Mazda wins ‘Best Roadster’ and ‘Best Compact MPV’ awards

The judges from the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine ranked the Mazda
MX-5 as ‘Best Roadster’, the Mazda5 as ‘Best Compact MPV’ and the rotary-engined Mazda RX-8 as ‘runner-up’ in the coupé category – second only to the new and more expensive, £59,000 Jaguar XK – after winning that class for two years in a row.
Collecting the two ‘Best’ awards at a glittering ceremony in London, Mazda UK's Marketing Director Mark Cameron commented: “It’s always rewarding to have a high profile motor industry and consumer publication, such as Auto Express, confirm that our products are among the best on the market.
"As Britain’s favourite sports car brand, Mazda is proud to top the sales charts with the Mazda MX-5 and Mazda RX-8. Our family cars also embody the Zoom-Zoom spirit and are immensely popular – as evidenced by rising sales of the Mazda3, Mazda6 and this New Car Honour award for Mazda5.
he Mazda MX-5, Auto Express commented: “Roadsters have one of the most straightforward briefs in the motoring kingdom – make their owners smile. Nothing takes the shine off life with the latest Mazda MX-5. The Japanese marque has become even more focused on giving roadster buyers exactly what they want.
"Pin-sharp handling, direct, uncorrupted steering and a real zest for life can be taken for granted with the MX-5. The latest MX-5 gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t and as a result scores a direct bull’s eye."
Extolling the virtues of the category-winning Mazda5, Auto Express stated: “Were you to come up with a Compact MPV wish list it might read something like: sliding rear doors, versatile seats that don’t have to be removed from the car, good visibility and road manners, a big boot, low running costs and a cheap asking price. The one car in the class that ticks every box is the Mazda5. It undercuts most rivals by around £1,500, is just as well equipped and has even lower running costs. A car that’s intelligently designed and great to own.”
The Mazda RX-8 was only pushed down to second place in the coupé category by a much more expensive car. Auto Express commended the RX-8: “After two wins on the trot, the Mazda RX-8 has been demoted to the commended list. But that doesn’t mean it’s fallen out of favour – not by a long chalk. There’s no arguing with the practical four-seat, four-door layout, the excellent handling or the temptingly low asking price. For the money there’s nothing more stylish or better value.”
Mazda’s ability to deliver a high-powered sporty drive with rewarding levels of Zoom-Zoom, is not restricted to its sports cars. Earlier this year the turbocharged four-wheel drive Mazda6 MPS, the most powerful saloon car ever produced by Mazda was introduced. Early next year the Mazda3 MPS turbocharged ‘super hatch’ will go on sale – the most powerful car in its class with over 250ps. Both MPS models will be on display at the British International Motor Show at Excel London from 20 July.