Mazda MX-5 1.5 Petrol

There’s more than meets the eye in the brand new Mazda MX-5.  And what meets the eye is very pleasing.  New exterior detailing gives the MX-5 very modern and up-to-date looks.  Are these the narrowest front headlights on any car to date?  What the heck; they look fabulous and give the little roadster even sharper lines and a superbly streamlined appearance.  The latest 2015 MX-5 has a very low centre of gravity and the perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution for gassing it through the corners.

You may be tempted to disregard the engine power output figures, as on paper the Mazda MX-5 1.5 may not look like much compared to a Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4.  But how could so many people be so wrong?  The Mazda MX-5 has sold more of itself than any other Roadster in the world.  Now that got you thinking didn’t it?  If stats on paper were the only thing to go on, perhaps you might look elsewhere.  But, as with the old MX-5, the new Mazda MX-5 1.5-litre petrol has it’s proof in the way this Roadster moves!

Mazda’s latest MX-5 has two engines, but in this review it’s the peppy 1.5-litre petrol-fed engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that we’re looking at here.  You can opt for the six-speed auto if you prefer gear shifts done for you.  The inline four-cylinder engine boasts 16 valves and DOHC mechanics.  SKYACTIV technology has been combined into the engine’s makeup for better response and fuel economy.  Fire this engine up, and like many of the Mazdas preceding it the engine is smooth and very free-revving.  On paper, the 96 kW of peak power found at 7000 rpm may not sound overly electrifying, but combining the 150 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm, this lightweight roadster loves to spin the tachometer through all six gears ensuring crisp acceleration and enjoyable driving.  The six gears match the cars power nicely, and there is plenty of get-up-and-go, particularly in the mid to higher engine revs.  The new MX-5 1.5 weighs in at just over 1000 kg, so acceleration and cornering ability equals a whole lot of fun.  Your 0-100 km/h dash can be nailed in around eight seconds or just under.  That’s a whole lot of fun for mot much money!  Open the bonnet of the MX-5 in 2015, and you’ll find the engine is orientated on the longitudinal line.  This means that, keeping in the true nature of the MX-5 predecessors, the car is RWD.  This is a truly enjoyable and fun-to-drive lightweight roadster that only sets you back $40k or there abouts.  Guaranteed to smile, you will enjoy the MX-5 1.5 drive.

Lovely, shapely lines and open-top fun, this is a two-seater car to make every drive a pleasure that you can enjoy on your own or with a special friend.  The soft-top easily glides away, opening up the overhead view for wind-in-the-hair thrills.  The Mazda MX-5’s interior is beautifully put together and finished in nice unique materials for a very modern and smart finish.  It’s a driver focused cabin and, while well equipped with goodies, is uncluttered and tidy. Leather seats are refined and elegant, and the rev counter dominates the three round dials in the instrument panel.  A pop-up screen from the centre dash area is crystal clear and offers communications to Sat Nav, phone and music.  Steering wheel controls can be used to alter volume for the sound system.  You can opt for a special Bose Premium Sound system with nine speakers if music is your thing, though the six speakers seem more than adequate.

Mazda MX-5 1.5 Interior

One of the real advancements Mazda has made in the new model MX-5 is in the areas of safety and protection of occupants. Mazda’s SKYACTIV-BODY technology has sought to strengthen the MX-5 structure to minimise harm in the event of a collision.  Side airbags now have head protecting cells that function when the roof is open or closed.  ABS, EBD and EBA are all standard, while ESS activates the hazard lights in the event of sudden deceleration.  The Mazda MX-5 comes with a limited-slip differential providing equal torque to both rear wheels, although only the manual cars come with this feature.

To top it all off, even the base model 2015 Mazda MX-5 1.5 litre model comes with another first.  The MX-5 is the first Mazda to come with Double-Pinion Electric Power Assist Steering.  Very quick steering response is the added thrill for the new MX-5 driver.

Drive your Roadster wild side with a step up to a new Mazda MX-5.  Even the swift 1.5 litre model will provide lots of enjoyment for every drive.

The current Mazda MX-5 1.6 petrol models include the:

• MX-5 1.5 Petrol
• MX-5 2.0 Petrol

For any more information on the new Mazda MX-5, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!