Prices Announced For The New Mazda MX-5
Published: 30th July 2005
All-new Mazda MX-5 at-a-glance
By combining a host of new ideas and technologies with the finest aspects of the original MX-5, Mazda has given the classic lightweight sports car a fresh lease on life for the 21st century. As the purest expression of the Zoom-Zoom spirit, the MX-5 is Mazda's latest and best gift to its growing worldwide constituency of driving enthusiasts.
The third-generation Mazda MX-5 has a body structure that uses new materials and technologies to trim weight, improve crashworthiness, and increase rigidity. In fact, the new model is only 10 kilos heavier than the current model despite the new technologies. Fresh, contemporary interior and exterior designs reflect the iconic status of the original Mazda MX-5 continuing the evolution of the world's most popular roadster.
Slightly larger exterior dimensions are aimed at providing adequate room for taller occupants, improved comfort, and enhanced safety while fine craftsmanship yields a high quality appearance and new features available for the first time in an MX-5. All in all, the new Mazda MX-5 displays a more taught and muscular attitude with its flared wheel arches, twin exhaust and alloy wheels that grow to 17 inches.
Light, compact, highly responsive, powerful MZR engines with appropriately sporty intake and exhaust notes were developed to assure that the Mazda MX-5 is brisk, nimble, linear in response, and very fun to drive. Based on the acclaimed MZR engine series installed in other Mazda models, these engines are front-midship mounted on the MX-5 and adopt the latest technologies developed to boost power appropriately for a lightweight sports car.
Linear and lively 1.8-litre 126ps and 2.0-litre 160ps Euro IV engines power the all-new Mazda MX-5 delivering excellent fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to the outgoing model.
The five-speed manual transmission is carried over from the second-generation Mazda MX-5 with key changes. To handle the additional torque, the inner structure of the transmission, the counter shaft, and third gear are stronger. Triple-cone synchronisers for first and second gears, double-cone synchros for third, and a carbon-type synchro for fourth reduce shift effort.
Gear ratios in the newly engineered six-speed manual transmission are purposely close to enhance the joy of sporty driving. As a convenience, reverse is located adjacent to first gear. Accidental engagement is prevented by the need to press down on the shift lever in order to select reverse gear. Improvements have also been made to steering, suspension, and braking systems.
Thanks to a major emphasis on active, passive, and pedestrian protection, the new MX-5 is one of the most safety conscious sports cars on the market hosting new features such as side airbags (standard on all 2.0i derivatives) and driver and passenger seatbelt restraints that are equipped with locking retractors with automatic pretensioners.
Use of recyclable materials - such as aluminium and steel sheet metal - allows the Mazda MX-5 to comply with European standards that specify a recyclability potential of at least 85 per cent. The Mazda MX-5 intake and exhaust systems are also engineered to comply with the world’s drive-by noise standards.
Meanwhile, CO2 emission levels for the 2.0i derivative are nearly 15 per cent lower than the outgoing 1.8i engine at 183 g/km. This translates to real world tax savings for company car drivers and is further enhanced by fuel economy improvements of up to 11 per cent.
Mazda MX-5
Our Mazda MX-5 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK MX-5 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £15,750 - £19,050
Body Style:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 3
We have road tested the Mazda MX-5, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda MX-5 Review - Nov 2005
Mazda MX-5 Review - Mar 2004
Mazda MX-5 Review - Oct 2003
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 28th Nov 2008
