The all new Mazda MX-5 fourth generation could be the most exciting car launched in 2015. Nothing beat the concept of Jinba-Ittai of the MX-5 and one must take the car for a drive to experience how the driver is part of the car, and the car is part of the driver. The MX-5 or Roadster as how it is being named in Japan is in fact, the best selling 2-seater car in the world, surpassing a million unit since it very first generation made its appearance in 1989. The 50:50 weight distribution of the MX-5, coupled with front engine rear drive configuration always give its fans the thumb-up. The "ND" is the shortest in all the incarnation, yet looks sexiest.
As we knew by now, only the 2-litre version of the MX-5 will be offered here, where it could produce a healthy 158hp/200Nm of power, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Manual version is set to arrive, and could be available in the 1st quarter of 2016. That's a good news for those opting for the 1-2-3-4-5-6 hand exercise and leg clutching movement! A lot of weigh loss designs were incorporated in the MX-5, as the front fenders, engine bonnet and trunk are in aluminium. The roadster wheels uses 4-nut mounting to further reduce the weight, and the car has no glove box.
As crazy as American can get with in-car cup holders, the designer of the MX-5 has a modular design when the holder beside the seats could be remove and mounted to the front, right beside the bottom of the centre console. Now, that's innovation! The headrest mounted-speaker is back as well and they are nothing else, but the BOSE speakers! By the way, in case you are looking for the CD player, it is located at the back centre console, right behind the cup holder in between of the 2 seats. With 9 speakers in such a small little space, bet it could sound as good as being in an orchestra!
The ND meter cluster and center console has retain its tradition of being simple and elegant, with the southward pointing RPM, speedometer, as well as the 3-dial AC control. The 7" MZD connect system is of course new and is almost standard now in all the Mazda range of car.
Aircon are similar to Mazda 2, with a combination of round and flat vents in the centre, giving it a cleaner look. As with a convertible, heater seat is available as standard, though not necessary in our weather. Carbon fiber printing on the hand-rest of the door, as well as colour matching panel on top portion of the doors, give the MX-5 a well-thought and sportier feel, though such items attract finger prints and scratches easily.
The MX-5 is also equipped with Mazda i-Activesense safety technology, which comprises of adaptive front lighting (directional according to steering input), High Beam control system (auto switches between high and low beam), and Lane Departure warning system. 4 airbag are standard and the side airbag is huge to protect up to the head level, acting similar to a curtain airbag. Adding the high-strength SKYACTIV-BODY engineering, and traction control system as standard, this is the safest MX-5 ever.
The MX-5, since its first generation is the convertible car that retain a usable boot volume by storing its top at the back of the seat instead of folding into the trunk. The trunk size though not huge, could still house at least a cabin bag in the recess. No spare wheel, and of course not, who want to carry the extra weight when a tyre repair kit can do the temporal job. The ND here can be kept as stock from factory where the only mod needed could be a set of lowered suspension to make it perfect for a drive down the B-road on on the track.
The car is available at RM220k without insurance, which is in the similar price range from the previous generation, NC. The Mazda MX-5 does not sell as well as other high performance sport cars in Malaysia, but there are still some number of fans looking at their active page of MX-5 Malaysia club. In couple of months time, we shall see some on our road, and congratulations to those proud new owner.
