New Mazda MX5 On Sale At Dealerships Now

Mazda Press Release
Source Mazda UK
11 November 2005

The all-new Mazda MX-5 range offers customers a five-strong model line‑up with a choice of three powertrains (1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox, 2.0i with 6-speed gearbox), and three equipment levels (Standard, Option Pack and Sport). On display in dealer showrooms since mid October, the third-generation MX‑5 officially went on sale from 1 November.

The new Mazda MX-5 has achieved a near-impossible task, it is even better than the iconic model it replaces, while staying true to the spirit of the original cult car. Bigger, better engines deliver more power and better fuel economy, with reduced CO 2 outputs. Longer, wider and taller (by 20, 40 and 20 mm respectively) the new MX-5 weighs only a few kilos more than the previous model, despite more generous standard equipment and enhanced primary and secondary safety.

During 2006, sales of the new Mazda MX-5 are expected to reach more than 8,500 units, of which 2,800 are predicted to be fleet sales, and to maintain a similar level through 2007. The new model – with its athletic and aggressive body lines, larger alloy wheels, more powerful engines and twin exhausts – is proving to have a greater appeal for men with 60 per cent of preorder website sales to male customers, and this initial ratio (60/40 male/female) is expected to continue.

A choice of five body colours will be available – two micas (Galaxy Grey and Winning Blue), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and two solids (Brilliant Black and True Red). Stylish 16-inch 5‑spoke (available on 1.8 and 2.0 models) and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels are available (standard on 2.0 Sport models).

Further confirmation of the new Mazda MX-5’s enhanced popularity was the high demand for the sixth model in the initial line-up, the special introductory model, the 2.0i Special Launch Edition, which was available on the preorder website from August. The strictly limited run of 300 units of these Velocity Red, 2.0i Sport-based models for the UK market – each individually numbered – was entirely sold out by mid-October.

Evolution with the athletic build of a true sports
car

The most successful open two-seater sports car of all time, the new Mazda MX-5 is still an affordable, fun to drive roadster with harmonious proportions and no unnecessary frills – still clearly recognisable as a Mazda MX-5. However, the new Mazda MX-5 has the athletic build of a true sports car.

Mazda designers renounced the “cola bottle waist” of both previous models while increasing the car’s width and giving the fenders a more prominent design. The vehicle’s low, flowing side sills, a slightly wedged shape profile and a body that tapers slightly inwards at the front and back – are retained. Thus the new Mazda MX-5 is a “synthesis of modernity and tradition,” as MX-5’s Chief Designer, Yasushi Nakamuta, defined it.

The wider cockpit has more hip, shoulder and elbow room, and space to fit side airbags for the first time. Thanks to the 65 mm longer wheelbase (2,330 mm), people as tall as 1.86 m can comfortably fit into the car – previously, it was a bit cramped for people over 1.80 m.

The soft top is made of high quality material and can be opened and closed by using a centrally-placed latch in just six seconds and using only one hand. The Z-fold soft top, when completely folded back, sits flush with the boot lid, which does away with the need for a tonneau cover. And you don’t even have to get out of the car to open or close the top.

For the inside, MX-5 designers sought to create a higher quality feel, as well as combining new materials. Mazda MX-5’s solid quality finish is achieved by using decorative piano black embellishments and quality detailing on features such as the driving instruments, whose needles seem to twitch in anticipation of the driving enjoyment to come, when the car’s ignition is switched on.

The ventilation system uses additional air vents on the centre stack and in the foot well, to extend Mazda MX-5’s open-air driving season considerably. Now you can drive the new Mazda MX-5 comfortably in air temperatures from 10 to 30 ° C. Quarter windows placed at the bottoms of the A-pillars, along with a new, more efficient aero board wind‑blocker, make driving with the top down even more comfortable.

Mazda MX-5’s new interior has more practical storage compartments and the larger boot can now hold beverage cases, containing 12 1.5-litre bottles, carried upright.

Competitive ownership costs

Thanks to the excellent levels of security, including Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser (standard on all derivatives), together with the modest overall costs of service, maintenance and repair – which remains at a similar level to the outgoing models – the insurance groups for the all‑new MX-5 remain equally competitive in the non‑premium S segment, ranging from 11E to 13E.

Meanwhile, residual value experts say used car values at three years/60,000 miles on the new MX-5 will be in line with those more frequently associated with premium badge marques because demand in the used car market for the two-seater continues to be enormous. Figures from CAP Motor Research range from the Mazda MX-5 retaining 43 per cent of its P11d value for the flagship model to 47 per cent for the entry-level 1.8i derivative at three years/60,000 miles.