MX-5 gets a refresh
'The answer to everything' given another new face and sharper throttle response
Nevertheless, Mazda’s tie-up with Alfa Romeo is obviously putting things on hold somewhat, with the new model not scheduled to arrive until 2014. Consequently, Mazda has resorted to giving the existing range a bit of a spruce-up. It’ll be the second facelift for this generation, which some might say is one too many, but it has at least been carried off reasonably well.
The most obvious tweak is to the new front bumper, which has been designed not only to look a bit fresher (and less smiley), but also to improve aerodynamics around the fog light and grille areas. Staying up front, there’s now a new active bonnet system, which lifts the trailing edge of the bonnet in the event of a pedestrian impact, allowing the MX-5 to meet future EU regulations on pedestrian safety without resorting to a raised bonnet line and, consequently, an unseemly bloated front end.
Under the skin, not much has changed either, with the exception of two seemingly small changes that might make a notable difference in the way the car drives – hopefully, for the better. First up is a revision of the fly-by-wire throttle software, which Mazda says will improve throttle response and give ‘more linear, nimble acceleration’. In addition, Mazda’s boffins have been playing around with the vacuum brake booster in order to improve front-rear brake load distribution, which should improve braking into bends.
Of course, there’ll also be a few detail changes to specification and trim, too, including the addition of a model that features standard satellite navigation for the first time. Climate control is now standard on every model, too. This might detract from the purity that’s cherished by so many MX-5 owners and enthusiasts, but Mazda reckons it’s what new MX-5 buyers are looking for.
The revised range still starts with the 1.8i SE, albeit at the slightly higher price of £18,495, and now tops out with the 2.0i Sport Tech Nav at £23,295. It’ll go on sale on December 1.
Of course, if all this is a bit too much trickery for your liking, and you're keen to show your allegiance to the original, then for a very reasonable sum, we can supply you with with one or other of the delightful MX-5 T-shirts now available in the PH Shop. And if that wasn't enough, we've also got MX-5 hoodies and mugs too.
Edit as didn't notice you said 'turbo option'
"First up is a revision of the fly-by-wire throttle software, which Mazda says will improve throttle response and give ‘more linear, nimble acceleration’"
Assuming that there are no changes to the mechanics or the fueling map of the engine how does changing the relationship between the foot/pedal and the way the throttle butterfly opens create more acceleration (assumed power)? The only way I can see it to also change the fuel/throttle position relationship inthe ECU map and richens up the mixture at mid aacceleration load which would result in a change to the mpg and therefore possibly the tax band etc.
Cynic mode on - Mazda were scratching their heads to justify the new model and this sounds like it has been writen by a marketting bod not an engineer - cynic model off.
Edit as didn't notice you said 'turbo option'
Edit as didn't notice you said 'turbo option'
Also a good turbo motor will still rev. Turbo's didn't seem to do any harm in sportcar greats like the Esprit, 911 or F40.
Some of the greatest, most loved and most versatile manmade machines have been ones which someone just dreamt up and decided to produce. It's death by market research these days.
Would you be interested in a light weight 2 seat open top roadster if:
1) It had a hard roof - Yes please
2) Had All-wheel-drive - Yes please
3) Had an Automatic gearbox - Yes please
4) Had lots of airbags - Yes please
5) Came with full stability control - Yes please
6) Came with full climate control - Yes please
7) Had Sat nav as standard - Yes please
8) Had 4 seats - Yes please
9) Had 4 doors - Yes please
10) Was an estate so you can fit your stinking, slobbering dog in it - Yes please
11) Had a nice high driving position so you could see over normal cars - Yes please
12) Used very little fuel - Yes please
"First up is a revision of the fly-by-wire throttle software, which Mazda says will improve throttle response and give ‘more linear, nimble acceleration’"
Assuming that there are no changes to the mechanics or the fueling map of the engine how does changing the relationship between the foot/pedal and the way the throttle butterfly opens create more acceleration (assumed power)? The only way I can see it to also change the fuel/throttle position relationship inthe ECU map and richens up the mixture at mid aacceleration load which would result in a change to the mpg and therefore possibly the tax band etc.
Cynic mode on - Mazda were scratching their heads to justify the new model and this sounds like it has been writen by a marketting bod not an engineer - cynic model off.
Essentially you are programming the amount of pedal movement vs how quickly the throttle opens. This doesn't mean more power, just a different feel.
In the Disco LR have a program which means even a large throttle pedal movement will still have a progressive result on acceleration. Another program means a very small movement in the pedal actually gives you far more throttle. The more sensitive it is the more jerky it might feel, but it'll feel more peppy and more responsive and be superior if going sideways.
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