Mazda MX5 NC 2012 Update
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1
Introduction
More than twenty years have passed since
Mazda launched the MX-5, also known as Miata in North America or the Eunos Roadster in Japan, yet this open-top is still the greatest-selling two-seater convertible to date. The first generation MX-5s were originally designed in Hiroshima, Japan and Mazda, since then, produced second and third generation editions of the convertible sports car.
In May 2012, Fiat Automobile and Mazda revealed a cooperation plan to create the fourth generation roadster still true to the MX-5�s characteristics. The sad part, however, is that it has undergone a price climb through the years and the introductory price is about $44,265 excluding the usual on-road costs such as registration and dealer delivery charges. The car that we tested, which was a solid-roofed sports car, is priced at $49,805. Add just a couple of a hundred and it would have been $50K.
Mazda might point out the MX-5�s developments over the years and emphasize on the value of the car in relation to its cost. Though from 1989 when it was first went out in the market, the MX-5�s price has increased 40 percent or almost $900 for every years for the past 23 years.
Engine
The sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine with a six-speed manual and an option to go automatic with a paddle-shift gearbox. The engine powers up to 118kW and almost 190Nm torque although considering these one might say it�s not much. However it�s much wiser to look at power in relation to the car�s weight and much more on how the car�s overall dynamics.
Fuel Consumption, Safety and the Roof
Six-speed manual and automatic shift-paddles are rated at 8.1 litres per 100 kilometers. The Mazda Roadster scored four out of five stars on ANCAP crash tests. This is acceptable taking into consideration the car�s size. The Roadster�s safety features include front and side airbags for both its driver and passenger. It is also equipped with electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock braking systems. The MX-5 lets you experience the best of open top and roofed driving with its electric hard-top. The electric metal top folds at the press of a button in as fast as 12 seconds. The retractable hardtop makes the car a lot safer and silent inside.
The coupe�s marketed model is from 2009, although you may find one of 200 special editions roaming around with the Bilstein suspension. The cost of one is $47,200. In addition, the coupe�s current model has Recaro seats and 17-inch BBS
alloy wheels instead of the standard. The car audio offers a 200-watt Bose audio system plus AUX input for iPods.
Behind the Wheel
Driving the Roadster coupe will engage and totally exhilarate you. Steering is effortless and the clutch work is easy. Test drive it on long winding roads with the top down! That aside, the coupe�s leg and hip spaces are relatively constricted. The seats� bolsters can be felt at the side of the thighs and as the drive winds up longer, both driver and passenger might feel cramped because of the limited space. The seats also don�t have a wider range nor does the wheel adjustment.
At the overall, the coupe is one car that will never go out of style. Its features have always been very appealing and furthermore, driving has always been and still is a pleasurable experience. In short, it still gives the equivalent value for your money.
The Specs:
Price: from $42, 460
Warranty: 3 years
Engine:� 4 Cylinder, 2.0 Litre
Transmission: six-speed sports automatic, six-speed manual
Thirst: 8.1 / 100Km
Outputs: 118kw/188Nm.
