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...?
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