Mazda MX-5 News

A traditionalist will opt for a piece of carriage-style braced fabric, it is said, while a modernist prefers origami metal and glass.With its new variant of the MX-5, Mazda has managed the unusual feat of being in both camps at once within a single model. The MX-5 Roadster Coupe replaces the familiar cloth roof, with its driver-participation folding mechanism, with a hardtop that robo-flips into virtually the same recess at the press of a button. It's quick too, at 12 seconds to accomplish something that in the fabric roof version, we'd never even thought to time.But it's definitely easier, in the same way a remote control is easier than getting up off the couch. After a week in the car, we wondered if we could go back. Who presses buttons on a TV these days?The roof itself is tough-looking plastic and like-for-like, the cost difference is about the same as the price of the bolt-on hardtop accessory sold to MX-5 buyers for winter driving. However, since the Roadster Coupe comes only with the premium-level leather trim and a Bose stereo, it costs $4790 more than the most affordable MX-5 at $47,660.Mechanically, the two variants are identical with the same 118kW 2.0-litre engine driving through a six-speed manual or, for another $2175, a six-speed auto.The only engineering changes concern the suspension, which has been retuned to carry the Roadster Coupe's extra 37kg, most of which consists of the roof itself and its related motors and parts. All MX-5s now come with electronic stability control, added when the Roadster Coupe went on sale in September.In design terms, the plastic roof adds a little height when up or down, and the rear deck needed to be raised at both ends to achieve a flowing line when the roof is folded. To compensate, Mazda redrew the rear wheel arches to make them more prominent. The interior gains nothing more than a couple of buttons while the boot space stays at a useable 150 litres.We did not go looking for differences with its twin and unless you had one parked alongside, they would be hard to spot. If the proportions have been lost, then that was lost on us. Roof up or down, the Roadster Coupe benefits from cleaner lines than fabric can achieve and there are some advantages, including a greater feeling of security when parked, less cabin noise with the roof up and easier raising or lowering in traffic.The car's other strengths and weaknesses are those of the MX-5 itself, and our memory of driving this second generation had been limited to a launch event nearly 18 months ago and some variable pre-production examples. Our doubts following that were dispelled by the Roadster Coupe, which was everything a budget convertible should be to drive and a bit more besides — a recipe that has kept the MX-5 a favourite for 15 years.Mazda Australia expects the Roadster Coupe to become the choice of 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers. At this price point, the hard-headed modernists at other marques have done their cause some harm with overweight, odd-looking convertible versions of cars that began as hatchbacks or sedans. We'd be surprised if the traditional-modernists — or modern-traditionalists — at Mazda don't have a hit on their hands; they have found a way to deliver the advantages of a folding hard-top without painting a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

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. 

New Cars at Australian Motor Show

Never mind the sunburn — from $35,000 to nearly $300,000,open cars are being lined up for eager buyers.The flood of new models is heating up the rivalry between traditional fabric-roofed convertibles and a new breed with foldaway hardtops.Holden, Volvo and VW will make the switch from their soft-tops to solid roofs as replacement models arrive.Mitsubishi is joining the trend, with an open-air version of its Colt hatchback due next month. The Italian-made cabriolet, expected to cost $35,000, will have a retractable hard roof.And Mazda is having an each-way bet. Its traditional canvas-topped MX-5 — billed as the world's best-selling roadster — has been joined by a folding hardtop version, called the roadster coupe.The $47,660 "coupe", costing $2930 more than the basic model, has a composite plastic roof that folds away in 12 seconds, claimed by Mazda to be the fastest in its class.MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima said he expected traditional enthusiasts to prefer the soft-top original."Even so, there are many potential customers who . . . have hesitated because of concerns about security and comfort."Mazda expects 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers in Australia to take the hardtop.The latest fabric-roofed models to arrive are the Audi A4 (from $83,000) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser cabriolet (from $36,000).On the way late this year is the Alfa Romeo Spider, based on the Italian marque's new Brera coupe, expected to be $70,000-plus.The soft-top ranks will be further boosted in December when Mini introduces a new cabriolet version, called the Chilli, from $41,100.And Sweden's Saab is marking 20 years of convertible production by releasing a $68,400 anniversary model.Holden dealers say the present Astra soft-top — now $39,990, a $6000 price cut — is to be replaced by a radically different TwinTop, so named because of its two-piece solid folding roof. It is expected to be unveiled late next month, and be on sale for summer.Mercedes-Benz already has both fabric-roofed (CLK) and hard-top (SLK, SL) convertibles.In the extra-pricey league, Audi says it will introduce a high-performance version of the A4, the $187,500 RS4, in January.Only 25 V8-powered cars will be imported from Germany, and the company says it has 15 orders already.Its rival, BMW, is to introduce an M6 convertible with a 10-cylinder engine, expected to cost about $290,000 and arrive before Christmas.Safety-minded Volvo has a second-generation C70 convertible on the way, introducing a three-piece steel roof in place of the previous model's fabric top. The five-cylinder model will be priced from $69,950.Early next year, VW is to release the Eos, a larger hardtop model replacing the fabric-roofed Golf convertible. The VW is likely to be the first convertible to have a diesel engine as an option.FAST FACTSMitsubishi Colt Cabriolet-Turbocharged 1.5-litre MIVEC engine.-110kW (150hp) @ 6000rpm and 210Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.-18-inch alloy wheels.Audi A4 Cabriolet-1.8T with 120 kW and 225 Nm.-new 3.2 FSI petrol direct injection V6 is also now available with 188 kW and 330 Nm.-$83,400 and $107,800 for the 4-cylinder and V6 models respectively.PT Cruiser Cabrio-power-folding soft retractable roof, which can be raised or lowered in just 10 seconds.-normally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine.-105 KW at 5, 200 rpm and 214 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm.-16" alloy wheels.-$35,890Alfa Romeo Spider-3.2 JTS V6 and 2.2 JTS.-twin phaser continuous variator for control of the intake and exhaust valves.-191kW and 136kW.-Q4 permanent AWD.-0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds.-18” sport or multispoke.-$70,000-plusMini Chilli-1.6 litre, 4 cylinder/16 V.-85 kW (115 hp) at 6000 rpm.-150 Nm at 4500 rpm.-0-100 km/hr: 9.1 s.-top speed: 200 km/h.-$41,100Saab limited edition 20th Anniversary-turbocharged 2.0 L.-110 kW and a powerful 240 Nm of torque.-five-speed automatic transmission.-17-inch alloy wheels.-$68,400Astra Twintop-petrol and diesel.-77 to 147kW (105 to 200hp), with the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre turbo motor reaching a top speed of over 230 km/h.-two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof.-likely to be named 'Astra Convertible' in Australia.Mercedes CLK-5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 (peak torque of 530 Nm).-0-100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.-top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited).-CLK 63 AMG uses AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm.-CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: $99,400-CLK 280: $109,100-CLK 350: $134,100-CLK 500: $163,100-CLK 63 AMG: $213,100SLK SL class-285 kW and 530Nm.-V8 engine in the SL 500.-0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.-six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit, with 200-kW V6, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.-SL 600 has a V12 biturbo engine, with output of 380 kW and torque of 830Nm. Accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.SL 350: $214,900SL 500: $299,900SL 600: $374,900SL 55 AMG: $374,900SL 65 AMG: $457,900Audi RS4-4.2 FSI V8 engine-V8 engine with an output of 309 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.-electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 30 km/h.-$187,500BMW M6-5.0-litre V10.-373 kW, 507 bhp, 520Nm.-0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the standing-start kilometre completed in 22.9 seconds.-top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h.Volvo C70LE-2.4 (125kW), 170hp, 230Nm.-5-cylinder petrol.-0-100km: 10s (auto).-Max speed: 215km/hr (auto).-$69,950.00-T5-5-cylinder turbo charged petrol.-162kW, 220 hp, 320Nm.-0-100km/hr: 8s (auto).-Max speed: 235 km/hr (auto).-$79,950.00-VW Eos-two engines are available: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder motor putting out 200 horsepower and a 3.2L VR6 motor that makes 250 horsepower.-200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI (according to current data for the US market).-five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard

For hardcore roadster people, the very notion of a hardtop is for soft centres - the sort of dilettantes whose deviation from the open-top ethos also allows such decadence as airbags and traction control.Never mind that this lid is a rather ingenious thing that retracts/assembles at the push of a button, and the locking of a latch, in a little over seven seconds. No, anything other than a canvas cover or naked sky is simply sacrilege.With its now iconic MX-5, Mazda reinvented the classic British roadster by imbuing it with such novelties as Japanese affordability - to say nothing of reliability.But its 17-year success story - we're talking the world's most popular sports car here - has been driven by taking the verve and sheer hair-blowing fun of this form of motoring to the masses rather than appeasing the cheese-cutter cap and luggage rack on the boot brigade.And if that's meant shoving in stuff such as power steering, air-con, cupholders and (egad!) auto transmissions, then so be it, old chap.Equally, though, the essence of a roadster is in what it lacks - weight. And each of these cursedly modern conveniences can but add kilos.Yet the fiendishly clever hardtop which changes the MX-5 into a part-time coupe (at least symbolically the most significant innovation of the model's three generations) is also notable for its unbelievable lightness of being.With its three panels and various motors, the Roadster Coupe comes in at only 37kg over the current generation (and multi-award-winning) soft top.The manual model is, in fact, a still fairly mere 1152kg. And at a claimed 7.9 seconds to 100km/h from standing, it would be barely one-tenth of a second slower than its limp-lidded sibling.Combined petrol use - 95 RON unleaded is its minimum potency tipple - is 8.5 litres per 100.So this hard hat is no tin hat. Rather, it comprises two composite materials - sheet moulding compound for the outer roof and glass reinforced polyproplylene for the inside running - that have, we're assured, the structural integrity of aluminium. This despite being 20mm thick.Just as vitally in a car that could just about fit inside certain SUVs, this techo-marvel folds down without impinging upon the 150-litre boot. So the coupe passes the crucial test of daily useability.But, of course, an engineer wouldn't be worth his digital watch nor a designer his skivvy and beret if the Roadster Coupe looked or drove even marginally less beguilingly than the soft top.There are two additions to the colour range (including the luscious deep, deep green we drove) and some train spotter's deviations (anoraks should know that the brake light is white, not red).The coupe somehow looks even better than its by now fretting and resentful older brother.That 118kW/188Nm 2.0-litre S-VT engine sounds and delivers in abundance at 5500rpm with a growl fit to match its motion. It can be a job keeping the manual on the sweet spot, though, with the gap between 3rd and 4th slightly too tall - leave it in the former ratio too long and it'll sound like an infant being bottle fed wasabi.Rigidity, already enhanced by thicker cross members, is even more pronounced with the roof up. When driven with the verve for which it was conceived, this serves the Coupe well.It retains the marvellously chuckable nature and rear-wheel-drive dynamics that have made it a byword among those for whom rapid driving means more than mere speed.It's only when leaning to - steering uploaded and a bend under attack - that you wish this generation MX-5 had slightly fewer options.There are four drink holders, two of which have been specifically designed to grind into your thigh.With a package so consummate, night has fallen for the iconic soft top.The Coupe, with leather as standard, does it all at least as well and at a premium that's hardly Germanic - the manual comes in at $47,660, the auto $49,835. That's less than three grand each over top-spec soft tops.Agonisingly, those prices also save 10 bucks on the optional hard hat that has long been popular among MX-5 buyers.Of course, this device had to be stowed somewhere and manhandled into place, rather than raised with a fingertip.So Roadster Coupe will surely appeal to people who have eschewed the MX-5 because of its manually moved soft top (they variously cite security concerns and chronic shoulder problems).And there is no logical reason why it shouldn't also appeal to those who have always loved this Mazda.To argue otherwise isn't a case of being hardcore, but confessing to a softness in the head.Paul Pottinger is a senior reviewer on the CARSguide test team, and editor of the Sunday Telegraph CARSguide. A version of this review, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear this Sunday in the Sunday Telegraph.

Lotus will give its new Europa S Grand Tourer its Asia-Pacific debut at Darling Harbour on 26 October, while Mazda will unveil the folding-hardtop version of its perennially popular MX-5.The Europa S is based upon Lotus' mainstay model, the Elise, but has been extensively redesigned to provide higher levels of comfort and refinement.The new model has a larger boot and luggage compartment as well as a higher roofline and lower sills for easier driver and passenger access.Unique exterior styling and interior luxuries such as leather upholstery, carpets and driver and passenger airbags complete the package.Despite the extra size and features the Europa S maintains the reputation of Lotus for lightweight aluminium chassis construction, tipping the scales at just 995kg.The low kerb weight combines with a torquey 263Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to give the Europa S a supercar-like 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds.Mazda, meanwhile, has used its expertise in lightweight engineering to give the MX-5 the retractable hardtop treatment.The folding metal roof on the MX-5 Roadster Coupe adds just 37kg to the low weight of the soft-top model, thereby keeping the MX-5's lithe responses unaffected.Mazda says that when the MX-5 Roadster Coupe goes on sale at the Sydney motor show in October it will appeal to a new group of customers."The Roadster Coupe will expand the MX-5's fan base, appealing to those who have expressed the desire to enjoy open-top driving in even greater comfort," says Mazda Australia's managing director, Doug Dickson.Sales of the MX-5 soft-top have exploded so far this year, rising almost 420 per cent over the same period of 2005. The MX-5 Roadster Coupe and Lotus Europa S will be on display at the Australian International Motor Show from 5pm, 26 October and every day until 5 November. 

The world's favourite sports car has been a real deal since it was born in 1989, but has just finally picked up a state-of-the-art metal folding roof.The new top design was developed for the total re-work of the MX-5 last year, but has only just been revealed.Its first public appearance will be at the 2006 British International Motor Show in London, when Mazda will give all the details at a press conference on July 18.For now, it is only say that the Roadster Coup - as the car is named for Australia and Europe - comes with a power retractable hardtop roof. And that it is a separate model, not a replacement for the regular MX-5 convertible.But Mazda's pictures clearly show a car that has moved away from the traditional easy-open fabric roof to a folding metal design which is similar to style and operation to everything from the Mercedes SLK to the latest GM Astra Twin Roof which is being considered for sales inAustralia.

Car makers are following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus by putting folding metal hard-tops within the reach of more car buyers than ever before.It's a case of Viva la France in this instance, as Renault and Peugeot have folding metal hardtops starting well under the $50,000 mark, with the Pug 307CC Sport the only transgressor at $55,000.The rest of the Peugeot drop-top range – the two 206CC models and the 307CC Dynamic – will feature on the Peugeot display at Wayville, giving wind in the hair motoring with French fl air for a $32,990 starting price.The base 206CC is powered by a 1.6-litre engine – there's a two-litre model as well – and it's only got decent room for two people, although it offi cially seats four. The 206 is nearing the end of its model life so stay tuned for a drop-top 207.The 307CC offers a little more room for the rearseat occupants, although it uses similar drivetrains. Holden might be sourcing its light and small car entrants from Korea, but its fashionable two-seater drop-top is still from Europe. The two-seater is keenly priced and, while only available in manual, will get plenty of attention from new car buyers. Holden's present Astra has a soft-top but expect the next one to follow in the Tigra's tyre tracks, although it's no sure thing for Australia.Mitsubishi will be showing something close to its drop-top contender, the Colt coupe-cabriolet, which has started production in Italy.The folding metal hardtop is built from the Colt fi ve-door platform and rather than the three-door, the 2+2 convertible will join a revamped Mitsubishi light car range.But don't think the rag-top has gone the way of the dodo – anything but.The reigning Wheels Car of the Year is Mazda's new MX-5, which retained its manual folding soft-top for the sake of saving weight.BMW's 6-Series drop-top might cost more than $200,000 but that pricetag buys a soft-top, albeit one that is well-insulated. The company's Z4 has retained a rag-top, as has the BMWowned Mini range.Chrysler's Crossfire – a feature of the brand's stand at this year's show – also has a rag-top.Volvo's new open-topped star, the C70, has ditched the cloth roof for a solid top, while the Lexus SC430 has offered buyers of the brand the security of a metal roof with wind-in-hair enjoyment since its inception.Bentley and Lamborghini will be wellrepresented in the megabuck drop-top realm with cloth lids, as will the all-new Jaguar XK convertible.