Mazda: New '23Z' To Further Strengthen Atenza Brand
Tokyo, Japan, July. 09, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation
has added a new premium grade to its popular mid-size Mazda
Atenza Sport and Sport Wagon to further strengthen the brand.
Atenza has captured more than 50 awards in 22 countries and regions
since its launch in May 2002, making it the most acclaimed car in
Mazda's history. Building on the sporty performance and high quality of
the current models, the stylish 23Z goes on sale today at Mazda and
Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.
With the addition of this new grade, the Atenza lineup becomes even more
environmentally friendly with all 2.3-litre front-wheel drive models now
certified as ultra-low emissions vehicles. (U-LEV certified 2.0-litre
models, which also meet the 2010 Fuel Efficiency Standards, have been on
sale since April. These models are applicable for tax reductions under
the 2003 Green Tax Law.)
Based on the popular 23S grade, the 23Z employs 18-inch tires and
aluminum wheels, a specially tuned suspension, and 16-inch brake rotors
to further enhance the Atenza's characteristic sharp handling and ride
comfort. In addition, black leather has been employed extensively
throughout the interior to create the quality feel expected in a top of
the range vehicle. Buyers are offered the choice of four-speed
activematic or five-speed manual transmission. The 23Z is expected to
appeal to a wide range of customers who seek a sporty mid-size car.
Features of '23Z' Atenza
1) Enhanced Performance
-Drivers will notice the benefits of the exclusively tuned suspension
the moment they take to the road. Exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels and
215/45R18 tires, large brake rotors (front: 16-inch, rear: 15-inch)
complete the package. These enhancements further improve the Atenza's
highly acclaimed combination of sharp handling, low road noise and
superior ride comfort.
-Large muffler cutter (Sport only) and red brake calipers for a sportier
appearance.
2) High quality interior
-The highly functional and refined cockpit features exclusive black
half-leather seats (leather/suede-feel cloth) designed for increased
comfort and support, a genuine leather-covered center armrest console,
exclusive black leather-wrapped steering wheel for superb handling, a
leather shift knob* and parking brake handle. The liberal use of black
leather gives the interior a sporty, high quality feel.
-Aluminum foot pedals support precise operation for sporty driving,
while the carbon-look instrument panel side garnish adds to the overall
sense of refinement. Such attention to detail further increases the
pleasure of owning and driving the 23Z.
*Shift knob for 5MT models is covered with authentic leather, as in the
23S.
Mazda expects to sell 2,500 units of the Atenza series per month.
Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon 23Z
Special equipment
- Exclusively tuned suspension
- Large brake rotors (front: 16-inch/rear: 15-inch)
- Red brake calipers
- Exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels & 215/45R18 tires
- Exclusive black half-leather seats (cross combination of authentic
leather and suede-feel cloth)
- Exclusive black leather steering wheel, shift knob (AT) and parking
brake handle
- Front center armrest covered in authentic leather (above the center
console box)
- Carbon-look instrument panel side garnish
- Aluminum pedals
- Large muffler cutter (Sport only)
- Body-colored washer nozzles
- Immobilizer
<Body Colors>
Available in four colors: Velocity Red Mica (exclusive color for the
23Z), Canary Yellow Mica, Titanium Gray Metallic II and Snow Flake White
Mica.**
**Add 30,000 yen for Snow Flake White Mica.
Mazda Atenza 23Z stars in web movie directed by Luc Besson
Luc Besson, well known for "Taxi" - the exciting car chase film series,
will direct an original short movie that fully expresses the driving
dynamics of the "Atenza 23Z." The movie can be seen on Mazda's official
website from 9:00am, on July 10.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (excluding tax) (Unit: 1,000 yen)
Body Type Engine Drive Transmission Retail
Price
Sport Inline 4-cylinder FWD 5MT 2,350
2.3L DOHC(MZR) 4EC-AT 2,450
(Activematic)
Sport Wagon Inline 4-cylinder FWD 5MT 2,350
2.3L DOHC (MZR) 4EC-AT 2,450
(Activematic)
- All Atenza 2.3L FWD models, including the 23Z, have received the
"U-LEV" rating.
- There are no price changes for 2.0-litre or 2.3-litre models other
than 23Z.
