Clearly, CompleteCar's campaign to #MakeGreenGreatAgain has spread from the roads of Ireland to the boardrooms of Japan, because Mazda has just brought a stunning shade of green back to its model portfolio.
What's this new green called?
This is Zinc Green Metallic, and it's a dark green, almost muted, but with a deep metallic sparkle. It makes its debut on the MX-5, but it will, in due course, be available on all Mazda models.
What makes this paint special?
Mazda has a bit of a reputation for making paints that are slightly out of the ordinary- remember Soul Red Crystal? - and Zinc Green Metallic is no different. It's the 80th shade of green offered by Mazda in its history - remember those bright green 323 hatchbacks from the seventies? - and actually this colour takes its inspiration not from sporting prowess nor from the beauty of the countryside, but from something much more industry-based. In fact, Mazda says that Zinc Green Metallic takes its inspiration from the colour and texture of zinc chromate primer, an undercoat used to enhance the durability of industrial products. "It translates the rational functional beauty into a sense of strength expressed through colour and texture”, said Mazda.
How does it change in differing light?
Good question. According to Mazda: "In low-light conditions, its solid-like texture creates a tight, powerful impression, while in bright light, the delicate metallic sheen accentuates the body's sculptural beauty, resulting in a sophisticated and modern overall appearance. To achieve this effect, the colour formulation incorporates bluish metallic flakes, with optimised particle size and alignment to deliver a cool and refined tone.”
Indeed, Mazda went on to say that: "Zinc Green Metallic reveals a rich variety of expressions depending on the shifting light and time of day, making it a colour that complements a wide range of scenes. It enriches the moments spent with the car, adding a deeper sense of enjoyment to everyday life.”
Sounds like they've fully bought into #MakeGreenGreatAgain. Our work here is done.