WHEN Mazda unveiled the new-look 929 several years ago, the impressive styling attracted much praise. However, two areas received significant criticism: the rear passenger space and the boot capacity.
Head and leg room in the back were restricted for this class of luxury car while the shallow boot did not allow for many suitcases.
It was not what major corporations wanted for their executives and more than one large multinational in Hong Kong looked elsewhere as a result. To its credit, Mazda listened to the critics and has now responded with a luxury car that is hard to fault.
The rear seating arrangements have been substantially improved, while the boot has been enlarged by at least 20 per cent. The roof line has also been made higher and longer giving improved head room.
The luxury, leather rear seats have been designed according to the Sya-Cho philosophy , that is, as 'president' seats. This simply means they are vast, comfortable and fully adjustable.
A separate control panel in the central arm rest changes the air-con settings or the audio system; handy if your mobile phone rings and you're in the middle of a Beethoven symphony. There are also controls for the front passenger seat on the side of the back rest to allow 'the boss' to increase his already ample leg room by moving the seat forward.