Mazda MX-5 manual review
Before me was the latest embodiment of the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car. Nearly a million people bought an MX-5, captivated by the promise of wind-fast, classic-style driving.
So the weight of expectation for this little red roadster is enormous. Metal, it looks good and is really up to the task. The new paradigm is supposed to steer things back on track. It’s 100kg lighter than it used to be and the suggestions are the cheapest version can make under $ 40,000, which is very bad compared to the current price tag going up to $ 50,000.
But that doesn’t make sense if the new Mazda can’t steer it on a winding mountain road. Thankfully, the new MX-5 is a great car to drive.
After driving a search through the Barcelona suburbs, we can report that it is evolving in all aspects, with increased benefits in terms of dynamics, performance, functionality, specification, technology and quality.
Part of the secret to improving its traction is the free use of aluminum in the suspension and bodywork structural components, as well as the incorporation of other composite materials into the structure.
Classic mountain road is where this car comes in with precise (electric) steering.
However, some things never change. The software roof is still manual and has a central pin for simplicity. The cabin is smaller than before but has more capacity and more headroom thanks to the lower seat and a nicer design.
However, the dash is tough in addition to cladding “leather” for the lower part. Inside it feels and looks like an upgraded MX-5 but now there’s a large tacho wheel mounted in the center while the wheel gives more rider legroom.
You sit closer to the passenger because it is the designer’s desire to gather mass for optimal handling. We drove the 1.5 manual and must say we were skeptical of its potential.
The engine is based on the Mazda3 unit in the Japanese domestic market – also in the new Mazda2, but has been modified. They reworked the engine and computer driven camshafts as well as installed a better quality steel crankshaft to allow for a red line of 7500 rpm.
The exhaust has equally long ends and a crafted “note”, with a stirring bump on the throttle as it runs. The 2.0-liter engine is also absent from the Mazda3 with similar upgrades to the 1.5-liter engine.
Although rated at just 96kW, the 1.5 has a lot of performance and offers a tough ride. And in the right environment, it does nothing for more powerful (and expensive) cars.
It’s a matching car with the legendary MX-5.
Classic mountain roads are where this car comes in with precise (electric) steering, a supple yet well-controlled ride, super stiff chassis, strong brakes and vibrant engine performance, all both are combined into an attractive package.
Speaking of which, we’ll rate the new MX-5 as the best-looking model among them, especially around the front that boasts LED headlights, raised guard, short overhangs, and The sharp creases on the metal plate give a look that is no different from any other vehicle on the road.
Is there a relationship? It needs adjustments to lumbar support and we think the hard dash is a step in the wrong direction even though they use double row red stitching to accentuate the interior. But besides that, it’s a car that shows fairness to the legendary MX-5.
And there’s one more good news: pricing. There are suggestions that the new model could cost as little as $ 36,000 for the new 1.5-liter version. That’s if Mazda’s Australian chief executive, Martin Benders, makes his way.
“We will step up our case in head office negotiations and are aiming to get the new MX-5 at the most competitive price possible,” he said at the official press conference. “It all depends on the number, how many we think we can sell, and at that point it’s a tough call,” added Mr. Benders.
Four versions will be available with a choice of 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and six-speed manual gearbox developed and produced by Mazda itself or the optimized six-speed “SkyActive” automatic. chemical efficiency.
SkyActiv technology is used in both engines, operating on an exceptionally high compression ratio and with minimized internal friction to use less fuel and generate less emissions.
While the 1.5 engine is good for 96kW / 150Nm, the 2.0 liter engine will hit around 125kW / 200Nm. This is followed by an increase from the current 2.0-liter, rated at 118kW / 188Nm.
And there’s one more good news: pricing.
This car has been around for almost a decade, with the global financial crisis six years ago delaying the development of this fourth-generation car.
Is there a relationship? It needs adjustments to lumbar support and we think the hard dash is a step in the wrong direction even though they use double row red stitching to accentuate the interior. But besides that, it’s a car that shows fairness to the legendary MX-5.
And there’s one more good news: pricing. There are suggestions that the new model could cost as little as $ 36,000 for the new 1.5-liter version. That’s if Mazda’s Australian chief executive, Martin Benders, makes his way.
“We will step up our case in head office negotiations and are aiming to get the new MX-5 at the most competitive price possible,” he said at the official press conference. “It all depends on the number, how many we think we can sell, and at that point it’s a tough call,” added Mr. Benders.
Four versions will be available with a choice of 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and six-speed manual gearbox developed and produced by Mazda itself or the optimized six-speed “SkyActive” automatic. chemical efficiency.
SkyActiv technology is used in both engines, operating on an exceptionally high compression ratio and with minimized internal friction to use less fuel and generate less emissions.
While the 1.5 engine is good for 96kW / 150Nm, the 2.0 liter engine will hit around 125kW / 200Nm. This is followed by an increase from the current 2.0-liter, rated at 118kW / 188Nm.
And there’s one more good news: pricing.
This car has been around for almost a decade, with the global financial crisis six years ago delaying the development of this fourth-generation car.
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