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10/04/2011
REVIEW By DEREK OGDEN
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The introduction of the Mazda MX-5 was one of the most important automotive events of the late 20th century. Because it reintroduced a type of vehicle that many thought had gone forever. The open-top convertible looked as though it had disappeared from our roads due to ever-increasing safety requirements. But the guys at Mazda showed it could be done.
The MX-5, an affordable rear-drive, two-seat roadster, hit the road running in 1989, sprinting into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's best-selling soft top open two-seat sports car. Through three generations little changed.
Now, a few concessions to the 21st century have seen the MX-5 expand its range from a single six-speed manual soft-top to a six-speed Activematic with paddle shift in Touring and Roadster Coupe variants, the latter also gaining an electric folding metal roof, while the top-dog Roadster Coupe Sports, in addition, takes on Recaro sports seats and BBS alloy wheels.
The Soft Top Leather anchors the price list at $44,265, while the hard top Roadster Coupe (the test car) slots in at $47,200 and the Coupe Sports tops out the range at $49,805. All are manufacturer’s list prices, with on-roads to be added.
Over the years the MX-5 has taken on a more aggressive look. The body has beefed up, with the latest model, up front, exhibiting the signature Mazda ‘gaping gob’ grille and new headlamp and fog light set-up.
The design studio sculptors have had their way, shaping new side sills with garnishes to improve aerodynamics. A revised rear bumper is now more integrated into the body and new rear lamps take on a more aerodynamic shape, while the Roadster Coupe has added detail to set it apart.
The coupe hardtop takes only 12 seconds to put down (or up). Unlike others of the ilk, the metal retractable roof, when down, is stored in its own slot behind the passenger cabin and does not intrude into the boot.
The top and folding mechanism weigh only 37 kg, ensuring the same optimum 50:50 weight distribution and the same 150 litres of boot space as the soft top.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has been reworked for improved performance, putting out 118 kW at 7000 rpm (up from 6700 rpm) and 188 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. It now revs to 7500 rpm adding to acceleration capability, while a limited-slip differential keeps its feet firmly on the ground.
Passive safety comes from front and side airbags and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, while active safety is in the hands of an ABS anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control and limited-slip differential (LSD). Body rigidity has also been improved.
Settling into the snug fitting leather sports bucket seats with silver style bars is to sense the traditional spirit of the roadster – clean, simple lines conjured up from quality materials. Also wrapped in leather are the tilt adjustable steering wheel, gear shift knob and handbrake handle. Drilled aluminium pedals and footrest complete the picture.
Tradition is the name of the game, with instrument dials positioned as they always have been. They are easy to read with graphics better spaced and the tripmeter/odometer now a red backlit LCD.
A 200-watt premium Bose audio system includes AM/FM tuner with six-disc in-dash CD player (MP3 compatible) and seven speakers, plus auxiliary input (3.5 mm MP3 player compatible) can be operated via steering wheel-mounted controls, as can the cruise control.
A soft pad has been added to the lid of the centre console’s storage box and to the armrests to improve driving comfort.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor plays all the right notes. As modern transmissions go, the six-speed manual is a bit rough around the edges but not annoyingly so if you keep your wits about you.
Mazda says insulation has been improved but with the top up there’s a cacophony of exterior noise intruding into the passenger cabin on some course road surfaces. On the other hand, it allows the engineered enhanced engine note to add an extra sporty feel to the driving experience, which is not hard to live with.
Almost constant rain meant that there was little opportunity for top-down motoring. Just enough to whet the appetite for more.
The True Red body colour was the perfect match for the test car’s character – a true sporty compact roadster of the old school with many of today’s automotive advantages.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
Soft top Leather, $44,265; hard top Roadster Coupe (test car), $47,200; Coupe Sports, $49,805 (manufacturer’s list prices).
MAZDA MX-5 ROADSTER COUPE
ENGINE:
Type: 2.0-litre
Cylinders: Four
Displacement: 1998 cc
Bore x stroke: 87.5 mm x 83.1 mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel system: Multi-point electronic injection
Fuel: Premium unleaded (min. 95 RON )
Maximum power (manual): 118 kW @ 7000 rpm
Maximum torque: 188 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4020 mm
Overall width: 1720 mm
Overall height: 1255 mm
Wheelbase: 2330 mm
Track width, front/rear: 1490 mm/1495 mm
Kerb weight: 1167 kg
Boot capacity: 150 litres
Tank capacity: 50 litres
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 218 km/h.
Fuel consumption, combined cycle: 8.1 litres/100km.
Emissions: 192g/km CO2.
RUNNING GEAR
Front: Double wishbone.
Rear: Multi-link
Brakes: Ventilated discs, front; Solid discs, rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution and Brake Assist.
Steering: Hydraulic power assisted
Turning circle: 9.4m
Wheels: Alloy, 17 x 7.0 J
Tyres: 205/45 R17 84W |
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