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 Hiroshima, Japan (Hiroshima Plant)
Designer Masashi Nakayama
Body and chassis
Class Roadster, sports car (S)
Body style 2-door convertible
2-door retractable fastback
Layout FMR layout
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
  • Manual: 1,058 kg (2,332 lb)
  • Automatic: 1,080 kg (2,381 lb)[2]
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 price 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

Mazda MX-5 ND 2.0 L SKYACTIV-G engine

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 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.[10]

MX-5 RF

The Mazda MX-5 RF retractable fastback can best be compared with a targa roof.

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. 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.[11] [12]

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'.[13]

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.[14] Fiat Chrysler announced the Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth 124 Spider, both based on the Mazda ND platform, in 2015.[15]

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[16] and "the costliest wave of government regulation since the 1970s."[16]

2018 update

In 2018, for the 2019 model year, the MX-5's 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.[17]

MX-5 Rear view
MX-5 Interior

Specifications

Petrol engines[18]
ModelCalendar
years
Trim TransmissionDisplacementFuel TypePowerTorque0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)CO2 Emissions
1.5 L 2015– Convertible Manual1,496 cc (91.3 cu in)Petrol131 PS (96 kW; 129 bhp)150 N⋅m (111 ft⋅lbf)8.3 s[19]139 g/km
1.5 L 2017– RF Manual1,496 cc (91.3 cu in)Petrol131 PS (96 kW; 129 bhp)150 N⋅m (111 ft⋅lbf)8.6 s142 g/km
2.0 L 2015– Convertible Manual1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)Petrol160 PS (118 kW; 158 bhp)200 N⋅m (148 ft⋅lbf)7.3 s154 g/km[20]
2.0 L 2016– RF Manual1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)Petrol160 PS (118 kW; 158 bhp)200 N⋅m (148 ft⋅lbf)7.5 s154 g/km
2.0 L 2016– RF Automatic1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)Petrol160 PS (118 kW; 158 bhp)200 N⋅m (148 ft⋅lbf)8.5 s149 g/km

Safety

Euro NCAP test results
Mazda MX-5 (2015)
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. An 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.[21]

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."[22]

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."[23] The car also received perfect five star review ratings from Car and Driver[24] and What Car? magazines.[25]

Accolades

References

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  2. "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Spec Sheet". Mazda USA. 2016-03-01. Retrieved 2016-03-01.
  3. "Mazda Unveils All-new Mazda MX-5" (Press release). Mazda. 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2014-12-27.
  4. Ewing, Steven J. (2014-09-03). "2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata has arrived". Autoblog. Retrieved 2014-09-06.
  5. Ernst, Kurt (2015-03-06). "Mazda begins production of next-generation MX-5". Hemmings Daily. Hemmings Motor News. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
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  10. "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.
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  14. "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.
  15. "New Fiat 124 Spider: UK prices and specs". Auto Express. Dennis Publishing Limited. 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  16. 1 2 Payne, Henry (2016-06-20). "Payne: How Fiat saved Mazda's Miata". Detroit News. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  17. Capparella, Joseph (2018-06-01). "2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets More Power". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-07-22.
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