Mazda MX-5 2007 News

Mazda has indicated it is considering putting rotary power back into a sports car, possibly in the form of a merger between the MX-5 and the RX-8. Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has repeatedly ensured the future of the rotary powerplant - despite the RX-8 production scheduled to end in 2012 - "we will continue the research on the rotary engine - we won't extinguish the flame of the rotary engine," he said.The joint-venture sports coupe developed by Toyota and Subaru has kept the door open for a rotary sports car from Mazda, including the possibility of a rotary-powered MX-5."That kind of product is iconic for our brand, so the current MX-5 or RX-8 we have decided in the future to maintain that kind of product, I can't say if they will be separate - they may be merged into one," the CEO says.Mazda Research and development director Hirotaka Kanazawa confirmed the next MX-5 would remain naturally-aspirated with a Skyactiv powerplant of similar outputs to the current car's 118kW/188Nm outputs (for example, the incoming CX-5 SUV has a direct-injection two-litre producing 114kW and 196Nm), but less burdened by weight.The modern-classic Mazda sportscar will be taken back to its roots, with weight reduction targets aimed at taking the 1135kg two-seater (in its lightest guise) below a one tonne kerb weight, while retaining a soft top and hard top model."We want to go back to the lightweight sports origins, the power is not so much, it is easy to handle and it is fun to drive," he says. Kanazawa-san also says the company is aiming to reduce weight without compromising crash safety performance, which would entail using Skyactiv high-strength steel body structures and composite plastic materials for a hard-top. "We must achieve crash safety, starting with CX-5 the Skyactiv body with load paths and enhanced crash safety, we will apply this to our rear-wheel drive."The R&D director didn't rule out turbocharged versions of the sub-two-litre Skyactiv engines - "We haven't decided that we won't do turbocharging, but first of all we wanted to enhance combustion efficiency of naturally-aspirated engine, that was our first priority"- but maintains the first priority was developing naturally-aspirated engines.

While the original MX-5 was quite a basic car; nicely appointed but hardly luxurious, the current iteration with its 20 years of refinement is in a new league. The Mazda designers have managed to evolve the car over that time, completely changing it along the way while always keeping it exactly the same. They have developed a look that is instantly recognisable through three major redesigns while improving it with each iteration.In its market space the MX-5 Roadster Coupe has only two true competitors, the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes SLK. These are the three two-seat rear-drive roadsters currently available with the folding metal hardtop. The MX-5 is by some margin the cheapest. The fact that it does not have the prestige of the Germans does not diminish its appeal, however as there are a large percentage of buyers that simply like it as a package over the other two. All three for some reason suffer from the hair-dresser reputation, which in our opinion is ridiculous.When the new top was first introduced, a number of automotive journalist where asking why bother, it's not broken, it doesn't need fixing. The soft-top and the experience it brings may not be broken but the folding hardtop has enormous appeal for many buyers. Drivetrain Power comes from a 2-litre, 16 valve DOHC in-line four cylinder engine that develops 118kW at 7000 rpm in the manual version and 118kW at 6700rpm in the automatic we tested with paddle shifters. Both develop a maximum 188 Nm of torque at 5000rpm. Exterior With 20 years of very good sales it would be hard to find anybody who can’t recognise an MX-5. The Roadster Coupe with its folding hardtop adds a bump to the body behind the seats. This metal torneau manages to not adversely impact the simply lines of the car. The 17-in wheels fill the continuous arch of the wheel wells beautifully and the whole package is very neat.Interior The cocoon that is the cockpit is appealing to all senses. Visibility is very good and the only thing that may be troubling initially is finding the petrol cap release - it's in the compartment between the back of the seats.  Operation of the folding hardtop is a simple lever release near the rear vision mirror and then it’s a matter of holding the button down until it buzzes - all while in Park. Just do the same in reverse to put it back up. Safety The MX-5 features both front & side SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which alters power delivery when the car judges it needs to intervene with an overly aggressive turn-in. This can be switched off.Pricing The MX-5 starts at $43,850 for the base manual soft top and goes through to $53,655 for the folding hardtop with automatic and the Sports package (as tested). This excludes all current additional charges and taxes.Driving Driving is a joy. It is far from a hardcore sports car but it does give you a refined sports car experience.  Steering is very direct, as it should be - you point it and goes and stays where you point it. The steering we found very neutral with no surprises.The cockpit is very comfortable and there is not a great deal of road noise for a small two-seat. A bit more engine note into the cockpit would actually be a good thing.  It is extremely easy to drive - in automatic you can just putter around sedately and feel comfortable. Rev it a bit and start using the paddles correctly and it becomes a true sports car.SummaryThe Mazda MX-5 is the epitome of a practical sports car.  It has its market space all to itself as you need to move up several price rungs to reach the competition. While the competition might beat it in the performance stakes, they still only equal it on overall appeal to many buyers.  The MX-5 is also quite a practical mode of transport if you don't need space. It is easy to park, fits in small garages and only consumes 8.1l/100km.Verdict: 9.1/10

The Mazda3 MPS Extreme was only intended as a Motor Show tease but the reaction by visitors at the 2007Australian International Motor Show prompted a re-think.There are people with cash and commitment who can see a future for an MPS, which has been tweaked to 210kW and 425Nm with matching upgrades to the body and suspension.“If we get a flood of people with cheques asking us to build it we'd have to consider it,” says Mazda Australia marketing chief Alastair Doak.“We've had a lot of interest in it. But there is absolutely no plan to build the car; at the moment. Still, it is food for thought for people looking to buy a car or already have a Mazda3 MPS.”The man behind the Extreme machine is Allan Horsley, who led Mazda to a string of 12-hour race wins; with specially tweaked RX-7s and has also done Extreme upgrades on a Mazda2 and the RX-8 sports car.He also produced limited-edition RX-7 and MX-5 SP (special performance) cars for Mazda Australia, which were a sell-out showroom success. They also prove there could be a future for the MPS Extreme.“We just like doing it. We have a bunch of guys here who just love doing this stuff,” Doak says. “We get a big thrill out of doing it.”The details of the Mazda3 Extreme are relatively simple, but the key is the tweaking of the car's Powertrain Control Module to lift the output from its 2.3-litre turbo engine.There is also a larger-diameter exhaust system with a sports muffler.The car rolls on upgraded 19-inch BBS Motorsport wheels with suspension, lowered by 25mm, redesigned by motorsport tuner Murray Coote. On the visual front, the Extreme car has picked up black racing stripes, a rear spoiler and extended black wheel arches, with red-stitched, black-leather trim in the cabin and a Momo steering wheel.“It just shows how great a Mazda3 MPS can look, with some paint and stripes and stuff. It has other mechanical things going on underneath,” Doak says.While the Mazda3 Extreme is a work in progress, the earlier RX-8 Extreme is still a one-off. It proved too difficult to make in production, even though Mazda is still looking for a workable way to turbocharge the rotary in the RX-8, and too outrageous for racing.“That proved a very challenging installation with the amount of room around the engine,” Doak says. “Yes, we could have raced the car. But to do the durability and things to the corporate level, to hand the keys to a customer for 10 years, is a much bigger and more complex process.” 

A Chinese link may help Chrysler hatch a plan to bring the Dodge Hornet to Australia. DaimlerChrysler is believed to be close to announcing a joint-venture deal with Chinese carmaker Chery Motors, that will see its hot Hornet hatch concept turn into a production reality.However, Chrysler Australia Group managing director, Gerry Jenkins, says the Chery talks are ongoing and nothing firm has been decided.But he would definitely like to have the Hornet in local showrooms. "We'd love to have it because there is a huge appetite for these B-segment cars," Jenkins says.However, despite having his fingers crossed that the Chery deal will go ahead, he is wary of speculation."Unfortunately there's nothing definitive at this point," he says.Jenkins says Chery's decision to build the car for China could enhance the car's prospects for Australia."But I can't really give you a time-frame," he says. "There isn't anything official at this point. I can only really speculate that it's in the foreseeable future."He says a car the size of the Hornet would be ideal for the Dodge brand, which is still in its infancy here."That sub-$20,000 market is an interesting market and I'd love to be able to play in it," Jenkins says. He also believes the Hornet would present a good value proposition for a first-time Chrysler-Dodge buyer.The Hornet was first shown as a concept at last year's Geneva motor show. Its compact, modern design was specifically tailored to the ultra-competitive European light car segment. The showcar is powered by a rear drive supercharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine developing 128kW mated to a six-speed manual. Its size, engine and looks clearly aims the Hornet at the Mini Cooper.Chrysler also has the Demon sports car;  a hit at the Geneva show. Jenkins says the company is now in the process of putting a business case together for production of the car.“I have my fingers crossed on that one as well,” he says.And if the Demon gets the nod, it will be aimed right at the Mazda MX5. 

Mazda MX-5From $42,870NOW in its third generation, and with a hardtop option, this the car that revived the roadster. It looks good, drives like a go-kart and has loads of zip. The interior is well designed, and even tall people have plenty of legroom. The manual transmission is close and the suspension firm. Sporty steering and enthusiastic acceleration from the two-litre four will have you heading for the hills.BEST COLOUR: RedBEST ACCESSORY: A mountain-road map Jaguar XK$221,900A REVIVED sense of Jaguar style is complemented by a 4.2-litre V8 with a heartful of attitude, and a paddle- shift sequential six-speed gearbox that leaves the old J-gate for dead. It's billed as two-plus-two, but the backseats just can't be taken seriously — consider them a deterrent to the barrage of requests for a ride.BEST COLOUR: Gunmetal greyBEST ACCESSORY: A silver-service picnic hamper Holden Tigra$34,990ODDLY for a car aimed wholly and unapologetically at young women, the Tigra lacks an auto option. But if the young lady can stand shifting for herself, she'll love this cute two-seater. With competent dynamics and excellent packaging, it's a good alternative to the harder, more focused Mazda MX-5.BEST COLOUR: Lipstick redBEST ACCESSORY: Your bestest gal pal Volkswagen EosFrom $47,990ALTHOUGH options soon shoot the long-awaited four-seat CC past the $60K mark, this VeeWee's value is as hard to fault as its performance. With four-cylinder turbo diesel or turbo petrol engines to choose from, you can get where you want on the back of a mighty wave of torque, or rev high and mighty like a GTI. The only "problem" is that it arguably looks even better when the wonderful metal-and-glass folding roof is up.BEST COLOUR: CrimsonBEST ACCESSORY: Just about anything you care to carry Porsche 911$218,000THE yardstick by which other sports cars are measured. Its potent engine gets you to 100km/h in around five seconds, with pin-sharp steering, athletic handling and a delicious noise. It could do with more room in the back, and the fuel tank could be bigger too. But these are minor niggles dismissed by true fans.BEST COLOUR: BlackBEST ACCESSORY: An IWC Portuguese watch Mercedes-Benz SLK350From $110,900ELEGANT styling and the practicality of a hardtop that, although heavy, hasn't damaged the power-to-weight ratio too much. A muscular 3.5-litre V6 engine that offers slingshot acceleration, plus point-and-shoot steering and tremendous grip,result in a thrilling drive. The cabin is snug, but it's also very comfortable and kitted out in signature Merc style. The COMAND system control interface, however, is needlessly complicated until you master it.BEST COLOUR: SilverBEST ACCESSORY: A Prada briefcase Nissan 350Z Roadster$73,990MORE retro cues here in Nissan's reincarnation of the legendary Z-car, with 1970s lines from the 240Z matched with an enthusiastic and refined 3.5-litre V6. Agile handling and a ride that sits perfectly between firm and compliant make up fora sometimes unforgiving manual transmission.BEST COLOUR: BlackBEST ACCESSORY: A black iPod Ferrari F430 Spider$425,000WITH a chunky V8 sitting in the middle of its chiselled body, the F430 is an aerodynamic marvel with exceptional handling. Much of the design has been borrowed from the race shed, and extensive use of aluminium helps with weight distribution and lowers the centre of gravity.It will rocket to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and to a top speed of 305km/h. And even just sitting at the lights, it will send all the attention your way. Sex on wheels, really.BEST COLOUR: Need you ask? RedBEST ACCESSORY: A smug smile

It is, in its way, the best show for ages, with a quotient of concept vehicles and exotica balanced by real world stuff you'd actually consider buying.Highlights?It's hard to walk past Audi's R8, a fully-fledged supercar likely to come in with a "bargain" tag of substantially less than $300,000. Next to it is the second generation Audi TT, mightily improved and not screamingly unaffordable from $68,500 the entry model and about $20K more for its 3.2 V6 quattro sibling. We drove both of these through the Austrian Alps in June 2006, and will hazard the guess that Audi will struggle to meet demand for this superbly executed coupe.And, just for show, is a model of the R10 – the amazing V12 diesel that took first and third at this year's Le Mans.The great thing about concept cars is that they needn't conform to such tiresome criteria as Australian Design Rules - hence the lack of an A pillar on Saab's Aero Concept X. The lack of any pillars for that matter. Slightly more tangible is the 9-5 bio ethanol-powered wagon - a car to gladden the hearts of sugar cane growers.Lotus has revived an iconic brand name with the Europa S, a car that should affirm two-seater motoring can still be an unadulterated and largely unconstrained experience. When the product of mainstream manufacturers seems to keep getting fatter, like a choc-addicted neurotic, the mere existence of Lotus serves to remind us of (hard) core driving verities.Mazda's Kabura sports compact - with its cute 3+1 seating arrangement - is a concept from which the theme and shape of Mazdas to come can be divined. Ditto Honda's Sports 4 Concept for that marque. Or so we hope. While Honda's SH-AWD system is damn clever, it'd be neat to see it attached to something a little more athletic than the globulous Legend.A few metres away from the Kabura is the CX-7 - the crossover SUV with much of the Mazda 6 MPS's drivetrain - which you'll be seeing on our streets soon. It's one of two vehicles that perfectly defines what marketing types like to call the "zeitgeist" of the Australian buyer at the moment.The other, you may or may not choose to believe, is a Volvo. The S80 all-wheel-drive V8 luxury sedan might be the Swedish marque's new hero model, but their decidedly groovy 2+2, the C30, could be the car that finally puts paid to those ancient "bloody Volvo driver" cliches.It also points firmly in the direction that Australian private buyers are going ie: those of us not enamoured of soft road SUVs are downsizing but up-speccing.And speaking of good things in small packages, those who have queued long for the Volkswagen Golf GTI will be delighted to see that not only is demand being addressed, but the new to Australia three door-model starts $1500 under the five door at $38,490. VeeWee's highly desirable Eos CC, the big drawer at last year's Frankfurt motor show, finally made its Australian debut ahead of its release early in 2007.And yes, that's a turbo diesel variant you see parked near the turbo petrol. If diesel seems anomalous in a (part-time) open top car, it works.Given the mudslide of Holden hype this year, it comes almost as relief not to see some lurid concept jobbie from them for once, although unveiling the Hummer H3 did at least provide comic relief.With the pomp and circumstance we've come to expect from Holden on the opening day of the show, the covers were hauled off to anything but the reception they've come to expect.Far from the rapturous and somewhat sycophantic applause that greeted their Torana and Efijy creations, there was … well, the sound of no hands clapping. In fact, the silence that greeted this spectacularly pointless and ugly apparition could best be described as stoney.Nissan's Foria is a concept car we’d very much like to see come into fruition. Apart form the corporate grille, this is an elegant Lancia-like coupe intended as an MX-5-like alternative.