Mazda MX-5 and all-new Mazda6 feature at Thruxton Circuit

LONDON, August 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Mazda MX-5 sportscars and Mazda6 Tourer to feature during popular 'Experience Days'
• Thruxton / Mazda partnership enters ninth year with remarkably reliable Japanese cars
• Trio of new cars to be supported by local dealer Magna Mazda

Mazda UK is renewing its annual partnership with Britain's fastest race track for the ninth year in a row, supplying a trio of cars to Thruxton Racing Circuit for use during the venue's popular 'Experience Days'.

The Hampshire circuit near Andover will be operating a fleet of three Mazda cars - Venture and Kuro versions of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0-litre 160ps sportscar and an all-new Mazda6 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav Tourer 175ps - so that visitors can sample high-speed demonstration laps, receive race-craft tuition and enjoy a variety of driving experience days.

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Mazda," comments Andrew Franklin, General Manager, Thruxton Motor Sport Centre.  "The iconic Mazda MX-5 is a true joy to drive, whatever your skill level, and makes an ideal sportscar for visitors to our challenging circuit.  It's a car with great handling and places drivers close to the ground so they feel fully involved with the action.

"The choice of an estate car for circuit use is unusual, but we are confident that the all-new Mazda6 Tourer with its punchy performance and SKYACTIV technology will deliver a rare combination of power, torque, efficiency, responsive handling, speed and stability.

"Since 2005, our visitors have enjoyed the thrill of driving a variety of Mazda MX-5 models, while our instructors and technicians have appreciated the great build-quality and remarkable reliability of the Japanese brand's cars, plus the excellent service provided by our local dealer Salisbury-based Magna Mazda," adds Franklin.

Originally a WW2 RAF airfield, Thruxton is famous today for the high-speed sweeps of the 2.4-mile lap that regularly hosts rounds of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and witnesses single-seater race cars averaging over 100 mph.