MANY OF THE READERS of seniordriveraus.com can remember when Japanese cars were a rarity on Australian streets, so it may come as quite a shock to hear that Mazda is this year celebrating 100 years since its foundation as a humble cork manufacturer.
Naturally, the company sees this as the perfect opportunity to release a number of “100th anniversary” models.
The special edition models pay homage to Mazda’s history, drawing inspiration from the company’s first ever passenger car, the R360 Coupe.
Designed to make car ownership desirable and accessible to all, the R360 Coupe pushed boundaries – even in the design-liberal 1960s. Powered by a four-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission and a lightweight body, R360 Coupe was easy to drive and handle while also boasting impressive reliability, a strength best-demonstrated on a 1,500km Perth to Esperance and back endurance drive in 1961 (and having driven a Mazda R360 Coupe ourselves, we can confirm that it really must have been a test of endurance, for the drivers as well as the car).
Today, Mazda’s goal remains unchanged and traces of the innovative thinking that characterised this early model abound today.
As a nod to the company’s roots, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series borrows the distinctive burgundy and white of the high grade R360’s two-tone design.
All special edition models are finished in Snowflake White Pearl Mica, with a rich burgundy interior. The same Burgundy leather introduced on Mazda3 adorns the seats, and the colour scheme is repeated on the floor mats and floor carpet.
Models are also distinguished by 100th Anniversary Special Edition badging, which combines the current Mazda brand mark with the round logo created when Toyo Kogyo was first formed. The logo features on the front fender, key fob, wheel caps, head rests and floor mats.
Set to come to Australia later in 2020, Mazda’s 100th Anniversary Special Editions will be available in limited numbers across the Mazda range, including on World Car of the Year Finalists, Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30.
Customers can register their interest here to be the first to know more. Numbers, pricing and on-sale dates will be release in due course.