Mazda has finally “fixed” the MX-5 sports car.
No one disputes the MX-5 is a ball of fun to drive, although some people have suggested it could do with a little more power.
Everyone to a tee however has criticised two aspects of the car, or should we say lack of them — because until now the steering wheel has lacked reach adjustment and it has not had the added safety of a reverse camera.
Both of these shortcomings have been addressed in what Mazda describes as a “major” upgrade that also sees small increases in power and torque.
“Deepening the connection between car and driver further,” says marketing director Alastair Doak, “the new Mazda MX-5 introduces telescopic steering, making it easier to find the ideal driving position.”
“Mazda MX-5’s five star ANCAP safety rating has also been bolstered, with the addition of a rear camera to all grades.”
The 2.0-litre engine has been thoroughly revised, lifting the power output from 118kW to 135kW and torque from 200Nm to 205Nm, with redline now at 7500 revs.
TRhis has been achieved through changes to the intake and exhaust systems, piston shape and weight, crankshaft and connecting rods.
The 1.5 has also been revised, with some of the same technologies applied to piston shape and combustion chambers, with power rising from 96kW to 97kW and a boost in torque from 150Nm to 152Nm.
To match the extra power under foot, manual and automatic transmissions have been revised to deliver a sharper response and more direct driving feel.
Plus, shift timing at turn-in and torque control at turn-out have been tuned for greater precision in sporty driving situations.
The standard safety package has been boosted with the addition of Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS-F) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
New-look 16-inch alloys with a black metallic finish are available for the 1.5L Roadster, while RF gets 17-inch wheels also finished in black metallic. Roadster GT and RF GT models sit on 17-inch wheels with a bright silver finish.
The detachable cup holders have been made more rigid for less wobble and easier to fasten and remove, while seat levers have thicker internal frames to give a more assured feel when operating.
There are five interior trim options for MX-5, with Mazda’s Chroma Brown nappa leather available as an option for RF GT.
New Mazda MX-5 is available in a choice of six exterior colours, including Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Ceramic Mica, Eternal Blue Mica and Jet Black Mica. RF GT variants also have the option of a black roof for an even sportier look.
Available from late September, New Mazda MX-5 has a starting price of $34,190 for the 1.5L Roadster, with the RF GT topping the range at $48,960.
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