Words: Jason Round

Let me tell you, if I was a P-plater and had the required coin, the first place I’d be heading to pick up a new car would be Mazda, with its punchy MX-5.

You see, one of the designers here owns the soft-top NC model, and the shear fun factor of sunning yourself while driving, while flying dead flat at around a corner, while pushing through the ‘notchy’ gearbox, is just balls-out fun to the wall. Sure, the engine ain’t a fire-breather, but that isn’t to say there ain’t power there, with torque right where it’s required to see you speedily along your way. Now, Mazda has released the hardtop Roadster Coupe and a good thing has only gotten better.

The soft-top was pretty much a ‘release and pull back with one hand’ affair, but now all you need do is touch a button, and a mere 12sec later you’re out in the open. That’s makes the MX-5’s roof one of the fastest opening/closing of all time.

The new hard-top also provides peace of mind in terms of security and weather, and it weighs just 18kg more over the soft-top. You keep the original boot space too, with the whole mechanism folding into a special alcove behind the front seats.

The new MX-5 itself follows the ‘Jinaba Ittai’ concept as specified by Mazda engineers, which meant that

1. The car would be as compact and light as possible, while still meeting global safety standards.
2. The cockpit would comfortably accommodate two full-size adults with no wasted space.
3. The basic layout would continue the front-midship, rear-drive configuration and 50:50 weight distribution world-renowned for the MX-5’s awesome handling.
4. All four wheels would be attached by wishbone or multi-link suspension to maximise grip, stability and tyre performance.
5. A powerplant that would deliver a solid connection between the engine and rear-mounted differential for sharp throttle response.

The latter has certainly picked up over previous models with the 2L donk, with the free-revving MZR engine putting out 118kW.

Here are some more specs:

1. 150L boot space
2. Roadster Coupe features bolstered, countered rear fenders.
3. Powered hardtop cuts out cabin noise.
4. Dynamic stability control and traction control across all models.
5. Six-speed Activematic paddle-shifted auto available.
6. Optional iPod adaptor that allows use of factory audio controls.

It’s affordable too, at just $47,660 for the leather trimmed and Bose sound system-equipped car. Currently, it remains the only hardtop under $90,000 on the market.

Read all about it www.mazda.com.au

Modification? This is one car that’s ripe for some subtle modification, and instantly we’d be looking to Eibach lowered springs, a quality mandrel-bent exhaust system, CAI, a nice set of 18in Enkeis and finally, a supercharger, if and when they are developed...

That would truly make for an unbeatable driving experience.