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The range of SKYACTIV technologies allows Mazda to build petrol and diesel cars that deliver class leading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without compromising performance or handling.  This significantly reduces the cost of motoring for customers and responds to the environmental needs that are now a key factor in choosing a new car.

It is not just the customers who will benefit from SKYACTIV technology, it has numerous benefits for dealers as Peter Allibon, Sales Director for Mazda UK, explains.  “SKYACTIV is a really exciting prospect, it allows Mazda to offer an eco solution to all customers in cars that are also fun-to-drive.  By introducing SKYACTIV technology to all sixth generation Mazda vehicles, starting with CX-5, everyone can drive an environmentally friendly car, not just those who are prepared to pay the price premium charged by other brands.  That is a good marketing position for our dealers.

“Currently, we compete in about 60 percent of each segment we’re in – for example we have never been able to offer a diesel automatic – so we have been unable to provide a solution for certain customers’ needs. SKYACTIV technology introduces diesel automatic to the range and along with other technical advances it will enable us to get into sub-segments of different categories and will take the Mazda brand to a different level.

“Owing to low CO2 emissions and a competitive price position, Mazda will deliver reduced benefit in kind tax bills for company car drivers. Plus residual values are expected to be strong adding to the fleet appeal for Mazda’s sixth generation of vehicles.

“Mazda is a niche brand and SKYACTIV technology fits very well with our brand proposition. We can now present a genuine alternative to buyers without the compromise of hybrid and electric vehicles,” concludes Allibon.

Mazda’s achievement is quite remarkable and its engineers have been working on the SKYACTIV programme for the past five years.  It will make its debut in Britain next year with the arrival the futuristic looking CX-5 compact crossover model. The CX-5 will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine developing 172PS yet with CO2 emissions as low as 120g/km and average mpg in the region of 60.

That’s more power than Mazda’s current 2.2 diesel engine but with significantly better economy and much more tax friendly emissions.

For in-depth information the Mazda SKYACTIV technology site is available at www.mazdaskyactiv.co.uk.
 

The new Peugeot 107 featuring a stylish ‘new face’ is now at RRG Peugeot Oldham and Rochdale. The stylish edition features improved fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and enhanced equipment with an upgraded interior.

The 107’s fun and stylish appeal, along with its accomplished economical three-cylinder petrol engine, has helped Peugeot take a lead in low-CO2 urban motoring, and this is now strengthened further with emissions of just 99 g/km of CO2.

The new re-styled 107 is instantly recognisable by the changes to the car’s front styling, with a deeper and lower front panel with a housing for the front fog lights; LED lights and a re-designed front bumper.
 


As part of the re-style of the 107 range, there are three trim levels on offer which have been named in line with other Peugeot range models (Access, Active and Allure). Within these trim levels, features such as Peugeot Connect Bluetooth and USB and LED Daytime running lights are now available for the first time on the 107 range.
 
In addition to the new features available, the re-styled range also offers better equipment across the range with air conditioning now standard on Active level versions and alloy wheels, rev counter, Peugeot Connect Bluetooth and USB standard on Allure level versions.
 
The new 107 is available in 3-door and 5-door versions, and adopts a competitive pricing strategy with the range starting from just £7,995.

Suzuki is pleased to announce the new Swift Sport that went on sale just six weeks ago has been awarded the ‘Best Hot Hatchback’ at the Carbuyer.co.uk Awards. The new performance flagship of the Swift model range was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and was the clear winner against some strong competition.

The new Sport scored 5 out of a possible 5 overall with the judges all agreeing that the new model combines agile handling, sparkling performance and an affordable price in perfect quantities.

The Swift Sport is available for £13,499 with a very high standard equipment specification which includes seven airbags, auto air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port, rear privacy glass, 17 inch alloy wheels – as well as metallic paint finish. HID Projector headlamps for both low and high beam are also fitted as standard – a safety feature that is either not available or is listed as a cost option amongst its direct competitors.

Cost of ownership is also lower than with the previous Sport model as emissions and fuel consumption have improved by around 10 per cent; insurance classification has gone down by four groups from 23 to 19 thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel and computerised structural analysis which keeps the body light while promoting safety.

Dale Wyatt, Sales and Marketing Director, Suzuki GB PLC, comments: “We are of course really pleased with our award from Carbuyer.co.uk which reinforces the message to our customers that Suzuki offers a great value and fun to drive new Swift Sport with higher standard specification, lower emissions and even better fuel consumption than before.”

Kia are delighted to announce that both the Kia Sportage and Rio have been honoured at this year’s CarBuyer Car of the Year Awards, crowning the Sportage the Best 4x4 and the Rio the Green Car of the year in the  award’s first ever appearance.

The Sportage was awarded the same title at last year’s inaugural CarBuyer Car of the Year Awards, making it a repeated triumph for Kia. The popular 4x4 from Kia has now racked up eight awards since its launch in 2010.

“We are delighted to be bringing not one, but two award winning Kia models to Bury”, commented Gareth Mawdsley, RRG Kia Bury. “To see the Sportage take the title of Best 4x4 for two years in a row is a great success. We can help Bury contribute towards a much greener future and are particularly pleased that the Rio was recognised as Green Car of the year. This proves that you don't have to choose expensive hybrid or range-limiting electric technology to do your bit for the environment.”

The CarBuyer website gives straight-forward, no-nonsense advice on every new car on the UK market for people who want to know what will suit their needs. Kia's now well-established reputation for quality, reliability, style and unparalleled value, thanks partly to its industry-best fully transferable and transparent seven year warranty, has helped Kia pick up the two awards.
Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of CarBuyer and Auto Express said: "Kia's Sportage was CarBuyer's inaugural Car of the Year in 2011 and it wins in the 4x4 category for the second year running. We love its style, quality and the way it drives, which when combined with Kia's impressive buying package, makes for a superb all-round buy.

"Joining the Sportage in the winners' circle this year is the Rio, which wins CarBuyer's first Green Car Award. Here's a car that offers the sort of economy and emissions you'd expect from a hybrid in a conventional diesel-powered car. But the Rio is anything but conventional - it's a spacious, high quality family hatchback that's great value to buy and run," added Steve.

The Kia Sportage range is available from RRG Kia Bury from £17,295 while the Kia Rio starts at £9,995. For further information, contact the dealership at 128 Bolton Road, Bury BL8 2NP or 0161 452 4328.

 This year sees the UK launch of Prius Plug-in, the greenest, most technically advanced version of the world’s best-selling hybrid car. And we can now officially confirm the headline facts and figures…