The all-new CX-9 seven-seat crossover, the Mazda2 V+ 5-door hatchback and the MX-5 RF sports car were the top picks in their respective categories in the recently concluded 2017 Car of the Year – Philippines. Organized by the Car Awards Group, Inc., the annual automotive award-giving activity recognizes the best vehicles available in the country based on real-world qualitative and quantitative scoring.
CAGI is composed of motoring journalists from various Philippine print, television, radio and online channels. This year’s COTY Test Fest was conducted over two days with forty-one cars and trucks evaluated. Twenty-three category winners emerged with Mazda taking titles in three classes. The all-new CX-9, launched only last April 2017, was voted as the best in the Large Crossover All-Wheel Drive category. It’s striking Kodo: Soul of Motion-inspired styling along with the potent 2.5-liter SKYACTIV G turbocharged engine, superb handling and premium interior finish secured the title for the seven-seat Mazda flagship.
Meanwhile the Mazda2, 2015 Car of the Year-Philippines awardee, once again gained another Best Subcompact Car title as the mid-range V+ hatchback variant was recognized by CAGI as the best in its class for 2017. Now equipped with Mazda’s groundbreaking G-Vectoring Control technology, which aids in cornering and straight-line stability, the 2018 Mazda2 improves on an already award-winning package by enhancing passenger comfort and driver feel.
The newly introduced MX-5 RF, with its Power Retractable Hard Top design that retains a fastback profile with the roof down, was the 2017 Best Sports Car awardee. Its unique automated folding roof further complemented the already nimble handling and lightweight feel of the fourth generation MX-5 roadster, itself a World Car of the Year awardee in 2016.
“Mazda has been very consistent in providing new generation models that are not only stylish but are also excellent value for money propositions for consumers,” says Steven Tan, president and CEO of Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country. He adds, “We fully support CAGI’s thrust to provide car buyers with information to aid in their automotive purchase. Mazda vehicles are designed to give consumers the best choice in quality, performance and safety while providing superior ownership value and this year’s results once again show that we have been consistent in delivering this promise.”
Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the Philippines. Its current product lineup now includes the Mazda2 sub-compact sedan and hatchback, the Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback, the Mazda6 full-size executive sedan and sports wagon, the CX-3 freestyle crossover, the all-new CX-5 five-seater and the all-new CX-9 seven-seater premium crossovers, the MX-5 2-seater sports roadster and the BT-50 pickup truck. There are 19 Mazda 3S dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila – Mazda Greenhills, Mazda Pasig, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda North EDSA, Mazda Makati, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Otis, Mazda Cavite, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Pulilan, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Negros, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Cagayan De Oro and Mazda Davao.
