HENDY Mazda is now just weeks away from opening the doors of its new Mazda dealership, part of the group's new site at Leigh Road in Eastleigh.

The dealership is relocating from its current site in Hiltingbury Road at Chandler's Ford as part of a £10m investment programme from the Hendy Group in state-of-the-art facilities for motorists in the south.

Hendy Mazda will also continue operating from its successful Winchester site at Winnall.

The Mazda move to the purpose-built showroom on the site of the former Manor Bakeries factory comes at one of the busiest times for new car launches for the Japanese marque.

This summer sees the launch of the Mazda CX-7, a new sports crossover vehicle and in September the new Mazda2 will arrive at Hendy Mazda.

The CX-7 has been designed to deliver sports car performance and handling but with the comfort and practicality of a sports utility vehicle.

Priced from £23,950 on the road, Hendy Mazda is already taking orders for the all-wheel drive vehicle with all models fitted with a 2.3 litre petrol engine and six- speed manual transmission.

Hot on the heels will be the launch of the new Mazda2 which Hendy says will prove an important factor in Mazda's growth in the small car sector.

At launch there will be two petrol versions available, a 1.3 litre and a more powerful 1.5 litre model with plans for a diesel option well underway.

"This is an extremely exciting time for the Hendy Group and Mazda as an expanding car company," said Hendy Group managing director Paul Hendy.

"The new showroom is set to provide the perfect backdrop to showcase the complete Mazda range alongside cars from our Kia and Ford franchises."

Hendy Group's new showroom is due to open at the end of August while a new parts warehouse is due to open in Hedge End and a bodyshop in Segensworth as part of the multi-million investment programme from the group.