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2013 Mazda MX-5 pricing and specifications

MAZDA MX-5
By Alborz Fallah
FIND DEALS

The NC3 2013 Mazda MX-5 as officially launched with prices starting from $47,280 for the hardtop rear-wheel drive roadster.

The update to the third-generation Mazda MX-5, a car which launched in 2006, comes as the last iteration before an all-new fourth-generation MX-5 makes its debut in 2014. It also confirms a hardtop-only strategy as Mazda officially drops the soft-top variant which accounted for under three percent of sales.

Having been on the market for over six years, the second facelift to the third-generation Mazda perfects the model’s overall appearance and engineering characteristics.

On the whole, the two-seater roadster has remained relatively unchanged but a number of minor changes come together to make this release the most refined Mazda MX-5 to date.

Mazda has changed the front bumper for a more aggressive design, deepened the grille by 47mm and reduced its thickness from 2.3mm to 1.9mm (for a weight reduction of 0.4kg).

Other minor exterior changes include the repositioning of the front license plate bracket on the modified front bumper – now also featuring more flare for better aerodynamics – and a newly designed set of 17-inch alloy wheels for the Roadster Coupe models.

The Japanese company has also replaced its “metropolitan grey” colour with a new “dolphin grey”.

On the inside the Mazda MX-5 remains largely unchanged, but does away with the dark silver decoration and aluminium finish on the steering wheel bezel for a more classy glossy dark grey shine.

The roadster still makes use of a relatively basic stereo system that lacks Bluetooth connectivity and an option for satellite navigation.

While the changes may be subtle on the outside, Japanese engineers have worked on what’s beneath the surface to improve on the MX-5’s already excellent driving dynamics.

Mazda has focused its efforts on cornering ability, particularly looking to refine the transition of G forces in and out of a corner.

To do that, the company has redesigned the accelerator pedal control system for a more responsive feel and more linear acceleration – only for manual transmission models.

The brake system has also undergone minor work, with a revised vacuum brake booster that Mazda says will help stablise the MX-5 between decelerating before a corner and transitioning to the accelerator.

The MX-5’s powerplant remains the staple 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, pumping out 118kW of power and 188Nm of torque.

The MX-5 is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, with the auto ‘box reaching maximum power 300rpm faster than the manual.

Mazda has added an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE) for manual models, amplifying the “pulse sounds” generated when the throttle is opened.

The MX-5 retains its 50:50 longitudinal weight distribution. Check the photo gallery (link up the top) for more photos.

Read: 2013 Mazda MX-5 Review.

Mazda MX-5 Pricing:

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 6-sp manual transmission $47,280
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 6-sp automatic transmission $49,405
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Sports 6-sp manual transmission $49,885
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Sports 6-sp automatic transmission $52,010

Mazda MX-5 equipement level:

Roadster Coupe:

  • Power-retractable hard-top with rear window (glass) demister
  • 17 inch alloy wheels
  • Body coloured power mirrors
  • Chrome exhaust extension
  • Power windows
  • Air-conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Drilled aluminium pedals and footrest
  • Height adjustable driver’s seat
  • Leather ‘sports’ bucket seats
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob and handbrake handle
  • Seat back style bars (silver)
  • Tilt adjustable steering wheel
  • 200 watt premium Bose® amplifier and speakers
  • AM/FM tuner with 6-disc in-dash CD player (MP3 compatible) and 7 speakers
  • Auxiliary input (3.5 mm MP3 player compatible)
  • Steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches
  • Airbags SRS: front and side
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) – manual only
  • Remote central locking with retractable key
  • Seat-belts with pretensioners and load-limiters

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Sports

  • RECARO sports bucket seats
  • BBS alloy wheels

Mazda MX-5 Specifications:

Engine type 2.0 litre in-line 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT
Engine capacity 1,998 cc
Bore and stroke 87.5 x 83.1 mm
Compression ratio 10.8 : 1
Maximum power man 118 kW @ 7,000 rpm – auto 118 kW @ 6,700 rpm
Maximum torque 188 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Throttle control Electronic (drive-by-wire)
Fuel system Electronic port fuel injection
Fuel tank capacity 50 litres
Recommended fuel Premium unleaded (95 RON or higher)
Fuel consumption (man & auto) combined 8.1 litres per 100km
Brake type front: Ventilated disc- rear: Solid disc
Brake diameter front 290 mm – rear: 280 mm
Steering type Hydraulic power assist steering
Suspension front Double wishbone -rear Multi-link
Turning circle kerb to kerb 9.4 m
Tyre size 205/45 R17
Wheel type / size Alloy / 17 x 7.0 J


 

  • supercujo

    Compared to the Toyobaru 86RZ, this car seems VERY expensive for what you get.

  • Damian

    You’d think Mazda would be a little more responsive to the 86 and drop the price of the MX-5. 

    Wake up, Hiroshima – we’re no longer in the decade where MX-5 was the only affordable FR sports car…

    • Sonic

      I agree. Maybe when Toyota release the drop-top FT-86 we might see Mazda make the MX-5 more affordable.  

      • 5reasonreviews.com

        I will be surprised if the drop-top 86 is cheaper than the MX-5

        And I will also be surprised if it is anywhere near as good as the hard top

    • notatoy

      I believe they will but for the next gen. No point to do it now.

  • MisterZed

    I’m confused – if Mazda had a 6-speed automatic back in 2005 when this car came out, then why are 2012 Mazda3s still being fitted with 5-speed autos, and Mazda2s with 4-speeds? Both of those cars were released *after* the MX-5.

    • Zaccy16

      i think this is the asisin box that was in the cx7 disi turbo 2.3 in 07

      • MisterZed

        And the CX-9. Still doesn’t answer my question as to why it can’t be fitted to the 3 or 2.

        • davie

          MX5 is rear wheel drive, 3 and 2 are not.

          Completely different gearbox design required.

    • Phil

      Those cars don’t start at $47K.

  • Altezza

    Mazda made a mistake to drop their famous RX7. The MX5 not fun enough but the 3 MPS not even close enough to RX7 in everything.

    • Phil

      Yes, few cars come close to the RX7 for fuel consumption, oil consumption and engine overhauls.

  • Dave W

    Nice try Mazda, but still way too expensive. This car is under $30k in the USA. Even if the market is smaller here, I’d say around $40k is more realistic.

    • Zaccy16

      yeah high 30′s for a base model and mid 40′s for top end

    • Darryl

      Agree. The Sport is less than the Mazda 3 MPS in the UK, so $38k is what it should be, and less for the base. Mazda are clearly going for maximum profit on this one, and maximum sales with the 3.

    • MisterZed

      In the USA, a Toyota 86 costs more than an MX5.  Here in Australia the MX5 costs 15 grand more than the 86.

  • Zaccy16

    Still a motoring icon and the handling benchmark for convertibles. price is way to high though

    • 5reasonreviews.com

      Absolutely – no need to change a formula that has worked for so long

      I think it makes sense for Mazda not to drop the price for a while to see how much demand is actually affected by the 86 etc. – I think we might see a price drop in 6 to 12 months

  • CT

    Is this price in the article on the road cost? What would be the cost if you add dealer charges and on the road?

  • Unidexter Hopping

    The 86 has changed the game… Mazda, good luck selling any.

  • gt86.com.au

    i’ll take the 86 or the BRZ.. without blinking :) MAZDA needs to Wake Up!

  • Spiff

    Why is it still so gutless Mazda ?
    Hey?
    Huh?
    Answer me.
    NOW !!!!

    • Car2012

      It is extremely disappointing from Mazda that they have not improved the engine output but yet are still charging a very high price. Would be worth the cost if they put the MPS engine in it; now that would be something. Many years ago when they brought out the SP Model I thought that maybe the new series after that series would be something worthwhile, but it didn’t work out that way. I don’t think they are genuinely interested in promoting the MX-5.

    • Car2012

      Also, it is very embarassing for Mazda that a Kia Cerato has an engine that makes about the same power and more torque than the MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 may be referred to as a Sports Car but it definitely does not have a sports engine (the world has moved on). The 86/brz achieves 147kw from their 2.0 litre engine.

      • Glenn59

        Yes but with bugger all torque????

  • GIG

    Better look and worse pricing. Wake up MAZDA! It’s nearly 2013 now!

  • Kampfer

    No Bluetooth on a $50k+ on road car?!

  • Jp

    They’re simply not selling anymore. 

    Mazda Australia can hold onto the myth that the pricing is fair but the Toyota 86 and international pricing comparisons have shown them up. 

    There’s a 15-20k price differential between the Australian Mazda MX-5 and the UK and US Mazda MX-5s. Compare that to the 86 where we are about par with the UK and 5,000 more expensive than the US model. 

    Vote with your wallets. 

    • Sydlocal

       I agree, however the 86 is one of the few imported cars that is actually a similar price to what it is in the US/UK, so in reality it is the exception rather than the rule. Toyota/Subaru have been very smart with their pricing in Australia, I wish more manufacturers would do that.

      • Dave W

        Not only them. Honda also priced their new Civic here about $5000-6000 more than the US, if I’m not mistaken, and their Civic is made in the UK where the manufacturing and freight cost SHOULD be more expensive than countries like Thailand.

        Now unless Honda is selling their Civic here at a loss, I think that’s the more realistic price margin between Australia and USA.

  • Wile E Coyote

    Male gays and ladies pay too much cause its cute.
    The 86 would be too masculine for them.

    • Unidexter Hopping

      Ooooooh, you are right the 86 is too macho!

  • Golfmother

    HAHAH the 86 macho , rofl .

    • Dave W

      Styling wise, the 86 really is more macho than the MX-5… and even the Golf.

      I’m not saying the Golf is feminine looking like the MX-5 with all the soft angles and corners. No, the Golf is more, umm… for the lack of a better word, gender-neutral.

      • supercujo

        Are you looking for the word ‘Androgynous’.

        The Golf is the Jamie Lee Curtis of cars, not really sure if woman or man

        • Dave W

          That’s a bit unfair to Jamie Lee Curtis I think. Seen her in True Lies? From the neck down, she’s ALL WOMAN… and then some. There’s no mistaking her for a man. Too bad about her rather handsome face and her choice of short hair.

  • Julia

    Tony Abbott needs to apologise for that comment.