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Mazda tops Consumer Reports 2020 auto reliability survey for the first time

Mazda tops Consumer Reports 2020 auto reliability survey for the first time

Charles Buban

Mazda beat traditional winners Lexus and Toyota in capturing the most dependable auto brand title in the Consumer Reports’ 2020 reliability survey released recently. 

A model’s overall reliability score includes road-test performance, owner satisfaction survey results, whether the model comes with key safety systems and crash test data, where available.

Mazda took top honors for the first time in the survey, which this year included Consumer Reports organization members who own more than 300,000 vehicles from model years 2000 to 2020. These members gave Mazda a score of 83 out of 100.

The Mazda MX-5 emerged as most reliable car among those tested, garnering a score of 98 out of 100. Meanwhile, the CX-30, CX-3, and CX-5 all scored 85 or better.

After Mazda, Toyota, Lexus, Buick and Honda rounded out the top five brands. The 2020 rankings were released in November at an online meeting of the Automotive Press Association of Detroit.

Here in the Philippines, Mazda, which is exclusively distributed by Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. (Mazda Philippines) has been ranked #1 in the industry twice—in the 2016 and 2019 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study.

Pangolin Edition

Mazda Philippines recently made headlines as it raised awareness of a critically endangered species endemic to the islands of Palawan when it introduced the BT-50 4×4 Pangolin pickup truck. Pangolins, the size of a puppy and covered with scales, are often trafficked both for their scales and meat despite the fact that international trade of several species of pangolins have been prohibited since 2000.

Last Dec. 24, Mazda Philippines formally turned over a BT-50 3.2-liter 4×4 Pangolin Edition to the Katala Foundation to support the NGO’s conservation activities for the endangered Palawan Pangolin.

The brand new special series BT-50 replaced the organization’s aging 1996 Mazda Proceed and will be used to support Pangolin monitoring and population checking activities in different locations around Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

In the Philippines, pangolins are a protected species, and anyone caught trading them faces hefty fines and prison sentences of up to 12 years. But this hasn’t stopped traders from stealing pangolins from the Palawan region and transporting them to various towns and cities to sell them for meat consumption or medicinal use.

The new BT-50 Pangolin Edition, comes standard with upgraded 17-inch Rota Wheels and riveted fender flares, along with a new Matte Black finish for its front grille, aluminum roof rack and roll bars, was shipped out of the Mazda Center of Excellence facility in Cabuyao, Laguna.

“With all the challenges and threats that the Palawan Pangolin is currently facing, it is only fitting that Mazda Philippines sends over its Christmas gift for the pangolins so that we can help stop the trafficking and contribute to their protection and preservation,” said Mazda Philippines president and CEO, Steven Tan.

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Committed

“We are committed to support Katala Foundation’s activities as it pursues the conservation status of one of the most endangered species in the world. It is our hope that the Katala Foundation’s use of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition will continue to call attention to the plight of this species and help save the country’s endemic wildlife and fragile ecosystem,” added Tan.

With its special introductory price of P1.4 million, the Mazda BT-50 Pangolin Edition is currently available at any of the 19 Mazda showrooms nationwide. It also comes equipped with a 7-inch Touch Screen Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capability. The Black Leather Steering Wheel and Black Leather Seats heighten its elegant functionality.

A 3.2-liter, 5-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 197hp and 470 Nm of torque, complements its impressive 800 mm water wading capability and 1,086-kilogram cargo capacity to ensure reliable performance throughout its service.

As with all Mazda vehicles, the BT-50 Pangolin Edition is infused with additional value through its Free Periodic Maintenance Service Plan for 5 Years, or up to 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Its reliability is further highlighted with Mazda’s 3-Year Vehicle Warranty.

There are 19 Mazda 3S dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila–Mazda Greenhills, Mazda Pasig, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda Makati, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Cavite, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Pulilan, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Negros, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Cagayan De Oro, Mazda Davao, Mazda Butuan and Mazda General Santos.