Mazda MX-5 named Scotland’s ‘Best Drop-Top’

The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) has named the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe ‘Best Drop-Top’ at its Scottish Car of the Year 2007 awards. When presenting the award ASMW President Stephen Park commented that the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe offers drivers, “the thrill of sports car driving with the added bonus of refinement, security and value for money.”

The iconic roadster has won the category for the second year in a row, following the success of the soft-top Mazda MX-5 last year. Now in its tenth year, the Scottish Car of the Year is judged by members of the ASMW, with every model launched during the past 12 months in contention for a 2007 accolade.

“Believe it or not, there are more drop-top roadsters in the UK than anywhere else in Europe and Scottish motorists love them,” commented Park. “The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is a worthy winner and proved its credentials by beating the new Audi TT Roadster to the top spot. The Mazda MX?5’s combination of style, quality and driving experience outperforms many motors costing twice as much.”

Mazda UK marketing director Mark Cameron added: “We are truly delighted that the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe has been named Scottish Car of the Year ‘Best Drop-Top’. This year’s award is further confirmation that the latest MX-5 has kept faith with the ethos of the original iconic Mazda sports car, while adding even more Zoom?Zoom excitement, refinement and usability to the ownership and driving experience. It’s no surprise that Mazda is recognised as the UK’s favourite sports car brand.”

Mazda has traditionally performed well in Scotland and both its sales and market share have accelerated during 2007. In the first nine months of this year, Mazda saw its Scottish sales increase by 24.4 per cent – in a market which is up by just 2.2 percent – giving it a 3.5 per cent market share overall. Sales between January and September stood at 5,643, an increase of 1,070 on the first nine months of 2006 and only 44 units behind the whole of last year.

Mazda took a record 3.8 per cent share of the market in Scotland in September and has already sold almost as many cars north of the border this year as in the whole of last year.

These figures are the result of strong demand for the Mazda3, Mazda6 and the Mazda MX-5. The recently launched Mazda2 supermini is set to boost the Japanese manufacturer’s sales figures even higher. With customer demand running well ahead of predictions, the company is confident of topping sales records this year and in 2008.

The Mazda MX-5 plays a large part in building the Mazda brand, and the sporty car’s ‘halo’ effect is felt throughout the range. The car’s success north of the border is testament to its enduring popularity and it looks set to continue to thrill motorists across the UK well into the future.