Launch Report by Eric Poon

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MAZDA2.  SECOND TO NONE

2008 World Car of the Year Winner is finally here!

On a bright, sunny Monday morning, on the 5th of April 2010, Prima Merdu / Bermaz Motor franchise holders and distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia adds the Upbeat Family Car to its Line-up. Mazda's multi award-winning family car - the Mazda2 – has arrived and is set to add Excitement, Flair and Choice to the Malaysian market.

To grace this momentous event was the attendance of His Majesty, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Abdullah Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah as His Majesty was to be the one to officiate the launch of the all-new Mazda2. Aside from that, the head honchos' of Prima Merdu, Dato' Amer Hamzah, Dato'Ben Yeoh and Dato' Francis Lee made their presence to further affirm the determination that Prima Merdu / Bermaz Motor is out to capture the hearts of Malaysians everywhere with the new Mazda2. 

Even the personnel from Mazda Japan's Asia Pacific and Overseas Sales Department came from the Land of the Rising Sun to witness the launch of the Mazda2 and also to re-affirm Mazda's support for the Malaysian and South East Asian market. They are none other than Yuji Nakamine-san, General Manager, Kazuhiko Hayashi-san and Manami Inotani-san of Mazda's Overseas Sales Division. 

To further sweeten an already grand event, former Miss Malaysia Ms. Chermaine Poo emceed the launch of the Mazda2 which was followed suit by some entertainment from the Malay Cultural Percussion group and also some hip hop street dancers. 

About Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd and Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd

Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd is the sole and exclusive importer of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia. Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Berjaya, is the exclusive distributor, and has successfully marketed such cars as Mazda CX-9, CX-7, MX-5, RX-8, Mazda6, Mazda5, Mazda3 Sport and BT-50 Pick-ups.

A Little About the Mazda2

The all-new Mazda2 is the third-generation version. Since its global launch, it has won over 51 prizes all over the world, including numerous Car of the Year awards from leading publications and associations. It is especially outstanding for winning the World Car of the Year 2008 title, which has been the preserve of very expensive cars from the top brands.

Available in both Sedan and 5-door Hatchback versions, the new Mazda2 is part of the Asean package. Malaysia is among the first countries to offer the Sedan version. It has been specially developed for our local conditions.

With this dynamic and attractive newcomer, which is destined to be a volume seller, as proven in many markets, Prima Merdu / Bermaz Motor is confidently upbeat about the long-established Japanese brand – Mazda. The line-up of exciting new models from Mazda at the showrooms of Prima Merdu / Bermaz Motor and its dealers has been enhanced by this newest addition.

The all-new Mazda2 is fresh, dynamic looking and very distinctly Mazda. And it is not all just good looks. The new car has had considerable reduction in weight, compared to the previous model, as well as against its rivals. It is stronger and roomier, and very much class-leading. This has been achieved with diligent use of high-tensile steel in the critical areas, and lightweight material for those less so. Crash-test data proves impressive body rigidity in a frontal crash. Mazda2 is also being awarded the maximum 5-Stars EuroNCAP rating in 2009, making it one of the safest car in the world.  Other Mazda models that received the prestigious 5-Stars EuroNCAP are Mazda6 in February 2009 and Mazda5 in September 2005.

The new Mazda2 was engineered to have the Zoom-Zoom factor via the components, with this entry-level model having dynamics that enable enjoyable driving. Mazda did not have to venture far to make the 2 dynamically sound, it has tons of data from the R&D on the Mazda6 and the Mazda3.

The newest choice for young couples and families has benefitted from Mazda's commitment to greater attention to details and an above-average test programme. The class-leading body rigidity is complemented by the use of twin-tube dampers for its MacPherson-strut and torsion-beam suspension, plus a quick-turning steering with electric-motor assist. The 1.5L engine has been tuned to be powerful and torqueful, and yet delivers improved fuel economy. The MZR 1.5 , inline-four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine with Sequential-Valve-Timing system (SV-T) delivers impressive performance and on-the-road behavior for this class of cars, with a pleasant level of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness)  Other features include low-tension piston rings and shimless tappets.

Passive safety is centered around an evolution of Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution Absorption System (MAIDAS). Extensive use of high-tensile steel sheet which gives the body a lightweight design means a wallet-friendly fuel economy and reduced CO₂ emissions.

With so many and enhancements and refinements, it’s no wonder that the Mazda2 won World Car of the Year 2008!

Mazda2 1.5L comes in two variants;  4-door Sedan and 5-door Hatchback.

Mazda2 comes in  seven  colours  - Sparkling Gold,  Cool White , Aurora Blue, Metropolitan Grey, True Red , Highlight Silver  and Black Mica.

The Mazda2 1.5L Sedan is sold at RM77,622 (for V-Spec) and RM80,622 (for R-Grade) whilst Mazda2 1.5L Hatchback is sold at RM79,822 (for V-Spec) and RM82,822 (for R-Grade). Prices are on the road without insurance.