Mazda’s perennial MX-5 roadster has entered a new life-phase as the third-generation (carrying over several of the Ibuki concept’s themes) is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show its radically new exterior highlights what remains a beautiful machine.
Mazda’s perennial MX-5 roadster has entered a new life-phase as the third-generation (carrying over several of the Ibuki concept’s themes) is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show its radically new exterior highlights what remains a beautiful machine.
Slightly larger than the current model, the next MX-5 is wider and more box-like than before, giving the car a more purposeful appearance. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels which fill out the flared arches give the car a masculine stance, while flowing lines and seamless curves hark back to the MX-5s of old.
That the chunkier version is heavily inspired by the Ibuki concept first seen at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2003 is clear since the car, though quite squat, was flattered by clean lines and simple designs. As with the Ibuki, the MX-5’s bonnet is almost entirely flat – the only visible bump is where allowances have been made for the engine. The rear is flatter and wider to accommodate the larger bootspace.
Unveiled at a VIP event on Monday, the new two-seater still retains many of its traditional qualities – the classic rear-wheel drive setup, its manually operated fabric-and-glass roof composition and its lightweight construction.
The leather-swathed interior is heavily influenced by the striking RX-8 and its spacious interior, with centre console angled slightly towards the driver, is modestly laid out.
Mazda promises the next MX-5 will be even more engaging than before and to prove this point, it will come with two new 1,8- and 2,0-litre engines mated with five- and six-speed manual transmissions respectively. Both engines feature aluminium blocks and heads, variable valve timing and an acoustically tuned exhaust system.
It is claimed that the smaller engine is capable of displacing maximum power of 93 kW with peak torque of 172 N.m while the 2,0-litre produces peak power of 123 kW and torque of 184 N.m.
Pushing the engine back by 135 mm and tilting it by 10 degrees to lower the centre of gravity have achieved better weight distribution. The front suspension retains its double wishbones, but the rear now gets a multi-link layout similar to the RX-8’s.
Again pledging the taut control, superb handling, flexible engines and a smooth ride which has seen the MX-5 maintain its edge over several pricier and more advanced models, the world’s most popular roadster will hopefully triumph once more.
