Friday 29 Mar 2024
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This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on January 16, 2020

PUTRAJAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) has launched the new Mazda CX-30, a new compact crossover sport-utility vehicle or SUV that sits between the CX-3 and CX-5 in terms of size.

Amid rising popularity and demand for SUV in the domestic market, the new CX-30 will complement the group’s existing range of SUVs, said BAuto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh.

“The size is just right for those who find the CX-3 a bit small and want a slightly bigger cabin space,” he said at the launch of the new model yesterday.

Yeoh said BAuto, the distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, will continue to pursue better ownership experience for Mazda car buyers.

“We started by undertaking a programme to ensure our customers have a hassle-free, five-year free maintenance and warranty programme. This has contributed to the growing confidence in the Mazda brand, resulting in the need for more accessibility to our services. Now, most of our major centres are open seven days a week to cater to the growing demand for our services,” he said.

The new Mazda CX-30, currently completely built up from Japan, also has increased height over a passenger car to enhance visibility, with improved acceleration, turning and braking.

BAuto targets to sell at least 3,000 CX-30 units this year. “In order for us to make the CKD (completely-knocked-down) programme happen, we will try to sell at least a minimum of 3,000 CX-30 units,” said Yeoh.

According to BAuto, the CX-30 is powered by the latest Skyactiv-G 2.0 gasoline engine for the higher variant, which delivers enhanced driving performance, fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, while its entry variant has a Skyactiv-D 1.8 diesel engine that provides a smooth and robust performance, balanced with fuel economy, quietness and low emissions.

Besides seven SRS airbags, this model also introduces a knee airbag for the driver’s seat that helps lessen injuries to the driver’s legs by spreading the forward motion of the driver’s body in the event of a collision. The new model comes in eight different colours — Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl, Titanium Flash and Polymetal Gray Metallic — with a retail price that starts from RM143,059.

BAuto shares closed at RM2.01 yesterday, down three sen or 1.47%, which gives it a market capitalisaton of RM2.34 billion.

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