November 8, 2007
Mazda has recently announced that it will be including a Special Edition model in the line-up of its famous MX-5. The Japanese automaker has decided to do so as it hopes to offer a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity to possible buyers of the all-time very popular Mazda roadster coupe. The production of the first units of the Special Edition model for the MX-5 is expected to begin next month.
The MX-5 Special Edition treatment will be available to be applied in PRHT models or in Power Retractable Hardtop models. However, there will be only 105 units of this Mazda MX-5 Special Edition model. The price for this is expected to be around $37,400. the PRHT model is proud to say that it has an improved noise reduction and insulation from the elements as opposed to the standard model through a composite top which, with just a flick of a button, quietly retracts in a few seconds.
Some exterior features of the MX-5 Special Edition model includes a unique 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accent, grille surround, and a new Icy Blue paint finish. This model will also be equipped with a dynamic stability control together with a slip differential to guarantee power from the 170-horsepower capable engine of the MX-5. the standard gearbox for the MX-5 Special Edition is the manual transmission.
The interior styling and features of this model is even trendier and more stylish than its exterior. Passengers will be amazed by its luxurious looking interior which has been trimmed down in brown saddle leather with a blue stitching. And in an attempt to make this model have that upscale look, Mazda decided to have the interiors accentuated with some chrome and metallic finishes as well.
Source: Auto123 Website
October 30, 2007
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe has been named Scotland’s ‘Best Drop-Top’ during the Scottish Car of the Year 2007 Awards. The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) is the one which gave Mazda MX-5 its award and when the ASMW President, Stephen Park, presented the award to MX-5, it commended the Roadster Coupe for offering drivers with “the thrill of sports car driving with the added bonus of refinement, security and value for money.”
This is already Mazda MX-5’s second year in a row for winning the award as the soft-top Mazda MX-5 last year also successfully won the award. Park said, “Believe it or not, there are more drop-top roadsters in the UK than anywhere else in Europe and Scottish motorists love them. The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is a worthy winner and proved its credentials by beating the new Audi TT Roadster to the top spot. The Mazda MX‑5’s combination of style, quality and driving experience outperforms many motors costing twice as much.”
Mark Cameron, Mazda UK’s Marketing Director, commented saying, “We are truly delighted that the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe has been named Scottish Car of the Year ‘Best Drop-Top’. This year’s award is further confirmation that the latest MX-5 has kept faith with the ethos of the original iconic Mazda sports car, while adding even more Zoom‑Zoom excitement, refinement and usability to the ownership and driving experience. It’s no surprise that Mazda is recognized as the UK’s favorite sports car brand.”
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe plays a large part in building the brand of Mazda, and the ‘halo’ effect of the sports car is felt throughout the range. The success of the sports car in the north border is the evidence of its continuing popularity and it seems that there is no stopping to the sports car in thrilling UK motorists still in the future.
July 31, 2007
Mazda Miata has been known as one of the greatest sports car among the lot. At one point, it had even become the second best sports car. Because of that, it also became the best-selling two-seat sports car. But before it achieved that kind of fame, I had gone through a lot of production already, and with that improvements and new innovations have also been incorporated. Its efforts all paid of in 2006 when it reached it popularity milestone at that time, its second generation models.
The third generation came in 2006 and that’s when it sported a much-improved chassis, more interior space, and a notable more power from its larger 2.0-liter engine. With the improved chassis and engine enhancements, it was able to maintain its competitive advantage among all other 2-seater sports car.
The one thing that they did not innovate is their manual convertible top. Although the trend now of automakers is to have a power-operated convertible tops, the regular MX’s continued to be manuals. It doesn’t really matter since the car is small and so it wouldn’t really be hard to operate. The manual top is also simpler and lighter than a power one and also a less expensive, making it affordable for those wanting to buy the Miata model.
July 25, 2007
Mazda Miata has been known as one of the greatest sports car among the lot. At one point, it had even become the second best sports car. Because of that, it also became the best-selling two-seat sports car. But before it achieved that kind of fame, I had gone through a lot of production already, and with that improvements and new innovations have also been incorporated. Its efforts all paid of in 2006 when it reached it popularity milestone at that time, its second generation models.
The third generation came in 2006 and that’s when it sported a much-improved chassis, more interior space, and a notable more power from its larger 2.0-liter engine. With the improved chassis and engine enhancements, it was able to maintain its competitive advantage among all other 2-seater sports car.
The one thing that they did not innovate is their manual convertible top. Although the trend now of automakers is to have a power-operated convertible tops, the regular MX’s continued to be manuals. It doesn’t really matter since the car is small and so it wouldn’t really be hard to operate. The manual top is also simpler and lighter than a power one and also a less expensive, making it affordable for those wanting to buy the Miata model.
July 21, 2007
There is now another package that would even amplify MX-5 Miata’s goodness and performance and that is the MS-R or Motor Sport-Racing, according to Mazda North American Operations or MNAO.
This new package is based on the SV model MX-5 which already includes a a 166-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MZR engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes and a trunk full of Zoom-Zoom. It adds a limited slip-differential, front-shock tower brace, underbody chassis bracing, 17-inch alloy wheels, Koni Shock absorbers, racing-specific front and rear sway bars, higher rate springs to provide a lower ride height and a rear lip spoiler.
“We wanted to give racing enthusiasts the opportunity to outfit their Mazda MX-5s with track-tested performance parts to ensure they have a competitive package when they hit the grid,” said Steve Sanders, manager, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development. “The MS-R SCCA racing package is the ultimate addition to the world’s best-selling two-seat sportscar. We expect to see MX-5s back where they belong, in the winners’ circle and collecting trophies all over the country very soon.”
This new Mazda package will surely enhance the already great features and performance of the MX-5 Miata, which is the world’s most road-raced car.
July 6, 2007
MX-5 Miata has once again honored with a prestigious award. This time, it was J.D. Power and Associated which recognized Miata’s performance and awarded it the “Highest Ranked Compact Sporty car in Initial Quality, Two Years in a Row.”
They said that the Mazda MX-5 Miata received the least number of complaints per 100 vehicles in the compact sporty cars category in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2006-2007 Initial Quality StudiesSM. The study made this year, 2007, was based on the responses made by 97,930 new-vehicle owners, measuring 250 models and also measuring their opinions after 90 days of possession of the vehicle. The results of the proprietary study are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in the February-May 2007 timeline.
This award just proves how much of an improvement MX-5 had went through over the past years since its initial production. It was already being recognized in the past years for its great road performance and customer/owner satisfaction but this just solidifies more the claim that it isn’t about to lose its claim on the top anytime soon, and perhaps in the future too.
June 1, 2007
Mazda MX-5 sales in United Kingdom equal that of a quarter of all new sports car purchases, proving that it is indeed Britain’s favorite sports car brand! To thanks its loyal customers, Mazda made another Miata, this time it’s a special edition they nicknamed Icon. Drivers can have it in either of the two ways – a 1.8L engine with 5-speed manual, or 2.0L engine coupled with a 6-speed. It also has a special edition paint.
It will obviously sport the Icon badging on its exterior, and it can be in red, white, or blue paint, whichever color best fits you. The icon logo could also be found embroidered on the car black leather seats and carpeted floor mats.
But this time, it has a soft-top contrary to the hardtop feature for the 2007 MX-% Miata that mazda released this year. It was specially made for British drivers who have made a favorite out of the rear wheel drive sports roadster that MX-5 offered them.
May 26, 2007
It would be better to go back a decade or two to be able to decipher the reason behind the success of Mazda’s MX5. After all, it is through humble beginnings that success is accomplished. MX5 or Miata (as it is widely known) started its production in 1989 in its home country in Hiroshima Japan. Its debut was a significant event as it paved the way for roadsters to be revived in the automobile industry; being a roadster sports car itself.
It was Kenichi Yamamoto, head of the Research and Development in Mazda, when he was interviewed in 1976 who revealed Mazda’s intention to revive roadsters. He said that British convertibles have already been faced out. That is why Mazda thought of producing convertibles but at a much cheaper price. Bob Hall, the one who interviewed him, in 1981 was then with the Mazda US company and he met again met up with Yamamoto, who became chairman then of Mazda. Their meeting resulted into the approval of researching about the idea of producing a roadster.
1983 came and Offline 55 program of Mazda (the one responsible for seeking ways to change the look of new Mazda models) approved the idea of a Mazda roadster and so it was then made to be a concept car. The Mazda teams in Tokyo and California then made a competition out of the concept development to produce the best concept for the car.
The initial judgment was made in April 1984. The designs were still on paper then and the California team presented an FR layout(or Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive), while the Japanese team proposed the regular FF layout(Front-engine, Front-wheel drive) and an MR layout(Mid-engined, Rear-wheel drive). The judges first favored the MR layout of the Japanese. But when the second judgment was made in August of 1984, the FR layout of the California team won. At this time, clay models were already presented. The California team named it Duo 101 and it was selected to be the basis for the new-lightweight sport car that Mazda will soon produce.
It was International Automotive Design in England that received the commission to develop its running prototype, to be codenamed V705. It was completed in August 1985 and was driven on the roads of Santa Barbara in US. It got positive reactions from bystanders and so in January 18, 1986, the project got its final approval.
Then in 1989, the definitive model was chosen and then they named it MX-5 from Mazda eXperimental project number 5. It came out as expected, a light-weight sports car with only 940kg.
The First MX-5 Draft
May 18, 2007
Responsiveness seems to be the key concept on how Mazda creates their vehicles nowadays. 2007 came and Mazda opened up to new ideas on how to make cars more responsive and in control. Their CX7 SUV shows just how much powerful an SUV can be but still within the driver’s control.
Along their line of more responsive wheels, they also came up with their 2007 MX-5 MIATA. It now also features a hardtop like other convertibles available now. But what makes this Miata stand out among the lot of convertibles is that with just a push on a power button, its hardtop falls on a 12-second count. Now, is that amazing or what? That is just what I call power fun!
Its safety features include the basics like four-wheel anti-lock braking system and air bags. And added bonus is their run-flat tires, which enable the car to run even on when the tire’s pressure is lost. Of course, all these is coupled with a 166-horsepower 2.0 L engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
The love for Mazda Miata has extended beyond me as it was also a favorite, winning first place in the Editor’s Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007. And I say, this is a sports car gone wild, folks!
