Mazda MX-5 launched

Red beauty: The RM227,000 MX-5 is available with a soft top for now. A hard top version is in the works.

PETALING JAYA: Mazda distributor Bermaz Motor has launched the legendary fourth-generation MX-5.

The all-new roadster is lighter, more powerful, yet more fuel efficient and safer than before.

Bermaz Motor managing Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said the company was not setting any sales target for the MX-5 as it was a niche product that was “sold to passionate people.” So far, all the five units allocated for the launch have been snapped up with the next batch of 20 cars due soon.

Bermaz Motor’s parent company Berjaya Auto Bhd recorded a net profit of RM215.4mil for FY15, which was 65% higher than the RM130.62mil recorded a year ago on the back of a higher sales volume.

Berjaya Auto sustained the strong growth of Mazda in H1’15, with sales up 13.6% on-year to 6,582 units, mainly due to the positive response to its new Mazda2 CBU and Mazda3 CKD models.

The much-storied roadster is the sixth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles that feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Highlights of the car are a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights and tail lights, leather seats, Mazda Connect car connectivity system and a 9-speaker Bose keyless entry system.

The RM226,376 MX-5 is produced at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant.