If you're a true believer in the theory that weight is the enemy of performance, one of the guiding principles of the Mazda MX-5, then this $41,960 variant is the one for you. It's got the old, cloth-style roof rather than the fancy, and far heavier, folding hard top, and you really can feel the difference.
But with the GT - unlike the base model 1.5-litre roadster - you get the properly fizzing new version of the 2.0-litre engine, making 135kW/205Nm, pushed to the rear wheels through either a fantastic six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed auto that's nowhere near as much fun.
Standard kit from the base car includes a new reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, now black metallic for extra visual menace, LED headlamps, power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, climate-control air, black cloth seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with 'MZD Connect', an audio system with six speakers and DAB+ (but no CD player), Bluetooth streaming, internet radio integration, satellite navigation, 'Smart City Brake Support', or AEB, 'Traffic Sign Recognition', and blind-spot monitoring.
Stepping up to this GT throws in 17-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights and DRLs, black or tan leather seats, a Bose premium stereo with nine speakers, keyless entry, 'Driver Attention Alert', lane-departure warning and reverse parking sensors, and Smart City Brake Support in reverse.
The new car also gets a telescopically adjustable steering wheel, which makes the perfect driving position even more perfect.
Mazda MX-5 2019: Roadster Gt (Tan)
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.0L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 2 |
| Price From | $24,090 - $29,700 |
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