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The basic product concept and key values of the Mazda6 Ultra are the same as those of the newly-introduced Mazda6 for global markets, but with a different interpretation for Bahrain and its neighbours.
This is aimed at achieving best-in-region excellence in the specific Gulf and North American markets that Mazda6 Ultra is tailored for, with the result that it has become a more premium vehicle than the Mazda6.
Unlike Japan and Europe (the main target markets for Mazda6) with their many winding mountain roads, the GCC areas mainly have wide and straight or gently curved roads.
Consequently, drivers in these areas attach greater importance to stability, relaxed long-distance cruising, and handling that allows safe, predictable lane changing for overtaking at highway speeds.
Long test drives confirmed initial impression of market preferences, but realising the highest levels of harmony between steering, handling, ride and performance proved challenging.
Hiroshi Kajiyama, programme manager, explained: "As I compared a selection of vehicles in various road environments, I became convinced that shift feel was the key to achieving the desired harmony.
"As Mazda6 Ultra is equipped with a torquey, large-displacement engine, we adopted a shift map different from those in earlier Mazda vehicles to enable optimal power delivery without frequent downshifts or changes in engine speed.
"By preventing unnecessary changes in engine speed we limited vibration and noise and made smooth shifting possible. As a result, drivers feel calm and confident - a feeling that translates into a vastly superior level of refinement in the driving experience.
"I am convinced that Mazda6 Ultra will open up a fresh dimension of 'zoom-zoom' driving pleasure in the GCC market and the new levels of refinement it offers will make this exciting new model a huge hit with customers."
Another major factor contributing to Mazda6 Ultra's sense of refinement is the 'exclusive experience' characteristic of a car that leads the field in this class.
Specifically, greater attention was paid to cabin comfort, especially for passengers in the rear. This was done by giving Mazda6 Ultra more interior space and allocating most of that increased space to rear-passenger legroom.
To further assure the levels of comfort required of this class of car, Mazda comprehensively suppressed road, wind and engine noise.
In North America, where Mazda6 Ultra was introduced earlier than the GCC market, journalists were impressed with its high levels of driving performance, styling and quality.
In addition, models for the GCC market receive an exclusive chrome-plated top grille bar and outer mirror housings, and an 'Ultra' badge added at the rear.
The car was unveiled at the International Motor Trading Agency's Mazda showroom in Tubli last week.
K N Singh, vice president, International Motor Trading Agency, said a record 1,800 Mazda vehicles were snapped up last year and he is confident the new car will help continue to steer the company forward: "We have got a great response for the Mazda Ultra," he added, "we even sold 23 vehicles before the launch!"
The Ultra's on-road price is BD8,000 to BD9,950 depending on the model and specification.
For further information call 17875777.
