With just one month to go to the Guinness PRO12 Final in Dublin on May 27, Mazda Ireland is delighted to announce that it has become an official partner of the Guinness PRO12 Final Series. Building on the back of its long-standing association as an official sponsor of Connacht Rugby, the Guinness PRO12 Final series represents the perfect vehicle for the challenger brand to launch the all-new Mazda CX-5, which will be revealed to the Irish public for the very first time at the Aviva Stadium this month. The iconic Dublin venue plays host to the Guinness PRO12 Final on May 27 and with a record crowd expected and the exciting possibility of a Leinster versus Munster clash.
The second-generation compact SUV is one of Mazda’s strongest selling models and has now received a full 360° upgrade. The new CX-5 becomes the first model ever with the full range of SKYACTIV Technology, which has now been evolved to share the brand’s signature “driver-and-car-as-one” sensation with all passengers. The lower roofline and minimalist styling on the new model impart a solidly sporty yet refined stance whose character is perhaps no better reflected than in Soul Red Crystal, a new premium colour with amplified depth and an almost gem-like translucency.
To mark the occasion, Mazda Ambassador and Irish Rugby Scrum Half Kieran Marmion, was on hand at the announcement to officially hand back the Guinness PRO12 trophy to the tournament organisers on behalf of the reigning champions, Connacht Rugby. Kieran also took the opportunity to experience the new addition to the Mazda range before its official launch later this month commenting “I am so impressed with the new model, it looks fantastic and handles perfectly. I am a big fanof the current CX-5 anyway but changes made really make a difference. I am looking forward to getting a longer road trip in it soon”.
The compact SUV, which made its European premiere earlier this month in Geneva, spearheads another new generation of innovative and attractive Mazdas. Highlights include a quieter, more comfortable and more ergonomic interior with, among other things, a premium class windshield projected head-up display. A product of the company’s human-centred development philosophy, Mazda has advanced the car’s Jinba-Ittai intuitiveness for the benefit of all occupants, who like the driver will feel at one with the all-new CX-5. Meanwhile, a number of advancements such as better seats and cabin insulation, powertrain and suspension tweaks, and G-Vectoring Control (GVC), an innovative software-based system that controls body roll for better handling, heighten ride comfort and safety.
The exterior exudes refined strength, with the sleeker sides and lower roofline underscoring the all-new CX-5’s solid stance and maturity. The SUV also marks the debut of a new premium colour from Mazda, Soul Red Crystal, which blends intense depth with unusual translucency.
Commenting on the partnership, Avril Brophy, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager for Mazda Ireland said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Guinness PRO 12 Final Series this year and feel it is the perfect opportunity to unveil our new generation Mazda CX-5. Following on from Connacht’s historic win in Edinburgh last year, we are looking forward to another very exciting end to Rugby season culminating in the Final in the Aviva on May 27. We will be actively engaging with rugby fans across both the semi-finals and final with one lucky person driving away in the new CX-5.“ The all new Mazda CX-5 will reach showrooms in June.
John Perry, Managing Director for Mazda Ireland, said:“Mazda has a very strong heritage in Irish rugby having sponsored last year’s Championship winners for almost a decade. Driving forward, we are thrilled to sign up as an official partner of the 2017 Guinness PRO12 Final Series which will enable us to deepen our association with rugby supporters across the country as we prepare to launch the all new Mazda CX-5 into the Irish market.”
Dermot Rigley, Commercial & Marketing Director for PRO12 Rugby, said:“Mazda Ireland know exactly how to engage with rugby fans thanks to their long-standing relationship with Connacht and we’re excited to see that replicated throughout the Guinness PRO12 Final Series.
“Tickets sales for the Guinness PRO12 Final are incredibly strong and we’re sure that will Mazda get great exposure in front of capacity crowds at the Semi-Finals and what we expect to be a record-setting attendance on May 27 at Aviva Stadium.”
