Last Chance To Buy A Mazda RX-8 Motoring Legend

While continuing to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the world’s best-selling roadster, the Mazda MX-5, Waters Mazda, is saying ‘goodbye’ this autumn to a very different, although equally iconic sportscar in its model line-up – the rotary-engined, four-seater Mazda RX-8.

“British motorists love sportscars and engineering excellence,” said Steve Bullimore, dealer principal at Waters Mazda. “So it is no wonder that over the last seven years the RX-8 has been close to their hearts. More than 26,000 enthusiastic drivers have purchased an RX-8 in the UK, won over by its truly exhilarating drive, fascinating super-smooth rotary engine and many unique features, combined with everyday reliability and practicality.

“Production in Hiroshima of right hand drive Mazda RX-8 for the UK market has now ended and there are fewer than 100 examples remaining in stock. Over the next couple of months drivers will be presented with a rare opportunity to acquire one of the very last RX-8s available in the UK. Its immense driver appeal, the world’s only rotary-powered production car is still a head-turner, with tremendous road presence and styling that still looks fresh. A few lucky customers are going to play a part in the grand finale of this motoring legend,” adds Bullimore.

The 2010 embodiment of Mazda’s unique sports coupe, the Mazda RX-8 R3, is remarkably impressive for a host of reasons, including its freestyle doors that ensure easy access and also make it a ‘use-me-every-day’ kind of car.

Powered by an improved version of the unique 231ps twin-rotor engine, the latest car delivers a heightened experience with faster steering, chassis and engine responses, more refinement, more equipment and even greater value. It continues to feature the front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive configuration of the original, delivering an ideal 50/50 weight distribution for fantastic handling characteristics.

“Mazda RX-8 R3 is the ultimate expression of Mazda’s DNA, demonstrating our brand’s determination to do things differently. The RX-8 has won 37 major international awards and the R3 version delivers an even more focused and sporty driving experience, while retaining the original model’s many unique technical innovations and adding premium features,” concludes Bullimore.

The Mazda RX-8 R3 is priced at £25,540 (on-the-road) and represents incredibly good value for a 231ps sportscar with the ability to reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds.

The uniquely high-revving (up to 9,000rpm) RENESIS engine of the Mazda RX-8 R3 is evolved to deliver sharper responses. Maximum power is 231ps at 8200rpm and the six-speed manual gearbox has a lower final drive ratio for a sharper getaway from standstill and improved performance feel.

The interior of the RX-8 R3 features new Recaro sports seats in the front, a new-style steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth® connectivity and cruise control. Buyers will also enjoy the new BOSE® premium audio system with an eight-channel amplifier, 6-CD autochanger, nine speakers and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for connecting an MP3 player.

To arrange a test drive of the Mazda RX-8 or to find out more about the Mazda range call in to either of our Barnet or Chingford showrooms , or call us on 0845 871 5253 for Barnet or 0845 871 7101 for Chingford.

New '60' Registration Plate Boosts Interest At Waters AutoPlanet

Customers at Waters AutoPlanet Dealerships across the South East are eagerly awaiting the new ‘60’ registration plates in September. The St Albans-based dealership group has an impressive selection of new and upgraded multi-award-winning Fiat, Kia, Mazda, Peugeot, Renault & SEAT models catering for every taste and budget. Customers will also have the opportunity to take advantage of special offers available until the end of September.

“All our manufacturers cars are renowned for their styling, reliability and thrilling driving experience,” explains Brett Kavanagh, Marketing Manager at Waters AutoPlanet. “And with so many makes and models to choose from, Waters AutoPlanet really do have a new car for everyone. We encourage motorists to visit any of our showrooms and book a test-drive to experience first-hand the exciting range line-ups for themselves.”

"Plus we have some amazing offers available right now, so if you're in the market for a new car you can't afford not to visit a Waters AutoPlanet Dealership" concluded Kavanagh.

To find out more about what Waters AutoPlanet have to offer, phone or call in to any of our branches:

Fiat Southampton

Kia Chingford

Kia St Albans

Kia Tunbridge Wells

Mazda Barnet

Mazda Chingford

Peugeot Chingford

Peugeot Hatfield

Renault Letchworth

Renault Southampton

Renault St Albans

SEAT Tunbridge Wells

Peugeot RCZ wins Best Coupé at Auto Express New Car Awards 2010 RCZ wins Design Award in Auto Express online vote

The Peugeot RCZ is continuing its barnstorming year with two more awards, this time at the Auto Express New Car Awards where it scooped the Best Coupé Award and the Auto Express Design Award, which is decided by an online readers' vote.

The response to the online Design Award vote was emphatic; from a judges' selection of 40 vehicles, the Peugeot RCZ ran away with 11 per cent of the readers' votes registered at autoexpress.co.uk

Editor in Chief David Johns said: "Road cars rarely look as good as their concept car inspirations - but the RCZ is no ordinary vehicle. And Peugeot is reaping the rewards, as the coupé has gone from show star to hot showroom property in the blink of an eye."

RCZ is, indeed, selling like hot cakes, with over half of the 2010 sales allocation having already been taken up within two months of launch.

Unsurprisingly, Britain's biggest selling weekly car magazine also named RCZ Coupé of the Year. Johns commented: "With its swooping lines, distinctive 'double bubble' roof and bold detailing, the French machine looks like it has driven straight off the designer's drawing board. Better still, the RCZ's beauty is much more than skin deep."

That beauty has helped RCZ collect a raft of awards in the year of its launch, including Fleet World magazine 'Design of the Year', Diesel Car magazine 'Sports Car of the Year' and 'Most Beautiful Car of the Year' at the 25th International Automobile Festival.

To find out more about RCZ or any of the Peugeot Range call us at either of our branches

Chingford 0845 871 5107 or Hatfield 0845 871 5104, or visit either of our showrooms.

Driving School Programme Boosted By Special Offers From Waters Mazda

Driving schools in Barnet and Chingford are set to benefit from a new and improved Mazda programme packed full of exciting incentives for driving instructors and their successful pupils.

The programme, offered by Waters Mazda which includes all Mazda2 and Mazda3 models with the exception of limited edition cars, offers many perks including low rate vehicle finance, He-Man dual controls, car header board with graphics, metallic paint and GPS secondary speedometer on the Mazda3 - all supplied and fitted free of charge.

Aimed specifically at the 17,000 qualified driving instructors who are self-employed or work for small driving schools throughout the UK, the new Mazda programme will also encourage many newly qualified drivers to purchase either a new or second hand car similar to the one in which they learned to drive.

Steve Bullimore, dealer principal at Waters Mazda said, “The Mazda2 has been in regular demand from driving instructors in our area. It is also clear that some instructors want a larger car they can use both to instruct pupils and as their ‘main’ family vehicle, which is why Mazda3 has been included in the new programme.

“Competitive list prices, a high specification, low CO₂ emissions, excellent fuel economy and strong residual values have all been key factors in winning fleet business at Waters Mazda. These core attributes are also what driving instructors are looking for when purchasing new vehicles. We believe that our new programme makes the Mazda2 and Mazda3 even more attractive to driving instructors.”

Around two million people take their driving test in the UK each year with a pass rate of about 44 percent, according to the Driving Standards Agency. Three-quarters of a million people qualify for a licence every year – 75 percent of these are under the age of 25.

“Many of those passing their driving test in Barnet and Chingford will be looking to buy a car,” added Bullimore. “There is significant evidence that many newly qualified drivers buy a derivative of the car in which they took their lessons, because familiarity breeds confidence.

“Therefore, it makes sense for Mazda to offer a cost-effective driving school car programme to instructors as we hope the move will also result in a significant new business opportunity for us as a Mazda dealership,” concluded Bullimore.

Mazda2 on the road prices start at £9,820 for the 1.3 3dr TS with air conditioning and Mazda3 prices start at £14,230 for the 1.6 5dr S.

For more information on the Mazda driving school programme, to view the entire Mazda range or to arrange a test drive, please contact either of our Barnet or Chingford showrooms , or call us on 0845 871 5253 for Barnet or 0845 871 7101 for Chingford.

Ten Great Reasons To Buy A Mazda MX-5

1. Fun factor

The top reason has got to be the thrill of the ride. Mazda’s objective was to create total driving pleasure and wind-in-your-hair driving exhilaration – and it did just that.

Never just a way to get from A to B, Mazda’s MX-5 is a car in which to enjoy every mile of every journey and very often just from A to A. The MX-5 is still known to enthusiasts in the USA by its original name – ‘Miata’ which means ‘reward’. Need we say more?

2. 870,000 people can’t be wrong

Over 870,000 Mazda MX-5s have now been sold worldwide – making it the best selling two-seater roadster of all time. As a result it has been has been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records every year since 2000.

3. Car and driver as one

While some aspects of the third-generation Mazda MX-5 are even better than its predecessor, it retains all the original virtues for which the Mazda MX-5 is rightly famous. All MX-5 generations have reflected the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. Jinba Ittai served as guiding principle for developing the driving behaviour of the Mazda MX-5 - the ideal of a balanced driving machine that provides skilful drivers with high levels of driving enjoyment without the need of a large-displacement engine.

4. Gram Strategy

One way to deliver this ‘driving balance’ is vehicle weight. Despite featuring more standard equipment and a stiffer body shell, the current third generation Mazda MX-5 is only about 10kg heavier than the outgoing model. Painstaking adherence to a ‘gram strategy’ paid off, especially in designing the body and chassis. This results in better handling, performance and more importantly lower fuel consumption.

5. Fastest folding roof in the world

The powered retractable hardtop is a sheer masterpiece of engineering with style. Designed following Mazda’s acclaimed ‘gram strategy’, the electrically-operated roof is as strong and light as possible, retracting completely – without intrusion into the luggage space – in a breathtaking 12 seconds, the fastest electric roof in the world.

6. Affordability

The MX-5 is famous for representing affordable sports car motoring – and that hasn’t changed over the years. The 20^th anniversary edition, launched this year, is priced at £16,850 on-the-road, featuring 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, but costing just £55 more than the SE. This is significantly less than the original MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades. Additionally fuel economy has recently been improved on the 2010 model by up to 8 percent while CO₂ emissions have been reduced by up to 7 percent, making the world’s favourite open top sports car even more affordable to run.

7. Handling

Perfect 50:50 weight distribution that produces razor-sharp agile handling and the classic sportscar set up – front engine, rear wheel drive for maximum balance –

makes the MX-5 hugely popular. Designed with lightness, agility and responsiveness in mind this affordable sportscar gives a performance to be proud of.

8. Safety

The thrilling MX-5 performance is balanced with advanced safety features for the ultimate driving experience. All 2-litre models feature Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS)*, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD)* and front and side airbags. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) adjusts the braking force to suit changing conditions.

*not on Powershift

9. Awards

The MX-5 has won over 170 awards including Wheels Magazine 's Car of the Year for 1989 and 2005, Sports Car International's ‘best sports car of the 1990s’ and ‘10 best sports cars of all time’, 2005-2006 ‘Car of the Year Japan’, and 2005 ‘Australian Car of the Year’ - and making the USA’s Car and Driver magazine's annual ‘Ten Best’ list seven times. More recently it won the title of ‘Best Sports Car’ in the highly-regarded 2010 JD Power vehicle ownership satisfaction survey.

10. Racing Capabilities

Almost from the day it was launched, the Mazda MX-5 has been hugely popular with thousands of racing enthusiasts from all over the world who have taken to the tracks at the wheel of the iconic roadster. Its unique blend of superb handling, optimum weight distribution, reliability and affordability has been a winning combination across two decades of one-make Mazda racing championships. Earlier this year, journalists from 26 European countries came to Italy to contest a thrilling four-hour endurance race as a fitting tribute to the 20^th anniversary of Mazda’s iconic sports car. During 2010, the MX-5 is also contesting in the Britcar Endurance Race Series which includes a 24-hour race at Silverstone in October.

To find out more about the MX-5 or the Mazda range call in to either of our Barnet or Chingford showrooms , or call us on 0845 871 5253 for Barnet or 0845 871 7101 for Chingford.

Waters Offers New Special Edition Mazda MX-5 'Miyako'

Continuing to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the world’s best-selling roadster, Waters Mazda in Barnet and Chingford are now offering its customers a new ‘summer special edition’ version of its iconic sportscar, named the Mazda MX-5 Miyako.

The new special edition model, in showrooms now, is available at the Barnet and Chingford-based dealership in two versions – the 1.8i Miyako soft-top priced at £18,385 (on-the-road*) and the more powerful 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with the world’s fastest folding powered roof (up or down in 12 seconds), priced at £20,885 (on‑the‑road*).

The name ‘Miyako’ is taken from the idyllic Japanese holiday island of Miyako-jima, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful spots in Japan and the perfect location for open-top motoring.

The new Miyako is generously equipped with the interior benefitting from unique Medici premium perforated black leather trim with a red underlay and stitching, special badging, floor mats and climate control air-conditioning. The exterior includes front fog lamps, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a front suspension strut brace (for improved steering response), and free metallic paint.

“The new Mazda MX-5 Miyako has extra appeal to a broader range of customers, including those who recognise the uniquely pure driving pleasure this Mazda continues to deliver, and those who aspire to owning a special edition model,” comments Steve Bullimore, Dealer Principal at Waters Mazda.

“This is the first special edition model based on the upgraded MX-5 that we have offered on both soft‑top and roadster coupe body styles and I am sure it will attract new buyers to our brand. Both models also represent great value, with the 2.0i Miyako costing just £590 more than the entry level 2.0 SE model, concludes Bullimore.”

The 1.8i 126ps Miyako soft-top accelerates to 62mph in a brisk 9.9 seconds, while the 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with its 160ps engine undercuts that time by two seconds. Combined mpg and CO₂ ratings are 40.4/38.2mpg and 167/177g/km, respectively.

Both Miyako models carry generous equipment levels with many features as standard including: remote central locking, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, an MP3 compatible audio system with six speakers and auxiliary (AUX) jack input, as well as heated electric mirrors and electric front windows, a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser. In addition, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are included on the 2.0i.

Both versions of the MX-5 Miyako will be available in Aluminium Silver Metallic, while the soft-top will also be available in Velocity Red Mica – free of charge. Just 500 examples of each version will be manufactured for the UK market.

To find out more about the MX-5 Miyako or the Mazda range call in to either of our Barnet or Chingford showrooms , or call us on 0845 871 5253 for Barnet or 0845 871 7101 for Chingford.

*‘On the road' prices include 17.5% VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance. All models are available with free 7-day drive away insurance.

Low Emission Vehicles Could Help Businesses Combat Emergency Budget Tax Increases

Businesses that will be hit after the new Government’s emergency Budget revealed a raft of vehicle tax increases, can in fact make savings if they opt for low emission cars that fall outside the hikes.

Neil Harding, Business Specialist at Waters, said, “Cost reduction and carbon emissions cutting go hand-in-hand. For fleet operators wanting to keep operating costs under control and company car drivers who want to keep their benefit-in-kind tax bills in check, low emission vehicles are the optimum choice.” Harding continued, "And with Fiat, Kia, Mazda, Peugeot, Renault and SEAT we're sure to have the right vehicle for most business requirements."

Now on show across Waters AutoPlanet dealerships, this diverse brand and model range offers numerous models that emit less than 160g/km of CO₂ a model-for-model basis. Impressively, there are many models that fall into the cut-price 10 per cent (13% for diesel models) company car benefit-in-kind tax band applicable to sub 120g/km models. In addition, there are also ultra-clean models that also beat the 110g/km threshold for 100 per cent first year capital allowances which applies to the cleanest cars on sale.

Harding also warns of the scheduled rise in VAT next year and expects this will result in local businesses bringing forward car buying decisions to beat the tax increase.

The main tax measures announced by the new Chancellor were:

· Value Added Tax – up to 20% from January 4, 2011.

· National Insurance - employee and employer National Insurance (NI) rates will increase by 1% from April 6.

· Corporation Tax - a reduction in the main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 24% starting on April 1, 2011 and small profits rate cut from 21% to 20%.

· Capital allowances - a reduction in the main rate of capital allowances from 20% to18%, and the special rate from 10% to 8%.

· Fuel duty - a 1p a litre rise in duty on October 1 and a further 0.76p a litre rise on January 1, 2011.

· Company car tax - rates to rise as scheduled in April next year with the starting rate of 15% applying to cars emitting between 121 and 129 g/km.

Harding concluded, “We’re going to see local businesses continuing to adopt ‘greener’ fleet policies with more and more vehicles falling into lower CO₂ categories because that is a sure-fire way to cut costs. Mazda’s range of low emission models is continuing to expand and we expect to win more fleet business as a result in 2010.”

To find out how Waters AutoPlanet can cut the cost of corporate motoring, phone or call in to any of our branches:

Fiat Southampton

Kia Chingford

Kia St Albans

Kia Tunbridge Wells

Mazda Barnet

Mazda Chingford

Peugeot Chingford

Peugeot Hatfield

Renault Letchworth

Renault Southampton

Renault St Albans

SEAT Tunbridge Wells