Tag: MX5

Mazda Australia really wants you to buy the all-new fourth-generation MX-5. We know this because they’ve slashed over $15,000 from the price of the entry-level model.

The ND Mazda MX-5 will be in local showrooms from August and is priced from $31,990 plus on road costs.

The base model Roadster will feature a 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine producing a modest 96kW/150Nm. Let’s face it, this won’t be a quick car, but outright speed has never been the MX-5’s strength.

It’s what you don’t get with an MX-5 that helps to make it a special driving experience and that’s weight, or lack of it. The new MX-5 will weigh in at a miserly 1009kg, almost 100kg less than the previous NC model.

For those who do want more power a 2.0 litre model will be added to the range later in the year.

The fourth generation ND Mazda MX-5 will be revealed with a special worldwide launch later today (well, early tomorrow morning for us Australians) and while renderings come and go, this one has a bit more behind it.

It was first posted to the miata.net forum’s California section on Monday by a user called sethofdeath with the words “2016 Mazda MX-5”. Some cyber sleuthing by forum members came up with the conclusion that the image was submitted by Seth Elson, currently a Production/Accessory Engineer with Mazda North Americam Operations. And where is the US launch taking place? Monterey, California. Hmm, makes you think, doesn’t it.

Moreover, the general shape tends to match that of a spy video captured early last month (see below). And while we think the Kodo-inspired rendering by Theophilus Chin is much nicer this rendering isn’t half bad, even if it does have a very BMW Z4-like rear end.

We’ll have the answer for you tomorrow morning.

[Source: miata.net]

Mazda Australia brings word the facelifted MX-5 is now available for order, with the first local deliveries expect in late Spring.

In addition to the cosmetic changes you can see here, Mazda has also fiddled with the throttle mapping and brake booster. They say that results in sharper throttle response and enhanced braking feel.

Mazda Australia’s national marketing manager, Alastair Doak, said: “The MX-5 is an iconic car that just got better. The MX-5 is the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster and these latest design and dynamic upgrades should see it remain firmly on the shopping lists of buyers looking for fun, open-top driving.”

Mazda Europe has announced they will have the upgraded MX-5 on sale in the coming months and given us a good preview of the latest (NC3) facelift at the same time.

There’s not a lot of detail go on at this stage and only three photos. Apparently the restyled front is “more aggressive-looking and contributes to optimal aerodynamic performance.”

Elsewhere the throttle response on models with a manual transmission has been improved, so too has the braking feel on corner entry. All part of Mazda’s Jinba Ittai “one-with-the-car” philosophy.

Pedestrians will appreciate the active bonnet and shapely front bumper treatment, both designed to make car–pedestrian accidents more comfortable experience for the pedestrians.

There’s no word from Mazda Australia on the new facelift just yet, but with the NC3 already rolling down the production line we expect it won’t be too long before we seeing them on our roads.

The leaks keep on coming, this time it’s the third iteration of the NC Mazda MX-5, shown here via images from a Japanese product brochure. First released in 2005 the current model MX-5 received a makeover in 2008, which we think looks like being the most successful from a visual point of view.

This new version of the MX-5 has the extra burden of carrying Mazda’s sports car range, following the recent demise of the RX-8. The styling tweaks to the front are the most obvious, noting the reworked fog-light/brake duct openings and the revised front grille.

Under the skin, the new MX-5 will feature an active bonnet designed to limit injuries sustained by pedestrians in the event of car–pedestrian contact.

[Source: Carscoop]