Mazda News
Mazda2 and Mazda MX-5 Join Motability Scheme
By Source: Mazda UK
Nov 26, 2003, 04:58

The Mazda2 supermini and best selling Mazda MX-5 sports car are now available at nil advance payment for customers who obtain their cars under the Motability Contract Hire scheme.

Mazda2 1.25 S, 1.4 S Auto Shift Manual (ASM) models and Mazda MX-5 1.6i are all available with nil advance payment. Mazda says that there has been pent-up demand for cars in the supermini sector among those with special mobility requirements. Thanks to its practical use of space, quality and comfort levels Mazda2 is likely to be a popular choice for Motability customers.

"The introduction of Mazda2 and Mazda MX-5 with nil advance payment marks a positive move by Mazda and display's our commitment to the Motability scheme. Twenty nine Mazda dealers are already Motability accredited and the number is increasing rapidly," explained David McGonigle, Fleet and Remarketing Director for Mazda UK.

Mazda2, available as a five-door hatchback, is noted for its spacious interior and practicality so easy access and comfort are assured in a car that is also outstandingly frugal in both petrol and diesel variants.

Lively 1.25-litre, 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre petrol engines with manual transmission return 44.8mpg, 43.5mpg and 39.8mpg respectively on the official Combined cycle, while the advanced 1.4-litre common-rail diesel returns 62.8mpg and very low emissions.

Auto Shift Manual (ASM) transmission provides the driver a choice between full auto mode and clutch-less manual gearshifts. Available with the 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines fuel economy on the combined cycle is the same as normal manual transmission models.

"Mazda2 offers ‘big car’ quality with the sort of driving dynamics and generous specification levels that represent outstanding value for money. Advance payments for the Mazda2 under the Motability contract hire scheme are extremely competitive - and the car's fuel economy is hard to beat," adds McGonigle.

In addition to the nil advance payment on Mazda2 1.25 S and 1.4 S ASM, other Mazda2 models in the range are available from only £250 advance payment, while Mazda MX-5 1.6i with option pack and Mazda MX-5 1.8i models are also available from £250 advance payment with Motability Contract Hire.

"The Mazda2 projects a distinctive yet practical image that's well-suited to the lifestyle of Motability customers," says Jeff Edgar, National Contract Hire Manager for Mazda UK.

Standard features such as multi-adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel height adjust and steering wheel mounted audio controls and power steering make the Mazda2 easy to control with minimum effort. In addition, its ride and handling characteristics ensure a level of driveability and comfort more usually associated with larger cars.

Mazda2 was voted winner of the What Car? Comfort Test 2003, chosen for ‘its neat package of simplicity and clever design’. What Car? commented that even the not-so-agile will find getting in and out of the front or rear easy. Access was praised thanks to the wide-opening doors, low sills and generous head and legroom. In fact, Mazda2's doors open to a maximum of 80 degrees.

All Mazda products are available under the Motability Contract Hire scheme but for Motability customers in search of a more sporting drive, the Mazda MX-5, recently named Autocar ‘Best Handling Sports Car 2003’ offers outstanding ride and handling coupled with reassuring safety and reliability for complete peace of mind.

The Mazda MX-5 is available with either a 1.6i or 1.8i four cylinder petrol engine. The 1.6i litre engine has a top speed of 119 mph yet it produces a frugal 36.7 mpg on the Combined cycle. The 1.8i model has a top speed of 127 mph and produces 32.5mpg on the Combined cycle. The six-speed 1.8i Sport has a top speed of 129 mph and produces 31.7mpg on the Combined cycle.

David McGonigle, Fleet and Remarketing Director for Mazda UK adds: "Mazda hopes to provide solutions for people who require assistance to stay mobile. Motability customers require access to independent transport and look for the same things as everyone else in a car – economy, driving dynamics, safety and security. The Mazda2 is an excellent example of a vehicle that more than meets those needs."

The 29 Mazda dealers already accredited with Motability each have a specialist trained to advise customers on suitable vehicles and, where necessary, adaptations to controls. Motability sales account for some 150,000 transactions a year and registrations for small cars in the Mazda2 class take the lion's share.

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