2013 Mazda MX-5: minor update for best-selling roadster | CarAdvice

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2013 Mazda MX-5: minor update for best-selling roadster

MAZDA MX-5
By Jez Spinks |
FIND DEALS

The Mazda MX-5 has been given another update to give the world’s best-selling convertible sports car that is not due for a generational change until at least 2014.

The current, third-generation MX-5 has been on sale since 2005, though the latest makeover due in late Spring is not as comprehensive as the car’s 2008 update.

There are no surprises in the Mazda release after brochure images of the updated MX-5 were leaked online in July.

Design tweaks are subtle, focusing on a revised front end that includes a larger interpretation of Mazda’s five-point grille, darker headlight units, reworked foglight housings and a reprofiled chin spoiler.

The MX-5 roadster’s two-seater cabin is barely touched, with just some trim colour for part of the dash, steering wheel and instrument dial surrounds changing from silver to a glossy dark grey. Mazda has yet to release official interior pictures, though more pictures may be made available by the company’s Japan HQ later today.

Access to open-top motoring remains via a retractable hardtop roof.

There are no changes to the sports car’s 118kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, either, though Mazda says it has adjusted the throttle management software and brake booster to improve acceleration response and braking ability respectively.

Mazda is currently working on the next-generation MX-5, which will provide the basis for a rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo Spider that will go on sale in 2015.

The MX-5 remains Mazda’s sole sports car after it stopped production this year of the RX-8 four-door coupe.

 


 

  • Yetiman

    No so affordable :(

  • gt86.com.au

    Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ.
    Nuff said. the mx 5 is now completely irrelevant!

    • Force-15

      But what if you want a convertible instead of a coupe? That said I’d have the 86 out of the three cars you mentioned.

    • notatoy

      The car itself is still competitive. 37kw short on power but 100kg lighter. Handling/fun should be at least on par with the 86. The price is ridiculous though.

      • Noddy of Toyland

        I am a toy. Do you want to talk about your identity issues?

    • Sydlocal

      The 86/BRZ DOES NOT make the MX5 “irrelevant”. Overpriced, definitely; irrelevant, no. Now if the 86/BRZ was a convertible then you would have a valid argument…..

  • Ct

    News of facelift has been out for a while. Has Mazda released the price of the facelift model yet?

  • notatoy

    This is a great car. It doesn’t need anything but a price cut and a bloody big one. It is still my choice if the price is on par with the 86

  • Basil Exposition

    The 86 and BRZ pricing has killed the market for this car. Massive price cut or dire sales volumes.

  • Zaccy16

    Still a great car and true motoring icon. Hopefully they reduce the price on this update

  • PIZZA

    What they really need to update is their RRP……

  • Edward

    My girlfriend constantly talks about wanting to own a convertible, and will not settle for a cheap coupe instead. I think for a lot of people, the 86 and BRZ are not proper alternatives to a convertible. If anything, something like a second hand BMW Z4 would be a more likely alternative. You can get one for $20-30k

    • Noddy of Toyland

      Does she talk about getting a gardener or pool cleaner too eh eh eh 

  • Barfoden

    Very few changes, same engine, which is a bit dated and a bit thirsty for the given power 167hp. (22/28mpg).There is no reason is should be more expensive… no expensive development cost or large modifications to the assembly line..
    Come on mazda.. ,, $23,720 for the soft top, and 28,465 for the hard top. make it a bit more affordable.. anyways I would never buy a convertible,, but that is because i live in a country with  really crappy weather.. The US south-west should be optimal for such cars..

  • Barfoden

    Very few changes, same engine, which is a bit dated and a bit thirsty for the given power 167hp. (22/28mpg).There is no reason is should be more expensive… no expensive development cost or large modifications to the assembly line..
    Come on mazda.. ,, $23,720 for the soft top, and 28,465 for the hard top. make it a bit more affordable.. anyways I would never buy a convertible,, but that is because i live in a country with  really crappy weather.. The US south-west should be optimal for such cars..