Mazda MX-5 (ND)
Mazda MX-5 (ND) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Mazda |
Also called | Mazda Roadster (Japan) Mazda MX-5 Miata (U.S.) |
Production | 4 March 2015–present |
Model years | 2016–present |
Assembly | Japan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant) |
Designer | Masashi Nakayama |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Roadster, sports car (S) |
Body style | 2-door convertible 2-door retractable fastback |
Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Platform | Mazda ND |
Related | Fiat 124 Spider (2016) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.5 L SKYACTIV-G (P5-VPS) DOHC I4 2.0 L SKYACTIV-G (PE-VPS) DOHC I4 |
Transmission | 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,315 mm (91.1 in)[1] |
Length | 3,915 mm (154.1 in)[1] |
Width | 1,730 mm (68.1 in)[1] |
Height | 1,235 mm (48.6 in)[1] |
Curb weight |
|
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Mazda MX-5 (NC) |
The Mazda MX-5 (ND) is the fourth and current generation of the Mazda MX-5. Mazda officially unveiled the car on September 3, 2014 in the United States and Spain, and on September 4, 2014 in Japan.[3][4] The new MX-5 was presented at the October 2014 Paris Motor Show, and at the November 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The car is manufactured in Mazda's Hiroshima plant.[5] The vehicle was released in the third quarter of 2015. In the US, the release price of the MX-5 was between $24,915 and $30,065.[6] On March 24, 2016 the MX-5 was awarded World Car of the Year (WCOTY) and the World Car Design of the Year at the New York Auto Show. It was the second Mazda to win WCOTY following the Mazda 2 in 2008.[7]
Overview
The fourth generation MX-5 is 105 mm (4 inches) shorter and 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than its predecessor, putting the vehicle's curb weight near 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Incorporating Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, the Miata is offered with a choice of two direct injection, naturally aspirated petrol engines. The base model has a 1.5 L 96 kW (129 bhp) engine, while the 1,998 cc (2.0 L; 121.9 cu in) North American (United States and Canada) version is rated at 155 bhp (157 PS; 116 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 148 lb⋅ft (201 N⋅m) @ 4600 rpm of torque.[8] Mazda also replaced the hydraulic power steering system that the previous Miatas had with their new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system.[9]
The car was launched with a six-speed manual shift transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission. The cockpit, steering wheel, and infotainment system are very similar to the 2014 Mazda3. The MX-5 is fitted as standard with a manually operated fabric roof that can be opened or closed within a few seconds.
The 2019 MX-5 has three variants. Sport, Club, and Grand Touring (GS, GS-P, GT in Canada, respectively) and all come standard with a 1,998 cc (2.0 L; 121.9 cu in) engine rated at 181 bhp (184 PS; 135 kW) @ 7000 rpm and 151 lb⋅ft (205 N⋅m) @ 4000 rpm of torque.[10] All variants can be had with a MT or AT, with the MT fuel efficiency of 9.0 L/100 km (31.4 mpg‑imp; 26.1 mpg‑US) City and 7.0 L/100 km (40.4 mpg‑imp; 33.6 mpg‑US) Highway. The AT performs slightly better, at 9.0 L/100 km (31.4 mpg‑imp; 26.1 mpg‑US) City and 6.6 L/100 km (42.8 mpg‑imp; 35.6 mpg‑US) Highway.
The MX-5 (ND) has been very popular with diecast manufacturers like Hot Wheels and Matchbox, both companies releasing their own versions of the car to the market.[11]
MX-5 RF
In late 2016, a new MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) model was announced. It features a rigid roof and buttresses that give the silhouette a more coupé-like appearance than the soft top convertible. The top panel of the roof folds back whilst the buttresses remain in place, similar to a Targa top. Antecedents for the flying buttresses design are found in the Chevrolet Corvette (C3) T-top coupé and the Ferrari Dino 206 GT and 246 GT. The interior of the MX-5 RF model is almost the same as the soft top, with the same media screen, seats, steering wheel and switch gear, and the trunk volume is the same as the soft top. Differences include a full circle colored digital gauge in place of the soft top's semi-rectangular, half-digital, mono-colored display. The storage cubby behind the drivers seat has been eliminated, and the cubby behind the passenger seat as well as the glove box behind the center console have been made shallower to make room for the roof mechanism. The MX-5 RF uses the same engines as the soft top model and offers similar performance. The MX-5 RF also introduced a new 'Machine Grey' paint.[12] [13]
A limited edition run of 500 models was introduced with the launch of the Mazda MX-5 RF. Called the 'Launch Edition' these models were priced at £28,995 and were only available with the 160PS 2.0 litre engine. These models included BBS alloy wheels, a twin-tone roof, black door mirrors and rear spoiler as well as Recaro seats. This version was only available in two colours: 'Soul Red' or 'Machine Grey'.[14]
Cooperation with Fiat Chrysler
A joint venture with Alfa Romeo on a joint rear-wheel drive platform was announced in 2012, but cancelled in 2014.[15] Fiat Chrysler announced the Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth 124 Spider, both based on the Mazda ND platform, in 2015.[16]
In 2016, the Detroit News stated "in partnering with Mazda’s MX-5 Miata to resurrect the classic Fiat 124 Spider, Fiat Chrysler not only gained a halo sports car for its struggling Italian brand, but likely saved the most celebrated small sports car of the past 25 years (the MX-5)" — citing the markedly increased cost of developing a new car at the time[17] and "the costliest wave of government regulation since the 1970s."[17]
2018 update (ND2)
In late 2018, for the 2019 model year, the MX-5 series was designated as ND2. Primarily because its 2.0 L engine was revised to generate 135 kW (181 bhp) and 151 lb⋅ft (205 N⋅m) of torque, with the redline increased to 7,500 rpm. Externally, the car received a brown soft top and black 17" wheels. Interior upgrades include a telescoping steering column, a standard reverse camera, a reworked door opening mechanism, revised seat controls, and redesigned cupholders.[18]
Special editions
- Mazda MX-5 Levanto (2016)
Inspired by the 1966 film The Endless Summer, this one-off collaboration with Garage Italia Customs features a unique indigo blue fading to bright orange paint job. In addition, the interior is re-trimmed in Japanese blue denim with blue Alcantara and orange stitching.[19]
- Mazda MX-5 Yamamoto Signature (2018)
This Italy-exclusive model is a tribute to Mazda MX-5 Ambassador Nobuhiro Yamamoto and is available only with the 1.5 L engine. It comes only in Jet Black with red highlights, a Mazdaspeed aero kit, a red engine bay brace and oil cap, and a special badge on the driver's side door behind the side mirror. The interior features black and red Alcantara trim with an embroidered reproduction of Yamamoto's signature. Optional upgrades include an Öhlins suspension, 16" Enkei RPF1 wheels in Toyo R888R 205/50ZR16 semi-slick tires, 280 mm brake discs with Brembo 4-piston front calipers, Nissin rear calipers, and stainless steel braided hoses. Only four examples of this model were released.[20]
- MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition (2019)
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MX-5, Mazda released a limited edition variant of the ND. The MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition debuted at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on 7 February.[21] The car comes in an exclusive metallic orange color with a special numbering badge. Each owner was able to configure their 30th Anniversary Edition MX-5 before placing a $500 deposit, and will receive a commemorative watch with the car. Of the 3000 worldwide units, only 500 examples were allocated to make their way to the U.S. but after feedback from buyers, Mazda announced that an additional 143 units will be allocated for the U.S. market.[22] 30 examples will make their way to Australia.[23]
Gallery
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Roadster
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RF hardtop
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Interior
Specifications
Model | Calendar years |
Trim | Transmission | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
CO2 Emissions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.5 L | 2015– | Convertible | Manual | 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in) | 131 PS (96 kW; 129 hp) | 150 N⋅m (110 lbf⋅ft) | 8.3 s[25] | 139 g/km |
1.5 L | 2017– | RF | Manual | 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in) | 131 PS (96 kW; 129 hp) | 150 N⋅m (110 lbf⋅ft) | 8.6 s | 142 g/km |
2.0 L | 2015–2018 | Convertible | Manual | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) | 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) | 200 N⋅m (150 lbf⋅ft) | 7.3 s | 154 g/km[26] |
2.0 L | 2016–2018 | RF | Manual | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) | 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) | 200 N⋅m (150 lbf⋅ft) | 7.5 s | 154 g/km |
2.0 L | 2016–2018 | RF/Convertible | Automatic | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) | 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) | 200 N⋅m (150 lbf⋅ft) | 8.5 s | 149 g/km |
2.0 L | 2019– | RF/Convertible | Automatic/Manual | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) | 184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp) | 205 N⋅m (151 lbf⋅ft) | 6.5–7.9 s | 156 g/km |
Safety
Test | Points | % |
---|---|---|
Overall: | ||
Adult occupant: | 31.9 | 84% |
Child occupant: | 17 | 80% |
Pedestrian: | 33.7 | 93% |
Safety assist: | 8.3 | 64% |
Four airbags are fitted as standard, including torso airbags, pelvis airbags and head airbags for driver and passenger. Headrests provide protection from whiplash. A Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+), an 'active' hood for pedestrian protection and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) are available. Since the MX-5 is a two-seater, the front passenger airbag can be disabled for safe transportation of children and the installation of a suitable rear-facing child seat restraint to be used in that position. In the Euro NCAP safety test, the MX suffered from a malfunctioning driver's airbag, which was unable to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Its rating was 4 out of 5 stars.[27]
Reception
The fourth generation MX-5 received praise from automotive journalists. Jeremy Clarkson, in his "Driving" column of The Sunday Times, gave the car five out of five stars, calling it an "engineering gem." He also commented that "It’s a cure for depression, this car, it really is. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it."[28]
Top Gear magazine gave the car a score of nine out of 10, calling it "A complete sweetie of a roadster, this is the best the MX-5 has been perhaps ever."[29] The car also received perfect five star review ratings from Car and Driver[30] and What Car? magazines.[31]
Accolades
- Car of the Year Japan Award 2015-2016.[32]
- Automobile magazine's "All-Stars" list in 2016.[33]
- Car and Driver's 10Best list from 2016-2019.[34][35]
- Yahoo! Autos 2016 Fresh Ride of the Year.[36]
- Roadshow by CNET Editors Choice Best Convertibles 2016.[37]
- World Car of the Year at the 2016 World Car Awards (UK).[38]
- 2016 World Car of the Year Awards: "World Car of the Year" and "World Car Design of the Year".[39]
- 2016 UK Car of the Year.[40]
- The Daily Telegraph 2016 Car of the Year.[41]
- Auto Express 2017 Roadster of the Year.[42]
- Red Dot Best of the Best Award: Product Design 2017.[43]
- New York Daily News DNA Award 2018.[44]
- What Car? Magazine 2018 Best Convertible Less Than £25,000.[45]
- MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards Best Convertible 2018.[46]
- Edmunds.com 2019 Editor's Choice Awards: Best Sports Car.[47]
References
- ^ a b c d Orlove, Raphael (2014-09-03). "These Are The First Official Specs Of The 2016 Mazda Miata". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2014-10-11.
- ^ "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Spec Sheet". Mazda USA. 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-03-01.
- ^ "Mazda Unveils All-new Mazda MX-5" (Press release). Mazda. 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2014-12-27.
- ^ Ewing, Steven J. (2014-09-03). "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata has arrived". Autoblog. Retrieved 2014-09-06.
- ^ Ernst, Kurt (2015-03-06). "Mazda begins production of next-generation MX-5". Hemmings Daily. Hemmings Motor News. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
- ^ Hyde, Justin (2015-06-01). "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: First Drive". Yahoo! Autos. Yahoo!. Retrieved 2015-06-01.
- ^ "Mazda MX-5 Wins World Car of the Year 2016". T W White & Sons Blog. 2016-03-24. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
- ^ "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata". Car and Driver. 2015-01-01. Retrieved 2015-02-17.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "ND Miata Electric Power Steering? Anyone Else Worried?". RallyWays. Retrieved 2017-12-01.
- ^ "2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata". Mazda. 2019-03-27. Retrieved 2015-03-27.
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(help) - ^ "Yes, this is the inevitable Hot Wheels v. Matchbox Mazda MX-5 Miata comparison post…". the Lamley Group. 2016-06-23. Retrieved 2018-02-02.
- ^ "All-new Mazda MX-5 RF". Mazda UK. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
- ^ "Masda MX-5 Brochure" (PDF). Mazda Motors UK. 2016-12-16. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-28. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Mazda Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition". www.brayleys.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-12-01.
- ^ "Senior FCA Exec Confirms Mazda MX-5 Platform For New Fiat-Abarth Model". Motor Authority. Internet Brands Automotive Group. 2014-12-23. Retrieved 2014-12-28.
- ^ "New Fiat 124 Spider: UK prices and specs". Auto Express. Dennis Publishing Limited. 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
- ^ a b Payne, Henry (2016-06-20). "Payne: How Fiat saved Mazda's Miata". Detroit News. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
- ^ Capparella, Joseph (2018-06-01). "2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets More Power". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-07-22.
- ^ "Mazda MX-5 Levanto". Roadster.blog. 2016-07-01. Retrieved 2018-12-15.
- ^ "Mazda MX-5 Yamamoto Signature". Roadster.blog. 2018-05-30. Retrieved 2018-12-15.
- ^ "Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition to Premiere at Chicago Auto Show". Mazda. 2019-01-09. Retrieved 2019-01-09.
- ^ "Mazda North American Operations Answers Ongoing Demand For 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary". Inside Mazda. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^ "Limited-edition Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 30 years of world's favourite roadster". Motoring.com.au. 2018-12-12. Retrieved 2018-12-15.
- ^ "Mazda MX 5 Miata (ND) - Technical specifications, size dimensions, fuel economy". ultimatespecs.com.
- ^ "Mazda MX-5" (PDF). France: Mazda. Retrieved 2017-09-28.
- ^ Pund, Daniel (May 2017). "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Long-Term Test Update". Car and Driver. US. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
- ^ Oagana, Alex (2015-10-07). "2015 Mazda MX-5 Equals Audi TT Performance in Poor Euro NCAP Rating". autoevolution. SoftNews NET. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
- ^ Clarkson, Jeremy (2016-05-23). "The Clarkson Review: 2016 Mazda MX-5". The Sunday Times. UK. Retrieved 2018-06-24.
- ^ "The Top Gear car review: Mazda MX-5". Top Gear magazine. UK. Retrieved 2018-06-24.
- ^ "2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "Mazda MX-5 Convertible". What Car?. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "Japan Car of the Year Award". BATFA Japan. Retrieved 2018-05-27.
- ^ St. Antoine, Arthur (2016-03-22). "2016 Automobile All-Stars: The Winners". Automobile. Retrieved 2019-01-19.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "Mazda MX-5 Miata - 10Best Cars". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-05-27.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "2019 10Best Cars". Car and Driver. 2018-11-29. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "2016 Yahoo Autos Fresh Ride of the Year: Mazda MX-5 Miata". www.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2015-11-17.
- ^ "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata review - Roadshow". CNET. 2015-07-28. Retrieved 2016-02-22.
- ^ Simpson, John (2016-03-24). "Mazda MX-5 named World Car of the Year 2016, ahead of A4 and Merc's GLC". Contract Hire And Leasing. UK. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
- ^ "Mazda MX-5 wins 2016 World Car of the Year award". The Japan Times. 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2018-10-03.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ Simpson, John (2016-03-02). "Mazda MX-5 named UK Car of the Year 2016". Contract Hire And Leasing. UK. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
- ^ Hudson, Paul (2016-07-08). "Mazda MX-5 named Telegraph Car of the Year 2016". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2018-10-03.
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(help) - ^ "Roadster of the Year 2017: Mazda MX-5 RF". Auto Express. 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Red Dot Award: Product Design - Mazda MX-5 RF". Red Dot. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
- ^ Hunting, Benjamin (2018-03-21). "DNA Award Winner: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2018: Mazda MX-5 2.0 SE-L". What Car?. Retrieved 2018-05-28.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards". MotorWeek. 2018-02-08. Retrieved 2018-06-01.
- ^ "2019 Editor's Choice Awards". Edmunds.com. 2019-02-12. Retrieved 2019-02-12.