It’s all in the car, gents. Ford Group Philippines president Rick Bell with celebrity Sarah Meier, who hosted the Mazda program, in front of the Mazda MX-5.

DO you have the roadster spirit in you? If the emotion of motion exhilarates and liberates you, then the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Moreover, there’s a Mazda car that might satisfy your roadster spirit since the brand aims to produce vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and fun to use.

At the recent Manila International Auto Show, “Mazda brought that roadster spirit—zoom zoom—to life,” said Gerry Alejandro, managing director of Mazda Philippines.

“From revolving vehicle displays, which contributed to Mazda being recognized as having the Overall Best Booth Design, to live performances by hip-hop world champion dancers All Stars and San Diego, CA hip-hop DJ Scratch Mark, it was easy to experience the Mazda spirit of zoom zoom firsthand,” added Eric Malimban, assistant vice president of Mazda Philippines.

The 2007 Mazda MX-5 display at the Manila International Auto Show was a treat for all car aficionados. The Guinness World Record-holder for the bestselling two-seater lightweight sports car, the Mazda MX-5 is based on the Japanese idea of Jinba Ittai, or “rider and horse as one,” which creates a new level of driving pleasure.

The 2007 Mazda MX-5 boasts of a 2.0L MZR DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with VVT, rear-wheel drive and six-speed Manual Transmission. Of course, the icing on the cake is its hot roadster look and terrific interior and exterior features, including a power retractable hard top.

The Mazda6 also continues its winning streak. From last year’s distinction as Car of the Year, it has once again been named the Best Executive Sedan at this year’s Car of the Year (Coty) Awards, whose winners were showcased in the Manila International Auto Show. Recognized by Coty judges to have “ultra-sharp handling, a powerful engine, and a quick gearbox,” the Mazda6 also oozes sleek yet sporty styling.

It’s easy to love the Mazda6—it has powerful performance, thanks to the in-line four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) and Variable Intake System (VIS) Technology; world-renown safety features that include the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (Maidas) with triple H structure technology; and an edgy look that makes this executive sedan stand out.

Alongside the sleek Mazda6, the Mazda Tribute and the Mazda3 were also showcased at the Manila International Auto Show.

The SUV with the soul of a sports car, the Mazda Tribute’s sublime-colored 2007 model was also a highlight at the Manila International Auto Show. Recently launched in the Philippines, the 2007 Mazda Tribute makes its mark with its refined design and enhanced dynamics, thanks to new technologies introduced in the 2.3L inline four-cylinder engine, increased packaging and utility, and heightened comfort and safety features such as comfortable climate control and shock-absorbing body structure.

There are three reasons why the Mazda3 is the sought-after compact car: its sporty looks, performance and safety features. Whether it’s the 1.6L or 2.0L engine, the Mazda3 is simultaneously powerful and fuel-efficient.  Its interiors and exteriors boast of an aggressive body, alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player and mounted audio controls, among others.

Visit www.mazda.com.ph or any Mazda dealership for more information.

IT was 6 in the morning and we were all required to be at the Portico Restaurant at Serendra in Taguig on a Friday. So, there we were, motoring reporters from different outfits ready and oh-so-willing to go on the ride and drive. After all, it was the first time CATS Motors Philippines was sending four, oh, yes, four, of its precious Mercedes-Benzes for a long-haul drive.

COMMUTERS and even motorists have no choice but to get accustomed to the almost daily traffic that is caused by election campaigning.

‘OH, no.  Not another endurance run!” Those were the words that this writer almost uttered after receiving an invitation to participate in the ongoing “Fearless: The Ford Ranger Extreme Drive,” which began on April 17 and will end on May 9.

THE race to equip the ever-growing number of vehicles on the road today with good and quality tires has been taken to the next level.

DO you have the roadster spirit in you? If the emotion of motion exhilarates and liberates you, then the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Moreover, there’s a Mazda car that might satisfy your roadster spirit since the brand aims to produce vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and fun to use.