All The Car

The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) has named the Mazda MX-5 sports car ‘Best Drop-Top’ in its Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2006, commenting that ‘the latest generation Mazda MX-5 offers unbeatable topless fun for the money’.

Now in its ninth year, the Scottish Car of the Year is judged by members of the ASMW and more than 50 new models, launched during the past 12 months, were in contention for a 2006 accolade, awarded across
eight categories.

“Believe it or not, there are more drop-top roadsters in the UKthan anywhere else in Europeand Scottish motorists love them,” commented ASMW President, Stephen Park. “The quality and pleasure of open air driving north of the border puts Scots in motoring heaven. This year’s ‘Best Drop-Top’ category winner has become one of the most successful open sports cars of all time. The Mazda MX-5’s combination of style, quality and driving experience outperforms many motors costing twice as much. The third-generation MX-5 is indeed a worthy winner.”

Mazda UKmanaging director Rob Lindley added: “We are truly delighted that the Mazda MX-5 has been named Scottish Car of the Year’s ‘Best Drop-Top’. This 2006 award is further confirmation that the latest MX-5 has kept faith with the ethos of the original iconic Mazda sports car, while adding even more Zoom-Zoom excitement to the ownership and driving experience. It’s no surprise that Mazda is now the UK’s favourite sports car brand.”

Mazda has traditionally performed well in Scotlandand both its sales and market share have accelerated during 2006. September sales climbed to 1,269 units (up 17 per cent over the record month of 2005) taking year to date registrations to a total to 4,573 – up 12.3 per cent on last year. Market share in Scotlandwas also at an all‑time high in September at 3.3 per cent, with a year to date share of 2.86 per cent.

These figures are the result of strong demand for the Mazda3, Mazda6 and the third-generation soft-top Mazda MX-5, now the third most popular Mazda model in Scotland. The MX-5’s monthly sales rate has jumped 66 per cent over last year’s rate, up from 39 units to 65 units per month in 2006 – with a total of 583 sports cars registered over the first nine months. This year, more than 70 per cent of MX-5 sales to Scottish motorists have been accounted for by two models, the 1.8i Option Pack and the 2.0i Sport.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006 2:52 AM | Comments