Monday 14th August 2006

Mazda prices MX-5 hard-top

You'll pay more and you get more options

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Mazda UK has confirmed that prices for the new MX-5 Roadster Coupé will start from £18,210 on the road -- £1,200 more than the soft top model. Mazda hastens to point out that both air conditioning and the Option Pack are standard on the 1.8i and 2.0i Roadster Coupé models.

The cars get three powertrain options -- 1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox, 2.0i Sport with 6-speed gearbox -- and a range of options and accessories.

Mazda's pre-order Web site offers a choice of three range-topping models: 2.0i Option Pack with leather, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Sport with BOSE, in up to six colours, depending on model, for delivery from November 2006.

According to Mazda, previous Mazda pre-order Web sites have proved popular, with the Mazda RX-8 site selling 1,800 cars and the third generation Mazda MX-5 site finding buyers for all 300 of the special Launch Edition model – weeks before the official on sale date.

All Roadster Coupés feature two chamber side airbags for the head and torso as standard, integrated into the seatback sides. The upper chamber protects the occupant’s head, remains firmer and inflated longer than the lower chamber, achieving an effect similar to curtain airbags in a closed-body vehicle. The lower, smaller airbag chamber provides optimal protection for the torso. Dynamic stability control with a traction control system is also standard.

A choice of six body colours is available – including two new mica colours (Stormy Blue and Copper Red), plus one mica (Galaxy Grey), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and two solids (Brilliant Black and True Red).

The hard-top comes only with alloy not steel wheels as standard – 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (on 1.8i and 2.0i Option Pack models) and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (on 2.0i Sport models).

The car's 10mm taller than the soft top version and weighs an extra 37kg. However, according to Mazda, it still achieves an ideal 50:50 weight distribution because the roof retracts into a space behind the seats – just like the soft-top MX-5. When retracted the roof leaves the boot space untouched, does not compromise luggage capacity, and the driver or passenger can open or close the roof quickly and easily from inside the car. Security kit includes a Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser.

"Global demand for the new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is already very strong, so availability is going to be a little bit restricted this year," said marketing manager Mark Cameron. "We have several hundred cars destined for the UK, but to be sure of obtaining the model they desire, customers should visit the pre-order Web site and reserve their vehicle soon to avoid the possible disappointment of having to wait until 2007 for the car of their dreams."

Yes, but could it do with a bit more power...?

 

[GTRene]

best mx5 to date I say...I like this shape of the MX-5 hardtop think it would sell well, for me its a bit to slow though but then I'm used to faster cars then that, hope the tuners will come with a special version and lets say 100hp more in it that could do the trick but for most people this car would be just fine as standard.
GTRene

[fatbutt]

I saw it at the motor show and I thought they'd made a balls of the styling! The rear window is too vertical IMHO.

Also, surely the basic principle behind the MX5 was simplicity and low weight?! Isn't the MX5 going the way of the VW Golf and getting heavier and more complex with each incarnation. How long before Mazda bring in a lighter, simpler, baby brother, i.e. what VW did with the Lupo?

[andynormancx]

While it is definitely true to say that the MX5 has become much more complex, the issue of weigh increase isn't nearly as bad as people assume.

The first MX5 back in 1989 weighed around 990kg. The current model weighs 1080kg, an increase over 17 years of development of only 9%. Adding another 37kg for the hard top version still only takes this to 13%.

If you compare this to the Golf, which started at around 810kg and is now 1323kg or more, you get a massive 50% increase in weight.

Mazda have done a very impressive job at keeping the weight relatively under control while adding features.

I'm still happy with my lighter Mk1 MX5 though...

[matthewhaskins]

And Lotus have managed to launch the New Europa S which has a hard top, Air Con, ABS, Driver and passenger airbags, Sat Nav etc.. and all weighing in under 1000 Kg's

OK the hard top is non-removable

Edited by matthewhaskins on Monday 14th August 12:54

[Dr S]

andynormancx said:

While it is definitely true to say that the MX5 has become much more complex, the issue of weigh increase isn't nearly as bad as people assume.

The first MX5 back in 1989 weighed around 990kg. The current model weighs 1080kg, an increase over 17 years of development of only 9%. Adding another 37kg for the hard top version still only takes this to 13%.

If you compare this to the Golf, which started at around 810kg and is now 1323kg or more, you get a massive 50% increase in weight.

Mazda have done a very impressive job at keeping the weight relatively under control while adding features.

I'm still happy with my lighter Mk1 MX5 though...

Let's praise Mazda for keeping the weight in check. Don't like the folding roof, though. The extra 37kg surely will be in the wrong place. Makes it a poser's instead of a driver's car IMHO.

[hendry]

Dr S said:

Let's praise Mazda for keeping the weight in check. Don't like the folding roof, though. The extra 37kg surely will be in the wrong place. Makes it a poser's instead of a driver's car IMHO.

... unless you live in London or somewhere where a soft top will get slashed before the tyres have cooled down.

Horses for courses. For those that don't want it there is the soft-top. Now everyone's happy.

Want/like it of not, you have to say Mazda knew what was important when putting this model together. If only all manufacturers were so dilligent in their execution of Coupe Cabrios.

[r988]

GTRene said:

best mx5 to date I say...I like this shape of the MX-5 hardtop think it would sell well, for me its a bit to slow though but then I'm used to faster cars then that, hope the tuners will come with a special version and lets say 100hp more in it that could do the trick but for most people this car would be just fine as standard.
GTRene

Mazda will likely come out with a turbocharged version sooner or later like the last model.

Or they could even use the 2.3L and make a highly tuned NA engine with quad throttle bodies as an S2000 killer

[bennno]

matthewhaskins said:

And Lotus have managed to launch the New Europa S which has a hard top, Air Con, ABS, Driver and passenger airbags, Sat Nav etc.. and all weighing in under 1000 Kg's

OK the hard top is non-removable

Edited by matthewhaskins on Monday 14th August 12:54

Given the lotus is made out of plastic and alluminium it makes the MX5 with its folding hood and steel body seem a remarkable feat of engineering!!

Bennno

[andy_b]

fatbutt said:

I saw it at the motor show and I thought they'd made a balls of the styling! The rear window is too vertical IMHO.

Also, surely the basic principle behind the MX5 was simplicity and low weight?! Isn't the MX5 going the way of the VW Golf and getting heavier and more complex with each incarnation. How long before Mazda bring in a lighter, simpler, baby brother, i.e. what VW did with the Lupo?

if the rear window wasn't so upright, they would have to have a higher bootlid like a 307CC or the new Focus CC, which would spoil its lines.

IMHO its one of the few CC's that actually look any good. most of these look a right old mess at the rear, SLK probably being the exception

[iaint]

Had a really good nose round this in the VIP area of the Mazda stand and am really impressed. I thought it looked great except the ride height. The ones on display were the US models though so the UK/Euro ones should be a little lower. The demo ones could've coped with losing 2.5cm or more - the gap from tyre to arch was at least 7cm!!!

It's be interesting with a high-power engine in it, maybe a 1.8 turbo (which should weigh about the same as the 2.0 an dless than 2.2 engines...

The 260+ MPS engine from the 6 would be interesting. We'll never see an official rotary version until it's big brother (aka rx-7) is hopefully launched...

[peter450]

at the price looks a great sportster to be honest, no point comparing it to a europa that costs over 30k in the sub 20 k bracket this is a very strong contender

[MidnightDriver]

The styling aint too bad ,IMHO simplicity is beauty

[geoffvalenti]

Had a good poke around one of these at the motor show.

Pretty impressive all in all.

There's enough legroom for my 6'5" frame to fit in and see out of the screen with the roof up.

Nowhere near fast enough for me but my wife is seriously considering one

Suits me fine, so if I have to drive her car at any time, at least it'll be enjoyable.

[robbieduncan]

hendry said:

[quote=Dr S]
... unless you live in London or somewhere where a soft top will get slashed before the tyres have cooled down.

I live in East London (Bow) and I've owned a Mk2.5 MX-5 for over a year. It's not been attacked once. The Volvo parked next to hit had a window smashed a while back but not the MX-5.

[PhantomPH]

geoffvalenti said:

Nowhere near fast enough for me

..and there lies the conundrum - I currently drive an RX-8 230 and I feel that could do with a few more horses, so going from that to an MX-CC (similar prices by the time you have spec'd and discounted - only a couple of grand in it) with even less power, is a complete deal-breaker.

They have done very well to leave the performance figures un-affected between the soft and cc versions, but its just not enough.

I am used to crap fuel consumption (hello! Rx-8! ) so sacrificing some MPG for BHP in the CC would never put me off.

I feel the engine from the 6MPS or the 3MPS would be far too large for the MX-5 and result ni some hideous boneet bulges or a nose-heavy appearance.

Also, I thought they announced the prices ages ago - I certainly had a brochure through the door a few weeks ago, with all prices and figures quoted in it. www.newcarnet.co.uk are reporting this like its new as well - who is copying whom, eh?? Ha ha.

P~

[Mr MoJo]

DrS said :
Let's praise Mazda for keeping the weight in check. Don't like the folding roof, though. The extra 37kg surely will be in the wrong place. Makes it a poser's instead of a driver's car IMHO.[/quote]


The soft top will always be the enthusiasts choice imho. Roadster Coupe will appeal to the not so commited sports car fan and the 'I want a cc brigade' as early order trends have shown.

All round a really good fun car, although a turbo/more powerful version would be nice, (not to say the current 160 bhp version is too slow) !!

(no news yet though I'm afraid)



why didn't my quote thingy work then ??

Edited by Mr MoJo on Tuesday 15th August 14:50

Edited by Mr MoJo on Tuesday 15th August 14:51

Edited by Mr MoJo on Tuesday 15th August 14:51

[KM2]

From the reviews at Evo the new generation of MX-5s is less than impressive as it is, with the added weight of the roof that doesn't seem likely to improve

[fatbutt]

I got rid of my Mk1 1.8 'coz it was too slow! A supercharger surely would be a better choice than a turbo - sprintex used to do one I think.

[gep]

robbieduncan said:

hendry said:

[quote=Dr S]
... unless you live in London or somewhere where a soft top will get slashed before the tyres have cooled down.

I live in East London (Bow) and I've owned a Mk2.5 MX-5 for over a year. It's not been attacked once

Touch wood!

My mate (in muswell hill) had his MGF roof slashed twice and broken into in the space of 6 months, needless to say he sold it. Head gasket popped on the test drive as well, not a lucky car!

Not a huge fan of that MX-5, its just not right without the soft top

[greg_D]

fatbutt said:

I got rid of my Mk1 1.8 'coz it was too slow! A supercharger surely would be a better choice than a turbo - sprintex used to do one I think.

i have just turbo'd my mx5 (250 hp) and the car is now what it should have been all along (well- maybe a bit hairy-er than ideal for a mass market car)

a supercharger is just a slow turbo! mine starts producing boost before 2000 rpm and builds beautifully to the redline, the driveability of modern turbo systems is simply brilliant.

greg