Anngow Marketing Dunedin News and views by Joel Anngow – Anngow Marketing

Find out more about the new Ford Fiesta at Dunedin City Ford

The month of March proved to be the best ever for the Ford Fiesta with a record number of new customers taking the keys to the award-winning automobile.

March 2010 sales for the Ford Fiesta set a new record for total monthly Fiesta sales, surpassing all previous months since the Fiesta nameplate was first introduced to New Zealand in January 2004. March sales (114 vehicles) for the Fiesta also increased 142 per cent from the previous month with Zetec 1.6-litre Duratec manual accounting for approximately 60 per cent of the sales.

The March sales success follows hot on the heels of the February announcement of the impending arrival of the Fiesta ECOnetic, which will be New Zealand’s most fuel efficient car when it lands on our shores later this year. With a combined fuel consumption rating of just 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres1, the Fiesta ECOnetic surpasses even hybrids in fuel efficiency and has a range of more than 1000 kilometres per tank.

“We’re delighted with the ongoing success of the Fiesta,” said Ford New Zealand Managing Director, Trevor Auger. “The Fiesta appeals to drivers on every level; from the styling and design to having the latest technologies such as Bluetooth as standard. It’s very fuel efficient and has a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating. And the performance and handling make the Fiesta a very fun car to drive.”

“Our dealers throughout New Zealand are also particularly excited about the Fiesta,” added Mr Auger. “We have the cars available to meet the increasing customer interest and demand. The record numbers in March indicate that the combination is helping us to realise the car’s potential.”

Award winning

New customers haven’t been the only people impressed with the Fiesta. The Fiesta has won numerous accolades and awards around the world. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild awarded the Fiesta the 2009 New Zealand Car of the Year award and the AMI Autocar Awards named Fiesta as both the 2009 Overall Car of the Year and 2009 Small Car of the Year.

An impressive list of standard features

“With an impressive list of standard features built into a contemporary, dynamic design, the Fiesta offers great value,” said Mr. Auger. “A record month such as the last is welcome proof that customers are recognising that value and snapping it up.”

The Fiesta comes standard with features like 16″ alloy wheels, sports rear spoiler and front grille, power adjustable and heated body colour side mirrors with integrated turn signal. These exterior features are enhanced by the youthful, bold colours that have been developed specifically for the Fiesta.

The interior of the Fiesta incorporates leading technology features such as Bluetooth hands-free telephone capability with Voice Control, USB and 3.5mm auxiliary audio inputs for MP3 players and iPods, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. All are standard on both the 5-speed manual and 4 speed automatic Fiesta models.

The Fiesta includes a knee airbag, dual front airbags for driver and passenger, head and thorax side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and driver and front passenger beltminder – all of which join a suite of other safety features that have seen the Fiesta awarded a five star NCAP safety rating. All Fiestas also come standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Traction Control (TC).

post by www.carbuying.co.nz

Mazda knew it was onto a good thing with the CX-7 crossover and has further highlighted this by adding a new CX-7 front wheel drive variant to its model lineup. With a 2.5L engine, the new addition will deliver the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle while retaining the exhilarating driving performance of the CX-7.

The new model features outstanding styling, excellent fuel economy and responsive handling and performance in a GSX grade variant. The new model will sit alongside the 2.3L DISI All-Wheel Drive Limited model.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand says while the first CX-7 model was introduced to New Zealand in 2006 and has proven to be a popular choice, the new model will expand Mazda’s presence in the SUV category and engage new vehicle buyers.

“We are anticipating the CX-7 GSX will do very well. We recognise the diverse needs of Kiwi motorists and believe this car is the perfect compromise for those wanting the feel of a sports car and the versatility that is associated with an SUV,” says Clearwater.

The CX-7 GSX features the MZR 2.5L engine as seen in the award-winning Mazda6. The engine delivers maximum power of 120kW@6,000rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm@2,000rpm via a five-Stage Activematic transmission and front-wheel drive drive-train.

New Zealand motorists who have steered clear of SUVs because of the running costs find the new CX-7 an attractive proposition. The vehicle runs on 91 regular unleaded petrol and returns a combined average fuel economy of a Mazda6 GSX wagon at an impressive 9.4L/100km.

Like its Limited sibling, the 2.5L CX-7 is sure to turn heads. Dynamic styling sees the vehicle adopt the aggressive five-point grille seen on the Mazda3 and the current CX-7. Flowing lines running along the sides of the vehicle lead to stylish exterior mirrors with side indicator markers and 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/70 R17 Bridgestone tyres.

Inside, the CX-7 features high-quality black surface finishing across console areas while the seats and side door also feature a premium black cloth trim.

In-car entertainment is also a focal point with the audio configuration featuring a four-speaker CD autochanger and auxiliary (AUX) audio point for connecting portable MP3 players. The car also has a 4.1 inch Multi Information Display incorporating colour reversing camera display together with audio and maintenance information including fuel calculators and safety alerts.

While the 2.5L GSX omits some features available on the Limited model, it doesn’t skimp on safety with a full range of both active and passive safety features.

As well as large disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA); the new CX-7 features Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control as well as front, side and curtain airbags. Rear visibility is also enhanced with the addition of a reversing camera and in-dash colour display.

The CX-7 2.5L GSX will be available in a choice of six exterior colours – Stormy Blue Mica, Sparkling Black Mica, Aluminium Metallic, Copper Red Mica, Crystal White Pearl and Galaxy Grey Mica.

Every new CX-7 will come standard with mazdacare to ensure the vehicle continues to perform in optimum condition. mazdacare comprises of a Mazda Genuine Factory Warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance for a 3 year, unlimited kilometre period and Genuine Mazda Servicing for 3 years/100,000 km (whichever occurs first).

The Mazda CX-7 Range:

$38,995, CX-7 2.5L 2WD GSX Crossover

$47,595, CX-7 2.3L Limited Crossover

Find out more about the new Mazda CX-7 range at Dunedin City Mazda visit www.dcmazda.co.nz

Brand new Mazda CX7 Range at Dunedin City Mazda

Two years after its debut, the second-generation Mazda6 is set to further extend the Zoom-Zoom ownership experience with even more driving enjoyment and packaging enhancement as well as improved environmental responsibility and safety performance.

Mazda’s globally acclaimed mid-size car has been refined and evolved and is being progressively introduced around the world, with initial release in Japan and Europe this month, with New Zealand and Australia launches a couple of months later.

Subtle enhancements to the winning formula of the Mazda6 mean a more refined yet sportier appearance with the continued fun-to-drive factor ingrained in Mazda’s vehicles.

“The Mazda6 has proven to be the medium sized vehicle of choice for Kiwi motorists, consistently leading its class,” said Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand. “The latest upgrades and new features are sure to strengthen the vehicle’s appeal even further and reinforce its credentials as the category benchmark.”

Exterior changes see the Mazda6 adopt the bold new Mazda family face with a redesigned five-point front grille with strong flowing lines and a centrally-positioned five-point lower grille.

Other design elements include new front and rear lamps, and chrome detailing for an enhanced sporty appearance.

Inside, new materials and surface treatments provide for a more refined cabin space. In response to growing demand for hands-free mobile phone connectivity, Bluetooth will be equipped as standard equipment on all models.

The Mazda6 also features retuned suspension and steering systems with a focus on responsiveness and improved ride comfort.

All models are equipped with Mazda’s single-nanocatalyst technology, which provides superb exhaust purification performance while reducing the amount of precious metals needed by over 70 percent.

The Mazda6 will be offered in three body styles, Sedan, Sport hatch and Wagon powered by 2.0L and 2.5L engines and a range of exterior colours including the new Clear Water Blue. Like all Mazda passenger cars, the Mazda6 comes standard with mazdacare which ensures the vehicle continues to perform in optimum condition and helps protect the outstanding resale value of the Mazda6. mazdacare comprises of a Mazda Genuine Factory Warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance for a 3 year, unlimited kilometre period and Genuine Mazda Servicing for 3 years/100,000 km (whichever occurs first).

Find out more about the new Mazda 6 at Dunedin City Mazda

Fresh look Mazda6

Three new entry-level specifications of popular Mitsubishi models have been launched this week, meeting the needs of a broadening customer base.

The 2WD 2.0 L LS Outlander and the ES Lancer sedan and hatch variants will slot in beneath the current offerings, providing another option for price-conscious buyers, said Mitsubishi Motors marketing communications manager Daniel Cook.

“Both Outlander and Lancer have enjoyed success with private and fleet buyers alike. Feedback we’ve received highlights that, for some, the highly specified current base model has features surplus to their needs and they would prefer a cost saving where possible,” said Mr Cook.

At $4,000 less than the next model, the 2.0 L 2WD Outlander provides compelling value. Complementing the engine is a 6-speed CVT transmission with sports mode that uses only 7.6 L / 100 km, delivering a respectable 111 kW and 200 Nm while producing only 176 g of CO2 / 100 km.

The new model retains Outlander’s impressive 5-star ANCAP rating with stability control, traction control and six airbags as standard. Also standard are two third-row seats, which increase seating to seven and, when not required, fold flat under the floor without compromising luggage space. A locally fitted audio system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and useful USB and auxiliary jack points for external devices.

“A number of our Outlander prospects have said they love the style and size of the car but don’t need 4WD,” said Mr Cook. “This new specification provides an excellent solution. In 2009 17% of new SUV sales were 2WD, so we know there is demand for this vehicle.”

Few frills have been shed from the ES Lancers to achieve a substantial saving and attractive entry-point package. Alloy wheels have been replaced by steel with wheel covers, the centre console is now lidless and, while side and curtain airbags are not present in this base model, the new Lancer’s safety features still include stability control, traction control, front driver, passenger and driver’s knee airbags.

“A major part of the small car segment is very price-point sensitive,” said Mr Cook. “Removing those four features has enabled us to reduce the price by $3,000, which will be very attractive for some buyers. While removing safety specification is not our preferred choice, the ES still has a strong safety package.”

“As with all our models, these new variants are covered by our industry-leading 10/5 Diamond Advantage New Car Warranty,” said Mr Cook. “None of our competitors are currently brave enough to back their power trains for 10 years* and the full vehicle for 5 years. It allows our customers two more years of worry-free motoring than they’d normally expect and they receive 5 years of free roadside assistance to go with it.”

Retail Pricing:

Outlander 2.0 L 2WD $37,990

Lancer ES manual $27,990

Lancer ES CVT auto $29,990

NB: Lancer sedan and hatch hold the same RRP for each respective variant

Find out more at the following leading Mitsubishi car dealers

Simon Lucas North Shore Auckland

Andrew Simms Mitsubishi Newmarket Auckland

Andrew Simms Mitsubishi Henderson Auckland

Houstons Mitsubishi Nelson

Houstons Mitsubishi Marlborough

Donnithorne Simms Mitsubishi Christchurch

Stephen Duff Mitsubishi Dunedin