The New Mazda MX-5: Genius Evolved
One of the biggest bits of news in the car world over the past few weeks has been the launch of the new Mazda MX-5. We’ve been teased with little bits of information for a long while now, and Mazda have been pretty secretive, as you’d expect, as to what we can look forward to. Now however, the cat is out the bag, and boy does it look good.
The original car, launched to great acclaim in 1989, caused us to rethink the traditional two seater roadster. Gone were the days of poorly maintained, unreliable British roadsters from the likes of MG and Austin – here was a modern, Japanese, technologically advanced and most importantly reliable sports car that was cheap and accessible to the masses. It brought a new way of thinking in the sports car world – and subsequent versions have been by far and away the best selling cars of their type. It’s easy to see, therefore, how exciting the launch of a new MX-5 is for fans of both the brands and petrolheads in general.
It’s clear that the main design cues from the original MX-5 have been retained. We’re now in the car’s 4th incarnation and there’s a lot to be said by the way it looks. Fantastic lines, great curves and a thoroughly modern approach.
Top line figures for the new mx5 look distinctly promising, and although the engine options are unconfirmed we’re likely to have Mazda’s newest SKYACTIV engine technology and two examples producing 1.5L and 2.0L at 135 and 160 horsepower respecitvely. This should be more than enough – seeing as the car looks set to weigh much less than the outgoing model.
We can expect to see more of the car on Australian shores in the second half of 2015. If the last versions are anything to go by, and if it drives as well, this is likely to be hugely popular. It’s got a lot to live up to, but I think we can all agree this is a particularly exciting car to look forward to.
Level 2, 9 Help Street