Two new Mazda models unveiled
By Azlan Othman

The much-anticipated 241 horsepower Mazda RX-8 has finally arrived in Brunei to give young drivers here a good run. The four-door four-seater sports car is equipped with the all-new Renesis rotary engine. And Mazda also unleashed its versatile mini MPV called Mazda 5.

As the world's only mass manufacturer of rotary engines, Mazda has innovated a host of performance enhancing technologies which reach full fruition with Renesis. This advanced, naturally aspirated power unit features 654cc X 2 rotor displacement and is available in high power and standard power versions to match individual driving styles.

Inside the cabin, the comfortably snug layout is pleasingly intimate without a cramped feel so common to other makes. The interior is overflowing with thoughtful touches such as metallic finish parts and new lighting logic to enhance your driving enjoyment.

The unique freestyle door system dispenses with centre pillars, creating a huge opening allowing easy entry and exit -- even for passengers in the rear.

Mazda RX-8 meets and surpasses the world's highest safety standards to deliver superior protection. Innovative active safety measures help keep you out of trouble. And unmatched front, side and rear collision resistance protects you in the event of an accident. Plus front, side and curtain SRS airbags for another layer of protection. The on- the-road price for the manual transmission is $64,000.

Meanwhile, the new Mazda 5 model features sliding rear doors that open to a class leading 700 mm in width. In addition to providing greater accessibility, the new doors are designed to open and close with one hand.

Roomy accommodation with independent seats for six adults skillfully combined with flexible open space in the cabin centre that encourages free and open interaction. That's Mazda's innovative "6+One" concept.

When accommodation for a seventh passenger is required, Mazda 5's unique new karakuri seventh seat, an industry first, is ready for action. For extra storage space, flip the right seat cushion forward to reveal karakuri utility box.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin