By Anthony Fontanelle
Mazda has been known for its use of the Wankel engines and its engineering prowess especially in the development and subsequent manufacturing of the Mazda MX-5. For the upcoming New Year, the automaker has announced that they will be offering two special edition versions of the MX-5 to European consumers. The said special edition MX-5s will be given the "Niseko" tag after Japan’s most renowned skiing resort.
The Auto Channel reported that the newest edition of the MX-5 still has the performance that has made it Britain's favorite sports car brand. The Niseko MX-5 will be given better driving dynamics and handling. It will be available to consumers by January 1, 2008. The 'entry level' version of the Niseko MX-5 is the 1.8i Niseko soft top with a five-speed transmission and the other one is the 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe with a six-speed gearbox.
Mark Cameron, Mazda UK's marketing director, had this to say: "Mazda MX-5 customers have traditionally given a warm welcome to each new ‘special edition’ model introduced during our roadster’s 18 year history. Now, for the first time with the Niseko, we are offering a ‘special’ model in both soft-top and roadster coupe forms and with co-ordinated brown leather seats and interior trim. Personally, I think the new 'Icy Blue' colour is going to appeal particularly to women buyers, although since launch the third generation Mazda MX-5 has achieved a 50/50, male/female sales mix as predicted."
"Traditionally, MX-5 buyers spend more on accessories and do more to individualise their cars, than other Mazda owners. Although the majority of those buyers use their MX-5s all-year-round, the peak ordering period is from February through to May, so the introduction of Niseko in January will boost sales at the back end of winter and give us a head-start for a spring sales boom," said Cameron.
The MX-5 Niseko will be given 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique body finish, front fog lamps, and Niseko badges. On the inside, the Mazda MX-5 Niseko will sport dark brown heated leather seats which will come in handy during those winter trips. The leather seats will be complemented with dark brown leather clad gear knobs and handbrake. It will also be equipped with Niseko-branded interior mats. The special edition Mazda MX-5 will also be given auto parts as reliable as Acura CL ball joints. Auto enthusiasts in Europe will no doubt be looking forward to the New Year with their sights set on buying a Mazda MX-5 Niseko.
