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Prima Merdu and Bermaz Motor Sdn. Bhd. have recently revealed one of the most anticipated vehicles in Malaysia with the introduction of the new Mazda3 Sport in conjunction with the Mazda Motor Show at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.
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The Mazda Motor Show, happening from 3 – 14 June, presents a showcase of current models and offers visitors a glimpse of some of the models which have glorified Mazda, such as the quintessential Mazda MX-5, the iconic RX-8 facelift and also the rare gem, the gull-wing Mazda AZ-1. Also at the stand are the ever-popular CX-9, Mazda6 2.5, current Mazda3 sedan and the Japan-spec 2.3 Turbo Mazda8 MPV.
In addition, the Motor Show proclaims Mazda as a long established marque in Malaysia. And with the partnership commitment between Mazda Motor Corporation, Prima Merdu and Bermaz Motor, the marque is set to make further inroads in capturing the hearts and imaginations of Malaysians with its new breed of cars. The new line-ups of Mazda cars boast stylistic, distinctive, drivability and handling enrichments. In the World, numerous Mazda models have garnered almost uncountable number of awards from distinguished media and industry pundits.
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The new Mazda3 Sport take center stage at the Motor Show and have only recently been launched in a few countries, Singapore and Malaysia being the first 2 countries to launch the new Mazda3 in this part of the world, signifying Mazda’s greater emphasis in the region.
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Yuji Nakamine, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of Overseas Sales Division of Mazda Motor Corporation (right), commented, “the previous Mazda3, was introduced in 2003 and realized both Mazda DNA and the company’s Zoom-Zoom spirit in abundance and clearly expresses and has established itself as one of the best sports model in the C-segment since its release.”
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“The Mazda3 has been the best selling model among all Mazda vehicles and I’m proud to introduce our all-new Mazda3 to Malaysia!”
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The new Mazda3 Sport appeal to a mature audience and savvy auto enthusiasts, essentially targeting two different buyer segments.
The new Mazda3 Sport, now inherits the new family face of Mazda with characteristic headlamps and a large intake grill resembling a big “smile”. Combined with sharp curves on its exterior flanks which accentuates Mazda 3 Sport’s athletic stance, it is now more stylish and aggressive.
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Its high deck and short overhangs design, sculpted sides and accentuated wheel arches further enhance its overall profile.
The chassis has been improved in terms of stiffness, body shell rigidity, and the front and rear suspension braces augur well for road handling and overall car balance, decreasing noise vibration and road harshness.
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The stretched headlamps are not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It comes fitted with Bi-Xenon discharge lamps (2.0 litre only) in both low-beam and high-beam modes.
This provides a much clearer vision of the road ahead and gives the driver a much greater sense of safety and security during night drives. It is also a feature not normally found in this segment.
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Growing to 4580 mm in size, The Mazda3 Sport is now a larger car, sitting in the B/C segment, where, in Europe, it competes with famous European marques. Europe is Mazda3’s main market commanding about one third of its total sales.
It is hardly surprising then that the new Mazda 3 has benchmarked itself against its German rivals to ensure continued success in Europe. It is Euro 4 compliant and meets all stringent safety and emissions regulations of Europe and advanced automotive markets.
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The interior of the Mazda3 Sport is entirely different from the Mazda3. It is now more stylish and sophisticated. The dashboard now sweeps dramatically from the centre toward both sides, creating a visual effect that enhances dynamism and adds a tinge of luxury.
There is now a blue LED Multi Information Display (MID) sitting within the crest of the dual layout wave-like dashboard, allowing the driver to check information or the car’s status with the touch of a button on the steering wheel.
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The steering wheel now comes with a pair of paddle shifters with Direct Mode or Direct Active Matic (DAM) (2.0 only) which allows you to upshift or downshift with either or both hands. Additionally, the steering wheel is pinned with multi-functionality buttons for audio, info display and auto cruise, and made available on the lower side of the triangular centre of the steering wheel. The positioning and feel of the buttons are just right and gives the steering wheel a classy look and feel.
In terms of driver visibility, Mazda understands the critical need for the enthusiast driver to have clear visibility at all times, especially when cornering. For this reason, The Mazda3’s A-pillars have been moved slightly rearward so that the driver may see the ‘clipping point’ much earlier at every turn. The effect is the ability to corner more confidently, and a much safer driving environment as blind corners now become visible, truly an aid for drivers.
Optimally tuned for the new Mazda3, the MZR engine produces plenty of power and torque. The 2.0 delivers 108kw at 6,500 rpm while the 1.6 produces 77kw at 6000 rpm. Torque is 182 Nm at 4,500 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,000 rpm respectively for the 2.0 and 1.6. In line with the demands of the upper segment of the market, the power delivery of the Mazda3 is now more linear with reduced emissions, and improved noise, vibration and harshness levels.
Other class-leading features in the Mazda3 Sport 2.0 include 6 airbags (front, side, curtain), auto headlamp levelling with auto on function, dual-zone air-condition, 6CD changer, auto power windows with anti-pinch function (all windows) with remote capability, rain sensor, auto dimming mirrors, 17” alloy wheels, etc. The Mazda3 Sport 1.6 also has an impressive list of features that are normally found in larger capacity cars, see specifications.
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And especially for the Motor Show, the first 100 early bird customers are entitled to purchase the Mazda3 Sport at special introductory price of RM 108,000 and RM128,000 for the 1.6 and 2.0 respectively, OTR without insurance (Private, Individual) with selected accessories.
The Mazda3 Sport is fully imported from Japan and available in these colors: Velocity Red, Crystal White Pearl, Black Mica, Graphite Mica and Aluminium Metallic.
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Furthermore, the first 50 of these buyers also receive a special Shell lubricants and maintenance package and great discounts on Goodyear Tyres.
On the Aftersales front, Prima Merdu, together with Bermaz, have invested in long-term value real estate and 3S Centres with the objective of placing a strong foothold in the Malaysian market. Prima Merdu and Bermaz are setting up numerous 3S Centres of their own within the Klang Valley and major townships and are also appointing new dealerships across the country.
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Mazda Motor Corporation along with its Malaysia distributors and importers; Prima Merdu and Bermaz Motor, have announced their intentions to establish a CKD assembly programme in Malaysia in the near future, in line with the efforts of other Japanese brands in the country.
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Mazda has established that ASEAN has a vast potential for growth and Malaysia has been identified as an important gateway to realizing Mazda’s ASEAN strategy. This is welcome news for Mazda fans nationwide as this would allow Mazda cars to be priced more realistically against other Japanese makes and would make Mazda cars a serious alternative when purchasing a new vehicle.
In heeding the government’s call for manpower development and technical resource development, Prima Merdu and Bermaz is collaborating with Technical and Automotive Institutes to ensure a steady stream of skilled force entering its manpower in its expansion plan. This will provide customers with the highest level of professionalism, with skilled personnel utilizing the latest technology and achieving the highest efficiency.
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