- Mazda 5 named the winner in WOW Best MPV and Wagon category
- More than 5 000 women voted via SMS and on-line voting
- Style, versatility and value for money ensure the Mazda5 remains a favourite among female buyers
Women on Wheels, published by Associated Magazines, named the Mazda5 the best MPV in SA as part of its 2011 WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards. More than 5 000 women voted via SMS and on-line voting. Readers’ votes and those of the expert judging panel decided the eventual winners.
“We’re extremely proud to receive this award,” says Doreen Mashinini, Mazda Marketing Manager. “The Mazda5 has clearly struck a chord with the female market thanks to its style, versatility and value for money.”
The Mazda5 features an emotional design that blends elegance with a dynamic spirit. It has a unique packaging concept, offering three rows of comfortable seating. The wider front row seats improve comfort. Floor height rises up a step in the second row and the third row to ensure a clearer view for occupants in the back. Occupants of the two rows can take advantage of ample legroom to stretch their legs and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience.
The walk-through passageway in the cabin centre allows for movement between the second and third-row seats, even if a child/baby seat is attached to both the right and left seats of the second row.
The ‘6+1’ packaging concept with the versatile ‘+1’ functions includes a: walk-through passageway, the hidden Karakuri seventh seat, Karakuri utility box and the diversity of seating arrangements.
The new Mazda5 also features large sliding doors on both sides. The doors operate effortlessly even on narrow streets and in confined parking spaces, providing easy access to the second and third-row seats and allowing for easier loading and unloading of luggage.
Now in its eight year, WOW has established itself as one of South Africa’s premier female motoring supplements. The handbag-sized annual was distributed with the July issues of Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, House and Leisure and O, The Oprah Magazine.
The judging panel for this year’s award saw Charleen Clarke joined by SA Car of the Year jury members Heléne Griffiths and Lindsay Vine from DStv’s Ignition, motoring blogger Vuyi Jabavu, award-winning motoring journalist Peta Lee, MotorMania editor Mabuyane Kekana and Janine-Lee Gordon from City Press.
“Because the judging panel was made up of both expert motoring media and the general public the view was very balanced and demonstrated that the Mazda5 offers mass appeal while maintaining critical acclaim,” concludes Mashinini.
