Mazda2 makes Local debut

Credits to: http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1098

The third-generation Mazda2 made its official debut in Malaysia today, with Prima Merdu/Bermaz Motor launching the DE in both sedan and five-door hatchback forms.

Both model types, built at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, are powered by a ZY-VE MZR 1.5l twin-cam engine, which offers 102bhp at 6,000rpm and 135Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, with a four-speed auto gearbox in tow. Two specification levels are being offered for both the sedan and hatch - V-Spec and R-Grade.

Features and equipment levels common across the board are steering-mounted audio controls, electric power assist steering, ABS, dual front airbags, body-coloured door outer handles, 60:40 split fold down rear seats, a MP3-ready audio system, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and height adjustment for the driver's seat (offering 55mm of travel).

The 5-star EuroNCAP-rated 2008 World Car of the Year utilises twin-tube dampers for its MacPherson-strut and torsion-beam suspension, with front disc and rear drum brakes. The 3.92m-long hatchback has dual Isofix child seat anchors, which unfortunately isn't available on the sedan version. You do get a whole load more of boot space though in the 4.26m-long sedan - a very useful 450l compared to the hatchback's 250l. Oh, and the trunk release button switch is pretty cool.

As for differing trim and kit, the higher specification R-Grade offers a sport tuned suspension compared to the normal tuned one on the V-Spec (which also lowers the ride height by 7mm), and also bags you front fog lamps, a coloured front bumper (black on the V-Spec) and a larger 195/45 R16 wheel/tyre combination, as opposed to the 185/55 R15 wheels found on the V-Spec. Additionally, for the hatchback, the R-Grade gets you a sport bodykit and roof spoiler.

The Mazda2 comes in seven colours - Sparkling Gold, Cool White, Aurora Blue, Metropolitan Grey, True Red, Highlight Silver and Black Mica, with the signature Spirited Green shade available as an eighth colour, only for the hatch.

Prices for the Mazda2 1.5L sedan is RM77,622 (V-Spec) and RM80,622 (R-Grade), while the hatchback goes for RM79,822 (V-Spec) and RM82,822 (R-Grade), all on-the-road, without insurance.