New Mazda MX-5 gets more tech and power. Use it wisely

The world’s favourite roadster now comes with extra power, torque and tech for a more thrilling drive.

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Mazda NewsPOSTED ON 14/9/2018

FOR THE THRILL OF IT: NEW MAZDA MX-5

Faithful to the core, New Mazda MX-5 adds more power, torque and tech, delivering on its promise of a thrilling, top-down driving experience. Available from late September, the world’s favourite roadster upgrades powertrain, dynamics and safety across Roadster and RF variants.

Mazda MX-5 has applied advanced technologies to each of its engines,
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 1.5, to extract maximum power
balanced with linear response to maintain its Jinba-ittai sensibilities.

Looking to replicate the free-revving feel of the 1.5L, engineers
thoroughly revised the SKYACTIV-G 2.0,ultimately lifting the
red line to 7,500rpm, boosting power from 118kW to 135kW
and torque from 200Nm to 205Nm.

The comprehensive update saw changes made to the air flow intake and exhaust systems, piston shape and weight, crankshaft and connecting rods, achieving increased air intake, improved combustion speed, reduced exhaust losses and mechanical friction.

SKYACTIV-G 1.5 was also revised, with some of the same technologies applied to piston shape and combustion chambers, accounting for an increase in power from 96kW to 97kW and a boost in torque from 150Nm to 152Nm.

SKYACTIV-G 1.5 is available exclusively with the entry-level Roadster, while Roadster GT and all RF variants are equipped with the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine.

To match the extra power under foot, manual and automatic transmissions were revised to deliver a sharper response and more direct driving feel. Plus, shift timing at turn-in and torque control at turn-out have been tuned for greater precision in sporty driving situations.

Deepening the connection between car and driver further, New Mazda MX-5 introduces telescopic steering, making it easier to find the ideal driving position.

Mazda MX-5’s five star ANCAP safety rating has also been bolstered, with the addition of a rear camera to all grades, and more advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies to the standard safety package, including Smart City Brake Support [Forward] (SCBS-F) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

New-look 16-inch alloys with a black metallic finish are available for the 1.5L Roadster, while RF gets 17-inch wheels also finished in black metallic. Roadster GT and RF GT models sit on 17-inch wheels with a bright silver finish.

There are five interior trim options for MX-5, with Mazda’s Chroma Brown nappa leather available as an option for RF GT. New Mazda MX-5 is available in a choice of six exterior colours, including Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Ceramic Mica, Eternal Blue Mica and Jet Black Mica. RF GT variants also have the option of a black roof for an even sportier look.