Mazda Ph announces a new tuning sub-brand, sponsors a book launch, and unveils 2024 line-up
Mazda Philippines has been very busy of late. The brand, which hails from Hiroshima has been quietly hard at work behind the spotlight as many new and usually Chinese car companies took center stage in the past few months.
Despite occupying 14th place with a modest 2,231 units in 2023, Mazda is secure, and crucially knows its market. And the majority of its customers are very loyal, repeat customers. And they are only the second other manufacturer that organizes its own very successful one-make racing series, in conjunction with the Manila Sports Car Club called “The Miata Spec Series” which is in its third season this 2024. While growth in sales and market share may be somewhat slow, everything has been very organic for Mazda, allowing them to keep tabs on overall quality and total customer satisfaction. The brand is constantly making a push to go upmarket.
To elevate things further, Mazda has gone through the effort of securing the rights to distribute AutoExe, a specialty tuning company that focuses on simple but effective bolt-on solutions to improve the base Mazda vehicle’s overall performance without detracting from the innate character and philosophy behind the development of all Mazdas. AutoExe is composed of former engineers of the now-defunct MazdaSpeed tuning & motorsports arm, giving the sub-brand much wanted street credibility. I myself am a fan of AutoExe. Their product list includes extensive chassis bracing, suspension, brake and bolt-on engine upgrades. Being a fan myself and a Mazda crossover owner, I’m deciding how much I plan to get into debt ordering the applicable AutoExe parts for our CX-30 crossover, it is exciting to say the least, and is a step in the right direction for Mazda, providing more customization options for an enthusiastic owner base whilst still allowing them to retain their warranty and enjoy the custom car culture scene.
Also launched at the same event was the book launch of JMZNA. Authored by Miata Club Philippines founding President Eddie Salonga, it is a lighthearted story of how the first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata came to be, from a first person perspective. Witty and interesting, it gives us a glimpse of how cars, particularly the first-generation Miata NA came into fruition and the sheer number of people involved in making it happen, all to deliver a priceless, fulfilling and unforgettable experience for people of all sexes, races and ages. Eddie also happens to be a very good family friend, a true sports car aficionado and a real gentleman, ever supportive to local custom car culture and the classic and sports car scene. The event was attended by select media, Mazda Miata MX-5 owners and members of the Manila Sports Car Club and Miata Club Philippines so you can see the type of keen, enthusiastic drivers Mazda attracts.
The most recent event which happened last weekend was the unveiling of Mazda’s 2024 model line-up consisting predominantly of its amazing crossovers which arguably are the best in terms of design, driving dynamics, and engineering know-how. It was held at both the north and south court of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City. The simple opening event was graced by media, key officials, and personnel of Bermaz Auto / Mazda Philippines and Mazda Brand Ambassador, actress, model and influencer Sarah Lahbati.
Heading this stellar line-up is the revised CX-5 which features tweaks to bring it in line with the rest of the range that includes the incredible CX-60 and CX-90 crossovers. The CX-5 range has also been simplified with three gasoline models: the CX-5 2.0 Sport which starts at P1.99 million, the CX-5 2.5 AWD at P2.050 million and the range- topping CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD at P2.43 million. Sad though that the diesel variant which was my favorite has been dropped from the 2024 line-up.
Aside from the launch, Mazda also unveiled its Premium Lifestyle Selection composed of BOSE products for the enthusiasts who want to experience a full and rich audio experience beyond the BOSE engineered and supplied audio system of their Mazda vehicles. The collection includes over-ear headphones, in-ear air-pods and portable speakers, perfect for the outdoor, overlanding/camping lifestyle.
There are a total of 14 Mazda 3S dealerships nationwide, from Mazda Dagupan up north, to Mazda Davao in Mindanao. So, hop on over to the dealership nearest you and check out the latest Mazdas and schedule a test drive!
