Mazda MX-5 (ND)

The Mazda MX-5 (ND) is the fourth and current generation of the Mazda MX-5. Mazda officially unveiled the car on September 3, 2014, in the United States and Spain, and on September 4, 2014, in Japan.[5][6] The new MX-5 was presented at the October 2014 Paris Motor Show, and at the November 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The car is manufactured in Mazda's Hiroshima plant since March 4, 2015.[7] The vehicle was released in the third quarter of 2015. In the US, the release price of the MX-5 was between $24,915 and $30,065.[8] On March 24, 2016 the MX-5 was awarded World Car of the Year (WCOTY) and the World Car Design of the Year at the New York Auto Show. It was the second Mazda to win WCOTY following the Demio/Mazda2 in 2008.[9]

Main article: Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 (ND)
Overview
ManufacturerMazda
Also called
  • Mazda Roadster (Japan)
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata (North America)
ProductionMarch 2015–present
Model years2016–present (North America)
AssemblyJapan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant)
DesignerMasashi Nakayama (2012)[1]
Body and chassis
ClassRoadster, sports car (S)
Body style
LayoutFront mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformMazda ND
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 96 kW (129 hp; 131 PS) (1.5 L)
  • 116 kW (155 hp; 157 PS) (2.0 L ND1)
  • 135 kW (181 hp; 184 PS) (2.0 L ND2)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,315 mm (91.1 in)[2]
Length3,915 mm (154.1 in)[2]
Width1,730 mm (68.1 in)[2]
Height1,235 mm (48.6 in)[2]
Curb weight
  • Manual: 1,058 kg (2,332 lb)
  • Automatic: 1,080 kg (2,381 lb)[3]
  • 1.5 SkyActiv: 961 kg (2,119 lb) [4]
Chronology
PredecessorMazda MX-5 (NC)

Overview
Mazda MX-5 ND 2.0 L SKYACTIV-G engine

The fourth generation MX-5 is 105 mm (4 inches) shorter and 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than its predecessor, putting the vehicle's curb weight near 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Incorporating Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, the Miata is offered with a choice of two direct injection, naturally aspirated petrol engines. The base model has a 1.5 L 96 kW (129 hp; 131 PS) engine, while the 1,998 cc (2.0 L; 121.9 cu in) North American (United States and Canada) ND1 (pre-2019) cars are rated at 116 kW (155 hp; 157 PS) at 6000 rpm and 201 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 4600 rpm of torque.[10] Mazda also replaced the hydraulic power steering system that the previous Miatas had with their new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system.[11]

The car was launched with a six-speed manual shift transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission. The cockpit, steering wheel, and infotainment system are very similar to the 2014 Mazda3. The MX-5 is fitted as standard with a manually operated fabric roof that can be opened or closed within a few seconds.

In North America, the 2019 MX-5 has three variants: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring (GS, GS-P, GT in Canada, respectively) and all come standard with a 1,998 cc (2.0 L; 121.9 cu in) engine rated at 135 kW (181 hp; 184 PS) at 7000 rpm and 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm of torque.[12] All variants can be had with a MT or AT, with the MT fuel efficiency of 9.0 L/100 km (31.4 mpg‑imp; 26.1 mpg‑US) City and 7.0 L/100 km (40.4 mpg‑imp; 33.6 mpg‑US) Highway. The AT performs slightly better, at 9.0 L/100 km (31.4 mpg‑imp; 26.1 mpg‑US) City and 6.6 L/100 km (42.8 mpg‑imp; 35.6 mpg‑US) Highway.

In 2019, a GT-S trim was introduced bringing the Club trim's limited-slip differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and strut tower brace to the GT trim as well as a black roof on all RF models. For 2020, these became standard features in the GT trim, and the separate GT-S designation was retired.

The MX-5 (ND) has been very popular with diecast manufacturers like Tomica, Hot Wheels, and Matchbox, with all three companies releasing their own versions of the car to the market.[13]

MX-5 RF
The Mazda MX-5 RF retractable fastback can best be compared with a targa roof.

In late 2016, a new MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) model was announced. It features a rigid roof and buttresses that give the silhouette a more coupé-like appearance than the soft top convertible. The top panel of the roof folds back while the buttresses remain in place, similar to a Targa top. Antecedents for the flying buttresses design are found in the Chevrolet Corvette (C3) T-top coupé and the Ferrari Dino 206 GT and 246 GT. The interior of the MX-5 RF model is almost the same as the soft top, with the same media screen, seats, steering wheel and switchgear, and the trunk volume is the same as the soft top. Differences include a full circle colored digital gauge in place of the soft top's semi-rectangular, half-digital, mono-colored display. The storage cubby behind the drivers seat has been eliminated, and the cubby behind the passenger seat as well as the glove box behind the center console have been made shallower to make room for the roof mechanism. The MX-5 RF uses the same engines as the soft top model and offers similar performance. The MX-5 RF also introduced a new 'Machine Grey' paint.[14] [15]

A limited edition run of 500 models was introduced with the launch of the Mazda MX-5 RF. Called the 'Launch Edition' these models were priced at £28,995 and were only available with the 118 kW (158 hp; 160 PS) 2.0-litre engine. These models included BBS alloy wheels, a twin-tone roof, black door mirrors and rear spoiler as well as Recaro seats. This version was only available in two colours: 'Soul Red' or 'Machine Grey'.[16] It was the first time since the original NA series MX-5 was available with a companion body style since the Mazda MX-3 which was a hatchback sport coupe.

Cooperation with Fiat Chrysler

A joint venture with Alfa Romeo on a joint rear-wheel drive platform was announced in 2012, but cancelled in 2014.[17] Fiat Chrysler announced the Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth 124 Spider, both based on the Mazda ND platform, in 2015.[18]

In 2016, the Detroit News stated "in partnering with Mazda’s MX-5 Miata to resurrect the classic Fiat 124 Spider, Fiat Chrysler not only gained a halo sports car for its struggling Italian brand, but likely saved the most celebrated small sports car of the past 25 years (the MX-5)" — citing the markedly increased cost of developing a new car at the time[19] and "the costliest wave of government regulation since the 1970s."[19]

2018 update (ND2)

In late 2018, for the 2019 model year, the MX-5 series was designated as ND2. This was primarily because its 2.0-liter engine was revised to generate 135 kW (181 hp; 184 PS) and 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) of torque, with the redline increased to 7,500 rpm. Externally, the car received a brown soft top and black 17" wheels. Interior upgrades include a telescoping steering column, a standard reverse camera, a reworked door opening mechanism, revised seat controls, and redesigned cupholders.[20]

Special editions

Mazda MX-5 Levanto (2016)

Inspired by the 1966 film The Endless Summer, this one-off collaboration with Garage Italia Customs features a unique indigo blue fading to bright orange paint job. In addition, the interior is re-trimmed in Japanese blue denim with blue Alcantara and orange stitching.[21]

Mazda MX-5 Yamamoto Signature (2018)

This Italy-exclusive model is a tribute to Mazda MX-5 Ambassador Nobuhiro Yamamoto and is available only with the 1.5 L engine. It comes only in Jet Black with red highlights, a Mazdaspeed aero kit, a red engine bay brace and oil cap, and a special badge on the driver's side door behind the side mirror. The interior features black and red Alcantara trim with an embroidered reproduction of Yamamoto's signature. Optional upgrades include an Öhlins suspension, 16" Enkei RPF1 wheels in Toyo R888R 205/50ZR16 semi-slick tires, 280 mm brake discs with Brembo 4-piston front calipers, Nissin rear calipers, and stainless steel braided hoses. Only four examples of this model were released.[22]

MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition (2019)
Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MX-5, Mazda released a limited edition variant of the ND. The MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition debuted at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on 7 February.[23] The car comes in an exclusive Racing Orange color with a special numbering badge, as well as specially engraved Rays Engineering forged aluminum wheels and updated Brembo front brakes.[24] Each U.S. market owner was able to configure their 30th Anniversary Edition MX-5 before placing a $500 deposit. Of the 3000 worldwide units, only 500 examples were allocated to the U.S., but after feedback from buyers, Mazda announced that an additional 143 units will be allocated for the U.S. market.[25] Thirty examples were exported to Australia.[26]

MX-5 Eunos Edition (2020)

Available exclusively in France with a limited run of 110 units, the MX-5 Eunos Edition features a Jet Black Mica exterior, burgundy Napa leather interior, and black Rays Engineering wheels as an homage to the Eunos brand and the 1992 S-Limited Roadster.[27][28]

Mazda MX-5 100th Anniversary (2020)

To commemorate Mazda's 100 year past and pay homage to their R360 Coupe, Mazda released the 100th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF.[29] Based on their 2020 Grand Touring models this edition is only offered in their Snowflake White Pearl Mica color and paired with their Red Napa leather seats.[30] This color combination was inspired by the original R360 Coupe. There are several interior accents with the special 100th Anniversary badges and logos throughout. The "100 YEARS 1920–2020" anniversary logo is imprinted in the headrest of the seats, and have it on the key fob, and central caps of the wheels. The "1920–2020" badges are throughout the car, it being on the red accent rugs, and front fenders of the car. The convertible version of this edition has the exclusive burgundy top, while the retractable fastback (RF) version will have a black piano top color. Less than 700 of these editions are built and distributed worldwide.[31]

  • Roadster
  • RF hardtop
  • Interior

Specifications
Petrol engines[32]
Model Calendar
years		 Model Transmission Displacement Power Torque 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)		 CO
2
Emissions
1.5 L 2015– Convertible Manual 1,496 cc (91 cu in) 96 kW (129 hp; 131 PS) 150 N⋅m (111 lbf⋅ft) 8.3 s[33] 139 g/km
1.5 L 2017– RF Manual 1,496 cc (91 cu in) 96 kW (129 hp; 131 PS) 150 N⋅m (111 lbf⋅ft) 8.6 s 142 g/km
2.0 L 2015–2018 Convertible Manual 1,998 cc (122 cu in) 118 kW (158 hp; 160 PS) 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) 7.3 s 154 g/km[34]
2.0 L 2016–2018 RF Manual 1,998 cc (122 cu in) 118 kW (158 hp; 160 PS) 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) 7.5 s 154 g/km
2.0 L 2016–2018 RF/Convertible Automatic 1,998 cc (122 cu in) 118 kW (158 hp; 160 PS) 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) 8.5 s 149 g/km
2.0 L 2019– RF/Convertible Automatic/Manual 1,998 cc (122 cu in) 135 kW (181 hp; 184 PS) 205 N⋅m (151 lbf⋅ft) 6.5–7.9 s 156 g/km

Safety
Euro NCAP test results
Mazda MX-5 (2015)
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 31.9 84%
Child occupant: 17 80%
Pedestrian: 33.7 93%
Safety assist: 8.3 64%

Four airbags are fitted as standard, including torso airbags, pelvis airbags and head airbags for driver and passenger. Headrests provide protection from whiplash. A Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+), an 'active' hood for pedestrian protection and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) are available. Since the MX-5 is a two-seater, the front passenger airbag can be disabled for safe transportation of children and the installation of a suitable rear-facing child seat restraint to be used in that position. In the Euro NCAP safety test, the MX suffered from a malfunctioning driver's airbag, which was unable to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Its rating was 4 out of 5 stars.[35]

Reception

The fourth generation MX-5 received praise from automotive journalists. Jeremy Clarkson, in his "Driving" column of The Sunday Times, gave the car five out of five stars, calling it an "engineering gem." He also commented that "It’s a cure for depression, this car, it really is. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it."[36]

Top Gear magazine gave the car a score of nine out of 10, calling it "A complete sweetie of a roadster, this is the best the MX-5 has been perhaps ever."[37] The car also received perfect five star review ratings from Car and Driver[38] and What Car? magazines.[39]

Accolades

References
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