Another winner in Mazda’s hands

Performance, size and design in one handsome automotive package

Mazda distributor Berjaya Auto Philippines believes it has another winner in its hands with the Mazda CX-5 2.5L AWD Sport, the latest in the growing line of compact crossover sport utility vehicles gaining favor among Filipinos who want performance, size and design in one handsome automotive package.

According to Berjaya Auto Philippines CEO Steven Tan, the CX-5 and the earlier-launched Mazda6 sedan mean a lot to the company, as these models represent the future and the growth path for the Hiroshima-based brand.

At the heart of the CX-5 is Mazda’s proprietary Skyactiv technology, which it describes as a major step forward in terms of making the internal combustion engine more efficient, thus leading to higher fuel efficiency without compromising on power.

“Skyactiv is completely rational to the customers. The technology is big on fuel efficiency while churning out big torque for that fun-to-drive experience,” Tan told the Inquirer.

The Mazda6 sedan represents the future and the growth path for the brand.

Skyactiv was borne out of the need to resolve at the same time the nagging challenges faced by automotive manufacturers. These include enhancing safety, improving driving dynamics and increasing fuel economy, especially as fuel prices are not expected to go down significantly anytime soon.

Berjaya says in a statement that SkyActiv took on the challenge by focusing on improving the engine’s thermal efficiency, noting that even after 120 years of nonstop development, the internal combustion engine still fails to use 70-90 percent of the energy contained in the fuel.

Make a breakthrough

Berjaya believes that with SkyActiv, it was able to make a breakthrough and has improved that thermal efficiency. This is why Skyactiv technology is now present in an all-new generation of Mazda models with new engines, transmissions, bodies and chassis.

Combine that engine with a look that confirms with the “KODO-Soul of Motion” design language and what Mazda has are models such as the CX-5, which it expects to sell in the Philippines with the top-of-the-line model selling for around P1.685 million each.

This price tag puts the CX-5 in the middle of the price range of compact crossovers that have caught the fancy of Filipinos. Competing models are Honda’s CR V, Subaru’s Forrester and Toyota’s Rav 4.

Tan says that at this price, the Mazda CX-5 2.5L AWD Sport offers buyers the best value for money considering the features packed into the new model, which was recently made available in the showrooms.

The look alone will be enough to convince potential buyers, according to Mazda.

Aiming for victory in a tough competition with the CX-5

“The Mazda CX-5 ran away with the Japan Car of the Year 2012/2013 award when it was launched last year and became one of the most awarded vehicles from Mazda in recent times for its advancement in engineering and design,” Tan said in a statement.

“With Skyactiv technology, it is one of the most fuel-efficient sport utility vehicles on the road without sacrificing the Mazda fun-to-drive experience. The 2013 CX-5 improves on the experience further with the brand-new 2.5L Skyactiv engine with the intelligent system to even further improve on fuel efficiency while producing more power and torque,” Tan added.

Betting big

No wonder then that Mazda Philippines is betting big on the fate of the Mazda6 and CX-5 to cement its position as a contender for a leading spot among car companies in the Philippines.

It is particularly bullish on the SUV, as the category continues to expand in the Philippines given its versatility.

Berjaya CEO Steven Tan says the CX-5 offers best value for money.

“As a vehicle type, the SUV is meeting more of the customers’ need than any other type. It gives the owner a greater sense of security since you sit higher up. And you also feel more in command of the traffic surrounding you. You will also feel safer in poor weather conditions such as when a heavy downpour causes flash floods,” said Tan. “The ability to carry more people and stuff also inherently gives the user that sense of being able to do more.”

The SUV is also ideal for the uneven road conditions in the Philippines, where roads outside the urban centers can be rough and unpaved.

“The SUV, with its higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive transmission, offers the user that comfort knowing that the car has the ability to traverse such uncertain road conditions. To some, the SUV represents adventure and freedom and is indeed ideally suited to the Filipino lifestyle,” Tan said.

And when the time comes for Filipino buyers to make a choice, Mazda hopes to be top of mind.

“Are we betting big on the Mazda6 and CX-5? You bet! They are good enough to take on anything out there in terms of fun, performance, technology, fuel-efficiency and value. Nothing out there is better for the money. Promise,” he said.