Taking the world's best-selling 2-seater sports car for a spin

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Taking the world's best-selling 2-seater sports car for a spin
The Nation
KINGSLEY WIJAYASINHA



DRIVING MAZDA'S MX-5 IS PURE DELIGHT: ITS ENGINE POWER, STEERING FEEL AND SUSPENSION TEAM UP TO OFFER INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE

BANGKOK: -- WHAT'S THE world's best-selling two-seater sports car ever? It's the Mazda MX-5. The MX-5, which is also known as the Roadster or Miata depending on which continent and country you're in, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year with accumulated sales of more than 940,000 units.

The MX-5 is definitely the most successful Mazda ever, with cult-like following well-established into the fourth generation.

The new model, which will be introduced in Thailand later this year, features the SkyActiv technology and KODO design treatment like other new-generation Mazda models.

Mazda is pretty excited about the new MX-5, and invited a group of Thai journalists to test-drive the car at its Mine proving grounds in Japan, along with attending the Mazda Asean Brand Forum that seemingly put participants in a state of euphoria.

It wasn't hard to get carried away with what Mazda executives were trying to explain, and the part on the new MX-5 nailed it perfectly.

Despite being a best-seller throughout its lifespan, the MX-5 was never a souped-up powerful car like one would expect a sports car to be.

Instead, this is a lean, lightweight open-top car that's been designed to shower you with the joy of driving as a whole experience. It's how the car handles and reacts to various situations, most importantly maintaining a strong connection with the driver. That's what the "Jinba- Ittai" philosophy is all about - rider and horse as one.

So don't be surprised that the fleet of MX-5 cars that awaited us at the Mine circuit are Japan-spec 1.5-litre models (Thai customers will get the 2.0- litre model with automatic transmission). Surely a 1.5-litre car isn't going to be fun to drive, many would think. Wrong! The 1.5-litre high-compression normally aspirated direct-injection 4pot engine pumps out 131 horsepower and 150Nm and does the 0100km/h in 8.5 seconds with its slick 6-speed manual gearbox before nailing the 212km/h top speed. All this while the average fuel economy is an eco-friendly 17.2km/litre, while CO2 emissions are 135g/km, thanks to SkyActiv technology.

Actually, the great thing about the MX-5 isn't in the specifications chart. The Mine circuit's great layout allowed drivers to experience that driver-car connection first hand and, boy, did I enjoy it!

The manual gearbox is definitely more fun to drive here and after driving the auto (which is not SkyActiv and outsourced but does come with sport and blipping function) for two laps, I quickly switched back to the manual.

Drive the MX-5 on a track and you'd quickly understand the benefits of lightweight technology. This car weighs about a tonne (10 per cent lighter than its predecessor), with 5050 front-rear weight distribution (it's mid-front engined with the whole engine sitting behind the front axle and mounted lower than usual. It also comes with finely tuned steering and suspension that team up to provide you with a car that oozes with driving enjoyment.

The steering weight might be way too light if you're a first- gen MX- 5 lover, but then you'll have to stick to used cars. Nevertheless, it is highly communicative, and although the suspension isn't rock solid, it is still highly sporty in nature.

Lapping the circuit in the MX- 5 was the most entertaining thing on wheels I did this year, and it was amazing how everything worked out just right - the engine power, steering feel, suspension - teaming up to offer an incredible performance.

When driven at the limit, the MX5 is highly predictable, and you are already informed and prepared when counter-steering or easing off the accelerator is required.

The brakes are easy to judge, and the pedal is located close enough to the accelerator for heel-end-toe. Driving the MX-5 fast around the tracks was super fun, and I can imagine numerous MX-5 track days coming up for its owners.

While the first-gen MX-5 was small both inside and out, the latest model continues only half the tradition. The body length has been shortened compared to the third-gen model as well as the first-gen itself, but you'd never feel cramped inside, thanks to the larger cockpit.

The console design makes you think of the Mazda2, which is actually nice if you don't mind sharing, and I loved the door panel with actual body paint. This makes it look really expensive.

The driving position isn't bad either, although there isn't a seat cushion height or steering wheel reach adjustment. There's also a big bulge in the footwell due to the gearbox architecture, but thankfully it doesn't interfere with your legs or feet.

The first thing you'll have difficulty searching here is the glovebox, which isn't there. This has allowed Mazda to lower the console height and increase passenger legroom. A small cabinet with a lock is provided between the seats, and there's a tiny storage box on the centre tunnel for placing mobile phones.

There's not much space in the trunk either, with space enough for two small carry-ons, so just take what's necessary and help maintain the car's lightweight status.

The MX-5 will be available here this year and prices for the 2.0-litre automatic should not be much different to the outgoing model, which is in the Bt2.6 million-2.7 million neighbourhood.

It's a pity that the 1.5-litre model, if imported, won't cost much less, and Mazda has decided not to offer it here. It would have been my preferred choice.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Taking-the-worlds-best-selling-2-seater-sports-car-30268035.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-03

[backstairs]

A great car. I had a second series with wood steering wheel and cream leather seats. Still built in Hiroshima. Only noticed it had a 5th gear after one year of use. I know I know. I'm an idiot. But I dont cut hair.

MAZDA tried to sell me one here but not at that price. So much tax. And the worry of keeping it safe and unscratched.

[Adeeos]

A great little car,, although I think the Honda S2000 is better,, I had 1,, drove both it, and the MX-5,, both the same model year,,, bought the S2000.. it was hands down a better, "driver's car"

[Deli]

Can anyone tell why in Thailand only freaking boring cars are built ?

All the fancy stuff must be imported and if you aren't on the VIP list, you pay ridiculous money for tax.

[topt]

A great little car,, although I think the Honda S2000 is better,, I had 1,, drove both it, and the MX-5,, both the same model year,,, bought the S2000.. it was hands down a better, "driver's car"

I would not disagree but from memory I think quite different in set up - engine power/revs and especially price?

[little mary sunshine]

You're not serious....miserable little car.

[robertthebruce]

I love that car, when i bought it new, but only kept it for about 9 months, as i realised i had made a mistake and should of splashed out on a new Mercedes SLK.. which i did buy, and THAT WAS 100 TIMES BETTER..

But the ''Mazda'' was a great car....

The Mercedes was pure CLASS...

[jdlancaster]

Wow... what is the tax rate on one of these? Seems a bit high.

[fish fingers]

Slightly too expensive, even for the Thai market. Its also slightly smaller than the outgoing model, which means feeling rather vulnerable on Thai roads.

[wabothai]

Is this news ?

[fullcave]

Will absolutely hold it’s value. Good investment...

[thrilled]

It might be best selling,but I'm owner of A 2014 Chevy Corvette.That Mazda is like A turtle next to It.

460HP.0-100 kmh in 3.7 seconds.This car is A rocket.I also paid 1+1/2 million baht for it in the U.S.Can't bring it to Thailand.

That Mazda might be A good car in Thailand but not for me.

[fish fingers]

A big problem with Mazda Thailand is .. well there are many. The main one is that you go to a dealer and they are completely disinterested in your custom. With a couple of exceptions, it usually takes Mazda an age to bring new models onto the thai market, whereas Honda are pretty quick. And on that note, if you contact Mazda or talk to the sales girls at the motor shows, they cannot / do not offer any info on release dates for imminent car launches. Which is plain silly, as many potential buyers are looking to purchase 6/12 months down the line. BMW and Honda will always give some indication on when a new model will hit the market.

[taotoo]

A great little car,, although I think the Honda S2000 is better,, I had 1,, drove both it, and the MX-5,, both the same model year,,, bought the S2000.. it was hands down a better, "driver's car"

I would not disagree but from memory I think quite different in set up - engine power/revs and especially price?

A lot bigger and heavier too IIRC. Test drove one once but preferred mx-5/mr2 size.

[Tywais]

Just took a look at the US prices, start at $24,915 or around 850k Baht. That's the 2 liter 155HP version, nearly identical size/hp spec as my Civic. They're talking 2.6-2.7 million here?

[jdlancaster]

Yes the thai prices are ridiculous. . I looked at getting one... but it's not worth 2.5 million

[frankphuket]

A big problem with Mazda Thailand is .. well there are many. The main one is that you go to a dealer and they are completely disinterested in your custom. With a couple of exceptions, it usually takes Mazda an age to bring new models onto the thai market, whereas Honda are pretty quick. And on that note, if you contact Mazda or talk to the sales girls at the motor shows, they cannot / do not offer any info on release dates for imminent car launches. Which is plain silly, as many potential buyers are looking to purchase 6/12 months down the line. BMW and Honda will always give some indication on when a new model will hit the market.

Find this strange, as I for one think that Mazda has been on the forefront of innovation in Thailand and bringing new models quite quickly, especially looking that they have probably a nearly completely new (not even 24 months old) line up: New Mazda 3 Skyactive Tech, New Mazda 2 - only small car with diesel, Mazda CX-5 with Skyactive Diesel and Petrol engines...each on their own in my humble opinion beats their respective counterparts from Honda in terms of drive-ability and technology.

I agree on the above statement if it would have been made 3-5 years ago, but in 2015 I believe Mazda is the front runner.

[Lokie]

A great little car,, although I think the Honda S2000 is better,, I had 1,, drove both it, and the MX-5,, both the same model year,,, bought the S2000.. it was hands down a better, "driver's car"

I would not disagree but from memory I think quite different in set up - engine power/revs and especially price?

+1

apples & pears, other than two seats nothing in common, differant cars for differant reasons,

I had a great MkII MR2 T-bar back in the day and loved it but the Honda if out at the time I would have had as 1st choice as more of a drivers car, still would have then gone for MR2 (baby ferrari looks etc and T-bar roof) and yet the MX5 is as OP said best selling little sports car over the years into 4th Gen, and a bargin little two seater, must say it now looks a lot better from the front, and the aftermarket parts you can chuck on and mod to your hearts content (if you into that stuff)