Mazda MX-5, a real fun roadster

Meet the world’s best-selling 2-seater convertible. A real success story…

Meet the world’s best-selling 2-seater convertible : there are over 700,000 Mazda MX-5s buzzing around roads all over the world. A success story…

The MX-5 is based on the “Jinta Ittai” concept, which translates into “the rider who is one with his steed”. A bit like a centaur ! The manufacturer’s engineers have focussed on restoring real meaning to the principle of a lightweight sports car, equipped with a small, feisty engine and giving priority to the notion of pleasurable driving. Unity lies at the hub of their preoccupations. To attain it, six factors were taken into account : styling (both inside and out), touch, sound, dynamic behaviour, drive and braking. Since superfluous kilos were not in keeping with “Jinta Ittai ”, they have been tracked down and eliminated. To make the roadster as light as possible, Mazda has opted for lightweight materials and a monohull structure to meet the desired objective. As a result, the car is only about 10 kilos heavier than its predecessor, but has progressed in terms of power, comfort, practicality and safety. As proof, the bodywork’s rigidity has been improved by twenty-two per cent in inflexion and forty-seven per cent in torsion. And by setting the engine back by 135 millimetres, the car has achieved perfect balance between its volumes and a reduction in polar inertia.

Sporty and powerful, the MX-5 will appeal to fans of roadsters. In its favour, a more tapered design than that of its predecessor and a more assertive personality. The passenger compartment has also been re-visited : the dashboard and central tunnel form a “T” which clearly defines each occupant’s place.

Sporty and powerful, the MX-5 will appeal to fans of roadsters. In its favour, a more tapered design than that of its predecessor and a more assertive personality. The passenger compartment has also been re-visited : the dashboard and central tunnel form a “T” which clearly defines each occupant’s place.

Technical details Length : 3995 mm Width : 1720 mm Height : 1245 mm Wheelbase : 2330 mm Engines : 1.8 l : 93 kW/126 hp at 6500 rev/min - 2.0 l : 118 kW/160 hp at 6700 rev /min Gearbox : mechanical with 5 or 6 automatic gear changes.

Technical details Length : 3995 mm Width : 1720 mm Height : 1245 mm Wheelbase : 2330 mm Engines : 1.8 l : 93 kW/126 hp at 6500 rev/min - 2.0 l : 118 kW/160 hp at 6700 rev /min Gearbox : mechanical with 5 or 6 automatic gear changes.

Stylish allure !

With its sobre style and sporty allure, the MX-5 is a rightful heir to the original model. Its rounded shape has, however, been replaced by a more tapered front and rear, with sides which “shrink” between the wheels. A roadster with more muscle ! Its hood with central locking lever folds Z-style : the hard-top gives a more modern and aggressive line. In the passenger compartment, everything revolves around the T formed by the dashboard and central tunnel. The five metal rimmed dials are covered by polarized anti reflection glass. The luxury versions offer two upholsteries, in plain black or black and ochre leather. As for safety, the MX-5 relies on a more rigid base than before and has lateral airbags stored in the backs of the seats. A light new system of protection, both compact and efficient ; in the event of collision, the pressure deploys the thorax airbag and the protective cushion for the head. The adjustable steering wheel and seat also optimize the driver’s position. Finally, air ducts have been set into the lower part of the passenger compartment while a windshield behind the seats ensures appreciable comfort : one can ride with one’s hair blowing in the wind for as long as possible. Commercialisation scheduled for the second half of 2005. Price estimate : from 20,000 €.

Par Cécile Olivéro – Photos : presse