Home test drives and virtual chats all part of the new normal when buying a car

WITH the motoring industry implementing increased safety measures to protect customers, Mazda are raising such measures to new heights as the brand reduces travel requirements and contact for those looking to purchase a new vehicle.

In order to make the purchasing process safer and more convenient, Mazda are just one of the brands offering to bring demonstrator vehicles to your home to test drive and experience the award winning product range. The home test drive offering will be prioritised to the elderly, most at risk or less able to travel, but is open to anyone in the market for a new vehicle.

Vehicles will be thoroughly sanitised between test drives, and measures have been implemented for contactless handovers to minimise risk of possible contamination.

For the majority of customers that will still visit the showrooms, the Mazda retail network have also been reinforced with the appropriate safety and hygiene measures.

To celebrate the return to business and 202 plate change, Mazda are offering customers exclusive tailored offers to suit the needs of the customer. Offers will be available on all models and grades and will be bespoke to each individual customer to ensure everyone receives great value on their new car purchase.

On offer will be the brands CX range of SUV vehicles and newly expanded range of Mazda M Hybrid models. The latest new generation models, Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 have been joined by the refreshed Mazda2 with part electrification to lower emissions and improve fuel economy.

Mazda believe the solution to minimising automobile pollution is one of matching the appropriate technology to the most relevant fuel source. As the majority of new vehicle sales still have an internal combustion engine, Mazda engineers have not taken the focus away from traditional propulsion mechanisms. In 2019 the revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine debuted, combining the benefits of both petrol and diesel technology in one.

Paired with 24-volt lithium ion batteries, the latest Skyactiv technology allows for further CO2 emission reduction. This multi-solution approach will include a mixture of the most suitable and efficient powertrains with the introduction of the first fully-electric Mazda model in early 2021.

Along with home test drives, dealerships have been rolling out innovative new ways to cater for customers. For example, Toyota’s

new virtual showroom tools which include a range of virtual sales and browsing resources, video interaction with Toyota product experts and unaccompanied test drives. From the safety of their own homes, customers can log on to Toyota.ie to: • Watch immersive and educational product videos covering the full Toyota range

• Engage in personalised video calls and live chat with Toyota sales executives

• Complete trade in valuations and financing online

• Configure their new car to their own personal preferences using Toyota’s online tool

• Receive personalised proposals and quotes via email, along with finance approval

In terms of the all-important test drives, dealers will be providing new levels of flexibility and will offer unaccompanied test drives, which may be undertaken at the customer’s home.

The eighth-generation VW Golf GTi is due out later this year. With over 2.5 million Golfs sold over its 45-year history, the new model will come on the market priced at €46,000.