Mazda has given the latest MX-5 two new engines from the MZR petrol family, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and – only for Europe – a 1.8-litre unit. Both engines meet Euro Stage IV emission standards and are mounted longitudinally under the bonnet. Both are lightweight and compact, with chain-driven, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, sequential inlet-valve timing (2.0-litre engine) and variable intake-air systems (VIS). The cylinder block and head, as well as the oil pan sump, are made of aluminium.

The MZR 2.0-litre engine produces a maximum of 118 kW/160 PS of power at 6,700 rpm and generates maximum torque of 188 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Even more important: between 2,500 and 6,700 rpm, a minimum of 90 percent of engine torque is always available. The Mazda MX-5 with a 2.0-litre engine has a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).

The MZR 1.8-litre engine produces a maximum of 93 kW/126 PS of power at 6,500 rpm and 167 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This entry-level model has a top speed of 196 km/h (122 mph).

As was the case with the outgoing model, the new Mazda MX-5 has a powerplant frame made of pressed aluminium in the transmission tunnel. This frame rigidly connects the transmission and the rear axle differential, to brace the chassis and suppress chassis flex during heavy acceleration. This feature, which functions like a strong backbone, has also been applied in a similar way to the outgoing model and to the Mazda RX-8, which is built on the same assembly lines with the new Mazda MX-5 in Japan.

 

The briefing given by Programme Manager Takao Kijima to his engineering staff for developing the body and chassis of the new Mazda MX-5 was very clear. The newest version of the legendary model line up should also be just as compact and lightweight as possible. The basic, front midship engine layout is retained, along with rear-wheel drive and an ideal weight distribution between the axles.

While some aspects of the third-generation Mazda MX-5 are even better than its predecessor, it retains all the original virtues for which the Mazda MX-5 is rightly famous. All MX-5 generations have reflected the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai, the symbiosis between rider and horse. The expression can be traced back to the Yabusame ritual, where an archer shoots an arrow at a target while riding a horse. To hit the bull’s eye, the rider and horse have to act as one – otherwise the arrow will miss its mark.

 

Jinba Ittai served as guiding principle for developing the driving behaviour of the new Mazda MX-5. Instead of focusing on pure speed, developers worked to achieve the ideal of a balanced driving machine that provides skilful drivers with high levels of driving enjoyment without the need of a large displacement engine.

Many components are made of aluminium, including the bonnet, the boot lid, upper and lower front suspension control arms, as well as the rear wheel hub carriers, brake callipers and rear suspension spring seats.

In order to deliver the maximum in driving fun, the engine of the new Mazda MX-5 has been moved 135 mm further to the rear of the 12 vehicle, and the battery and fuel tank are now positioned closer to the car’s centre of gravity. As a result, the third-generation Mazda MX-5 with two passengers achieves an ideal 50:50

The new Mazda MX-5’s standard equipment package includes two front airbags, passenger seat airbag deactivation, 16-inch wheels with 205/50 tyres, height-adjustable steering wheel, an aero board wind-blocker, heated glass rear window, retractable key, remote central locking and an audio system. Side airbags, dynamic stability control and traction control systems are either optional or standard, depending on individual European markets.

Standard equipment for mid and high-grade models (depending on market) includes 16-inch and 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, a storage net in the passenger foot well, steering wheel mounted audio controls, climate control air conditioning, Xenon headlights, a leather steering wheel and gear shift knob. Among the most important options are metallic paint exterior colours, a black leather interior with seat heating, a “LogIn” keyless entry and start system, Bose® audio system and an anti-theft alarm system.

The new Mazda MX-5’s passive safety system includes an important innovation – side airbags for head and torso. They are integrated into the seatback sides and consist of two chambers, which are activated at the same time by a common gas generator and a single inflator. The upper and larger chamber protects the occupant’s head and remains firmer and inflated longer than the lower chamber. In this way, safety engineers achieved an effect similar to curtain airbags in a closed-body vehicle. The lower and somewhat smaller airbag chamber is not as firm when filled and releases its air quicker, which provides optimal protection for the torso. The aluminium bonnet, like that of the Mazda RX-8, is designed to provide optimal pedestrian protection. A shock cone structure on the inner bonnet panel absorbs the majority of contact energy.