Mazda2 R Grade

The Mazda brand was a very popular one in the bygone days and over time, the dealership had changed hands from Cycle & Carriage to now Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd. In the last 2 years, in the able hands of the new Bermaz Motor, the brand had made very decent in-roads in the market place mainly in the premium segment. This means small volumes and to be serious player with bigger volume, the right product had to be introduced. The 1.5-litre segment had always delivered large volumes and a decent product with the right price is bound to achieve good numbers. With the market still in the phase of down grading and ever looking for value, the 1.5-litre category will see growth in the next few years.

This model’s launch must have come with much thought as it aimed to capture a decent chunk of the market. As more and more fleet customers are looking for more and more value, the mid-range 1.5-litre B segment will prove to very, very popular due to its attributes of being

economical in fuel consumption and also the cost of maintenance. The Madza2 will suit the requirement of any middle level executive in the corporate world, small/medium industries, businessmen and those seeking a car with fresh looks.

The Zoom-zoom stag-line used in all the Mazda products has helped customers look at the brand in a totally new light. Mazda models today set their own identity and look that is unmistakably Mazda. This obviously goes a long way in building brand loyalty and pride of ownership. The right products alone is not sufficient today as the after sales back-up is also a very important component of the process especially for fleet customers. In the space of just last 2 years, Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd had managed to set-up 27 showrooms and service centres throughout Peninsular and East Malaysia.  This simply underlines the commitment of this new brand franchise and it will surely be very reassuring to current and future customers.

The Madza2 comes with exciting curves which are inherited from the Madza3 and the Madza6. It can be described as new and current to suit the individuality of the driver. The frontal is more skewed to the good looks of European makes with the sporty frontal grille, honey combed grille and the wrap- around frontal bumper with fog lamps. With a tapering down shoulder line from the rear, sloping roofline, the package is sporty. For the rear, the fresh looking combination lamps will make an impact on anyone coming across this model in our cluttered roads and highways.

Well, some much for the outside appearance and when the door is opened, the full black leather seats and black interior will further make lasting impression. The instrument cluster features two meters with also a digital display for the fuel gauge and temperature.
The electronic power assisted steering wheel is 3-spoke and is leather wrapped with brush aluminum finish tastefully utilised to enhance its appeal. It is also height adjustable with the right dimensions for a firm and reassuring feel that is bound to suit the taste of most if not all. The dash carries the black colour hue and the centre console houses the in-car entertainment system that consists of a CD player and tuner with MP3 capability. For the seats, a spotted red highlight finish is used on the black leather and this adds a neat touch to the interior ambience. The rear seats also have the 60/40 split feature. When travelling around in our current hot weather, the interior with a black colour hue did not feel uncomfortable mainly due to the 4 aircon vents on the dash and this applies even to the rear passengers. Even through it may seem small from the exterior, there is more than sufficient headroom and legroom. The luggage space available is 450 liters which should be ample for a model in this segment.

This Mazda is powered by the MZR 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve inline-four-cylinder engine that is rated to produce the maximum power of 103bhp at 6000 rpm and the peak torque of 135Nm at 4000rpm. For the number of days we had to test the car, we reached the maximum speed of 130 km/h at 3700rpm and the cursing speed of 110 km/h at 3000rpm. The car felt nicely planted most of the time and what was even more impressive was the low level of NVH. Bearing in mind the number of competitors in the place, the Madza2 will be more than ably stands out on its own due to its pedigree DNA. The performance area is more underlined as the engine is mated to a 4-speed automotive transmission.  With SV-T or Sequential-Valve-Timing a comfortable ride is assured and for more spunk, the ‘S’ mode or sports mode is also available. The ride comfort is provided the Macpherson Strut front and torsion beam rear suspension with sport tuning.

The bodyshell is composed of lightweight high-tensile steel for better fuel economy. MAIDAS or Madza Advanced Impact Distribution Absorption System form the essential basis of the passive safety features. There airbags for the front passenger and the driver and the seat belts are of the 3-point type. The ABS comes with EBD and BA and this completes the essential safety package. For the brakes ventilated disc forms the front and drums for the rear.

The standard warranty offered is 3 years or 100,000 kilometers which ever comes first and for fleet customers, special arrangements are available upon request.

The colours offered for this R-Grade are Sparking Gold, Cool White, Aurora Blue, Metropolitan Grey, True Red, Highlight Silver and Black Mica with the on-the-road price with insurance of RM83,545.30 in Peninsular Malaysia for company registration. 

Prices valid as per 11 May 2010.