Mazda is expanding into the premium segment
Mazda owner Takashi Yamanouchi recently announced a change in Mazda's global strategy. According to him, through premium cars, Mazda expects to increase sales and increase its presence in the global market.
Takashi Yamanouchi noted that the automaker has only a 2% market share. “We often discuss this within the company,” explained the head of Mazda, “and we came to the conclusion that if we produce ordinary cars for the mass market, then there will be no particular reason for our further activities.” Thus, unless Mazda takes radical steps, the very existence of this brand will be called into question.
Note that the company's current sales have reached only 1.3 million cars per year worldwide.
To conquer a new niche, the Japanese plan to release new models that will appear in the coming years, as well as modern technologies and create a new design concept.
According to the plan announced by the head of the company, by March 31, 2016, Mazda should increase its sales in the most important American market by 43% - at least 400 thousand cars per year. This fiscal year, which ends on March 31, the Japanese expect to sell at most 280 thousand cars in the United States. Note that current sales from the Japanese manufacturer increased by 9% compared to last year, but the overall growth of the US car market is now about 14%.
Let us remind you that the company currently has only one business class model - the Mazda 6, although in fairness it is worth noting that the previous two generations of this car could not claim a place in the premium class.
Truly premium Mazda models should appear in the future. They will be based on new generation technologies, which are united under the name Skyactiv. Let us remember that these technologies primarily affect power units, chassis, transmission and car bodies. Skyactiv technology improves engine performance while saving fuel. It is expected that in 2020 the company's vehicles will consume 30% less fuel than in 2008.
Company representatives highlighted several features of the new Mazda model range that bring it closer to the premium segment: the new KODO design direction, a high level of service, new active safety systems that prevent accidents, as well as more powerful and environmentally friendly diesel engines.
“This is how we strive to be like a premium class,” said Takashi Yamanouchi.
Top 5 most economical premium cars
Typically, premium cars are associated by vehicle owners with high fuel consumption. Nevertheless, in this segment there are several fuel-efficient models that, in addition to comfort, will also provide driving pleasure.
2020 BMW 530e IPerformance. The premium 2020 BMW 530e IPerformance model, thanks to its electric installation, will impress the owner with a power reserve of 560 kilometers. Under the hood, engineers installed a 2-liter turbodiesel engine combined with an electric power unit. The BMW 530e iPerformance features quite optimistic consumption - 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km.
The car has all-wheel drive, medium size and impressive efficiency. The model will accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and the maximum speed is 235 km/h. With the standard AUTO eDRIVE setting, pure electric mode can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h, something rivals cannot do.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250. Only recently, Mercedes-Benz presented its updated sedan in the CLA line. It is distinguished by the presence of a completely new engine, paired with an electrical installation, which allowed the car to become one of the most economical representatives among premium models. Fuel consumption ranges from 3.9 to 7.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
In the basic equipment of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the manufacturer included 16-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon optics with auto leveling and headlight washers, ABS+EBD, BAS, ESP, ASR systems, a preventive braking system, a driver condition monitoring system, a brake pad wear sensor, electric parking brake, tire pressure sensor, on-board computer with 4.5-inch display, cruise control, fabric interior, climate control, full power accessories, heated and electrically adjustable side mirrors, multifunction steering wheel, multimedia system with 5.8- inch display, 6 speakers and AUX/USB support, immobilizer, central locking and alarm.
Mercedes-Benz A 220 2020. The Mercedes-Benz A 220 is intended to be a new entry-level premium sedan. However, it amazes with its features, including all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, a unique exterior and luxurious interior, and rich equipment. Technical characteristics provide, in addition to fuel economy, also good handling, dynamic performance of the car on the road and maneuverability. Like the car mentioned above, the fuel consumption of this model ranges from 3.9 to 7.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
Here the developers focused on mechanics and bright interior design. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, rated at 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, makes the A 220 quick but not exciting—and less powerful than the CLA 250. A 7-speed transmission sends power to either the front wheels or, in 4Matic form, to all wheels. There are also wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Audi A3 FWD 2020. Next year, the German brand Audi is preparing a new product for its fans in the form of an entry-level luxury sedan from the premium segment. The model has undergone restyling, but has not lost its characteristic details both in the exterior and in the equipment of the car. Under the hood there is a four-cylinder turbo engine with a volume of 2 liters, and there is also a sports version S3.
In total, the line includes three power plants for buyers to choose from, but only front-wheel drive. However, the sedan promises to become one of the most economical in its market segment. The fuel consumption of the model is from 1.8 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
2020 BMW 330i. The basic sedan from the Bavarians will be an excellent solution for those who value not only performance, but also fuel economy on the road. The 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged unit is combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, there is rich equipment and a spacious interior.
The model also attracts motorists with fuel consumption of 1.6 liters for every 100 kilometers.
Bottom line. It is generally accepted among motorists that premium cars are not created to save gas when driving, but changes change concepts over time; global brands, following fashion, create more and more economical versions of hybrid and environmentally friendly cars. So among the premium representatives there are those who, in addition to comfort and prestige, also offer cost-effective solutions.
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British car brands and their emblems
The first words that come to mind when thinking about English cars are luxury and prestige. Sports cars from Jaguar, Aston Martin and Lotus, as well as executive cars from Rolls Royce and Bentley have won the hearts of wealthy people from all over the world. And this is not just a momentary passion for fashionable new products, this is a real love for luxury car brands, which since the first half of the last century have become the personification of elitism.
Premium English cars have a refined and sophisticated style that has a long and established tradition. Most British car brands entered the market in the first half of the last century, and therefore design conservatism and technical innovation have long been the hallmark of the UK automotive industry.
The uniqueness of English cars lies in the optimal price-quality ratio - now no one is embarrassed by the fabulous price for an exclusive car, which is the pinnacle of engineering. Lovers of speed and luxury, ready to pay over 200 thousand euros for the right to own a prestigious steel horse with registration from England, are forced to sign up for the queue in advance. The reason is banal - luxury cars, which, as tradition dictates, are assembled by hand, are produced in limited editions. Therefore, if you have not yet managed to purchase the latest McLaren model, we advise you to hurry up, otherwise you will have to pay exorbitant prices to resellers.
The range of English luxury cars is very wide and can satisfy the tastes of even the most fastidious car enthusiast. However, according to the Association of British Automobile Manufacturers, since 1965, American Ford has held the sales lead in the UK itself. More than 70% of cars of prestigious brands that are produced in the country are exported outside of England and become the property of millionaires from all over the world.
Comfortable English cars have a special charm and are not just symbols of well-being and high social status of a person, but also carry a philosophy of success. In the interior of a car from England, anyone can feel like, if not a king, then a crown prince - for sure. While driving a sports car made in Great Britain, the word “speed” will reveal to the driver its secret meaning, accessible only to a cohort of initiates.
Jaguar F-Type 2020
The 2020 Jaguar F-Type is a modern sports car with a luxury pedigree. Available in both coupe and convertible form, the F-Type maneuvers between the past era of great cars like the Jaguar E-Type and the present reality of high technology and performance. The F-Type range extends from the 296 horsepower model to the phenomenal 575 horsepower supercar. And in each variant, maneuverability and control are on par with the best in the class. Competitors include the Porsche 718 Boxster (starts at 300 horsepower) and the Porsche 911 Turbo (540 horsepower). The convertible doesn't have a retractable hardtop, which is less secure, but it makes up for it with lighter weight.
Jaguar F-Type 2020
Engine
Engine power for the 2020 F-Type starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 296 horsepower and is found in P300 versions. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the only one available with this engine. P340 models have a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 340 horsepower. The same engine in the P380/R-Dynamic generates, unsurprisingly, 380 horsepower. It is in this configuration that all-wheel drive (AWD) becomes available. However, all-wheel drive is available on the supercharged 5.0-liter V8.
The F-Type R has 550 horsepower, while the extreme SVR has 575 horsepower. Each engine has a fuel-saving stop/start feature that can be disabled at any time. Speaking of fuel, Jaguar recommends premium gasoline. An 8-speed automatic is the only available choice.
Available transmission options:
- Inline-4 2.0-litre turbo (F-Type); 296 horsepower at 5500 rpm; 400 Nm of torque at 1500-4500 rpm; Fuel consumption in the city/highway – 10.2/7.8 liters. per 100 km.
- 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (F-Type); 340 horsepower at 6500 rpm; 450 Nm of torque at 3500-5000 rpm; fuel consumption in the city/highway – 11.7/8.4 liters. per 100 km.
- 3.0-liter V6 (R-Dynamic) supercharged; 380 horsepower at 6500 rpm; 459 Nm of torque at 3500-5000 rpm; Fuel consumption in the city/highway – 12.3/8.7 liters. per 100 km. (rear-wheel drive), 13/9 l. per 100 km. (four-wheel drive).
- 5.0-liter V8(R) turbocharged; 550 horsepower at 6500 rpm; 680 Nm of torque at 2500-5500 rpm.
Voron: Chevrolet Camaro, Mercedes-Benz G500, Toyota Land Cruiser
Voron - Voron car sharing has two distinctive features: a security deposit and the ability to deliver the car. To rent a car, you must have a deposit in your account, the amount of which depends on the car you are going to use. After completion of the rental, the deposit is credited to the account for 24 hours and, if necessary, is returned to the client. After the tenth rental, the need to pay a security deposit is canceled.
An important advantage of Voron is free delivery of the car to the place of order. This function is no longer provided by any car sharing operator. In rain or winter, the ability to deliver the car will be a big plus. It is worth noting that the option is available from 9:00 to 21:00.
Terms of use. The rental cost, age and length of service requirements depend on the chosen car model. More details in the summary table:
Brand | Power | Price | Deposit | Age/experience |
BMW 520d | 190 hp | 12 rub/min | 10,000 rub. | 22/3 |
Mercedes E200 | 184 hp | 12 rub/min | 10,000 rub. | 22/3 |
Mercedes E300 Coupe | 245 hp | 23 rub/min | 20,000 rub. | 25/5 |
Mercedes SLK250 | 204 hp | 18 rub/min | 10,000 rub. | 22/3 |
Range Rover Evoque | 190 hp | 13 rub/min | 10,000 rub. | 22/3 |
Cadillac SRX | 269 hp | 11 rub/min | 10,000 rub. | 22/3 |
Mercedes-Benz G500 | 388 hp | 25 rub/min | 20,000 rub. | 24/4 |
Chevrolet Camaro | 311 hp | 21 rub/min | 20,000 rub. | 23/4 |
Toyota Land Cruiser | 309 hp | 23 rub/min | 20,000 rub. | 25/5 |