Mazda has released the official Australian specifications and pricing for its new generation MX-5 Roadster which is due to hit showrooms by mid-March.
The basic concept remains true to the original, combining affordable performance with lightweight design, Jinba Ittai ‘one-with-the-car’ handling, and classic roadster looks.
The range has been divided into four models: the MX-5 Soft-top, Soft-top Touring, Roadster Coupe and flagship Roadster Coupe Sport.
Each model features the 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT engine which on the surface appears to have been carried straight over from the previous model – even boasting an identical 118kW of pear power and 188Nm.
In reality, engineers have made dozens of changes to the interior components of the engine to yield better responsiveness and a significant fuel economy improvement to just 8.1-litres per 100km and produces 192 g/km of CO2.
Maximum power is now reached at 7,000 rpm (300 rpm higher than before), and the rev-limit is now at 7,500 rpm on manual models (500 rpm higher than before) making sporty driving even more exciting.
The transmission has also been tweaked, now boasting optimised synchronisation that allows shifting gears even more quickly and smoothly than before.
The end result is zero to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds for the MX-5 Soft-top and a top speed of 218km/h for the MX-5 Roadster Coupe.
Mazda also offers a six-speed Activematic transmission which provides shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel to change gears manually with no change in power.
As arguably the best handling affordable Roadster on the market already, engineers only made subtle revisions to the chassis and suspension to ensure that the MX-5 facelift reacts even more precisely to driver commands.
Inside, drivers will be treated to a much quieter cabin – 2.7 dB quieter than the original model – thanks to stiffer door modules for less vibration at the side of the car, a reduced level of wheel resonance and additional sound-insulation materials.
The origami retractable hard top opens and closes in just 12 seconds and does not take up any more boot space when retracted. The soft-top version is even faster although does require a helping hand from the driver.
Mazda MX-5 Soft-top
- 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT engine
- 118 kW @ 7,000 rpm
- 188 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
- Six-speed manual
- Soft-top with rear window (glass) demister
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Body coloured power mirrors
- Chrome exhaust extension
- Power windows
- Air-conditioning
- Cloth ‘sports’ bucket seats
- Cruise control
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob and handbrake handle
- Seat back style bars (black)
- Tilt adjustable steering wheel
- AM/FM tuner with 6-disc in-dash CD player (MP3 compatible) and 6 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)
- Remote central locking with retractable key
- Seat-belts with pretensioners and load-limiters
Mazda MX-5 Soft-top Touring
- 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT engine
- 118 kW @ 7,000 rpm (six-speed manual)
- 118 kW @ 6,700 rpm (six-speed Activematic)
- 188 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
- Six-speed manual
- Six-speed Activematic with paddle shift (optional)
- Soft-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
- 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT engine
- 118 kW @ 7,000 rpm (six-speed manual)
- 118 kW @ 6,700 rpm (six-speed Activematic)
- 188 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
- Six-speed manual
- Six-speed Activematic with paddle shift (optional)
- 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
The ultimate Mazda MX-5 takes the already brimming Roadster Coupe and customises it with the driving enthusiast in mind. RECARO sports bucket seats and stylish BBS alloy wheels set the Roadster Coupe Sports at the pinnacle of the New Mazda MX-5 range.
New Mazda MX-5 Range
Mazda MX-5 Soft-top
6-sp manual $43,850
Mazda MX-5 Soft-top Touring
6-sp manual $45,720 6-sp Activematic $47,920
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
6-sp manual $48,755 6-sp Activematic $50,955
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe Sports
6-sp manual $51,455 6-sp Activematic $53,655
