Over 30 motoring journalists got first crack at the all-new Mazda2 SKYACTIV Sedan and Hatchback as Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, enjoined the press to experience the nameplate’s power and finesse with a two-day drive in the Southern Tagalog region.
“There’s no better way to communicate the above-class quality, design, dynamism and performance of our latest Mazda vehicle than by driving our cars the way they were meant to be driven,” says Berjaya Auto Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan.
He adds, “The famed Viaje del Sol route around the provinces south of Manila not only offer a rich cultural and historical backdrop to any road trip but it also provides some of the most scenic and challenging roads that any driver will thoroughly enjoy. The all-new Mazda2 SKYACTIV not only provides the ideal platform for motorists to get from point A to point B, but it also allows them to enjoy getting there.”
“We wanted the motoring press to experience the all-new Mazda2 SKYACTIV in varying degrees as it offers the Filipino consumer the full range of practical, everyday usability together with above-class build quality and that unique Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure that only Mazda can deliver,” explains Tan.
Launched last April during the 2015 Manila International Auto Show, the all-new Mazda 2 with SKYACTIV technology ran over 450-kilometers of scenic straightaways and looping rural roads of Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, and Batangas. The group was divided into three routes, each dedicated to showcasing the refinements done to the fourth-generation vehicle.
The first had a total driving distance of 340 kilometers, spanning Santa Rosa, Sampaloc Lake, Los Baños, Canlubang and Tagaytay. The second was a bit longer at 365 kilometers, taking the group to Liliw, Nagcarlan, Los Baños, Canlubang and Tagaytay. The third and longest loop saw drivers traversing more than 457 kilometers, starting from Santa Rosa and passing through Ibaan, San Juan, Candelaria, Tayabas, Lucban, Mount Banahaw, Liliw, Nagcarlon, Los Baños, and Tagaytay. All three routes came to a stop at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas before winding back to Mazda’s Pasig dealership the next day.
The Mazda2 SKYACTIV is the fourth to boast the brand’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy. It also comes with SKYACTIV chassis, suspension, and drivetrain technologies that enhances fuel economy and on-road performance. Specifically, it is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve power plant with a 1,496cc displacement. This engine is capable of 108ps of power @ 6000rpm and 139Nm of torque @ 4000rpm. It’s mated to a SKYACTIV-DRIVE-6-SPEED A/T with sport mode gear box. Handling braking duties are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the back.
For safety and security, the Mazda 2 Sedan and Hatchback boasts airbags for the front passenger and driver, ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, rear parking sensors, immobilizer, and smart keyless entry system.
Four trims are currently available locally: the Mazda2 SKYACTIV R sedan, the Mazda2 SKYACTIV V sedan and hatchback, and the Mazda2 SKYACTIV S sedan. It is available in all Mazda showrooms throughout the archipelago. Check out the spec sheet below.
