Mazda MX-5 rolls out of the factory
BERJAYA Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributors of Mazda vehicles in the country, finally launched the much-awaited all-new Mazda MX-5 two-seat, open-top sports car to the press during unveiling ceremonies held at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
Twenty-five years since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 two-seat roadster was introduced to the global market, the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 makes its Asean debut in the Philippines.
This is the fifth new-generation Mazda model to be launched in the Philippines that embodies the striking Kodo: Soul of Motion design language as well as the latest implementation of Mazda’s groundbreaking SkyActiv
Technology chassis, engine and drivetrain innovations.
“The all-new MX-5 is the epitome of Mazda’s core ethos of providing pure driving pleasure on the road,” said Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines.
“The amount of design and engineering effort that was put in by Mazda engineers into this latest generation MX-5 is intended to bring back the first MX-5’s calling to deliver joy in driving. We are confident that the all-new MX-5 will not only achieve its goals of providing unique top-down driving experience but will set a new benchmark in providing more smiles not only to its owners but to everyone who sees the car.”
Also present during the launch were Masashi Nakayama, the all-new Mazda MX-5’s chief designer; Hiroshi Inoue, executive officer of Mazda Motor Corp.; Hitoshi Takamatsu, the all-new Mazda MX-5’s deputy program manager for vehicle development promotion; and Tom Matano, designer of the first- and second-generation Mazda MX-5.
With the Philippines now brandishing a highly competitive emerging automotive market, Philippine-bound MX-5 units will sport a tuned 2-liter SkyActiv gasoline direct injection engine designed to deliver heightened performance while being environment friendly.
“This top-of-the-line 2-liter SkyActiv engine is specifically tuned for the MX-5, and is designed to deliver more torque and faster response,” added Tan.
Local models will come with either the quick-reacting SkyActiv six-speed automatic transmission or the snappy six-speed manual gearbox. The all-new MX-5 also comes equipped with MZD Connect, Mazda’s in-car connectivity system first found in the current Mazda 3. Also included is the Mazda Active Display, which projects relevant information on a heads-up panel, and the highly effective i-Stop stop-start fuel-saving function.
Tan added, “Combined with a SkyActiv chassis that is 100-kilograms less than the outgoing model, our market has a very potent and exciting MX-5 package that is sure to liven up the senses of its owners.”
The press launch was part of a series of events to welcome the all-new Mazda MX-5’s arrival on Philippine shores.
Kicking off the weeklong proceedings was a black-tie dinner attended by Tom Matano and members of the Miata Club of the Philippines last Aug. 5.
On Aug. 7, a media drive was held at Batangas Racing Circuit, with Hitoshi Takamatsu giving a presentation on the latest model’s development and engineering.
The winners of the MX-5 roadster design competition will be announced today, and on Aug. 9, the first batch of 17 units of the MX-5 will be turned over to their owners at the Mazda Zoom Fest in Bonifacio Global City.
Berjaya Auto Philippines, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the Philippines. The current product lineup includes the Mazda2 sub-compact sedan and hatchback, Mazda3 SkyActiv compact sedan and hatchback, Mazda6 executive sedan, CX-5 compact SUV, CX-9 seven-seater SUV, MX-5 two-seater sports roadster and the BT-50 pickup truck.
There are 15 Mazda sales and service dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila: Mazda Greenhills along Edsa, Mazda Pasig along C-5, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda North Edsa, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Cavite, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Cagayan de Oro and Mazda Davao.
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