Kuala Lumpur, 5 June - Prima Merdu, together with Bermaz Motor, the Exclusive Importer and Distributor and of Mazda cars in Malaysia, respectively, officially unveiled the Mazda3 Sport at the Mazda Motor Show in Berjaya Times Square today. Present for the Launch was KDYTM Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Yuji Nakamine, Managing Executive Officer, Overseas Sales Division, Mazda Corporation Japan, Dato’ Robin Tan of Berjaya Corporation Group, Dato’ Ameer Hamzah, of Prima Merdu, Dato’ Ben Yeoh and Dato Francis Lee, both from Bermaz Motor.

The Mazda Motor Show, besides showing current models, 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.  Although not at this Motor Show, many Mazda fans will remember the likes of the RX-7, Mazda 929, 626, 323, Mazda Capella,  Mazda Astina and Lantis which were favourites during the heydays in the 80’s and 90’s. Also at the stand are the ever-popular CX-9, Mazda6 2.5, and the Japan-spec 2.3 Turbo Mazda8 MPV.

The current Mazda3 sedan is also at the Show as it still retains a position in the model lineup. This is because it is still available throughout the Asian region and will still appeal to a certain crowd which loves its sleek styling, modest size and agility. In comparison, the Mazda3 Sport has grown slightly and will appeal to a more mature audience. In essence, the Mazda3 Sport and the Mazda3 will appeal to two different buyer segments.

The climax of the Mazda Motor Show was undoubtedly the unveiling and soft launch of the much-anticipated Mazda3 Sport. The Mazda3 Sport has 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 on the Malaysian market than before.

The new Mazda3 Sport, now inherits the new family face of Mazda with characteristic headlamps and a large intake grill resembling a “smiley” face. Combined with sharp curves on its exterior flanks which accentuates Mazda 3 Sport’s athletic stance, it is now more stylish and aggressive, in line with Mazda’s zoom-zoom philosophy.

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 n this segment.

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.
 
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, akin to outwardly flexing muscles, creating a visual effect that enhances dynamism and adds a large dose of luxury. There is now a 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.
The steering wheel now comes with a pair of paddle shifters with direct mode (2.0 only) which allows you to upshift or downshift with either or both hands. It also houses the audio and info display buttons while the auto cruise buttons now flank 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 very 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, giving it a more luxurious and lively feel than before.

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.

 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. This will ultimately ensure that customers’ interests are protected and brand confidence will continue to remain firm.

Class-leading features in the Mazda3 Sport 2.0 include 6 airbags (front, side, curtain), paddle shifters with direct mode, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED taillights, Multi-Information Display, auto headlamp levelling with auto on function, multi-function steering wheel, 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.

In conjunction with the soft launch, the first 100 early bird customers will be specially  rewarded  with  a  special  launch  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 first 50 of these buyers, will receive, in addition, a special maintenance package courtesy of Shell Lubricants and Goodyear Tyres. The Mazda3 Sport is fully imported from Japan and colours available are -  Velocity Red, Crystal White Pearl, Black Mica, Graphite Mica and Aluminium Metallic.
 
In line with Mazda’s conservation efforts and in realizing the need to conserve the environment, Prima Merdu and Bermaz Motor intentionally chose 5th June for the soft launch in support of World Environment Day.  As a goodwill gesture, Prima Merdu and Bermaz are giving away to visitors, recyclable bags, with the hope that these bags will be used instead of plastic bags which are so harmful to the environment, which can eventually rob our children and their children of a “Green Earth”.

Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd is the Exclusive Importer, and Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd is the Distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia.