Mazda to become the Focus brand at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed will pay tribute to the innovation and achievements in motoring and motorsport by Mazda with a spectacular Central Feature in honour of the Japanese manufacturer.

Mazda, renowned for defying convention in its approach to automotive engineering, has also chosen Goodwood as the setting to showcase its range of SKYACTIV vehicles.

The Central Feature, created by renowned sculptor Gerry Judah and Mazda, will provide a spectacular backdrop to the Festival of Speed, which is preceded by the Moving Motor Show presented by the AA in association with The Telegraph, and runs from June 25-28.

Set spectacularly against the iconic sight of Goodwood House, the Central Feature will celebrate Mazda’s 95-year history, and its numerous international motor sport achievements.

Mazda is the only Japanese manufacturer to have won the world’s most prestigious motor race – the Le Mans 24 Hours – and the victorious rotary-engined 787B, with its distinctive sound, is certain to be a crowd favourite as it winds its way up Goodwood’s iconic 1.16-mile Hillclimb, along with many other examples of its sporting success and road-going innovation.

Further motor sport success has been achieved in touring cars, the World Rally Championship, Andros Trophy ice racing and sportscar competition in the USA - in which Mazda’s pioneering SKYACTIV-D turbodiesel technology is breaking new ground currently.

Every era of Mazda’s motor sport achievement will be marked by some incredible competition cars both on the Hillclimb and the Forest Rally Stage as the Festival of Speed celebrates the theme ‘Flat-out and fearless; racing on the edge’, while the Moving Motor Show on June 25, will showcase  many of the key models from Mazda’s current range.

Lord March said: “The theme for this year’s Festival of Speed is ‘Flat-Out and Fearless: Racing on the Edge,’ and Mazda’s continual push to reject engineering conventions and strive for something unique perfectly aligns with this philosophy. We are delighted to be celebrating Mazda’s motor sport achievements and pioneering road-car technologies with the Central Feature, and to help it showcase its brand-new cars to an international community of car enthusiasts and the world’s automotive media – an audience that only Goodwood can attract.”

Jeremy Thompson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, said: “Mazda has a long and proud heritage in racing, and through motor sport has demonstrated its engineering challenger spirit through the rotary engine, its Le Mans win and the LMP2 SKYACTIV diesel prototype currently racing in the United States. This spirit is also encompassed by both our historical and current road cars, being the only manufacturer to perfect the rotary engine, the only manufacturer to use the Millar Cycle engine, and the manufacturer who developed the world’s smallest V6 engine.  

We were also the manufacturer who defied convention by bringing an affordable two seat sports car to market when all other manufacturers were deserting that market segment. Mazda also has more cars, and cars with Mazda engines, racing each weekend in the United States than any other manufacturer and it is all these landmarks and achievements that we will be celebrating at Goodwood this year.”

Mazda launches a whole host of new and refreshed models at Geneva 2015

• All-new Mazda CX-3 makes European debut
• New generation Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2 join 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Mazda6

Mazda’s model offensive will go into overdrive at the 85^th Geneva Motor Show in early March. The Japanese carmaker will showcase the all-new Mazda CX-3 – its fifth model launch in six months – alongside two new model generations, the all-new Mazda MX-5 and the recently introduced Mazda2, and the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Mazda6.

Front and centre is the Mazda CX-3, as Mazda’s very first small SUV makes its European premiere. Offered in AWD or FWD format, the sleek KODO design and the unconventional combination of performance and fuel efficiency from its SKYACTIV Technology are set to take this rapidly growing segment by storm when it goes on sale in Europe in early summer.

The long awaited fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 offers something for everyone. First revealed in September, the all-new MX-5 features will set the heart racing with a new exterior design and SKYACTIV engines. The lightweight design goes back to the roots of the original model launched 25 years ago. It will hit the market in the autumn.

The new Mazda2 raises the bar for the B segment with a huge range of equipment for its class, including a head-up display. The new supermini has already won the 2014-15 Japan Car of the Year award and Europe’s Golden Steering Wheel.

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Mazda6 round out the company’s highlights in Geneva. Besides redesigned faces and interiors, new features include active safety systems like Adaptive LED Headlights – a Mazda debut. The 2015 Mazda6 is offered with AWD and a head-up display, while the 2015 CX-5 adds the powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.5 to its petrol engine line-up.

All five models will be available with MZD Connect, Mazda’s safe and easy-to-use smartphone connectivity system, and the company’s state-of-the-art i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology. They will be on display at stand 5150 (hall 5) at the Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the media on 3-4 March and then the public from 5-15 March. Mazda will hold its press conference at 10:45am on 3 March.

New Mazda2 goes on nationwide dealer tour, in advance of first orders being taken.

• Exclusive customer event set to give first look at stylish new supermini
• All-new Mazda2 will visit 119 dealerships across the UK
• New model combines elegant design, with efficient engines
• Oculus Rift technology promises to enhance customer experience

From the 17^th January two pre-production models of the all-new Mazda2 will visit 119 Mazda dealers across the country, covering more than 6,000 miles in a total of six weeks.

The fourth generation supermini has already been revered in the press for its good looks, sharp handling and fuel efficient engines, and now prospective customers will be among the first in the country to experience the car for themselves.

As well as getting up close and personal with the all-new Mazda2, the exclusive invite-only events will also give attendees the opportunity to try Oculus Rift virtual reality technology, allowing them to experience the all-new Mazda2 in the virtual world. 

“This convention-defying dealer tour is a fantastic opportunity for new and existing customers to really get a feel for the all-new Mazda2 and take advantage of the Oculus Rift headsets to virtually experience what the car would look like in different colours and trims,” commented Jeremy Thomson, UK Managing Director of Mazda.

“The Mazda2 is our best-selling model in the UK and its successor marks an important milestone for the brand. It has already won the coverted Japanese Car of the Year title, which goes to prove we’ve taken the right direction with our focus on design, driving fun and our innovative SKYACTIV technology.”

As well as featuring the striking ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ body styling, the brand has also optimised its range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV powertrains for the all-new Mazda2. Including a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol available in three power outputs and with new five and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, there’s also a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox, which returns incredible fuel economy and CO₂ emissions of 83.1mpg and 89g/km – putting it among the cleanest cars in its class.

Building on the strengths of its current B-segment model as well as its highly successful new-generation model line-up, the all-new Mazda2 raises the bar in design, performance, handling, equipment, comfort and safety.

Mazda has recently announced pricing and specification of the all-new Mazda2 ahead of it going on sale on the 20^th March. With prices starting from £11,995 up to £17,395, the 16-strong model range will be available in five generous trim levels – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Packed with high levels of standard equipment, the stylish supermini provides the perfect compromise of premium quality, efficiency and good looks.

Thanks to innovative technology, Oculus Rift, customers will be able to experience a 360^o view of the interior.

Determined to offer its customers unbeatable deals, from 1 January Mazda will offer its all-new city car with a combination of zero deposit and 5.9% APR when purchased with a Mazda PCP finance package, or 0% APR Conditional Sale with a minimum 50% deposit. Buyers of the Sport Launch Edition can also benefit from a £750 Mazda deposit contribution, whilst all other derivations will be offered £500.

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Mazda CX-5 SUV takes Best Buy under £25,000

• Mazda CX-5 wins What Car? ‘Best Buy’ SUV award for third year in succession.
• £23,695 Mazda CX-5 described as “brilliant value for such a capable SUV”
• SKYACTIV-equipped 150ps diesel Mazda CX-5 compact SUV records emissions from 119g/km.

Britain’s biggest and best-selling car buyer’s guide What Car? has named the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV as Britain’s ‘best buy’ in the under £25,000 category. Scooping the title for a third year, the diesel 2.2 SKYACTIV-D 150 SE-L impressed the experts at What Car? with its practicality, value, economy and driver entertainment.

Explaining the £23,695 SE-L CX-5’s selection as a class winner, What Car? Road Test Editor Will Nightingale commented: “The CX-5 is brilliant value for such a capable SUV, the 150ps SKYACTIV-D is smooth and powerful; it’s one of the best four-cylinder diesel engines we’ve tried.”   

Highlighting the CX-5’s excellent standard equipment What Car? Director of testing John Mcllroy wrote: ‘SE-L trim gets most of the kit you’re likely to want or need, including dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, cruise control and even automatic emergency braking.’ Adding, ‘The CX-5 is seriously practical, too. The boot is huge and you can fold down the spring-loaded rear seats by pulling on the handles in the boot.’

The Mazda CX-5 was the first Mazda to feature the company’s innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technologies in engines, transmissions, chassis and body. Rethinking traditional engineering to defy convention and produce a remarkably efficient SUV that retains the driver engagement and precise handling that are an essential ingredient of every Mazda.

‘No other vehicle in the Mazda range demonstrates the value of SKYACTIV technology more clearly than the Mazda CX-5’ commented Mazda UK Sales Director, Peter Allibon. ‘It has allowed the company to build a compact SUV that delivers outstanding fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions without compromising either performance or driving dynamics.’

The multi-award winning Mazda CX-5 is available in five grades SE-L, SE-L Nav, SE-L Lux, SE-L Lux Nav and Sport Nav. The range features a 16-strong line-up with prices starting from £21,895 and rising to £29,895 (OTR).

Customers are offered a choice of three engines (165ps petrol and 150ps or 175ps diesel). The two-wheel drive 165ps SKYACTIV-G petrol comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel versions – six of which are available with all-wheel drive – are fitted with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The latest accolade for the Mazda CX-5 follows recent awards including the Auto Express Driver Power Best SUV 2013, Auto Express New car Awards Best Crossover 2013 and Fleet World Honours 2013 Best Small SUV.

All New Mazda CX-5, Interior and exterior upgrades make this an even better choice.

• 2015 Mazda CX-5 upgraded model range, priced from £22,295 to £30,595 on-the-road (OTR), on sale in the UK in spring this year
• 16-strong two-and all-wheel drive range featuring improved standard equipment throughout SE-L, SE-L Lux and Sport Nav model grades
• New DAB radio, 7-inch colour touch screen, Multimedia Commander, MZD Connect infotainment and an Integrated Navigation system
• Technologically enhanced Sport Nav option Safety Pack, including Adaptive LED headlamps (ALD), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSMw/RCTA), and Rear Smart City Brake Support (RrSCBS)

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 upgraded model goes on sale in the UK in spring this year. Priced from £22,295 to £30,595 on-the-road (OTR), the 16-strong model range features significant interior trim and standard equipment specification upgrades, as well as exterior enhancements.

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 model range is available in three grades; SE-L, SE-L Lux and Sport Nav. The range comprises three 2.0 litre petrol two-wheel drive variants equipped with six-speed manual transmissions, and thirteen 2.2 litre diesel versions - six of which are available with all-wheel drive - fitted with a choice of six speed manual or automatic transmissions.

'No other vehicle in the Mazda range demonstrates the value of SKYACTIV technology more clearly than the Mazda CX-5' commented Mazda UK Sales Director, Peter Allibon. 'It has allowed the company to build a Compact SUV that delivers outstanding fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions without compromising either performance or driving dynamics. And now, for 2015, significant enhancements and standard equipment upgrades make the Mazda CX-5 more price-competitive than ever before.'

The standard equipment specification of every model in the CX-5 line-up has been enhanced through the addition of manual front passenger seat height adjustment, an electronic parking brake, a coming/leaving home headlamp function, and the company's Multimedia Commander with separate volume dial for safe, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control.

A new 7-inch, full-colour, centre console touch-screen incorporates DAB radio, two ports for USB connectivity and MZD Connect. Paired with a smartphone, MZD Connect makes it easier to take advantage of functions such as internet connectivity and access to social networking services.

Top-of-the-range Sport Nav models benefit from new exterior features including 19-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels, LED headlamps including LED daytime running lights, and LED foglamps.

On board, an already comprehensive Sport Nav standard equipment specification is further bolstered by a new Integrated Navigation system which offers greater accuracy, improved search features and three years of free map updating.

SE-L Lux and Sport Nav grade options now include Stone Leather upholstery (in lieu of black), whilst the Sport Nav options list further benefits from Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and an evolution of the Safety Pack which incorporates several newly-developed technologies.

Adaptive LED headlamps (ALH) automatically adjust the array of high beam illumination to avoid dazzling the occupants of both oncoming and preceding vehicles, without the need to switch to low beam lighting.

The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) with Driver Attention Alert (DAA) builds on the existing Lane Departure Warning system, providing steering wheel vibration and assisted steering if the driver strays from the middle of the chosen lane. Having first learned the owners driving style, DAA operates at speeds of over 40mph, alerting drivers to take a break if it detects a degradation in driving style indicating fatigue.

Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSMw/RCTA) combines two systems in one for greater safety. The system's larger detection area to the side and rear of the vehicle provides better coverage, whilst BSM employs the same system sensors to detect pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles when reversing.

Rear Smart City Brake Support (RrSCBS) operates at speeds of between 2 and 5mph when reversing, automatically applying the brakes if the system detects an imminent rear impact.

Two new Special Editions from Mazda to celebrate the final old edtion Mazda2.

• Black Edition and White Edition on sale January 1st 2015, priced at £12,145 on-the-road
• Bespoke exterior detailing including diffuser-style rear bumper trim, privacy glass, 15-inch Dark Grey alloys and no-cost option bonnet and roof stripe graphics
• Unique interior trim featuring body-coloured accents and black upholstery with red piping
• High levels of standard equipment specification including air-conditioning, CD player, USB connectivity and no-cost option steering wheel-integrated Bluetooth^® hands-free system

Seeing in the New Year in style, two new special edition 5-door Mazda2 models, the Black Edition and White Edition, go on sale on January 1st 2015 priced at £12,145 on-the-road.

Since its launch in 2007, the current Mazda2 has won over the Supermini segment with its styling flair, engaging driving dynamics and generous equipment specification levels. Embodying the model's energy and spirit, the Black Edition and White Edition bring more than a dash of extra urban chic to the Mazda2 line-up with sporting styling cues and a host of unique specification features.

“The Mazda2 Black Edition and White Edition represent a last chance for our customers to get their hands on a unique version of the current 5-door Mazda2,” said Mazda UK Sales Director, Peter Allibon. “As with every Mazda special edition model, they combine bespoke exterior and interior styling with a lavish standard equipment specification, offering customers stand-out individuality and outstanding value for money.”

A choice of bold, Jet Black Mica or Crystal White Pearlescent exterior colours is complemented by bespoke, diffuser-style rear bumper trim, a Jet Black rear spoiler and power-operated, heated folding door mirrors, rear privacy glass, 15-inch Dark Grey alloy wheels, unique Black Edition and White Edition badging, and the no-cost option of striking, colour-coded bonnet and roof stripe graphics.

On board, that sporting flair is reinforced by body-coloured accents to the door trim and air vents, black cloth upholstery with red piping, glossy Dark Grey audio panel and steering wheel inserts.

A lavish, special edition equipment specification includes manual air-conditioning, a CD player with two speakers, USB and AUX connectivity and a no-cost option steering wheel-integrated Bluetooth^® hands-free system.

The new Black Edition and White Edition are powered by Mazda's lively 1.3-litre 75ps petrol engine mated to a slick 5-speed manual transmission. And both urban and open-road safety standards are enhanced by the addition of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS).

The appeal of the current Mazda2 model range has been further enhanced through an improved finance offer. All models are now available with Zero deposit, 0% APR* Representative on Mazda Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and a Deposit Contribution which has been increased from £500 to £750, over a maximum term of 42 months.

The line-up is also available with 0% APR* Conditional Sale with a minimum deposit of 30%, with a maximum term of three years, or 5.9% APR* Conditional Sale with no minimum deposit and a maximum term of five years. Both financial offers are available until March 31st 2015.

The amazing Mazda6 achieves the three million mark, in just 12 years.

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that total global production of the Mazda6 (known as Mazda Atenza in Japan) reached three million units*1 at the end of November 2014. The milestone figure was reached in approximately 12 years and nine months after production of the first-generation Mazda6 began in February 2002 at Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi, Japan. 

It is the second fastest time for a Mazda model to reach three million units of production, following the Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan).

Since the first generation, the Mazda6 has stayed true to its original aim of offering driving pleasure, and along with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand message has been leading the company’s product lineup since its introduction. The model is currently produced at Hofu Plant in Japan and FAW Car Co. Ltd. in China. Additionally, it is assembled locally at MAZDA SOLLERS Manufacturing Rus in Russia and Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Vietnam.

The current, third generation Mazda6 was fully redesigned in 2012. Adopting the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO—Soul of Motion design theme, it became the second model to join Mazda’s new generation line-up. The redesigned model has received high praise in markets all over the world. Including being named 2014 RJC Car of the Year in Japan and nominated as a finalist for 2013 World Car Design of the Year, it has claimed over 40 different awards globally.*2

An updated Mazda6 will be rolled out to global markets from January 2015, with launches starting from Japan and USA. Adopting Mazda’s latest ideas and technologies, the updated model offers new levels of depth and maturity. It features a more refined design expression, enhanced dynamic performance for a more comfortable, higher-quality ride, the Mazda Connect new-generation car connectivity system*3 and i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies.*4

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to develop products which offer all customers driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance, with an aim of enriching people’s lives and becoming a brand that builds a special bond with its customers.

# # #

*1 1st generation: 1,945,850 units; 2nd generation: 718,882 units; 3rd generation: 335,773 units.

Total: 3,000,505 units

*2 As of end of October 2014. Based on Mazda data.

*3 The name Mazda Connect is used in Japan, US, Canada and Mexico. The system is referred to as MZD Connect in other markets.

*4: Available features vary by country or region.