After 27 years of manufacturing the Mazda MX-5 and more than one million units sold globally, the latest Mazda MX-5 RF is finally in town.
Mazda MX-5 is the world’s best selling and multiple award winning roadster. The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 was on sale since August 2015. It features a soft top that the driver has to manually close or open the roof.
Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, has launched the latest Mazda MX-5 RF and the facelifted Mazda 3 with G-Vectoring Control (GVC) at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor on Thursday.
The 2017 MX-5 is the epitome of Mazda’s Skyactiv engineering, delivering pure driving pleasure and a sporty sensual appeal all in a two-seater package.
The RF comes with a retractable hardtop which takes about 13 seconds to fold, 17-inch alloys wheels, seven-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system, Bose nine-speaker sound system, nappa leather finishing interior, 4.6 inch full-colour TFT gauge, LED headlights and LED tail lights.
The Mazda MX-5 RF is powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G direct-injection four-cylinder engine that churns out 158hp at 6,000rpm and 200Nm of torque from 4,000rpm. It is mated to either a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with paddle shift transmission or a six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual transmission.
In terms of safety, the rear wheel drive vehicle comes with four airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and lane departure warning. It is rated four-star for the Euro NCAP safety rating and five-star from ANCAP.
The MX-5 RF measures at 3,915mm in length, 1,735mm in width, 1,236mm in height, and weighs about 1,138kg for its automatic transmission variant and 1,112 kg for its manual transmission variant. It has a 45 litres of fuel tank capacity and a boot space of 130 litres.
There are four colours to choose from - Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black and Machine Grey.
The MX-5 RF retails for RM242,717 for the manual variant and RM248,182 for the automatic transmission variant, inclusive of six per cent Goods and Services Tax and Insurance. It also comes with a five year/100,000 km warranty and a three-year/60,000 km free service package.
Mazda3 with GVC
At the launch, Bermaz also introduced the facelifted Mazda3 with GVC. Instead of focusing on the mechanics of vehicle dynamics, the SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics with GVC develops centred around humans.
The result is a car that feels like an extension of your body, with more precise steering feedback, better control and less fatigue for the driver. The system works seamlessly during cornering, by adjusting power delivery and shifting the vehicle’s weight.
It turns the entire driving experience into a harmonious experience where the driver feels as if the car has become part of his body. The GVC controls the G-force in the vehicle by reducing engine torque, based on the driver’s steering and acceleration input.
The technology was introduced in the 2017 Mazda model lineup, which include the CX-3, Mazda6 and the facelifted Mazda3. The locally-assembled Mazda3 comes in three variants - the Hatchback, Sedan GL and Sedan High.
It comes with a more aggressive front grill, redesigned front and rear bumpers, LED stripped indicator side mirrors, LED lamps, as well as a different steering wheel, dashboard metre, and a centre console with electronic parking brakes. The pre-facelift variant also features a handbrake lever.
The front-wheel drive facelifted Mazda3 comes with the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, which produces 162hp at 6,000rpm and 210Nm of torque from 4,000 rpm. It is mated to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.
As standard, all three variants come with Mazda’s i-Stop system, drive select Sports mode, MZD Connect infotainment system, seven-inch touchscreen display, commander control, and six-speakers sound system.
Six airbags, reverse camera, dynamic stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, anti-lock braking system, brake assist and Isofix child seat points are the standard safety features across all variants.
To differentiate the specs, the Sedan GL is equipped with bulb-type rear tail lights, 16-inch wheels, halogen headlights, fabric seats, manual air-conditioning system and manually adjustable front seats.
As for the Sedan High and Hatchback, both variants come with 18-inch wheels, LED automatic headlights, daytime running lights, LED rear tail lights, leather seats, single-zone automatic air-conditioning system, paddle shift, electrically adjusted driver seats, automatic wipers, cruise control and keyless entry with push-to-start button.
Both variants also receive a few goodies added to its safety features. It includes the i-Activsense suite, which features a Lane Departure Warning System, blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert and smart city brake support.
The Sedan GL is priced at RM110,804, while the Sedan High is selling at RM125,804 and the Hatchback retails at RM128,804. The prices inclusive of insurance and six per cent GST. Those that favour a metallic paint will need to pay an extra RM400.
All variants come with a five year/100,000km warranty and a three-year/60,000km free service package.
During the launching Bermaz announced the kick off of the Mazda Mobile Service Unit. It brings customers servicing to a whole new level by providing owners the convenient car servicing and maintenance at their doorstep.
“With the increasing Mazda population on the road, we see a need in an after-sales service expansion programme, not only by increasing the number of workshop outlets but exploring ways of providing aftersales servicing to owners at the convenience and comfort of their home.
“The Mazda Mobile Service Unit will be backed by well-trained mechanics and technicians that have conformed to Mazda SOPs and are fully endorse by Bermaz,” said its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh.
Yeoh disclosed at the event that the all-new Mazda CX-5 and the Malaysian spec CX-9 could reach the Malaysian market in September.