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Many might have the impression that Mazda hasn't been on the scene very long as compared to the likes of Toyota and Honda. When in actual fact, Mazda has been around even before the two motoring giants were ever conceived. They've been bringing automobiles with innovative design, breathtaking styling and superior handling for the last 90 years when it was founded by Mr Jujiro Matsuda in 1920. It is these elements that continue to distinguish the brand from its competitors despite the fierce competition.
Over the years Mazda has set itself apart with its radical styling departing greatly from the path of its competitors. Their unique design language has won them several design accolades. One of which is the much revered Louis Vuitton Classic Concept Award. Mazda has also been recognised for its revolutionary innovation of Felix Wankel’s Rotary Engine with the Engine of the year award.
The Renesis Rotary Engine (RRE) is a product of Mazda's years of hard toiled research and design that has earned them the well deserved exclusivity for this revolutionary engine. This engine has powered some of the most iconic cars of the motoring century. Namely the widely loved and highly regarded generations of the RX-7 and also in its present incarnation, the RX-8. A car that offers the graceful, powerful styling while cleverly remaining as a four-door sports coupe. On top of that, the humble 1300cc of its RRE has won it many fans for its road tax friendliness.
Mazda continues to lead the way in its weight saving technology. Mazda ensures every vehicle put on the road is not one gram more or less than it should be, to achieve optimal driving dynamics. Through this, the new Mazda2 shaved off a full 100kg from its predecessor to win the World Car of the Year title in 2008. The MX-5, a 2-seater sports coupe, although not as popular in Singapore, is actually a Guinness Record holder for the world's top-selling open-top 2-seater sports car. No other car maker has also come close to producing a convertible top that can fold open and close faster than the MX-5, which does it in 12 seconds.
In 2008, Mazda announced its target to achieve a 30% improvement on the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold worldwide by 2015. Having established themselves as the brand with individuality and trademark ability in handling corners, the car maker is now on to leading the way with the upcoming SKY-G and SKY-Drive transmissions that produces an ultra-high fuel economy of 32km/L along with a sporty and refined, direct feel comparable to that of a dual clutch transmission. This technology was featured in the concept car, Kiyora that Mazda Motor brought in earlier this year as a peek into what's to come in the near future.
Much has been going on for the Singapore car dealer this year: the opening of its second showroom at Alexandra Road in January, followed by various model launches every other month to date, including introducing the all-new Mazda8 MPV model to the Singapore market. Not forgetting, their presence on radio, reminding Singapore every other week that if it's a Mazda, "it's a must".
Happy Birthday, Mazda!
