Mazda Europe has released a huge 150-image photoset of the new fourth-generation ND Mazda MX-5 – which has just been launched in Malaysia, priced at RM219,999 on-the-road without insurance – out and about in various locales around the Continent, and we’ve gathered them up after the jump for your enjoyment. If you’ve wanted to get a full, proper look at the roadster, here’s your chance.
We’re rather big fans of the new sports car, so much so that we just can’t wait to have a go in it. That’s no surprise, really, as Hiroshima promises plenty in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
Under the new, very sharp Kodo styling, the new MX-5 has gone on a crash diet, trimming over 100 kg off the not-exactly-portly NC. For a start, it’s the shortest MX-5 ever – shorter even than the original NA – measuring 3,915 mm long, 1,730 mm wide and 1,235 mm high. Compared to the NC, it’s 105 mm shorter, 10 mm wider and 10 mm lower, with the 2,315 mm wheelbase some 14 mm shorter.
Of course, a greater use of aluminium and high-tensile steel (from 58% to 71%) has aided the weight-loss programme too – the upshot is that the ND weighs between 990 kg and 1,080 kg. As such, without any options, a 1.5 litre model with a six-speed manual transmission weighs just 50 kg more than the NA.
This is despite the plethora of toys (keyless entry and start, MZD Connect infotainment system, nine-speaker Bose sound system – with NA-like headrest speakers!) and safety kit (four airbags, stability control, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System) Mazda has piled onto the MX-5 over the years.
Suspension duties are handled by double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup out back, while the steering is now electrically- rather than hydraulically-assisted this time around. Want some more bite? You can specify a limited-slip differential, a front strut brace, sports suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and 17-inch BBS wheels with Brembo brakes if you’re so inclined.
You get to choose between 1.5 litre (129 hp at 7,000 rpm, 150 Nm at 4,800 rpm) or 2.0 litre (158 hp at 6,000 rpm, 200 Nm at 4,600 rpm) high-compression, direct-injected SkyActiv-G petrol four-pots, along with six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual and SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmissions. We currently only get the bigger engine and the self-shifting ‘box, but Bermaz has confirmed that a manual version will arrive in a few months.
Do enjoy the large gallery after the jump, and as a bonus, we also have Mazda’s MX-5 Magazine in digital format. Leaf through the 63 pages and you’ll find plenty of details regarding the ND, stunning imagery (some of which you’ll see in the gallery), a great retrospective piece of its forebears, as well as a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the MX-5 came to be.
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RIP Brz 86
Honda still no Guts to challenge Mazda?
Lately so many news on Mazda and launches in Malaysia. I pity Same Lorrr, Sam Loo (ori1) and SamShoedMEtheHilux. They pretend to be 3 but they are ONE big loser.
Now Toyota salesman sit at home and cry because nobody wants to buy a car without VSC
All cry like a baby wanting their Frisolac formula milk
Mazda makes sad engines. 2.0L direct injection engine makes 3hp more than Honda R20 SOHC 16 2.0 engine (no direct injection, no VVT)!
SOHC engine in 21st century will be carried on to 22nd century by Honda. Congratulations.
Someone has to continue to maintain the skill and technology of SOHC engine, good.
Outdated SOHC Engine?
we should move on with new concept already.
R20 is underpower engine, 1NZ-FE engine is the most refined engine in the world!
Sad or no sad, at least Mazda and Nissan got 6 airbags. Toyota, even RM150k Camry got 2 airbags and no VSC.
Better to have less power than die a vegetable
The R20 has no VVT cos its got VTEC. Its the same thing, but of course manufacturers will have their own names.
You can’t be so naive. It’s not all about HP only. Some I found it misleading with the high HP figure only achieved at very high RPM. You should consider the amount of torque which for me is far more important. Also the fuel efficiency of direct injection engine. For this MX-5, I can see the car is so light at 1000kg. So the power to weight ratio need to be considered too. What’s the point of having higher HP but with much heavier car? By the way, Honda SOHC have Ivtec which is similar to VVT.
Be thrifty. To the 80% out there.
I may become 50% more miskin by 29 Feb 2017 because the 1 million USD that you donate to me and distribute to me becomes USD 500K. May be my wife spends that 500K currency in 5 months?
better than BMW.
Even better than Ferrari