Mazda has given its roadster more poke via a new Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine. And all for the better.
What’s new?
After being on the market for more than three years, the MX-5 roadster has been updated.
But rather than giving it a facelift, Mazda has chosen to upgrade the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine instead.
With new intake and exhaust manifolds, the so-called Skyactiv-G motor produces 184hp at 7,000rpm and 205Nm at 4,000rpm. The previous unit made 160hp at 6,000rpm and 200Nm at 4,600rpm.
Although there is now only one body style to choose from in Thailand, there are two unchanged transmission types to choose from: six-speed manual or automatic.
Accompanying the mechanical upgrade is a longer list of driving aids with the number increasing from two items to 10.
Both versions of the MX-5 RF, featuring a folding hard-top, cost the same at 2.89 million baht. This Mazda is without a direct rival in this country.
The only rear-drive sports cars with comparable prices are the Toyota 86 and Subaru twins, although both are very old now.
What’s cool?
The figures on paper speak very much for themselves. The 24hp increase in power can be felt when stretching the engine on open roads.
The ability to rev by an additional 1,000rpm to the engine’s 7,500rpm redline also lends it an even sportier flavour than ever.
Best of all, low-end tractability hasn’t really been compromised with the decision to introduce more ponies into the MX-5.
There was the chance to sample both the two- and three-pedal setup. While the manual has a slick-shifting gear lever, the automatic feels adequately efficient when swapping cogs on its own. Take your pick.
The chassis setup remains the same: taut ride and crisp steering. And if you happen to crave for an entertaining drive, the rear-drive layout yields highly accessible and adjustable handling.
What’s not?
There’s really nothing to complain about this mechanical update. Too bad Mazda hasn’t taken the opportunity to make the engine sound sweet when pushed meaning that it’s more or less a bland roar just like before.
Despite being generally acceptable, the torque-converter auto could have been a little smoother under double kickdown. This unit isn’t the latest from Mazda and doesn’t carry the Skyactiv moniker.
The inherent downsides worth mentioning again are limited storage space, excessive road noise and, if subjective, gawky styling. In the eyes of this writer, the soft-top model looks cooler even with its roof up.
Buy or bye?
The MX-5 has always been in a class of its own due to its price position and genuine sports car driving style.
Enthusiasts needing an engaging driving experience without a ranch of ponies will continue liking the MX-5, and probably more so now thanks to a gutsier engine.
The Thai Mazda office may have its reason of not offering the soft-top anymore as they should know their customers more than anyone else.
But if there’s a manual version to choose from (which brands of other sports cars usually don’t offer in Thailand due to low demand), then having a different kind of roof to opt for would be nice as well.
