Mazda Australia very nearly had a dream debut in the Bosch Australian Rally Championship, with Simon Evans challenging Honda's dominance of the two-wheel drive category in his newly-built Mazda2 G2 machine when he participated in the fourth round of the series, the Scouts Rally, held in suburban Adelaide, South Australia.

Evans took second place after four stages on the first day of the event, just 3.9 seconds behind his younger brother Eli, driving a Honda Jazz G2. While Simon was happy with the speed of the Mazda on its debut, he felt the car has the potential to go even quicker. “We're really happy with the car so far,” he commented. “Already we have earmarked a few areas we can improve on, but it's been a great day.” The Mazda2 G2 rally car is equipped with the MZR 2.0 engine and a wider track at the front and rear of the car.

Four-time Australian Rally Champion Simon Evans' return to the series in the new Mazda2 saw him take second in the rally despite losing time on Day 3's third special stage after becoming stuck in mud.

Two-wheel drive category winner Eli Evans, younger brother of Simon, quipped, “It was a fantastic result for the team, particularly given the fact that we were up against some fairly strong opposition this weekend - and it was particularly sweet beating Simon.

“However, we are under no illusions. Simon and the Mazda will be very quick when they sort that car out, and I think the battle for the 2013 title will be very tough indeed,” he added.