New Mazda MX5

[Wretched]

MAZDA dropped the covers on a lightweight fourth-generation MX-5 roadster in Monterey, California today, hinting at a likely $10,000 price cut, but also a lengthy wait for Aussie buyers.

It will be late 2015 before the "feline design" two-seater arrives in Australia, with pricing expected to start at around $37,000 – a full $10K below the current model.

In what amounts to a hard reboot of the MX-5 concept, the million-selling sports car goes back to its roots, with more than 100 kilograms cut from the current third-gen model, launched in 2005.

Safety regulations and added equipment produced a successively expanding waistline that bloated the original 1989 from a humble 940kg to 1130kg over the course of 25 years.

The new model is the automotive equivalent of The Biggest Loser. And low weight is the key to performance, handling and braking.

Obsessive weight reduction, known in Mazda-speak as Gram Strategy, has trimmed the 100-plus kilos while meeting even tighter safety and emissions laws and adding much needed connectivity to the cabin for the first time.

Extensive use of lightweight alloys (bonnet, boot, front guards and both bumper reinforcements) and a reduction in wheel size and tyre footprint contributed to the slim down.

The signature 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, however, is maintained.

Every roadster gets a 7-inch tablet style screen – to be called Mazda Connect in most markets – with full sat-nav and a suite of on-board novelties, USB ports and a proximity key, all housed in a California-designed interior that ups the luxe ratio with soft-touch surfaces, detail stitching and no faux fibre.

The two-time Wheels Car of The Year winner (the 1989 and 2005 models) is radically re-proportioned, with the key dash-to-axle dimension lengthened. The driver has been moved back and down, the front wheels pushed forward and the rear overhang shortened. And the hip point, one of the most vital dimensions in a sports car, is lower as well.

The new model sits closer to the ground, with the likely direct-injection 2.0-litre atmo petrol powerplant also lower in the engine bay and mounted longitudinally.

It is matched to new six-speed manual and auto transmissions.

Mazda isn't quoting exact numbers, but the centre of gravity and yaw moment of the car are both said to be reduced. So is the cowl height, with slimmer A-pillars making for better forward vision.

Overall, the 2015 model is 105mm shorter but slightly wider and lower, yet feels bigger inside with the signature high transmission tunnel topped off with the short-throw manual (at least on the show model).

The longer dash-to-axle dimension and pushing the front wheels forward results in a slightly shorter wheelbase – 2315mm vs 2330mm for the current car.

In the metal, the new model looks planted, sucked to the ground with high front guards and a noticeably lower bonnet, tiny cat-eye LED headlights and tucked-in tight rear end.

There's a noticeable dip down to the doors from the side view and cat-like haunches.

The soft-top roof can be operated while remaining easily seated, Mazda claims.

A wind-blocker means the rushing breeze won't mess up the 'do, although that might be heresy to purist wind-in-the-hair drivers. The good news it folds away. Just like the cupholders.

Yes, cupholders in a sports car. These at least detach and can be stored in the boot if serious punting is afoot.

One more thing that speaks volumes (pardon the pun) is the addition of headrest speakers "to enhance driving enjoyment with the top down".

http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/news/1409/2015-mazda-mx-5/

[Franco Cozzo]

Is this car still relevant in this day and age with all its competitors out there like the 86, 370Z etc?

It hasn't had any sort of power increase in years.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Is this car still relevant in this day and age with all its competitors out there like the 86, 370Z etc?

It hasn't had any sort of power increase in years.

And they still sell heaps globally.

Its also not a fixed coupe so yes its relevant for those who want some fun. Its a great little car.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Is this car still relevant in this day and age with all its competitors out there like the 86, 370Z etc?

It hasn't had any sort of power increase in years.

The MX5 has a long history and I'm sure there will be a long line of buyers waiting for this to be released

First thing I saw was the 86 in the front end styling. If this starts at $37k it will be a cracker of a car to buy.

The 370 is a different beast - larger, more powerful and around $20k more.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Is this car still relevant in this day and age with all its competitors out there like the 86, 370Z etc?

It hasn't had any sort of power increase in years.

Buyers don't, generally, care about power. Oh a few might. But hardly enough to warrant big spending by companies on changes that, given todays increasingly policed roads, aren't needed anymore, sorry.

A taught chassis and fun handling is what sells. 0-100? Quarter mile times? Irrelevant and meaningless in a road car.

The MX5 has always been built to a very very successful formula...two doors, two seats, RWD, front engined, light weight, adequate power, fun to drive. More makers could take a lesson from them...

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

A taught chassis and fun handling is what sells. 0-100? Quarter mile times? Irrelevant and meaningless in a road car.

I guess thats why we're seeing the rise of the hot hatch

I'm calling it, I reckon it won't sell much at all.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I'm calling it, I reckon it won't sell much at all.

Will it sell better or worse than the mustang convertible?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Will it sell better or worse than the mustang convertible?

$5 and you recieve your answer from my crystal ball, line up line up see the amazing crystal ball

[DBourne]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Is this car still relevant in this day and age with all its competitors out there like the 86, 370Z etc?

It hasn't had any sort of power increase in years.

Drive one, and see for yourself.

They are a BRILLIANT car to drive, and if I had the cash to trade in to a 2009ish model, I'd do it in a heart beat.

[DFB FGXR6]

I like the MX-5 however I can understand it will not appeal to everyone.

What makes the MX-5 relevant and the reason why its been so popular for 25 years now, is that it has had no direct competitor for all of that time.

What other company produces a (relatively) affordable 2 seater roadster with RWD. Even though the S2000 was similar in concept, it was in another price bracket. The MG TF was awful. And other convertibles are based off hatches/sedans that are more cruisers and lack driver appeal.

The GT86 and 200SX followed a similar simple, RWD formula, but of course they are coupe's.

The new MX-5 will sell well whilst it has no competitors for that style of vehicle.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Is this car still relevant in this day and age with all its competitors out there like the 86, 370Z etc?

It hasn't had any sort of power increase in years.

Kind of like asking is the golf gti still relevant..

This car has been the benchmark since 89.

The 86 has been around for five minutes

[Mighty Reds]

If you replace the Mazda badge with a Honda one this could be a new S2000.
I don't why but too me it looks more like a modern interpretation of the Honda than an MX5, not that's a bad thing.

[Franco Cozzo]

^ I doubt it would have the same power levels as the S2000 though, they are pretty special cars.

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

The MX5 has a long history and I'm sure there will be a long line of buyers waiting for this to be released

First thing I saw was the 86 in the front end styling. If this starts at $37k it will be a cracker of a car to buy.

The 370 is a different beast - larger, more powerful and around $20k more.

My cousin has a mint condition 1996 MX-5, he had the engine rebuilt and stroked, its alright but I don't really see the appeal with it compared to the other cars in the same category as this thing.

I imagine at $37K its probably going to score an engine from the Mazda 3 or something similar, its too cheap to have anything decent under the hood.

[Falcon Coupe]

The previous model has a cult following. They finally have a reason to upgrade.

[Wretched]

Abarth will be supplying the engine, unknown as to which engine it will be but could be from the 695 series of Abarths.

[Mighty Reds]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Abarth will be supplying the engine, unknown as to which engine it will be but could be from the 695 series of Abarths.

Will Fiat be doing their own version of the MX5?.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Mighty Reds

Will Fiat be doing their own version of the MX5?.

My understanding is yet but it won't be Alfa anymore. Abarth has taken over the project within the FIAT family, Alfa has been tasked with bigger cars.

[Polyal]

Im more excited about the possibility of a RWD Alfa again! Hopefully they do a coupe and not just a convertible.

[Xauterus]

They lost a lot of weight with the new model. I think the price will be around 47,000.

[naddis01]

It looks a bit 💩 in my opinion especially from the back.

[Vesper Martini]

The original was only a 1500cc, this should be quicker than the current model just by weight loss alone.

Put it this way the targeted buyers will think its fast enough

[Alan D Segal]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Put it this way the targeted buyers will think its fast enough

Yeah it'll get them to their next latte or handbag shop just as quick as almost any other car.

[Big_Daz]

I guess the main car people would shop the new MX5 against would be the 86/BRZ crew which are, just like the MX-5, not particularly quick in a straight line but great in the bends...
I really like the looks of the new MX-5.. would never buy one as too small for my large frame and I would need a car with more grunt.. though all the MX-5 tragics I know are already talking to dealers about placing orders...

[Polyal]

If you blokes think that driving fun only comes in a Falcon flavor then your missing out big time.

[Bossxr8]

I know they want to keep to a light weight, but 16 inch wheels in this day and age is lame. Would look so much better with a real lightweight set of at least 18's.

Not sure on the puffer fish face either.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I know they want to keep to a light weight, but 16 inch wheels in this day and age is lame. Would look so much better with a real lightweight set of at least 18's.

Not sure on the puffer fish face either.

i am agreeing with Mazda - 16 inch wheels are more than enough for a car of that size and weight. Other manufacturers have succumbed to fashion before performance and fit ridiculous size wheels on their cars .

[mik]

i agree BossXR8, the front does look a bit weird, i couldnt handle looking at that every day, no doubt it will be good to drive, but it looks like a hair dressers car, i would rather the 86 any day of the week.

[Alan D Segal]

Hard choice - a hairdresser's coupe or a hairdresser's convertible?

[MethodX]

Is the MX5 still the gay icon car?

Looks like an impressive thing spec wise, hopefully abarth can do a better version.

[Wretched]

A good egg, then?

Completely. The MX-5 is a simple car, but the simple stuff has been done really well. It hasn't been overcomplicated with active-this and electronic-that. It's a great little mover, one that enjoys being thrashed and always has a spring in its step.

With many European cars you get the sense that the marketing men identified a niche, and the engineers had to build something to fit it. The new MX-5, however, does what it's always done, but does it better, I think, than ever. It's got the design, engine and handling chops that have been absent as a package for a couple of generations.

So why have other car makers abandoned the small roadster market?

Who knows? Maybe they don't think they can better the MX-5, a car which, let's not forget, has now sold almost a million examples.

More likely it doesn't fit their marketing strategy, and it would be too expensive to develop a compact rear-drive chassis. Shame.

I'm just glad the MX-5 exists. The world deserves a small roadster as good as this. It brightens things up, and we all need a bit of that in our lives.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/m...ive-2015-01-30