The last time Mazda managed to win anything on home turf (Japan) was back in 2005 after having launched the MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) and now finally after 7 years have passed, they’ve managed to grab their 4th award at the 22nd Japanese Car of the Year 2012 (COTY) award, which now goes to their Mazda CX-5 with its SkyActiv-D 2.2L diesel engine.
The Mazda’s CX-5 managed to brave through nine other finalists for the coveted award and even went toe-to-toe against the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, only to emerge as the clear favourite by 45 votes.
The key factors that impressed the 60 judges were its Skyactiv technologies and how it was developed holistically bringing together the body, chassis, engine, and transmission technologies in order to help increase fuel efficiency, reduce weight and emissions and improved handling and ride quality.
Since the CX-5 went on sale, beginning in February 2012, Mazda has been able to achieve more than their anticipated 1,000 units per month target, having already garnered more than 37,000 orders (equivalent to more than 3 years worth of sales), in just nine months as sales orders still on the rise.
Executive Officer Kiyoshi Fujiwara commented, “We are thrilled to have the CX-5 receive such a coveted award and appreciate the warm support and encouragement of our fans. Spurred on by this honour, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of crafting cars that only Mazda can, in order to continue winning the support of our fans and customers into the future.”
The accolades for the Mazda CX-5 are also resounding in Malaysia as it has been voted Best SUV at the New Straits Times Maybank Car of the Year 2012 Awards, and has also been judged the Best Value for Money SUV for the 2012 Asian Auto Alianz Auto Industry Awards.
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