The Caravan Club Awards Mazda6 Estate Category Win

The Mazda 6 Estate has proved its towing ability, for the fourth time, at The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2010. Awarded for its practicality and excellent towing ability the judges said: “The Mazda 6 is a very worthy class winner.” The results of the Competition were announced at The Caravan Club’s annual awards ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London today (23 September).

The Mazda 6 Estate impressed the judges in the £20,000 to £25,000 Class: “With a flexible engine, bags of low-down torque and a six-speed gearbox that is not only good to use but well mated to the engine, it’s no surprise this is a very worthy class winner.

“Towing 1347kg, the good-looking estate car romped up the long 14% hill in third gear and tackled a 17% stop-and-restart quite easily. A super car at a great price” the judges concluded.

Mark Cameron from Mazda UK added: “Whether you are towing a caravan to a motorsport event, a horse box to the county show, or a jet ski trailer to the beach, the Mazda 6 Estate has proved over the years of awards from The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year that it consistently rates highly thanks to its flexibility, dynamic handling and great engine.”

The exact specification that was tested for this highly regarded competition was the Mazda 6 2.2litre Diesel Estate TS2 163ps Manual and is priced at £20,170 on-the-road.

Twenty-eight cars were put rigorously through their paces in August at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. An independent panel of six driving judges carried out track tests assessing each car’s towing ability as well as acceleration, braking and the ability to cope with demanding hill starts. The vehicles were divided into five price categories and two All-Wheel Drive categories (under 1800kg and over 1800kg). Vehicles are split into Classes to enable consumers in general, to make an informed choice regarding their car purchase depending upon the theory being that anyone thinking about buying a new car will first consider their budget. These results are important not only to caravanners but to any car driver who tows; boat and horsebox owners have an equally keen interest in these awards.

Mazda 6: The Facts
In the UK, the second generation Mazda 6 offers customers a 26-strong model line-up, starting at £15,685 (on-the-road), with a choice of four powertrains and five equipment levels, in a range of eleven colours, plus stylish 16-inch ,17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels which were a ‘first’ for Mazda 6. Each of the equipment levels – S, TS, TS2, Sport and Sports Luxury are highly specified within its price band and among the specification upgrades is a new standard equipment feature on 15 models from the £18,410 TS2 upwards which benefit from enhanced safety with the new lane-change ‘Rear Vehicle Monitoring System’.

From January the Mazda 6 went on sale with the arrival of its all-new MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and some specification upgrades and one additional diesel model – offering both the low power (125ps) and mid power (163ps) diesel engines in the TS hatchback.

To find out more about any of the Mazda range call in to our Chingford showroom, e-mail us or call us on 0845 871 7101.

Waters Kia launches new cee’d and ISG – Intelligent Stop and Go

Following its world premiere at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show, the new cee'd will be on sale from 1st October at Waters Kia. Still backed by the company’s unique industry-leading seven-year warranty, the comprehensively updated cee’d will accompany a new ISG version in the Chingford and St Albans based showrooms.

In keeping with Kia’s ethos of working towards a greener future, the latest Kia cee'd to be launched in Chingford and St Albans will be with Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) on manual transmissions and on automatics from 2010.

The ISG system automatically shuts down the engine when the car is at a standstill and in neutral. Consequently, the ISG system not only reduces fuel consumption, particularly during city driving which is typically stop-start, but also increases fuel economy.

The ISG system also means the cars will produce less CO2, placing it in the Band B, £35 per year tax bracket. On average, emissions will be cut by five per cent across the entire cee'd line-up.

Steve Bullimore, General Manager at Waters Kia, explains the importance of the ISG system: “We know that waste gases from cars account for approximately 20 per cent of all global CO2 emissions. The introduction of the ISG system will go some way towards making a significant reduction to these emissions, fitting perfectly within the Kia Motors culture of creating a more environmentally friendly method of mass transport.”

The cee'd is Kia’s top-selling model in Europe and has been thoroughly re-engineered and restyled under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, to feature the latest version of the company’s signature grille – an evolving expression of the brand’s design DNA.

Technological innovations introduced with new cee’d include fuel-stretching ISG technology on the 1.6-litre diesel engines for the first time, a “hill-holder” function for the ESP and brighter projection-style headlamps. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine will be matched to a new six-speed manual transmission.

To take a test drive or to find out more information, head over to Waters Kia, e-mail us or give us a call at Chingford on 0845 871 7014 or at St Albans on 0845 871 5085.

Waters Kia Now Open For Business

We are pleased to announce that our new Kia dealerships in Chingford and St Albans are now open and ready for business.

A significant investment in the facilities from both Kia and Waters will provide two ten-car showroom and state of the art service facilities along with large outdoor displays of over 30 approved used Kias each. To celebrate the opening we have put together a range of special launch offers available until 30 September, including free multi point checks on customer’s current cars and MOT testing from only £29.99.

“We’ve been monitoring Kia’s recent growth and are delighted to have been offered the opportunity to represent this exciting franchise in the Chingford and St Albans areas,” said Steve Bulimore, Dealer Principal, Waters Kia. “We will ensure all prospective new and existing Kia customers in and around Chingford and St Albans receive an outstanding level of customer care as they would expect by dealing with the fourth largest car manufacturer in the world.”

With 0% finance; a range starting from only £5,995; an industry best seven-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on the cee’d and Sportage families and certain models in the £35 VED bracket, Waters Kia is perfectly positioned to offer credit-crunch busting cars to the residents of Chingford and St Albans.

Waters Kia will provide its customers with a complete aftersales, accident repair, MOT and parts service, and its team consists of a range of qualified experts to offer friendly and knowledgeable advice. Visitors to the showrooms can run the rule over Kia's comprehensive portfolio of cars, including the new convention busting Soul.

Steve is confident about what the dealership will offer his customers: “The continued demand for the Kia brand has made the opening of these dealerships possible. We have assembled a team that will offer a professional, friendly experience that ensures our customers can make informed decisions in a welcoming environment.”

To view the Kia range or arrange a test drive, call Waters Kia: Chingford 0845 871 7014 or St Albans 0845 871 5085, e-mail us or drop in to either of our showrooms.

Peugeot RCZ - Place Your Order Now!

• An exclusive vehicle, full of emotion, aimed at enthusiasts.




• First car not to use Peugeot's usual zero or double zero numbering system.




• First public viewing at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor show in September.




• The Peugeot stand will display a Limited Edition version that will be produced in a total volume of only 200 cars for the whole of Europe.




• We anticipate that, after seeing theRCZ, there will be customers who are prepared to place an order a full 6 months before launch.




• Customers will be able to place orders for this very desirable model from 15th September on a 'first come, first served' basis.

In September 2007, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot unveiled a concept car which was the talk of the show: the 308 RCZ.

The exceptional levels of interest expressed at the show convinced Peugeot that they had to turn this concept car into a commercial reality. However, in doing so, the transformation from dream to reality would require real determination, daring and a lot of inventiveness.

Peugeot's stylists and engineers worked together to ensure that the final production vehicle was fully in keeping with the expectations created by the exterior styling of the concept car.

The first wish had always been to keep the purity of the original concept's styling, but also to ensure that the car would drive as well as it looks. In fact, some very ambitious targets were set in terms of driving dynamics and build quality, in order to give the car its own extremely strong identity.

The objective behind this compact 2+2 Coupé is for it to become an exclusive vehicle, full of emotion, aimed at enthusiasts who are particularly discerning with regards to driving enjoyment.

The choice of the name, RCZ, symbolises this special and unique position within the Peugeot range, as it is the first car which does not use the usual zero or double zero numbering system.

The RCZ, therefore, becomes an illustration of all of Peugeot's key values; values which move with the times but are still pure and always in keeping with today.

The final challenge faced by the project team was to complete the development of this new vehicle in a particularly short period of time. This was achieved as, just two years after the concept car was first shown, the RCZ will be revealed for the first time to the public in its final form at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The RCZ will go on sale in Spring 2010, but we will be able to take orders for the highly desirable Limited Edition model from 15th September on a 'first come, first served' basis. To find out more, or to ensure you don't miss out call us at either of our branches: Chingford 0845 871 5107 or Hatfield 0845 871 5104, e-mail us or visit either of our showrooms.

All-new Mazda3 MPS ‘super-hatch’ on sale 1st October priced at £21,500

• All-new Mazda3 MPS 'super-hatch’ on sale 1 October priced at £21,500 (OTR)


• Turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine generates 260ps and 380Nm output


• Sensational acceleration to 62mph in just 6.1sec, with limited 155mph top speed


• Uniquely bold styling kit delivers sophisticated boost to sporty appearance


• Six-speed transmission and torque-sensing super limited-slip differential (LSD)


• Premium BOSE® audio system with intelligent sound equalisation system
  

The all-new Mazda3 MPS delivers a unique combination of even more exhilarating driving fun and everyday compact car practicality. It retains the sensational 155mph performance of its predecessor, while adopting the numerous innovations of the second-generation Mazda3 on which it is based. Improved aerodynamics give greater high-speed stability. A stiffer bodyshell, new power steering and modified suspension guarantee a compliant ride with crisp, precise responses to driver inputs. Higher gearing and the application of Mazda’s weight-reducing ‘Gram Strategy’ helps to reduce CO2 emissions by 3 percent and ensure the new model meets the stricter Euro 5 emission standards.

“Our latest Mazda3 MPS is a strikingly bold design, more dynamic looking, more aggressive and more assertive than ever before,” comments Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director, Mazda Motors UK. “The new bonnet air-intake, new-style 18-inch alloy wheels and larger rear spoiler create the muscular, athletic look of a sprinter. Delivering sensationally spirited performance, the new Mazda3 MPS puts the heat back into the hot-hatch sector with ‘stand out’ looks that put rivals in the shade and it boasts exquisite handling and incredible dynamics.

“Typical of Mazda’s engineering ethos, the new Mazda3 MPS is a very complete package – not just in terms of its enhanced powertrain and chassis upgrades, but also with regard to its very high level of standard equipment. And alongside sensational performance it will of course retain the accessibility, practicality, reliability and build quality of its sister models,” adds Cameron.

The all-new Mazda3 MPS is being marketed in the UK as a single, generously specified and lavishly equipped model, priced at £21,500 (on the road) including mica or metallic paint finish. The unique MPS body styling – featuring aggressive bonnet air scoop, special front wings, new grille, new bumpers and deeper sills, plus a larger rear wing – adds 20mm to the length of the regular Sport model.

Power and control, with safety and refinement
Each Mazda3 MPS is fitted with the immensely powerful and responsive MZR 2.3 DISI* Turbo engine – carried over from the previous model, but updated to ensure it meets Euro 5 emission requirements without a loss of power. A new exhaust system, with dual tail pipes, results in a 10dB noise reduction at engine speeds over 5,000rpm.

As before, this turbocharged petrol engine generates 260ps and 380Nm of torque (at just 3,000rpm) and drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. An electronic throttle and electronic boost pressure control ensure lively throttle response and stunningly fast acceleration without turbo lag. Sophisticated computer-controlled electronics modulate the delivery of torque to minimise torque-steer and to complement the operation of the limited-slip differential – ensuring maximum traction.

The six-speed manual gearbox has wider spaced gear ratios than the previous model and is fitted with low-viscosity fluid to reduce shift effort when the transmission is cold. Like the regular Mazda3, the new Mazda3 MPS places the gear shift lever 60mm higher and slanted towards the driver, while the gearbox design also ensures precise and clean shift characteristics for more driving fun.

Stiffer bodyshell & revised chassis
Besides reinforcing the body structure – achieving a 41 percent and 15 percent improvement in torsional and flexural stiffness respectively, compared to the previous model – Mazda engineers also gave the new Mazda3 MPS a more sporty suspension set up, without degrading ride comfort. Both the MacPherson front suspension and the multi-link rear suspension have higher spring rates, larger stabiliser (anti-roll) bars and higher-performance dampers for a flatter ride with less roll. The suspension is also lowered by 5mm compared to other new Mazda3 models.

Wider, new-style alloy wheels are fitted with wider, lower profile (225/40 section) tyres and upgraded front brakes, feature larger 320 mm ventilated discs. The power steering now features electro-hydraulic assistance tuned to produce a more direct steering feel and an even closer bond between car and driver, a true Mazda trademark.

Fully specified and lavishly equipped
The all-new Mazda3 MPS is so lavishly equipped as standard that there are no factory-fitted options available. Standard premium features include Bluetooth® technology (that enables wireless operation of both mobile phones and playing MP3 devices through the car’s audio system), Welcome Mode lighting (which fades-up the interior lights when the door is opened and the centre display, audio and air-conditioning lights when the driver is seated), and a surround-sound BOSE® premium audio system with 10 speakers, plus steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

* Direct Injection Spark Injection

The driver-oriented cockpit and dashboard with a wrap-around, sporty feel and an extra special ambience is complemented by new front sports bucket seats, which ‘cocoon’ the occupants and give greater thigh and back support, are part-trimmed in black leather. Red MPS graphics appear on the seats, door trims and dashboard, while red stitching on the steering wheel, gearshift, handbrake, centre armrest and door trims contrasts with the black keynote interior décor.

All-new Mazda3 MPS also comes with Mazda’s new MID (multi information display) with a compact satellite navigation system developed especially for this model. It uses a high-resolution 11 cm (4.1 inch) screen mounted in the dashboard’s upper section, where it can be seen easily, and it can be operated using a control switch on the steering wheel.

Comfort and convenience equipment includes dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear (with global closing), a heated front windscreen and smart keyless entry. A push button start, and a new LCD turbo-boost gauge between the main instruments provide a real sense of sportiness to back up the performance credentials.

An arsenal of ‘active’ safety technologies
Naturally, safety is paramount on the high-performance Mazda3 MPS and it is equipped with an array of ‘active’ safety systems to minimise the hazards of everyday driving – including a tyre pressure monitoring system and ‘adaptive’ front bi-xenon headlights that turn to illuminate curves ahead.

A Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are standard, as is the new Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) system that automatically activates the hazard warning lights at cruising speeds when the ABS sensors detect emergency braking. The performance of the four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is enhanced by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

Additional safety is provided by the new Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM), previously available only on Mazda6. This aid to safe lane-changing uses wide-angle radar units to monitor traffic behind the Mazda3 MPS and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle before he/she has a chance to move across into a busy lane by mistake. The system, which is effective in all weathers, also detects vehicles driving in the ‘blind spot’ area and does not monitor or detect cars following behind in the same lane.

Like all other Mazda3 models, the MPS is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, active front headrestraints, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters.

Ultimate expression of Zoom-Zoom
“The exciting all-new Mazda3 MPS is Mazda's highest performance hatchback and it gives fleet decision-makers, company and private car drivers the opportunity to choose a high-performance, more than credible alternative to the hot hatch offerings from other marques,” adds Mark Cameron. “With its truly exhilarating dynamics, practicality and unrivalled performance, the all-new Mazda3 MPS is the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated super-hatch. It embodies the true spirit of the UK’s favourite sportscar brand, appealing to both the heart and the head – the perfect flagship for our newly introduced Mazda3 range,” concludes Cameron.
All-new Mazda3 MPS will be available with a choice of four body colours at no extra charge – Aluminium Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Velocity Red Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent.

To find out more about the Mazda3 MPS or to arrange a test-drive, please call Waters Mazda on 0845 871 7101, e-mail us or visit the showroom at Lea Valley Road, Chingford.