Mazda MX-5

  joie de vivre

One of the most successful and sought-after roadsters in the world, the Mazda MX-5, is again available in South Africa as a permanent model in the Mazda line-up. Offering classic design, understated style and elegance, it is set to appeal to motorists who love open-top, exhilarating motoring.

The latest Mazda MX-5 comes with an impeccable pedigree. The original MX-5, a classic roadster designed with oneness between car and driver as the sole focus, was a runaway success. Nearly 600 000 MX-5 roadsters have been sold since the first model was introduced in 1989, earning the vehicle a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the top-selling roadster. 

Owners of the MX-5 are truly passionate about their cars. As testament of this, there are more than 240 active MX-5 fan clubs throughout the world, testimony to the loyalty and passion that the vehicle delivers. It is stylish, insightful and spirited, and brings together distinctive design, exceptional functionality, responsive handling and superb performance in an affordable and accessible package.

Air-conditioning, power steering, power windows (one-touch auto down), power mirrors, a two-speaker, radio/CD sound system, central locking, power doorlocks  and remote releases for the fuel filler cap and the boot lid  are all standard features. Recent developments in automotive technology have allowed Mazda to improve the engine, strengthen the body and fine-tune the suspension.

 The heart of the latest MX-5 is a 1.8-litre DOHC, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine with a Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) mechanism mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The S-VT mechanism features a continuous phase variable valve timing, which provides responsive engine performance from low to high engine speeds.

Peak power is 107 kW at 7 000 r/min and 168 Nm of torque at 5 000 r/min.

The MX-5 features a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that supplies maximum power to the left and right wheels independently reducing wheel spin.

 Mazda’s unique Power Plant Frame (PPF) locks the entire power train – including the differential – into a single rigid unit, ensuring instantaneous and immediate throttle response. All the engine’s torque is delivered directly to the wheels and this makes shifting up through the gears an even more satisfying and exhilarating experience.

Top speed is rated as 208 km/h, while the 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 8.4 seconds.

To cope with the higher power output, the use of Mazda’s Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS).

 Added bodystiffness is provided by the removable hard top, which not only transforms the MX-5 into a racy sports coupé when in place, but also increases rigidity. Without the hard top, driver and passenger are protected from the elements by a stylish, manually operated soft top that features a tempered glass rear window with integrated demister.

In addition to improving active safety through the use of ABS with EBD, passive safety enhancements include an SRS airbag system for both the driver and passenger, and a three-point inertia reel seatbelt system with pretensioners and load limiters. Subtle enhancements to MX-5’s already distinctive styling have transformed the roadster’s design.

 The shark-nose bumper gives it a more predatory visage while still remaining true to the original styling. New headlamps and rear combination lamps, a large air intake, integrated driving lights, a distinctive power bulge in the bonnet and new 16-inch round-rim aluminium wheels combine to form a muscularity that was less evident in the previous model.

Inside, new leather-covered, high-back bucket seats, a new centre console, white dials with red illumination and chrome-plated rims for the speedometer and tachometer as well as a tasteful Nardi steering wheel and gear knob complement the MX-5’s visual and dynamic promise. Detail improvements to the interior include the addition of cup holders and a centre console box.

The MX-5 comes with Mazda’s comprehensive three-year or 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.