MAZDA TARGETS USER-CHOOSERS WITH NEW PERFORMANCE FLAGSHIP TO ITS ALL-CONQUERING FLEET MARKET MAZDA6 RANGE
01 March 2005 - Mazda

Mazda will give company car drivers the ultimate ‘zoom zoom’ experience when it unleashes the new flagship model for its all-conquering Mazda6 range in 2005

The exciting Mazda6 MPS is Mazda''s high performance saloon that will give fleet decision-makers and company car drivers the opportunity to choose an alternative to the performance car offerings from other Japanese and European marques.

The multi-awarding-winning Mazda6 put the Japanese marque on the company car map and in almost three years on sale the model has largely been responsible for transforming the brand into a credible proposition for company car drivers.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Adam Pumfrey said: ''Our brand awareness in the corporate sector has been growing daily and much of that is due to the fantastic reception that Mazda6 has had in the fleet arena.''

A combination of ultra-competitive list prices, strong residual values, low pence per mile operating costs and industry-leading vehicle reliability has proved the Mazda6 to be an enticing package for fleet operators and company car drivers alike.

The Mazda6’s attributes have been recognised with more than 80 global automotive awards to date – many from the fleet press, including Fleet News and Fleet World.

The new Mazda6 MPS, which will go on sale in the third quarter of 2005, builds on that reputation and further epitomises the Mazda brand, with its performance, sports styling and exhilarating dynamics with practicality that’s unrivalled in the upper medium sector.

Mr Pumfrey said: ''The Mazda6 has been the pathfinder for the brand in the fleet sector and has performed superbly. The arrival of the range-topper will provide new excitement and will take Mazda into a new segment of the upper medium sector.

''User-choosers will be attracted to the Mazda6 MPS as a real performance alternative to offerings from the likes of Audi and BMW. The new Mazda6 MPS will be the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated saloon.''

UK prices and comprehensive specification details will be announced closer to the launch date of the Mazda6 MPS.

The 150mph flagship is powered by a newly-developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-litre MZR petrol engine that produces a maximum of 260ps of power at 6,000rpm for exhilarating performance, maximum torque of 380Nm at just 3,000rpm, and outstanding acceleration and control throughout the power range. Fuel economy is almost 28mpg on the EU combined cycle.

A new six-speed manual transmission has been designed to get the most out of the engine’s performance while this new powertrain is combined with an all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system for superior traction in all driving situations. The striking lines of the Mazda6 are further accentuated in the Mazda MPS to create a look that conveys the vehicle’s dynamic performance and solidity.

Exterior highlights include:

A smooth yet powerful line that flows along the bonnet to emphasise the length of the front and hint at the high performance delivered by the turbocharged engine

The aerodynamic form of the front bumper and lower grille section portrays the car''s high performance and amplifies its road-hugging image

A five-point upper grille that also serves as the air intake for the engine’s intercooler

Strong, sophisticated proportions derived from the flared side skirts

Confidently flared front and rear wheel arches that highlight the custom 18-inch aluminium wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tyres

An aerodynamic rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe, and a highly effective yet compact rear spoiler

Interior highlights include:

An instrument panel designed to be sporty, yet not overstated and that presents a quiet, calming presence in the cabin

Trim materials chosen to enrich the interior with an appealing, quality look

High performance detailing – custom six-speed manual transmission shift knob designed by performing repeated road testing, and semi-bucket front seats that vastly improve side support

Mr Pumfrey added: ''The new Mazda6 MPS is not just an exhilarating car to drive, it is a great car to look at and ride in as well.

''It is the ultimate expression of ‘zoom-zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated saloon and will further open new segments of the fleet market to Mazda.''

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