The Mazda2, Australia's most popular light car year-to-date, is to receive another upgrade with the new model, featuring new equipment, improved value and an even stronger focus on safety. It goes on sale this month.

The upgraded Mazda2 Neo has cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls and side and curtain SRS airbags added as standard. Cruise control is now also included on the standard features list of the Mazda2 Maxx.

These new features are being added without any change to the Manufacturer's List Price (MLP).

With all Mazda2 models now possessing the full spectrum of safety equipment including 6 SRS airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Mazda2 owners can now match class-leading safety levels with the Zoom-Zoom driving experience.
The recent facelift of the Mazda2 earlier this year saw the Mazda2 Neo receive a new 15 inch steel wheel design and body coloured door handles, with the Mazda2 Neo and Maxx also receiving new seat trim and piano black highlights on the inside, while two new colours were made available: Aquatic Blue and Burgundy Red.

In mid-2011, the Mazda2 Genki also benefitted from a host of additional features including rain-sensing wipers (a first for the segment), auto headlamps, sophisticated trip computer with ambient temperature display, and climate control air-conditioning, securing the Mazda2 Genki's status as one of the best-equipped light cars in Australia.

Cruise control was added to the Mazda2 Genki during this facelift, but from October will be standard on all Mazda2 models.

Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson, anticipates that buyers will be impressed with the increased value and focus on safety in the new Mazda2. "It's not common for light cars to come fully equipped with cruise control, side and curtain airbags and steering wheel mounted audio controls, however at Mazda, we believe that no matter what size car you drive, safety should always be a priority," he said.

"We hope that the introduction of these new features, as well as the changes made to the facelifted models earlier this year will help continue Mazda2's appeal to new car buyers."
Mazda2 is Australia's most popular light car, with over 13,000 sold year-to-date and a significant 19 per cent sales increase in the past year.

For more information contact:

Steve Maciver
Public Relations Manager
(03) 8540 1961
0437 125 589
smaciver@mazda.com.au

Emma Karkar
Media Communications Specialist
03 8540 1962
0439 347 658
ekarkar@mazda.com.au