Thursday, 20 March 2008

Lifestyle Europe Supports IMI Skillmiles


Fast-growing automotive retailer, Lifestyle Europe Ltd, is pleased to support the IMI’s new SkillMiles initiative, an awards scheme that gives points to members for supporting training. The Institute for the Motor Industry’s new scheme recognises each member’s financial and time commitment in supporting industry training. There are four levels of recognition: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

Once a business or individual is registered via the scheme’s dedicated web-site at www.motor.org.uk/skillmiles, they can earn ‘SkillMiles’ points for particular activities which are then given a value by the IMI. These activities include participation on working groups or loan of equipment in addition to financial contributions in support of the scheme.

The new initiative now runs jointly with the Institute’s established 'Proud to be Professional' campaign which promotes the importance of ethical behaviour and best practice within industry, improving the sector’s reputation with consumers. The IMI is highlighting the SkillMiles scheme at its annual dinner at the Café Royal in London on March 11th and is committed to increasing apprentice numbers by 40,000 across the industry over the next five years. The Institute has reduced its apprenticeship administration charges by 40%, scrapped the £20 registration fee, leaving a single fee payable upon completion of the apprenticeship of just £30 per person. The launch of SkillMiles scheme is sure to have a positive effect on boosting the amount of apprentices joining the automotive sector.

As a non executive Director on the Main Board of the Institute of Motor Industry – Marc Matthew wanted to be amongst one of the first to support the all new SkillMiles initiative officially launched on the 1st February at Fanshaws, the IMI HQ. Marc, who is also the Executive Chairman of multi franchised dealer group Lifestyle Europe Limited, and Chairman of the Retail Automotive Alliance Limited, is a strong supporter of all initiatives supporting the industry and the recognition of staff development.

The offer made to the IMI SkillMiles scheme on behalf of Lifestyle Europe Limited instantly gains SILVER status for the next twelve months. Marc said: “It is a pleasure to help and support those who help us improve our status and the stature of our industry, in particular our team members who assist our customers everyday, following dedicated training to their specific role. The commitment from our Company to training and development is huge and often not credited by the government in recognizing all the professional development advancements we put into our team. We are extremely pleased to support the IMI SkillMiles initiative.”

Monday, 17 March 2008

Lifestyle Europe excels at the AM Awards


Lifestyle Europe Limited has recently excelled at the prestigious 'Automotive Management Awards 2008' winning not one prize but two. Marc Matthew, Chairman and Peter Isted Managing Director of multi franchised dealer Group Lifestyle Europe Ltd, were on hand to receive the 'Retailer of the Year 2008' award and the Retail Group 2008 (for up to 10 sites) award, a terrific achievement as the Company was competing against other finalists in the ‘Best Retail Group category and no fewer than 17 competitors in the ‘Retailer of the 2008’ group.

This year, the 'AM Awards 2008' were held at the ICC in Birmingham on the evening of February 27.th Around 1,300 people attended the black tie awards ceremony which was hosted by TV personality Huw Edwards. one of the most important events in the UK’s automotive retail industry calendar and entering into the AM Awards 2008 enables firms to compete against the best of the very best, which gives staff encouragement showing them that they are amongst the finest people in the business. A win helps to raise the Company’s profile and reputation with its valued customers.

Carter & Carter, the appointed AM Awards auditor, visits every Company that has entered one of the seven award categories to gain as much information as possible on performance, review them in place and see planning which went into the areas judged. The auditor will then perform a full assessment of shortlisted Companies. Their independent appraisal focuses on key aspects of the business.

Lifestyle Europe Ltd’s Chairman and Managing Director were understandably delighted at the news of company winning in two categories. Marc Matthew said “What an amazing achievement. We are both thrilled and extremely proud to have won both these awards at the Automotive Management annual ceremony 2008. Amongst outstanding competition, we were overwhelmed to have won the ‘Best Retail Dealer Group’ all the entries, but in addition to be rewarded with the ‘Retailer of the Year 2008’ was really the cherry on cake. We have accepted the awards on behalf of our team and have dedicated the honors to our people’s outstanding performance. Peter and I are incredibly proud of the way our team has served the Company, customers and indeed each other. This is an immensely proud moment in the history of Lifestyle.”

Friday, 1 February 2008

New Twingo Renaultsport Unveiled!


Renault Sport Technologies profited from the international launch of the latest R28 Formula 1 single-seater in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, today to take the wraps off Twingo Renaultsport. Renault's new, affordable, high-performance car slots into the Renaultsport range alongside its bigger sister cars, Clio and Mégane Renaultsport.

Twingo Renaultsport is a genuine hot hatch with looks to match and was designed to deliver both enjoyable roadholding and sports performance. Its efficient, balanced chassis has been mated to a fiery but flexible 133hp engine to form a package that is sure to appeal to all those who seek sporting sensations and driving pleasure during everyday motoring.

Unmistakable sporting credentials

Renault has produced an affordable high-performance car which sits alongside Clio and Mégane Renaultsport in the Renaultsport range. Twingo Renaultsport's compact proportions and incisive, assertive styling are taken from the Twingo Concept show car which was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Show. Twingo's existing lines are underpinned by a more curvaceous, athletic stance and the newcomer's sporty calling is further emphasised by its wider front and rear wings, profiled sills and rear spoiler.

Driving pleasure and sporting sensations during everyday motoring

Twingo Renaultsport is the response of Renault Sport Technologies' experts to a two-pronged challenge, namely to deliver sports performance while at the same time ensuring that the new car is easy to use on a day-to-day basis. Twingo Renaultsport’s chassis is both responsive and finely tuned to provide precise, balanced handling, while specific work on its new 133hp 1,598cc engine reveals its punchy temperament.

The public will have the opportunity to examine Twingo Renaultsport in further detail at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

To find out more and keep up to date with the latest information regarding the Twingo Renaultsport, call the Lifestyle Renault Sales team on 0844 844 6587

Monday, 14 January 2008

The all-new Mazda6 - Test Drive It Now!


Sporty refinement and total enjoyment

Dynamic, sophisticated and practical – the all-new Mazda6 Saloon raises the bar still further on what was already an award-winning car.

Let your eyes trace the smooth line from the rear of the car to the front, so that you can take in the flowing side view. Marvel at how the seamless design combines both sportiness and elegance.

It’s a totally fresh look, a result of a concerted effort to enhance each element of the Saloon’s styling. At the same time, it was important to retain and enhance the outstanding features that made the original Mazda6 so popular.

Cleverest of all, this revisited design retains the much-valued luggage space – still both roomy and easy-to-use.

Prepare to be swept away by the all-new Mazda6 Saloon.

Soul of a sports car

Even before you drive the all-new Mazda6, there’s no mistaking its athletic and sporty nature.

Look at the boldly protruding wheel arches and the short overhangs. Take in the generously curved front bumpers and bonnet, interrupted by sharp edges. A sophisticated dynamism shines through.

The sides of the body flow toward the rear in an uninterrupted and expressive series of changes. The dance of light and shadow creates a striking effect, the design elements coming together to convey vibrancy and sophistication from every angle.

Energy, elegance and refinement. Key qualities of the all-new Mazda6.

Confidently in command

Complete confidence and maximum reward. At the wheel of the all-new Mazda6, every moment is one of pure driving enjoyment.

It feels almost as if the car is an extension of yourself. When steering is this direct and accurate, every moment on the road is characterised by fun.

In fact, a very wide grin might well become a permanent fixture of your face.

Pushing the right buttons

Every detail of the controls, down to fonts, graduations, sizes and lighting for all display elements, is both aesthetically pleasing and reassuringly precise. Soft dashboard curves merge with the control panel’s metallic lustre, creating a light and dignified aesthetic.

The result? Control systems that are as fun to use as the all-new Mazda6 is to drive.

Now absorb if you can the auto-dimming rear view mirror (to avoid headlight glare); a dual-zone climate control (for driver and front passenger); electric folding mirrors; front and rear parking sensors and a next generation smart entry and start/stop system that works at the push of a button (all features depend on model).

Withstand life’s knocks

We could go into great detail about our use of the latest impact-simulation technologies. Talk at length on the all-new Mazda6’s extensive cabin reinforcements. Dwell on the optimised layout and shape of the front side members and the perimeter frame.

What you really want to know is whether, should you be involved in a collision, you and your loved ones will benefit from the highest possible levels of safety. Our answer then is simple: absolutely.

Every journey an inspiration

The design and engineering of every Mazda car is focussed towards ‘Zoom-Zoom’.

This philosophy is one that Mazda drivers intuitively recognise. Where everyday driving is a genuine pleasure, made possible by a sophisticated car that you are proud to own and with which you feel at one.

These are only words though. Drive the all-new Mazda6 to feel their meaning.

Test Drive the all-new Mazda6 now at Lifestyle Mazda by calling your nearest location:

Gatwick 0844 844 6567

Horsham 0844 826 4135

Mazda CX-7 - The Perfect Union


What do you get if you cross a Mazda sports car with an SUV?

The answer is the new Mazda CX-7. This innovative sports crossover offers a unique balance of performance and practicality, which makes it perfectly equipped for today’s demanding urban lifestyle.

You get the athletic design and 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine of a true sports car. And you also get the superior levels of space, visibility, comfort and flexibility that you’d expect of an SUV.

Sleek and assertive outside…

The athletic character is the first thing you notice. A front windshield more raked than many out-and-out sports cars. The aggressively styled lower air intake. A compact upper grille.

The front end is strong and sophisticated; the bonnet well-defined. You’ll then notice the flat roofline, an upward sweeping belt line and muscular bumpers guarding 18” wheels. At the back, the sporty theme continues with two large tailpipes and detailed round tail lights.

It all adds to the Mazda CX-7’s assertive road presence.
…sporty and stylish inside

Inside, the sports car-inspired cockpit shows the Mazda CX-7's keen sense of detail. The dashboard is pleasing and functional, set with an ergonomic and easy-to-read three-pod gauge cluster, which has red illuminated black-out meters and indirect blue ambient illumination for the centre console. Silver-finish trim frames the instruments, centre console and armrests.

Showing further sporty sophistication, the three-spoke, Mazda MX-5-inspired steering wheel and the gear knob of the six-speed manual transmission are covered in leather. The gear knob is positioned high to allow for sportier, quick-shift gear changes.

In short, this is a car to be admired – whether you’re looking in or out.

Sporty and agile

The MZR 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine delivers 260 PS of power and 380Nm of torque. With Active 4-Wheel Drive, that power is always under your control.

This is the same powertrain as our Mazda3 MPS and Mazda6 MPS sports cars. No wonder, then, that the Mazda CX-7 accelerates from 0-62mph in only 8.0 seconds. And it delivers a superior balance between refined, linear acceleration and lively, aggressive response at all speeds.

The six-speed manual transmission features a compact,  short shift design, while a wide gear ratio setting means you can really make the most of the engine’s power. Sixth gear is laid out as overdrive, which optimises fuel consumption and lowers engine noise during high speed driving on the motorway.
Confident and responsive

When accelerating, braking or cornering, you need to know that your car is perfectly under your control. The Mazda CX-7 gives you that kind of confidence.

The four-wheel ventilated disc brake system forms the basis for the anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake assist (EBA), traction control system (TCS) and dynamic stability control (DSC), which are standard equipment.

All these technologies combine with the intelligent four-wheel drive system to enhance stability during oversteer, understeer, heavy braking and sideways slip.

In other words, handling always feels stable, even at high speeds. Hydraulic power steering offers an assured, responsive drive, while the highly rigid body feels brisk, nimble and steady through corners.

Spacious and adaptable

The Mazda CX-7 adapts to the demands of modern life, with all the storage space and practical features you could wish for.
It all fits perfectly

The rear seats fold down in one easy movement to expand the spacious boot (already almost 1m long) and give you an even larger flat load space for bikes or bulky items. And it’s designed with a ‘lip’ at the upper end of the folded rear seats, so things don’t slide around so easily when you brake.

Other useful storage includes a large centre console box and two cup-holders at the front.
Handy features

One-touch power front and rear windows, 12V socket in the centre console and remote central door locking all help to make life more convenient.
Total visibility

In the Mazda CX-7, you always have a clear view of the road. With a command seating position and six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, you can ensure that you’re really in the best position.

Body-coloured power and heated exterior mirrors make it easier to see all around you, at all times, while xenon headlights with an auto light and rain sensor wiper system help out when conditions are more challenging.
Ready for anything

Whatever your lifestyle and interests, the Mazda CX-7 also fits in seamlessly with them. A wide range of optional accessories – including tow bar, roof rack with bike rack and ski/snowboard carrier – make this a car that’s always ready for adventure.

Comprehensively protected

No-one likes to think about the worst happening. With the Mazda CX-7’s exhaustive set of active and passive safety features, you really don’t have to. A finely tuned braking system, rigid body structure and excellent visibility ensure you’re in control.
Safely cocooned

Designed using the Mazda Advanced Impact energy Distribution and Absorption System, the Mazda CX-7 provides high levels of safety in the event of a collision, from any direction. High-strength steel is used where appropriate, while sub-frame connections help to absorb collision energy.

For peace of mind and protection of all passengers there are six airbags – front and side for front occupants, plus curtain airbags for all occupants. Also standard are front seat belt pre-tensioners and load-limiters, which work in conjunction with the airbag system to offer maximum protection in the event of a collision.
Stop right there

Powerful disc brakes at each wheel, with electronic Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, will swiftly bring you to a standstill. On the move Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control optimise road holding on slippery surfaces and tight bends.

Passive safety features include an energy-absorbing steering shaft, impact-absorbing front seats and a brake pedal with a mechanism to prevent rearward movement.
See the benefits

At night, Xenon headlights are easier on the eye, which helps to keep you more alert. They produce more than twice as much light as a halogen bulb, so you can see the road much more clearly. But they also use less power, freeing it up for other car functions.

When weather conditions really take a turn for the worse, automatic dusk sensing headlights and front and rear fog lamps as standard are a welcome safety aid.

Flexible enjoyment

Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing, you’ll find the Mazda CX-7 is a joy to use – every single day

When the 60:40 bench-type rear seats are up, space and comfort is such that five passengers can travel in style. As well as the sporty semi-bucket front seats, the rear seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom for three – and there’s still masses of storage space.

Leather seats with front seat heaters are standard while for the extra comfort of passengers, privacy glass is featured in the rear and rear side windows.

Meanwhile, climate control air conditioning keeps you as warm or as cool as you like, while the pollen removal filter helps avoid those summer sneezing fits.
Music to your ears

On a long journey or a short one, you don’t always want to listen to the sound of your own voice. A premium Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System, with 9 speakers including subwoofer and 6 CD autochanger, ensures that every trip can have the perfect soundtrack.

If you like your favourite playlist always close to hand, the Mazda CX-7 can be fitted with an optional iPod adaptor. And the optional Bluetooth kit gives you a safe and convenient way to tell others what a great car you’re driving. Both items are available within a wide choice of accessories.

So whether you’re into talk radio or your very latest ‘driving mix’, you’ll find that even the longest journey just flies by.

Test Drive the Mazda CX-7 now at Lifestyle Mazda by calling your nearest location:

Gatwick 0844 844 6567

Horsham 0844 826 4135

Redefined and Redesigned - The Beautiful Mazda2


The all-new Mazda2 is the supermini with the good looks and slick moves that leave others trailing in its wake.

Each new generation of ‘superminis’ is getting larger and heavier. Inevitably, this makes them slower, thirstier and less agile. The all-new Mazda2 is different. It’s lighter, making it faster, more fuel-efficient and more fun to drive.

Its stylish aerodynamic design, impressive range of standard equipment and comprehensive safety features mean it’s the obvious choice for young – or even just young-at-heart – drivers.

Even when parked, the Mazda2’s sharp contours and soft transitions give it a sense of motion. It always looks ready for action.

Mazda2 TS2 and Sport models receive stylish 15" and 16" alloy wheels respectively. The Mazda2 Sport also features the sports styling kit which takes those athletic looks even further. The kit features front sports bumper with 2 bar sports grille, front fog lights, side skirts as well as a rear roof spoiler.

Let’s go inside

The all-new Mazda2 is first and foremost a driver’s car. But that doesn’t mean your passengers should have to miss out on all the fun. Quite the contrary in fact, because they can also enjoy the smooth roadholding, comfortable ride quality and ample room to stretch out – plus plenty of space for their luggage.

There’s a high level of finish and an impressive level of detail throughout – including a three-spoke steering wheel (leather on TS2 and Sport), red-on-black stereo display, white gauges and an all-new centre console.

The high-mounted gear knob makes changing gear effortless, while audio steering controls and an AUX jack to connect for MP3 connectivity make for an easy change of mood. In short, this is the car you’ll love to be in – and be seen in.

Absolutely no compromise

The same weight-saving ‘gram strategy’ that helps Britain’s favourite sports car, the Mazda MX-5, perform so well, has been applied to the all-new Mazda2. For example, the bodyshell uses high-tensile steels that make the car quieter, extremely strong and, when combined with numerous other weightsaving measures, lightweight, at less than 1,000kg. This means that whichever lightweight Mazda2 you choose, it will perform better, sip less fuel and produce lower CO2 emissions - with 15% lower CO2 emissions versus the outgoing model.

The Mazda2 has finely tuned 1.3-litre (75ps and 86ps) and 1.5-litre (103ps) petrol engines, with an advanced common-rail turbocharged 1.4 (68ps) diesel available early next year.

It’s quick to react to your inputs – whether from the steering wheel, throttle or brake pedal – making it ideal for nipping in and out of busy city traffic, easier to park and perfect for that spur-ofthe-moment country getaway.

Fits your demanding lifestyle

The Mazda2 is a compact, five-door hatchback that is extremely space-efficient. A number of features combine to enhance the interior space, visibility and the big-car feel – like the long wheelbase despite a compact size, the incredibly short overhangs and the large glass surface area, particularly the front windscreen that extends high up onto the roof.

A generously-sized boot, with a volume of 250 litres (with 5 seats in use), should be more than enough for you needs.

The cabin is the perfect illustration of Mazda’s total attention to detail, with a host of clever and practical storage spaces, such as a glove box with an open magazine rack, ideal for keeping road atlases or other reading materials close to hand.

Between the seats, the floor console can offer two cup holders. Also featured in the floor console is an Auxiliary jack which allows you to connect to your MP3 player. The tray behind this can hold a small bag or your MP3 player. The door pockets are designed such that they can store a 0.5-litre bottle and an A4 atlas.
An effortless drive

The all-new Mazda2 is designed to interact with you. So it doesn’t just have power steering – it has Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) that feels neither too heavy nor too light, reduces steering effort at low parking speeds and is combined with a quick steering ratio for easy manoeuvring on busy urban roads as well as providing excellent stability at high speeds.

Similarly, quick, effortless gearshifts are easy thanks to the high-mounted short-throw gear lever and the front seats aren’t merely adjustable – they offer best-in-class adjustability, so you can find the perfect driving position.

And you can enjoy the extra convenience of auto lights, rain sensing wipers, cruise control and a speed alarm in the Sport plus electric folding mirrors and steering wheel-mounted remote audio controls in the TS2 and Sport.

Safer for all – officially:

Euro NCAP has awarded the all-new Mazda five-stars for adult occupant protection – the highest possible ranking. The car also received four stars for child protection and two stars for pedestrian protection.

It confirms the all-new Mazda2 as one of the safest superminis on the road.

Passive safety is based on the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System, which disperses impact energy. As well as the crash-resistant passenger cell, there are driver and front passenger airbags on the TS models, while TS2 and Sport models add side and curtain airbags to make a total of six.

For the little ones in your life, Mazda2 also features two ISOFIX anchors in the rear seats.
Enjoy with confidence

For maximum driving pleasure, it helps to know that your wellbeing is taken care of. That’s why the all-new Mazda2 offers a comprehensive range of safety features.

For a start, the lowering of both the belt line and the side mirrors means increased visibility, diagonally to the front and down. This ensures safer driving on narrow roads and when turning at junctions, where pedestrians could cross the road.

The speed sensing power-assisted steering system helps you to react quickly to changing circumstances. Active safety measures include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are standard on all Mazda2 models.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on Sport and optional on TS and TS2 models.
Calmly walk away

With a car this special, you also want peace of mind when you’re not driving. So a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser is standard for all models.
The ultimate package

On the top-of-the-range Mazda2 Sport, the standard equipment includes fog lights, rain sensing wipers and auto lights. Especially useful when it’s not summer in the city…

The easy choice

The all-new Mazda2 has a roomy interior and this is thanks to its clever design and the relatively long wheelbase of 2.49 metres.

It translates to headroom and shoulder room – both front and rear – that is among the best in class. And there is plenty of space for passengers to stretch out, with 883 mm of rear legroom.

Journeys can be as loud or as quiet as you like. Take your personal soundtracks on the road with you, using the CD stereo and its Auxiliary jack for your MP3 player. Depending on the model you choose, there are two, four or six speakers to blast your music out of.
Total convenience

Whichever equipment level you choose – TS, TS2 or Sport – a pleasurable driving experience is assured. The level of finish and an attention to detail is bound to impress.

All models feature front electric windows (Sport model features front and rear), plus there are extra luxuries like air conditioning in the TS2 and climate control air conditioning in the Sport models. For those long motorway journeys, cruise control is standard on the sport to help you control your speed.

In other words, the all-new Mazda2 is designed for you to sit back, have fun and completely enjoy the ride.

Test Drive It now at Lifestyle Mazda by calling your nearest location:

Gatwick 0844 844 6567

Horsham 0844 826 4135

Friday, 4 January 2008

Mazda5 - Surprisingly More Stimulating!


The facelift Mazda5 is even more family friendly with enhanced comfort, convenience and safety, combined with lower driving costs.

As a family vehicle, The Mazda5 is the only MAV in the C-segment with two sliding rear doors, each with an impressive door opening width of 700 mm, which allows you to enter the vehicle with a baby in your arms.

And The Mazda5 facelift takes this traditional Mazda5 convenience even further by introducing optional new power sliding rear doors that open and close in less than five seconds and stop automatically if obstructed. They are operated by a button from the driver’s seat, by the door handles or by the remote control key, which is especially convenient for families with small children.

Not only is the Mazda5 facelift more convenient to use, it is also more fun to drive.

Mazda5's MRZ 2.0-litre petrol engine has been completely revised and now has electric throttle and sequential valve timing (S-VT), which makes maximum torque available at a much lower engine speed than before for quick engine response in every gear.

Two newly-introduced transmissions enhance the lively and agile character of this engine: a six-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional five-speed automatic – a first for the Mazda5 line-up. Yet despite its fun-to-drive nature, the new MZR 2.0-litre uses 4 percent less fuel than the outgoing 2.0-litre, which means lower operating costs on a daily basis.

2008 Mazda5 facelift retains its predecessor’s uniquely communicative interior with Karakuri seat and storage flexibility, and adds new navigation and audio systems for even more fun and convenience.

2008 Mazda5 facelift has a new DVD navigation system with a new 7-inch multifunctional touch screen now integrated into the centre panel, which makes it easier to read and use. And the system allows you to use Mazda5’s rear-view camera for stress-free parking.

To arrange a Test Drive please call our Mazda Sales Teams now!

Lifestyle Mazda Gatwick - 0844 844 6567

Lifestyle Mazda Horsham - 0844 826 4135