The Mazda6 has been named Semperit Irish Car of the Year.The standard bearer for the marque in the family saloon and junior executive class, it saw off competition from two small car competitors, Honda's popular Jazz and the Citroën's lively C3. Michael McAleer reports
The Mazda was awarded 126 points by the Irish motoring press, against 111 for the Honda Jazz, 100 points for the Citroën C3, 95 for the Opel Vectra and 76 for the Nissan Primera. Fourth and fifth positions were taken by the Opel Vectra and Nissan Primera.
It succeeds the Renault Laguna, which took the title last year.
The Mazda6, successor to the 626, came second to the Renault Megane in the European Car of the Year awards earlier last week. However, the Megane was not eligible for the Irish prize as its launch here missed the deadline for entries.
At the presentation of the award, Brian Smith of Semperit Ireland said: "This was a very healthy year for product launches across all segments and the race for the title 'Semperit Irish Car of the Year' was considered a very open one. That the Mazda6 emerged as a clear winner of the accolade speaks greatly for its all-round strength in the family segment."
The car's rather spry look means it is a family car that nevertheless retains a more sporty complexion - as evidenced by its disco-ball headlamps, faintly menacing V-shaped grille, and its loud and proud Mazda badge.
Some 35 Irish motoring writers took part in the selection process by secret ballot, organised by the Irish Motoring Writers Association.
A total of 43 vehicles were eligible for the prize.
The Mazda6 also picked up a number of national awards in other European states, most recently in the Czech Republic, where it saw off competition from the Megane.
Mazda Motor Corporation is the fifth-largest automaker in Japan and one-third owned by Ford.
The Semperit Irish Van of the Year title was shared jointly by the Citroën Relay, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer.