The time has finally come for Mazda’s hugely anticipated fourth generation MX5 to be driven by journalists and on this Friday, January 30, the first reviews will flood the internet.
Associate Editor of Auto Express UK magazine Jack Rix tweeted earlier today: “Tomorrow morning I drive the new Mazda MX-5, but I can’t talk about it until Friday… this is going to be painful.”
We feel your pain Jack. Apparently, Mazda has set some sort of embargo on invited journalists, a common strategy for important car launches, followed by many manufacturers. The new MX-5 is not only one of the most significant cars of 2015; it is Mazda’s most vital player as well.
For those of you who were living in a cave the past few months, the new Mazda MX-5, codenamed ND, has lost more than 100kg /220 lbs in weight, has smaller dimensions bar the width and underpins a brand new SKYACTIV-chassis, responsible for the weight loss and rigidity increase. Mazda says the new chassis allowed for the drivetrain to be positioned closer to the car’s centre than ever before and that the centre of gravity is even lower than its predecessor. Soft-top models are expected to weigh less than 1,050kg or 2,315 lbs.
The engine range is still Mazda’s best kept secret so far; we know that there will be two N/A petrol engines offered, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre respectively, featuring SKYACTIV technology. What we don’t know yet is how much power they will offer, with rumours suggesting about 135hp for the 1.5-litre and about 170hp for the 2.0-litre petrol engine. A six-speed manual will be offered as standard, with the option of an automatic available.
So what do you think; are you excited for the arrival of the new Miata or do you believe its Italian cousin might steal its thunder? Feel free to comment below.
By Michael Karkafiris
Tomorrow morning I drive the new Mazda MX-5, but I can't talk about it until Friday… this is going to be painful.— Jack Rix (@jack_rix) January 27, 2015
Photo Gallery
