SINGAPORE, 11 Jan 2018 – The MX-5 RF Sports Edition is the second update to the fourth-generation model that deepens the sensations of driving pleasure and further refines the core values that have defined the MX-5 from the very beginning; the Jinba-ittai philosophy and that ultimately, the car must be fun to drive. Design updates include the attractive Soul Red Crystal body color option and multiple updates and improvements in the areas of comfort and safety. 

In line with all the Mazda philosophies of design, safety, fuel efficiency and driving experience, the MX-5 RF Sports Edition maintains the latest offerings in KODO Design, i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Technologies, SKYACTIV Technology and the Jinba-ittai philosophy. The MX-5 RF Sports Edition option provides drivers with the signature experience that the first RF built upon, that of the freedom and fun of a convertible or the relaxed and quiet comfort that a coupe affords, at a flip of a switch.

First debuted with the Mazda CX-5, launched in July 2017 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Hotel, Soul Red Crystal – which was created by Mazda Design to symbolize Mazda’s KODO Design - will be available as an option for the MX-5 RF Sports Edition. Soul Red Crystal is the third Takumi (artisan) paint color adopted by Mazda, and will eventually be available throughout Mazda’s lineup of cars. The Soul Red Crystal body color heightens the quality look of KODO design’s sculptural beauty by delivering a fresher, more vibrant level of transparency combined with great purity and depth.

While the new Soul Red Crystal body color takes center stage for the exterior of the car, the Sports Edition will be available with premium Nappa leather upholstery for its interior. Compared to regular leather, Nappa leather is a full-grain leather that undergoes far less mechanical and chemical treatment. After a hair-removal process, Nappa leather retains many of the original textures and markings of the hide. Nappa leather then undergoes a finisher application to enhance durability. Nappa leather still retains a more natural look and is much softer and lusher to the touch than traditional leather. The Sports Edition’s color options offer a richer variety of coordination choices when paried with the auburn-colored Nappa leather upholstery. 

The color options will be accentuated with the new sports body kit available in the Sports Edition. Aptly aggressive curves and skirts adds a distinctive touch of flair and panache to an already great looking model. While the MX-5 RF came with a two toned color scheme that mixed black plates with the primary color on certain areas of the roof and skirts, the Sports Edition will opt for a single primary color throughout to give the car a more visually striking stance. 

In addition, the updates makes Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) – part of Mazda’s i-ACTIVESENSE range of advanced safety technologies – available on the MX-5 RF Sports Edition for the first time. ALH increases visibility when driving at night to help support safer driving. It features glare-free high beams that provide a wider field of vision, and Highway mode, which automatically shifts the aim of the headlights upward when driving at high speeds. 

Safety has always been a key concern with a car of this size and weight and Mazda engineers have smartly designed innovative features such as an airbag system does not compromise safety, even with the top down. In event of a collision, side airbags deploy with a head-protecting cell to safeguard occupants’ heads from injury. The MX-5 RF Sports Edition comes equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety system. The system comprises a comprehensive suite of safety technologies that employ sophisticated detection devices, and aims to maximise the range of conditions in which the driver can safely operate the vehicle with confidence while minimising the risks that can lead to an accident. 

Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technologies comprise the following features:

• *Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH): ALH offers the driver greater support for recognizing potential hazards when driving at night. The system improves night visibility and helps the driver avoid hazardous situations by combining the use of Glare-free High Beam (featuring adjustable illumination range) and Wide-range Low Beam.

*New in the MX-5 RF Sports Edition only

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): This uses rear-mounted radar sensors to detect vehicles in the blind spots behind and to the side, or fast approaching traffic, and alerts the driver through both mirror-mounted warning lights and audible warnings.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): RCTA uses the same sensors as BSM to alert the driver when it detects vehicles approaching from either side while the vehicle is reversing. Warnings come from a flashing indicator in the door mirror and through beeps. 
• Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS): This senses lane markings on the road surface. When the system predicts departure from the lane, it issues an audible warning that is similar to the noise that a car makes when it runs onto a rumble strip in order to prompt timely steering corrections. The system assesses driver input such as the use of the turn signals to weed out false alarms.
• Active Bonnet Design: As a form of pedestrian protection, the Active Bonnet design releases the bonnet instantly whenever impact with a pedestrian is anticipated, to quickly secure a safety space between the bonnet and rigid parts in the engine compartment. At the same time, the bonnet’s inner structure effectively absorbs impact energy.

The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 was fully redesigned under a development concept revolving around the joy of driving and debuted in 2015 to worldwide acclaim. In 2016, the Mazda MX-5 continued to win numerous awards at prestigious events, building upon the legacy of this celebrated roadster. Shortly after in 2017, Mazda launched the power-retractable hardtop model, the MX-5 Retractable Fastback (RF). While the soft-top focused on pure lightweight sports car fun, the hardtop has a personality all on its own, with exquisite fastback styling and a completely unique open-air feel. The Mazda MX-5 RF continues to deliver the thrills of top-down driving to a wider audience than ever before. 

First revealed locally at the Singapore Motorshow 2017, the highly anticipated Mazda MX-5 RF made its mark on the crowd as one of the most exciting looking vehicles on display. This year at the 2018 Singapore Motorshow, Mazda shows off the latest addition to the iconic fourth generation roadster family with the MX-5 RF Sports Edition. The automatic transmission variant is available for sale currently while the manual transmission variant will be made available later in the year. The brand is showing some attention to its iconic model after a heavy focus on SUVs last year with the release of the All-New Mazda CX-5 and CX-9. 

Eurokars Group assumed the distributorship of Mazda vehicles in Singapore in 2012 where it has significantly raised the company profile that has led to the successful proliferation of the brand. Mazda has achieved a ranking of third position in Singapore according to statistics from the Land Transport Authority, with a market share of XX percent. Mazda has experienced record sales every year since taking over the distributorship and 2017 was no exception; 2017 saw Mazda achieve X,XXX units sold.

Commenting on future developments for Mazda, Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group mentioned, “Mazda’s growth in Singapore will be complemented by the new developments that will drive Eurokars Group’s expansion in the coming years. We are on track to open our new facility at Tanjong Penjuru in the western part of Singapore later this year. It will function as an integrated facility for after-sales operations and serve as a one-stop hub for repairs and maintenance, pre-delivery inspection, body repair and spray painting, as well as warehousing for all the marques under the group umbrella. More than 60 per cent of the operating area will be dedicated to Mazda’s operations. The new Eurokars Group Corporate Headquarters at Kung Chong Road, which is targeted for completion in 2020, will be sized at 40,000 square feet with a total built-up area of 100,000 square feet.” 

“With the internet and smartphones, consumers have since been a highly informed and self-educated group when it comes time to purchase a car. Always attracted to new and innovative products along with rising lifestyle aspirations, Mazda is constantly improving upon its value and customer experience by expanding its range of products and services to complement modern lifestyle needs. Mazda is introducing new and exciting models that strive to achieve a balance of innovation and practicality. The Mazda MX-5 RF Sports Edition aims to engage our customer’s sensibilities organically and enhance the driver experience with a vehicle that exhibits premium appeal and stands out as a distinguished option in the unique roadster segment,” says Ms Ong Lay Ling, Group Managing Director of Eurokars Group.

-ENDS-

About Eurokars Group 

Eurokars Group is synonymous with premium automotive brands in Singapore and has enjoyed significant growth, with every brand under its care boasting an unblemished track record, each with its own unique branding and positioning. With more than 30 years of market representation, and industry accolades from Enterprise 50 and Superbrands, Eurokars Group is a well established motoring entity, having grown over the years from a niche sports car retailer to a multi-franchise automotive dealership group.

Eurokars Group was founded by respected entrepreneur, Mr Karsono Kwee who, as Executive Chairman of the group, is driven by a genuine passion for motorcars and has turned the business into a well-diversified and a leading customer-oriented dealer of premium automobile brands in the region.      

Press Contacts 

David Chung 

Senior Marketing Manager 

E: davidchung@mazda.com.sg

Tel: +65 6395 7852

M: +65 9691 2735

Website: http://www.mazda.com.sg