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Crowned as one of the best selling sports cars in history, the new Mazda MX-5 is a welcome treat for its large – and still growing – fan base.
Base model price has risen slightly coming in at $47,280. Top spec stays the same at $52,010.
The tried and tested 2.0-litre four cylinder remains – no surprise there. Even with the base model outputs hold a respectable 118 kilowatts and 188 newton meters.
Mazda has made bold changes to the frontal styling of its MX-5. Whereas every model to date had a grille that harked back to the original 1989 MX-5, the latest model follows a similar theme to the other passenger models in the extensive Mazda range.
The result is that the latest MX-5 has a deep grille shaped to give it a 3D appearance. The headlights have a gunmetal effect in their surrounds. Foglights are a fashion item these days, so the MX-5’s stand out proudly to attract the younger generation.
This is likely to be the final shape of the third generation MX-5 prior to the all-new model that’s due in 2014.Fascinatingly, the next generation of Mazda MX-5 sees the very Japanese Mazda company teamed with the legendary Italian Alfa Romeo organisation.
We can’t wait to see what should be an excellent mix of Italian style and Japanese build quality. Cynics joke that it may be the other way around, but let’s think positive.
The MX-5’s interior has also received a fairly mild rework. The previous silver decoration panels and aluminium-finish steering wheel bezel have been replaced by a glossy dark grey.
Two-tone Recaro sports seats with leather and perforated Alcantara facings were featured on the MX-5 Coupe Sports versions we tested.
Sadly, a lack of interest in soft-top convertibles in Australia means that only the folding hardtops are being imported. I say ‘sadly’ because the lighter weight of the ragtop makes the MX-5 soft-top even more nimble. It gives the car a purer appearance even when it’s closed. Ah well, such is the reality of marketing...
Boot space isn’t too bad for a car like this, but packing soft bags makes more sense than using rigid ones if you’re planning an extended holiday in a Mazda MX-5 – and that’s exactly what you should be doing if you want to really get the most possible enjoyment out of yours.
Chief engineer of the MX-5 Nobuhiro Yamamoto, came to Australia for the launch of his new toy. Earlier in his career he worked in Australia with the local Mazda racing team so he really knows his stuff Yamamoto-san says his team has made changes to the throttle and brakes to further improved the turn in and the general handling ability of the car.
On the road during our recent week’s road test we found the latest Mazda MX-5 to be as delightful to drive as ever. We have been road testing this little roadster since day one in Australia in 1989 and are very pleased to report the new MX-5 continues to provide driving in its purest form,
We tested it extensively in our usual drive route that takes in motorway, suburban and beachside driving, as well as the hinterland behind our home area on the Gold Coast. The latter is just the type of road loved by true sports roadster drivers. Mazda MX-5 gives you fast and precise control through the steering wheel and by way of the throttle pedal.
Being on the wrong side of 60 I have to admit that getting in and out of the Mazda MX-5 is somewhat of a struggle. You don’t have to be over 60 to find that the interior is on the tight side.
The driving position isn’t too bad for legroom but I found that sitting in the passenger seat and not being able to straighten my legs made it uncomfortable after a long trip. Anyone over six-foot tall may like to try it for size before falling in love with the sporting nature of this beaut little roadster.
Driving in its purest form in an affordable sportscar doesn’t come any better than with the Mazda MX-5. Other than the previously mentioned niggles about interior space we loved every moment in it.
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | 2.0L, —, 6 SP AUTO | $17,930 – 22,660 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 2013 Coupe Pricing and Specs |
| Coupe Sports | 2.0L, —, 6 SP MAN | $18,040 – 22,880 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 2013 Coupe Sports Pricing and Specs |
$17,930
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data
