and a more dynamic stance. In many ways the new Mazda3 is a 'baby Mazda6' bringing the elegant excitement of that model's distinctive lines to the C-segment. Mazda3's fresh face harmonises with the upgraded Mazda MX-5 and Mazda RX-8 R3, while lowering aerodynamic drag to just Cd 0.28 (saloon) and 0.30 (hatchback). The improved aerodynamics and retuned powertrains, plus the reduced weight of the new model, result in significant reductions in CO2 and fuel consumption.
"The all-new Mazda3 is going to be even more popular than its best-selling predecessor," comments Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director Mazda Motors UK. "The new Mazda3 brings the sophistication, style, technology and refinement of the new Mazda6 to the compact family car market. The new model is improved visually, technically and in terms of comfort, with even more generous specification at each equipment level and safety-boosting DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) fitted as standard on every model, while continuing to deliver excellent value for money.
"Both retail and fleet customers will benefit from the dramatic CO2 reductions Mazda's engineers have achieved to bring models below the 120 g/km and 160 g/km tax thresholds. The CO2 output of the 1.6 petrol model has been cut to 149 g/km, from 162 g/km on the current model, the 2.0 petrol is down to 159 g/km from 189 g/km due in part to the new i-stop technology and the 1.6 diesel is now just 119 g/km, down from 128 g/km, and benefits from only £35 per year road tax," highlights Cameron.
For 2009, Mazda3 customers will have a choice of three petrol and three diesel powertrains, all fine-tuned to use less fuel. On the combined cycle, fuel consumption* ranges from 41.5 to 44.8 mpg (manual transmission, petrol models) and from 50.4 to 62.8 mpg (diesels). The 2.0 Automatic delivers fuel economy of 37.2 mpg.
Significant improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are also apparent thanks to meticulous changes to the shape of the intake system, improvements in the rigidity of the subframe and more substantial plate thickness to the engine mount brackets amongst other things. Tuning improvements to the engine characteristics bring the engine note to a level on-par with premium C-segment competitors.
Technical innovations featured on all-new Mazda3 include the fuel-stretching 'i-stop' (Smart Idling Stop System) technology on the Mazda3 2.0 Sport – which can deliver fuel consumption savings of up to 14 percent on the combined cycle – and the new five-speed automatic transmission (already proving popular on the Mazda6) on the Mazda3 2.0 TS2 AT model.
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Safety is paramount on all-new Mazda3 with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and an Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) System standard on all models. This system automatically activates the hazard warning lights at cruising speeds when the ABS sensors detect emergency braking. The system automatically cancels the emergency signal when either the demand for ABS relaxes or when the brake pedal is released.
Customers who prefer a petrol engine can choose from 1.6-litre 105ps and 2.0-litre 150ps powertrains for the eight regular Mazda3 models or the 2.3-litre 260ps turbocharged engine in the Mazda3 MPS (see separate press kit). The choice of diesel engines for six Mazda3 models is expanded with the new model to encompass 1.6-litre 109ps, 2.2-litre 150ps and 2.2-litre 185ps engines.
The 2009 new Mazda3 range starts with the 1.6 S model. Even this entry-model is well specified with a host of equipment that includes DSC and TCS (Traction Control System), six airbags, remote central locking, manual air-conditioning, welcome mode lighting and an MP3 compatible audio system with four speakers.
The TS model brings customer benefits that include 15-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, leather steering wheel with audio controls and two additional audio speakers, as well as power folding mirrors and electric rear windows.
The TS2 models feature front fog lights, larger 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, a heated windscreen, heated front seats, a 6-CD autochanger, cruise control and Bluetooth® technology.
Sport models gain a Sports Styling Kit – including new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler – plus 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED rear lights, a premium BOSE® audio system with four additional speakers, and black sports trim. Sport models also feature smart keyless entry and a push button start. Mazda3 2.2D Sport (150ps) models also feature a 6-speed gearbox for refined cruising ability.
At the top of the regular range, the 2.0 Sport (petrol) and 2.2 Sport (diesel 185ps), come with a six-speed manual transmission, Mazda's new MID Navigation system, rear parking sensors and metallic paint at no extra charge – these items are optional on 1.6 and 2.2D (150ps) Sport models. Meanwhile, the all-new Mazda3 MPS will shortly be available to head-up the range.
The MID (multi information display) is a new, compact navigation system developed especially for this model. It uses a high-resolution 11 cm (4.1 inch) screen mounted in the dashboard's upper section, where it can be seen easily, and it can be operated using a control switch on the steering wheel. The system's navigational information, which comes from compact SD cards, was optimised using Mazda HMI techniques to be as easy to use as it is to view.
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A choice of nine body colours will be available – including two new metallics (Aluminium Silver Metallic and Olympic Gold Metallic). Aluminium Silver Metallic contains aluminium particles that diffuse light and cause diverse kinds of reflections and shadow, depending on light conditions. The four new Mica colours are Celestial Blue Mica, Graphite Mica, Indigo Lights Mica and Velocity Red Mica. Carried over colours are Black Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent. Arctic White will be available as a solid colour.
* MPG range excludes Mazda3 MPS which is currently not available as confirmed homologation data.
 

RIVERVALE MAZDA OFFERS 14 'GREAT BUYS' WITH THE MAZDA3 LINE-UP THIS SPRING

Rivervale Mazda in Brighton is offering 14 ‘Great Buys’ with the Mazda3 range this Spring with prices ‘fixed’ until 30 April.  Representing exceptional value, Mazda3 prices, which start at just £11,201, have not risen since mid-2008 and a selection of Typical 0 per cent, 4.9 per cent and 5.9 per cent APR finance packages are now available at the Victoria Road showroom. 

 

“Today, as customers focus even more sharply on exactly what car they can get for their money, the Mazda3 line-up presents 14 truly great buys,” commented Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “The introduction of the upgraded Mazda3 range last year saw a host of previous options fitted as standard which made the popular hatchback and saloon even more appealing.

 

“As well as offering consumers exceptional standard equipment on each model, Mazda is also maintaining extremely competitive pricing.  While competitor cars are suffering price hikes this Spring, Mazda’s core attributes, specifications and ‘fixed’ prices stand out as uniquely attractive.”

 

Starting price for the Mazda3 range at Rivervale Mazda remains at £11,201 (Mazda3 1.4 S hatchback) and prices rise to £17,626 for the range-topping Mazda3 2.0 Sport Diesel (143ps) hatchback with standard leather trim and a seven-speaker premium BOSE^® audio system.  All six engines (three petrol and three diesel) available in the Mazda3 are Euro stage 4 compliant.  CO₂ emissions range from 157 to 189g/km (petrol) and from 125 to 162g/km (diesel).  The two Takara petrol models are available fitted with the optional Activematic four-speed automatic transmission. 

 

Mazda3 entry-level models have always been considerably well specified – and the 84ps, 1.4-litre ‘S’ comes with four airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors, single CD player with four speakers, jack-knife key and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm among their standard equipment.  They also feature an MP3 compatible CD player, auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 connectivity and 12V power socket.  Prices for the petrol and diesel hatchback models are £11,201 and £12,659 (OTR) respectively.  The two ‘S Air con’ models add manual air-conditioning to the standard specification and are priced from £11,690 (OTR).

 

Also at Rivervale Mazda are the five Takara models (from £13,310), which boast outstanding specification.  Equipment includes: a front sports bumper and two-bar sports grille, front fog lights, rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, integrated steering wheel audio controls, driver’s seat adjustable lumbar support, full length curtain airbags, illuminated vanity mirrors, piano-black centre console and two-tone black/dark grey interior trim, a leather rimmed steering wheel and gear knob, electric rear windows (with global opening/closing), a trip computer and a 6-CD auto-changer.

 

The availability of the Sport model (from £14,886), with the 105ps 1.6-litre petrol engine and five-speed transmission gives customers the option of a lower C0₂ output (162g/km).  The two Mazda3 1.6 Sport models have much of the range-topping equipment from the 2.0 Sport – such as the full Sport styling kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, rain sensing auto-wipers and dusk sensing auto-lights, rear combination lamps with LED lights, blackout instruments and a premium BOSE^® audio system with seven speakers.

 

In addition to the features of the 1.6 Sport models, the range-topping Mazda3 2.0 Sport models (from £16,257), are also fitted with leather seats as standard. 

 

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.

 

'SAVE' UP TO £429 ON MAZDA6 AND MAZDA5 AT RIVERVALE MAZDA BEFORE 31 MARCH

Brighton-based car dealership Rivervale Mazda  has announced an opportunity for Mazda customers to ‘save’ up to £429 before 31 March.  Prices of the hugely popular Mazda6 and Mazda5 range of cars will be going up by 2 percent in April. This move will raise the prices of Mazda6 cars by an average of £345 and Mazda5 vehicles by £323 – so customers can ‘save’ by beating the price rise.

 

“Recent rises in some raw materials costs and fluctuations in the Yen/Pound exchange rate mean that Mazda has to increase prices on the Mazda5 and Mazda6 range from     1 April,” commented Malcolm Hance, dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda.  “Mazda is keeping these rises to just 2 percent, which is much less than the increases introduced by many other brands.  By flagging these forthcoming rises early, Rivervale Mazda is giving customers a chance to ‘save’ between £289 and £429, depending on model, by buying their new Mazda before 31 March.

 

“In the current tough economic situation, customers are placing much more focus on exactly what they can get for their money and this is where the attributes of the core models in Mazda’s range, such as the Mazda6 and Mazda5, are so appealing.  While they are seeking better value, these customers still want a stylish and distinctive car, without compromising on the key aspects of quality, reliability and driving enjoyment,” added Malcolm Hance.

 

The Mazda product line-up at the Rivervale Mazda showroom in Victoria Road  is generously specified at each equipment level.  Cars like the most popular Mazda6, the petrol 2.0 (147ps) TS hatchback, come with standard equipment that includes: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), six airbags and ‘Active’ front seat head restraints, 16-inch alloy wheels, a radio/single CD audio system with 6 speakers and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players, electric and heated door mirrors, cruise control, trip computer with speed alarm, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel with CF-Net controls.  Before 31 March the ‘saving’ on this model is £316.

 

The most popular model in the 14-strong Mazda5 line-up is the petrol 1.8 TS².  This Mazda5 is equipped with unique sliding rear doors, ABS anti-lock braking and front, side and curtain airbags, plus remote central locking, electric front and rear windows, manual air-conditioning and a radio/single CD with four speakers, 16-inch alloy wheels, driver’s seat adjustable lumbar support, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, a Karakuri storage box, picnic tables and integrated roof rails.  Before 31 March, customers can ‘save’ £303 on this model.

 

As well as these potential ‘savings’ Mazda6 and Mazda5 buyers at Rivervale Mazda can benefit from several finance packages.  These include:

1.      Typical 6.9% APR finance on Mazda Hire Purchase (with a 10% minimum deposit) over 12, 24 or 36 months.

2.      Typical 6.9% APR finance on Mazda MultiOption PCP (with 10% minimum deposit) over 24, 30 or 36 months.

Mazda6 buyers can enjoy an added bonus as every Mazda6 at Rivervale Mazda is eligible for the Mazda Service Plan, which gives free schedule servicing for the first three years.  All these offers are available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2009.

 

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.

 

 

MAZDA ACHIEVES RECORD-BREAKING START TO 2009 THANKS TO RIVERVALE MAZDA

Rivervale Mazda has helped Mazda UK to achieve its best ever start to the year.  Despite the economic uncertainty, buyers are heading to Rivervale Mazda thanks to its fantastic product line-up and attractive finance offers, boosting Mazda's sales figures to record levels.

 

"Sales are up because Mazda has a model line-up that is wholly relevant to current customer requirements," explained Malcolm Hance dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda in Victoria Road.  "Customers are seeking better value but they still want something stylish and distinctive, without compromising on the key aspects of quality, reliability and driving enjoyment – all attributes for which the Mazda range is renowned."

 

Strong demand for the Mazda range resulted in the brand's highest‑ever share of the retail market, at 3.4 per cent during January and February.  The momentum gathered pace during February when Mazda recorded the highest monthly share of retail sales ever achieved by the brand at 6.0 per cent – a huge increase over the previous best figure of 3.5 per cent for February 2008.

 

Total Mazda sales during February – including retail and fleet – also reached a new peak of 3.7 per cent, which was not only the brand's best-ever February figure but also beat the highest previous share of 2.9 per cent for any month in the company's history.

 

Mazda's achievement bucks the industry downturn, which saw total sales for the first two months of the year drop by over 28 per cent, compared with the start of 2008.   

 

Sales of the Mazda3 in February were up by 87 per cent compared with the same month last year, while the Mazda2 increased by 57 per cent, the Mazda5 rose by 21 per cent and the Mazda6 was up by 13 per cent.

 

Mazda UK Sales Director Mark Cameron commented: "With such a volatile economy it is difficult to predict future trends, but this extremely positive start to 2009 does bode well for Mazda, particularly in view of the very significant new models that are on the way.  We have a new, cleaner and more powerful 2.2‑litre diesel version of the Mazda6, which is extremely relevant to company car drivers, as well as an upgraded Mazda MX-5 on sale from April and an all-new Mazda3 range, which hits showrooms in May."

 

Currently, Rivervale Mazda is enticing buyers with an array of sensational offers across the award-winning Mazda collection.  This includes a range of attractive finance packages, including typical 0 per cent APR until 31 March 2009 on Mazda3 2.0 Sport and MPS models and free insurance on select Mazda2 vehicles.

 

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.