Mazda is to offer Irish car buyers test drives from the comfort of their homes in an effort to reduce the need for people to make unnecessary journeys this summer.
Priority on home test drives for those least able to travel
While the home test drives programme will be open to anyone wanting to explore the new Mazda range, the company says that it will be prioritising applications from: "the elderly, those most at risk or less able to travel."
Mazda Ireland says that all the cars will be thoroughly sanitised between test drives, and that protocols are in place for contactless key handovers. For those who can get out and about, the Mazda dealer network has hygiene and social distancing measures in place to ensure safety.
Tailored, bespoke offers for 202
Rather than introduce blanket special offers for the July 202-registration period, Mazda instead says that it will offer: "Exclusive tailored offers to suit the needs of the customer. Offers will be available on all models and grades and will be bespoke to each individual customer to ensure everyone receives great value on their new car purchase."
While Mazda does not yet have an electric vehicle on sale (we're still waiting for the arrival of the MX-30 electric crossover), the Japanese carmakers says that it believes: "The solution to minimising automobile pollution is one of matching the appropriate technology to the most relevant fuel source. As the majority of new vehicle sales still have an internal combustion engine, Mazda engineers have not taken the focus away from traditional propulsion mechanisms. In 2019 the revolutionary SkyActiv-X engine debuted, combining the benefits of both petrol and diesel technology in one. Paired with 24-volt lithium-ion batteries, the latest SkyActiv technology allows for further CO2 emission reduction. This multi-solution approach will include a mixture of the most suitable and efficient powertrains."
Growing mild-hybrid lineup
Mazda Ireland managing director John Perry commented: "While the ingenuity of Mazda engineers have led to a breakthrough in internal combustion engine efficiency, this is just a part of our multi-solution approach to reducing harmful CO2, NOx emissions and improved fuel efficiency. Mazda will offer customers the choice of powertrain to suit their lifestyle best and have been very creative and honest in this approach. The Mazda M-Hybrid range is growing and customers can experience our vehicles easier and safer than ever thanks to the Mazda Home Test Drive initiative being implemented by our dealer network."