Mazda MX-5 upgraded and now being sold in Japan

Mazda MX-5 upgraded and now being sold in Japan

One would think that a car like this would never need any upgrades but Mazda has seen fit to sweeten the MX-5 a bit more. And it is now available for purchase in Japan.

Both versions, the soft-top and power retractable hard top (RHT), have been given its own points of differentiation. Black-coloured highlights are used for the soft-top in line with its ‘tight sports’ concept while silver is employed for the RHT for its ‘premium sports’ concept. See how both colours are employed in the table below:

Mazda MX-5 upgraded and now being sold in Japan

And we’ve just scratched the surface. The MX-5 has also been given a reworked face. The front grille is larger and the front chin spoiler is new, as well as the front fog lamp bezel. Mazda has dropped the Metropolitan Grey Mica colour and replaced it with Dolphin Grey Mica.

Inside, the convertible gets a new colour, Glossy Dark Gray, which is used for the decoration panel and steering wheel bezel. The colour becomes an option for the soft-top S grade. There are more choices of colour and fabric to wrap your seats with – tan leather seats, black fabric, black leather and a combination of Alcantara.

Mazda MX-5 upgraded and now being sold in Japan

Mazda has also made the roadster more ‘jinba ittai’… if that made any sense. There are fine adjustments made to the throttle management program to make the roadster more responsive when accelerating out of corners, which Mazda says that this also creates a linear and nimble feel. By the way, this enhanced acceleration control is only for roadsters outfitted with the manual transmission. Sorry auto users.

The brakes have been uprated, too. Specifically, there are changes made to the brake booster’s characteristics so it is easier to control the front and rear load distribution. This enhancement applies for all.

Mazda MX-5 upgraded and now being sold in Japan

What else? The MX-5 gets a new pedestrian safety feature. It is called active bonnet and it automatically raises the rear end of the bonnet when the sensors detect an impact. It will only work at certain vehicle speeds and when the computer thinks the impact have exceeded predetermined levels. The take back from this is that the raised bonnet acts to absorb impact energy and reduce the chance of serious head injuries.

In spite of all the extras, Mazda has said that they have kept the weight down especially on the re-designed front bumper, active bonnet, 17 inch aluminium wheels and internal wiring.

Prices (with tax) for the Mazda MX-5 starts from JPY2,330,000 for the soft-top S grade up to JPY2,920,000 for the VS RHT. If you haven’t already, make sure you read about the MX-5 GT Concept. It gives much drool.

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Chris Ng

Chris Ng believes that all cars are made equal, and each one has its own unique story to tell. As such, the ex-advertising man is here doing what he truly loves, which is authoring the allegories and anecdotes of automobiles. Having served time in a motoring mag, he believes there's nothing more sublime than keeping the pedal floored and things burbling in top gear.

 

Comments

  • last edition…????

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  • Jimmy on Jul 06, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    She believes in passion.
    Cantiq, no need cosmetic surgery.

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  • corny on Jul 06, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Isn’t this more FUN than Toyo 86/BRZ ?

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  • shawal on Jul 06, 2012 at 6:13 pm

    no ICE!???

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    • ProTips on Oct 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm

      Why would you want ICE in a MX5?

      I’d be too busy laughing with a grin on my face to hear the ICE

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  • Look the same with the current model, can’t tell the differences unless one has been following closely.

    What it need is a little more oomph. A bit embarassing for a sport car to be outsprinted by a mundane family saloon such as Volvo S60.

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    • The MX-5 despite its sport car looks and characteristics, is not an all out raw power roadster, where it is tuned more for refined handling + responsiveness. It’s a matter of balance for this iconic roadster. I’m sure if Mazda wants to turn it into a 500bhp monster machine, they can, can say the sole purpose is more to fun driving.

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    • TurboMan!!! on Jul 07, 2012 at 8:18 am

      I disagree.

      Although i agree its all about balance, but conventional cars are getting faster and more powerful by the day. 20 years ago, most normal family sedans had only 50-80 hp, and a century sprint of 13-15 sec. These days, even MPVs have 200hp ( ford Smax ) and superminis have more than 100hp ( vw polos, polo gti, fiesta )

      Its only make sense if the power of sports cars increases by the same amount. Drove the PRHT MX5 and it was out dragged by a 323i. Same story in the corners too. Its a 4 door sedan for goodness sake.

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  • mu77, yes you are right, it really feel at home on a twisted country road, but mine spend most of its time in the city and occasionally you’ll get some nuts in family saloon tempting me to show what it can do. Souped up MyVi and Saga are not an issue though, even Asian @ litres.

    So a little bit more oomph, say 0-100 to about 6.5sec (now high 7s) would be nice.

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    • Hahaha.. Probably those nutty heads just feel insecure or envy not able to afford one. Maybe the next version could be in the mid 6s with improved engine (skyactiv possible?) and dual clutch transmission?, but still feel manual is the best setup for the MX-5. Or you just wait for RX-9.. :)

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      • ProTips on Oct 19, 2012 at 6:05 pm

        If only the MX5 didn’t attract more tax than the RX8 due to the 2.0 engine and end up costing the same… when it should be significantly lower.

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  • _xXx_ on Jul 07, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Can’t imagine driving an expensive Soft Top at thug-infested place like….tough window glass panel ppl hentam oledi, soft top? Can cut with a pen knife?

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  • Never mind a thug-infested place, driving with the roof down in subang jaya or another place where you’ll have to stop at traffic light is already not safe.

    Open top motoring in the MX5 is best enjoyed in the early morning along the coastal roads or up to the hills.

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  • BRShooter on Jul 07, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    This new mx5 bodykit is only for japan now.And wait until this bodykit to release in Malaysia…… I think the Alfa-Mazda mx-5 release in Japan.

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