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The stylish and dynamic Mazda2 wins the coveted RJC Car of the
Year Award; Mazda CX-7 wins best SUV -
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced today that the Mazda2 – known as the
Mazda Demio in Japan – has been named the 2008 Automotive Researchers’ and
Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year. The Mazda CX-7 also won
the special “Best SUV” prize.
The Mazda2 beat a highly fancied field that included the Honda Jazz not due
in Australia until next year, and the just-launched Subaru Impreza.
In fact, so dominant was the Mazda2’s win, it amassed an incredible 403
points, 127 points more than the second placed Jazz.
The Mazda2 becomes the fifth Mazda to win this prestigious Japanese award
since its inception in 1991. It is Mazda’s first win since the groundbreaking
RX-8 took the award in 2003, one year after the Mazda6 (in 2002).
The Mazda2’s unique mix of distinct styling, superb handling and very
competitive running costs won favour with the judges.
The Mazda2 received high marks from RJC for its great fuel efficiency and
drivability. The new model is around 100 kilograms lighter than the previous
model, and has a range of engines more economical than the previous generation.
The Mazda CX-7, the recipient of the 2008 RJC special award for Best SUV, is
a crossover SUV with sporty, cosmopolitan styling. The Mazda CX-7 was highly
evaluated by the RJC for its powerful and responsive driving dynamics thanks to
its eco-friendly 2.3-litre direct injection turbocharged engine which is
complemented by a six-speed Activematic transmission and the stable, comfortable
ride quality provided by its suspension.
Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO,
Hisakazu Imaki, said, “We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards from
the RJC. Under our product-led growth strategy, we launched the Mazda6 as the
first of our next-generation models in 2002 and it won the RJC Car of the Year
award.
“We’re pleased to be chosen again by the RJC for the Mazda Demio, the first
new model we introduced after announcing our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term
technical development vision this year. We appreciate these accolades as a
validation of where we are going with our products. Looking ahead, we will
continue to strive to make cars infused with the Mazda spirit.”
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