MAZDA

Mazda 2
Meant to replace the Demio, the Mazda 2 is a modern-day mini. Being pretty and stylish in order to maximize interior space, it has been designed to be upright and boxy in appearance. Powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine pumping out 110bhp mated with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, power to weight ration is pretty good. 0-100km/hr takes about 12 seconds, for this little Mazda and like its brothers, the 2 is equipped with sporty handling and on-road dynamics.

Mazda 3
Based on the Ford’s Focus’s platform, the Mazda 3 has a sense of fluidity and dynamism that no rivals can match. Riding superbly at all speeds and handling is entertaining, the Mazda 3 not only looks goods but performance as well. Available in a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan, the Mazda 3 is a total face lifted from the mundane-looking 323. Power wise, the Mazda 3 has a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder that produces 107bhp.

Mazda 6
Being the first new born from Mazda’s new and dynamic ‘Zoom-Zoom’ philosophy. The Mazda 6 is a brilliant large family sedan with handling that is taut and steering feel is among the best of any front-wheel drive cars in production today. And the Mazda 6 is also the best looking car in its class, with a spacious interior; the rear passenger can hardly complain for any discomfort. Engine is available in either 2-litre and a 166bhp 2.3-litre.

Mazda MPV
Besides having a big and practical interior, there isn’t much to talk about the MPV. Road holding and handling isn’t really up to Mazda’s current standards and the performance from the 3-litre V6 engine is just average though maximum power output from the engine is 197bhp. But having power and handling is not what a MPV is been built for; The Mazda MPV offers lounging space and has many practical and thoughtful touches inside.

Mazda MX-5
Turning 15 years old in 2004 and becoming the best-selling roadster in history at the same time, The MX-5 imitated from Lotus’s Elan providing consumer a cheap, open-top motoring that gives drivers no frills and unsurpassed fun and enjoyment. Handling is a certainly the MX-5’s strongest selling points with rear wheel drive chassis giving drivers a brilliant driving experience on the road as well as on the tracks. The 2-seater is available in either an 110bhp 1.6-litre manual or a more powerful 1.8-litre auto.

Mazda RX-8
Returing to its rotary engine lineage, the Mazda RX-8 is the new car that takes over the legacy of the RX-7. Powered by Mazda’s award winning Renesis rotary motor, pumping out 213bhp. The RX-8 sprint from 0 to 100km/hr in just 6.3 seconds. The close-ration 6-speed manual gearbox does help in the performance as well. And the next best thing is the RX-8 makes a practical 4-seater coupe with its suicide rear doors that allows easy entrance and exit for rear passengers.

Mazda Premacy
A mid-sized MPV contender, and the Premacy is base on the 323 chassis. Its compact dimensions mean that the Premacy drives more like a normal sedan rather than a MPV that is fun but the compact size also means that its interior space is limited as well. The roof is high enough so headroom is not a problem but the third row passenger won’t enjoy long trips for too long. Power by a 133bhp 2-litre engine, the Premacy has enough bhp to haul itself around.