Mazda CX-5 - The Launch
Eurokars Group celebrated their 20th Anniversary and timed the launch of the much awaited Mazda CX-5 2.0 Luxury Crossover. This as you may already have known is the new distributor for Mazda cars previously distributed by Asia Motors then Mazda Motors. Guests were greeted with fanfare on arrival at the Six-Star Ritz-Carlton.
Let me introduce to you the gentlemen for all your Mazda needs - Mr. Jack Thiang (second from left). He belongs to a generation of really good vehicle sales consultant. A friend saw this pix and commented that he like the CX-5 in red. I told him blue is the best.
There was a big turnout that night.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata was on display.
The RX-8. Both famous sports heritage.
The timing of the big bash was on Friday the 13th. Are you afraid now? Not with the show put on.
Who is this compere?
A closer look...
She was the MC not the CX. Diana Ser who speaks several languages. She's good in Japanese.
Mr. Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group of Companies who also distribute Rolls Royce, Porsche and Saab.
Mr. Han Fook Kwan, a former Straits Times Editor is now Chairman of the ST School Pocket Fund project.
This is to help 12,000 needy students with pocket money. A very good project to help with other people's plight. Eurokars Group gave a generous $200,000 and the cheque was presented by Mr. Karsono Kwee to Mr. Han Fook Kwan witnessed by Minister S. Iswaran. You can pitch in too by donating directly to the fund.
Mazda Motor Corp. Executive Officer Masahiro Moro-san gave his speech.
The traditional ceremony of knocking and breaking the sake.
A powerful performance of drummers playing with warrior drums was impressive.
It is pulsating to say the least. Even a caucasian woman was beating the Japanese drums. Just like some of the drums and sound that Kitaro uses.
Kenny G's soprano sax was brilliant and I listened to his music until they consigned him to elevator music when he became famous. So too Kitaro as he brought the cosmos to me until they consigned his to wedding dinners just before they serve the first dish. Anyway, this is how the drums sounded - Kitaro with "Matsuri":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGtKxbu7vLI
Kitaro kept his hair long and would sometimes "go to the mountain" and live there. While I always go to the mountain I am contemplating keeping my hair long too. You see, in the mountain, they do not have toilet paper.
In ancient times, warriors beat the drums when they go to war. They beat the drums during dragon boat races too. I am a warrior too. So are you. Everyday, I go to war. It is a constant battle, to get things done, to do the right things. To try to stay healthy, to lead by example, to cheer up others, to achieve balance, etc. Life is a battle, a war to overcome adversities, to stay humble and rooted. I am a warrior, hopefully a great one.
A flautist belting out with a Japanese flute. Why is someone who plays the flute called a flautist?
Eager anticipation for the CX-5 to be unveiled.
It was hard to take proper photographs as the panels from both sides of the stage finally came down and both CX-5s were slowly driven in. The crowd flocked and converged, surrounding the car. You need fast fingers with the camera.
She is bold and has all the right curves! That's my lady!
Mazda does not shy away from being different. They once had a 929 which looked like a Jag. Years ago, they unveiled the popular RX-7 with a powerful rotary engine and a twin-rotary for the RX-8 and their MX 5 Miata has a strong following. I heard that they put out 1,000 units of CX-5 in Japan but was overwhelmed with orders for 8,000 units. The CX-5 was introduced with great aplomb as it is the new generation that will feature "Skyactiv technology", a super high compression direct injection engine with efficient six-speed auto gearbox and a chassis tuned for driveability.
Stepping into the cockpit makes me feel as maverick as Tom Cruise in Top Gun. I love an adrenaline rush. Here's Kenny Loggins with Danger Zone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8rZWw9HE7o
The Japanese are very good in engineering their products and I have deep respect for them on this but holding the steering while being seated at the driver's seat albeit being in a stationary vehicle, one can feel how solidly built this beast is. Fit and finish are premium and only quality materials are used in the entire cabin, not plasticky as in some other marques. It actually felt German. The car's ergonomics are good and all controls seem simple, easy to use and well laid up. Mazda is ahead of the curve in interior trims and design. The massive windscreen gives a perfectly clear view.
Being the maverick I think I am, I immediately wanted one for myself as this was about the time for me to change vehicle, it is Almost Paradise but the sky-high COE prices is a strong deterrent. I want to be "Footloose" and fancy free. Here is Mike Reno and Ann Wilson:
"I thought that dreams belong to other men, 'cause each time I got close, they fall apart again."
Is the boot space enough to fill up your holiday and adventure stuffs or your golf bags?
Aggressive eyes that goes "ler kuah simi?" "what are you looking at?"
The boot lid supported by hydraulics.
Sexy back lights to warn tail-gaters.
Ample leg room for passengers.
A strong-nosed snout that pouts.
This is a Crossover built for drivers and it costs a little more than $20,000 elsewhere. Here, expect to multiply it by 9 perhaps. What a shame! They took it to the Laguna Seca race tracks and it shone in its performance credentials. It is spacious and versatile with reportedly exceptional fuel economy.
This seems to me as a no compromise vehicle, not for those who hate driving. This is a driver's car. Go for a test drive near you. I may just do just that some day.
When it was time for food, everybody rushed to the tables. As Singapore is so cosmopolitan now, it is hard to tell if all are Singaporeans but I was sure a good number were. I feel everyone should pick some food and move on rather than crowd around the table. Even the young waiter had to say excuse me as he brought more food but nobody paid any heed. They were too busy in their own world. He should have done it the old heartland way, just shout "kwan soy!" (hot water). It always work.
Japanese "tau kwa pau".
This is really lovely!
One bite and the strawberry jam oozed out unceasingly. They should have stuck a warning sign there. Experience put me in good stead as I master its temperament.
The fruits like strawberry, honeydew, water-melon were cut and skewed on a stick as if for toddlers. Please do not start asking your domestic helper to do this everyday otherwise her off day shall be once in three years.
You can devour the cake and chew up the sugary Mazda sign if you like but I prefer that sweet beast of a car.
It is sayonara for now. Congratulations to Mazda and Eurokars!
Which do you like, the white, blue or red? The CX-5, I think this will be a great car and could win some accolades in the industry.
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