Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX -5 is a car model of the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda, with the beginning of the 1990s, a renaissance of the roadster was triggered. In the U.S., the MX-5 is sold as a Mazda Miata and Eunos Roadster in Japan. With over 900,000 copies sold, between February 1989 and 4 February 2011, the MX -5 the best-selling roadster in the world. The MX-5 has rear wheel drive and a front- mid engine.

• 5.2.1 2009
• 5.2.2 2012

Development

Before the introduction of the MX -5 in 1989, the design of the classic roadster was as good as extinct due to constantly tighter security requirements. Some manufacturers produce vehicles with removable roof sections ( Targa ). The only still built on a large scale representative of the genus of the classic roadster was the Alfa Romeo Spider, which, however, was technically obsolete because of its long construction period.

As the market research departments of automobile manufacturers saw no potential for such a vehicle, it is thanks in large part to the personal initiative of many developers, such as the MX -5 project Toshihiko Hirai that the car went into production yet. At launch was loud auto motor und sport a planned production of 5,000 vehicles a year, including 3,000 for the U.S. and 500 for Europe. By the end of 1990, however, already 140 918 vehicles had been produced, of which 15,888 in Europe. However, European imports, the demand could not nearly cover, resulting in a large amount of gray imports.

The MX-5 was developed with particular regard to the Californian market. It was hoped that the car an emotional cast of the Mazda brand name; a strategy that can be described as successful in most later. The clear focus on the American market is also a consequence that the original idea dates back to the development of a roadster out of a conversation between the Mazda Manager Kenichi Yamamoto and the American journalist Bob Hall, especially on Yamamoto's question as to which car Mazda North American market missing, replied: "A lightweight sportscar. "

Other manufacturers came later with their own roadster models after, such as BMW with the Z3, Mercedes with the SLK, MG with the MGF / TF and Fiat with the Barchetta. While settled in the price segment of the MX -5 competitor virtually ceased without exception, successor, the market for higher-priced, mostly relatively comfort-oriented Roadster has since become a regular fixture.

Model history

• The NA with folding headlights 1989 to 1998.
• Within the model of NA, there were from 1994 ( with running production transition ) a minor facelift with a modified interior (especially the dashboard) and motor changes (131 bhp and later 90 hp instead of 116 hp ( Euro 2 ) )
• The NB from 1998 to 2000 with fixed headlights, new chassis, modified body, a new interior, revised engines and now heated glass rear window.
• The NB- FL (FL = Facelift) was from 2001, built as a revised version of the NB: Changed headlights, front end and rear lights, various changes, for example, instrument lights red instead of green for interiors and technology ( new center console, other seats, changed door panels, motor).
• Further revision 2004: detail changes in the interior, the exterior shape remains the same.
• The NC as a complete revision of the entire vehicle from 2005.
• The NC -FL as a light optical and technical revision, as of summer 2009.
• The NC -FL again easy optical revision, pedestrian safety, from the spring of 2013.

MX -5 (type NA, 1989-1998 )

Mazda MX- 5 (1989-1998)

The MX-5 was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, 1989. In May 1990, the launch took place in Europe. For the launch initially only a 1.6 - liter engine with 85 kW ( 115 hp) was offered.

In spring 1994, a more powerful 1.8 - liter engine was added (131 hp) with 96 kW. In addition, there was a new metallic color light blue ( Laguna Blue Mica ); this was only offered in 1994 and is very popular among collectors.

In early 1995 the 1.6 - liter engine 66 kW (90 hp) was offered with a cheaper engine.

MX -5 ( Type NB / NB- FL, 1998-2005)

Mazda MX- 5 (1998-2005)

In January 1998, Mazda introduced the second generation MX -5 (production code NB). It more powerful engines were offered, the 1.9 liter engine now delivered 103 kW ( 140 hp ) and the 1.6 - liter engine developing 81 kW (110 hp).

1999 Mazda celebrated with a limited edition of 7500 copies worldwide, the 10 - year anniversary of the MX- fifth Had this "10th Anniversary " model, some exclusive features such as a six -speed transmission and Bilstein shock absorber and a strut brace between the front spring strut domes, highly polished five-spoke Enkei - 15-inch light -alloy wheels and an engine power of 103kW ( 140PS ). This model was only produced in Sapphire Blue Metallic. The serial number is located on a tag on the left side of the vehicle below the side blinker. The vinyl roof was also blue. Again, there were steering wheel and shift knob Nardi. The maximum speed of this model has been specified in the registration papers with 206 km / h.

In December 2000, the MX -5 ( NBFL ) gave a slightly modified look (front and rear ) and a slightly different interior. In addition, there was now an automatic version with 102 kW ( 139 hp) and the switching version had now 107 kW (146 hp).

• Different values ​​with 6-speed transmission ( Sportive ).

MX -5 (type NC, since 2005)

Mazda MX- 5 (2005-2008)

At the 75th Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, the third-generation Mazda MX -5 was unveiled (production code NC). First, it was available as a pre-sale special model 3rd generation, which was sold in October 2005. The regular launch took place in late January 2006. This model is based on the chassis of the Mazda RX -8 and is offered with two different MZR petrol engines with 16 valves.

It has an improved standard equipment with DSC, traction control, side and head -shoulder airbags and larger disc brakes and weighs about 100 kg more than its predecessor. In addition, the 2.0 -liter version has a limited slip differential on the rear axle.

In Japan, the MX- 5 of the third generation was chosen for " Japan Car of the Year 2005 /2006".

Since autumn 2006, a version with plastic folding roof called Roadster Coupe next to the soft top is available.

Special models

3rd Generation

With the limited edition 3500 model vehicles Special 3rd generation, the third generation MX -5 was launched in October 2005. The special edition was available from 30,700 euros and has the 2.0 -liter petrol engine with 118 kW (160 hp) and six-speed manual transmission. The exterior has been upgraded with chrome bezels of the windshield frame, the front grille, door handles and front fog lights and side markers. The polished 17 -inch aluminum wheels with 205/45 tires are combined with a sports suspension and Bilstein shock absorbers. There are also xenon headlights and a metallic paintwork in tornado red.

The matching heated seats and door panels are upholstered in red leather. On the center console there is a " 3rd Generation Limited " badge with integrated serial number. In addition to the climate control system and a multi-function leather steering wheel with three spokes there is a Bose sound system including seven speakers and six-disc CD changer. Silver-tone applications are to be found on the instrument panel, the display instruments and speakers. The special edition also includes a pre-sale package with a Fila polo shirt, Levis Jeans, Puma sports shoes manufactured exclusively for Mazda as well as a pilot's watch watchmaker sense. Its dial is painted in body color and the bracelet made ​​of red leather.

Black & White

In September 2006, limited to 250 pieces special edition Black & White was offered as a roadster with prices starting at 23,800 euros and in two versions. Both have in common is the paint in Brilliant Black or White Pegasus and the alloy wheels. When Black & White Energy on the basis of energy facilities, the vehicle was 1.8 - or 2.0 - liter engine and five-speed manual transmission available. When Black & White expression with 2.0 - liter engine and six-speed manual gearbox, the MX- 5 is based on the variant expression. The optional light package with fog, xenon headlights and headlight cleaning system was the Energy series and cost for the " expression " 910 euro charge. Also extra charge was the Bose sound system with six-disc CD changer and seven speakers and the Professional package with alarm, interior monitoring and keyless entry and start system LogIn. In the interior there are black heated leather seats, automatic climate control, a multifunction leather steering wheel and a mobile navigation system. The standard Apple iPod with two gigabytes of memory and adapter cable for the audio system has a contrasting to the exterior paint color. Depending on the version of the price advantage was up to 2070 euros.

Mithra

From April 2007, the named and limited after the Persian sun god Mithra special model was only available as a roadster from 26,000 euros. Two different versions were offered: the Mithra Emotion with 1.8 - liter engine, five-speed manual transmission and 16 -inch aluminum wheels on the basis of emotion equipment over which he offered 539 € price advantage. The Mithra expression with 2.0 -liter engine, six- speed manual transmission and 17 -inch aluminum wheels, however, was 450 euros cheaper than the version expression on which it is based.

Both versions have a black soft top, which can be combined with the three metallic finishes Festival Black, Tiamatblau and Argosgrün. Furthermore, there are fog lights, chrome trim on the front grille, door handles and the roll bars and a white third brake light and white side indicator with chrome trim. The interior features beige gray, heated leather sports seats, beige -colored decorative stitching on the shift knob, the handbrake handle and the leather steering wheel. The latter has controls for the audio system with CD player and six speakers. Similarly to standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, a wind deflector and silver deposits on the dashboard.

Niseko

Named after a Japanese ski resort of Niseko special model based on the equipment variant emotion and was available in March 2008 for both body and engine versions with five-speed manual transmission. The price advantage was, depending on engine 4780-5680 euros, the base model cost as a roadster with a 1.8 liter engine 21,700 euros.

The exterior of the special model is determined by silver-gray 17- inch alloy wheels in a ten -spoke design, chrome trim on the front grill, headlight inserts, door handle covers, as well as the fog lights and side markers. The latter, like the third brake light colored white. The five exterior colors Brilliant Black, White Pegasus (not for the Roadster Coupe available), Satin Silver Metallic, Mephisto Grey metallic and specifically for the special model pontoon blue metallic are combined on the Roadster with a dark brown soft top.

Suitable for the soft top heated seats as the steering wheel, shift knob and the handbrake handle are exactly based in dark brown leather with light blue contrast stitching. Furthermore, the interior has an automatic climate control and chrome-ringed dials. The otherwise subject to surcharge Touring package with two additional speakers, stainless steel door sills, MP3 CD radio with steering wheel controls, a storage net in the passenger footwell and heated glass rear window is also included in the special edition.

As of May 2008 was for the special model, the optional " Plus Package " available. This includes a Bose sound system with six-disc CD changer, MP3 playback and seven loudspeakers and Xenon headlights with automatic headlight range control and headlight cleaning system. For 1500 Euro charge it offered again 130 € price advantage, thus increasing the savings of up to 5810 euros.

20th Anniversary

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, Mazda introduced the occasion of the 20th anniversary before this special model. It is only offered in the European market and is limited to 2000 units. 500 of which are intended for Germany. The 20th Anniversary is based on the model with 1.8 - liter engine and soft top. The equipment was complemented by a chrome package, 17 - inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, special model special logos in the interior as well as an additional strut brace in the engine compartment. The decorative elements in the interior and the roll bar of the special model are painted in the exterior color cardinal red, Arachneweiß or the new color Nereusblau each available. In spring 2010, the MX-5 20th Anniversary came from around 22,000 euros on the market.

Facelift

2009

At the Mondial de l'Automobile in October 2008, a facelifted version ( NCFL ) of the roadster was introduced. Externally, the MX -5 model year 2009 has been revised, especially at the front.

The previously oval cooling air inlet is replaced by the typical Mazda "five point grille " in the style of the early 2009 modified Mazda RX -8. In addition, the headlights were visually stretched the brand emblem is clearly highlighted and the surround of the fog light was changed. Furthermore, the mirrors were aerodynamically optimized and traversed the side skirts from a light edge. The rear lights have been redesigned aerodynamically and visually. Furthermore, the Roadster Coupe now better differentiate from the Roadster by a chrome-ringed grille with mesh pattern and chrome-ringed fog lights.

New offer is a sport package with Recaro seats and an automatic transmission for the 2.0 - liter engine.

The NC was offered from there in the two trim levels and Center -Line Sports Line. The latter offered to purchase a 6 -speed manual transmission, a Bilstein sports suspension, xenon headlights and aluminum pedals. The Softtopmodell was delivered with manual air conditioning, while the coupe received a standard air conditioning.

With a 2.0 -liter engine, the pistons, crankshaft and valve springs have been revised and raised the speed limit to 500 revolutions at 7500 rpm with the same performance. Here also a Induction Sound Enhancer from the engine compartment was built into the interior, which should make for a more intense engine sound. The performance have generally improved slightly during consumption could be reduced. In addition, the suspension has been revised, the ESP was set less sensitive and the six-speed manual transmission is thanks to carbon coating off easier than before.

The MX -5 NC was available from the revision in the colors Brilliant Black, cardinal red, Arachneweiß, Pluto silver, Carminarot, Kronosgrau and Tiamatblau. Except for the first two coatings it was metallic colors.

The following features have been included with the facelift in different packages: a Cruise Matic said speed control system, a Bluetooth hands-free kit with voice control, an outside temperature and fuel consumption display, a five-stage heated seats in conjunction with leather seats and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Inside, the center console has been changed, the central web of the cup holder is now removable, padded the armrest. Even the door panels have been revised, as well as the audio system, which received a different operating concept.

2012

In the fall of 2012, the MX -5 was revised again. The changes were confined largely to the appearance.

The MX-5 got a redesigned front bumper, which is to make the vehicle appear more aggressive and also improves the aerodynamics. The outer two elements of the bumper, which include the fog lamps are now outwardly sloping, the large air intake in the middle of running down toward pointed. The interior has been redesigned slightly. A new exterior color called Dolphin Grey is included in the model program.

In terms of pedestrian protection also hand was created. New is an active bonnet DHS ( Deployable Hood System), which in the case of a crash with a pedestrian automatically lifts up and more space for deformation features ( the pedestrian is no longer beating so fast on the engine block through ). For more impact energy to be metabolized by these " crumple zone", which increases the protection of the pedestrian.

On the technical side of the brake booster has been revised. A more direct response to acceleration should also contribute to increasing the driving pleasure.

For the motors, no changes are to be noted, it remains in the two four-cylinder direct -injection gasoline engines with 1.8 liter displacement and 93 kW (126 hp) and with 2.0 liters and 118 kW (160 hp).

Superlight version

At the IAA 2009 Superlight version called study of the current MX -5 was unveiled. This originated in European design and development center in Oberursel and is characterized, as the name suggests, by its lightweight construction. So was completely omitted a roof and a windshield, only a big roll bar protects the occupants in rollovers. Many parts are made of lightweight materials and the interior has been significantly reduced.

The Superlight version is powered by the standard 1.8 -liter gasoline engine with 93 kW ( 126 hp ), but has its lighter weight of 995 kg better performance than the equally strong production model.