Friday 23rd November 2012

MX-5 gets a refresh

'The answer to everything' given another new face and sharper throttle response

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The realisation that Mazda’s current MX-5 has been on sale for seven years now took us rather by surprise. Arguably, it still feels like a relatively new design, but in fact if the lifespan of the previous generation is anything to go by, it’s actually due for replacement about now.

Hard-top and soft-top options still available

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.

All models now come with more toys

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.

Spot the difference: how it did look

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.

[myhandle]

They appear to be attempting to make the front look more like the RX8.

[HorneyMX5]

What it really needed was a 1.6 turbo option to offer a lower MPG and CO2 model but I guess they're savign that for the MK4 in 2014.

[em177]

HorneyMX5 said:

What it really needed was a 1.6 turbo option to offer a lower MPG and CO2 model but I guess they're savign that for the MK4 in 2014.

That would absolutely destroy the whole appeal of the car if they go FI in my opinion. The mx5 has always been about ragging every last inch out of a normally aspirated, revvy engine. A turbo motor just doesn't suit the cars character. I've had several Mk1's and Mk2's and will consider getting into a stripped Mk3 when the prices drop a little further.

Edit as didn't notice you said 'turbo option'

[s m]

'even sharper throttle response' ???

Better than a cable throttle?

[ugg10]

Can someomne please explain -
"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.

[threespires]

It would be great if Mazda gave us a Mazdaspeed version as they did with the previous model.

[aka_kerrly]

If we are being cynical then the increased throttle response probably just means that the drive by wire has been mapped so that at 1/3 throttle you get 1/2 power and with 2/3 throttle you get 3/4 of power.... like a lot of new cars.

[v8will]

em177 said:

That would absolutely destroy the whole appeal of the car if they go FI in my opinion. The mx5 has always been about ragging every last inch out of a normally aspirated, revvy engine. A turbo motor just doesn't suit the cars character. I've had several Mk1's and Mk2's and will consider getting into a stripped Mk3 when the prices drop a little further.

Edit as didn't notice you said 'turbo option'

How many aftermarket guys specialise in forced induction for these cars?

[Disco You]

I didn't realise that there had already been two facelifts. I assume that the mk3 - mk3.5 facelift in 2008 was the first, what was the second?

[Ozzie Osmond]

myhandle said:

They appear to be attempting to make the front look more like the RX8.

Front reminds me most of Audi TT.

MX-5 is overdue for the knackers yard.

[dave_s13]

The "pop up" pedestrian killing, friendly bonnet mechanism reminded me of reading about the Nissan GTR.

Doesn't it cost something like £10k+ to get it reset if you gently nudge something by accident and set it off. I wonder if it's a similar thing.

[LukeSi]

MX5 MK3.75?

[em177]

v8will said:

em177 said:

That would absolutely destroy the whole appeal of the car if they go FI in my opinion. The mx5 has always been about ragging every last inch out of a normally aspirated, revvy engine. A turbo motor just doesn't suit the cars character. I've had several Mk1's and Mk2's and will consider getting into a stripped Mk3 when the prices drop a little further.

Edit as didn't notice you said 'turbo option'

How many aftermarket guys specialise in forced induction for these cars?

Lots, I have owned a supercharged mk1 mx5 in the past. But they are nowhere near as fun or pure road cars as the normally aspirated versions....

[Scrof]

Disco You said:

I didn't realise that there had already been two facelifts. I assume that the mk3 - mk3.5 facelift in 2008 was the first, what was the second?

Entirely my bad - slip of the fingers. I was thinking third iteration; second facelift, and managed to combine the two into one incorrect phrase. Now edited for accuracy.

[Kong]

3 facelifts are starting to become normal, Audi did it with the last A3/A6 and the Aygo/C1/107 thing has recently has a second restyle as well. Cheaper than making a new car I guess!

[300bhp/ton]

em177 said:

HorneyMX5 said:

What it really needed was a 1.6 turbo option to offer a lower MPG and CO2 model but I guess they're savign that for the MK4 in 2014.

That would absolutely destroy the whole appeal of the car if they go FI in my opinion. The mx5 has always been about ragging every last inch out of a normally aspirated, revvy engine. A turbo motor just doesn't suit the cars character. I've had several Mk1's and Mk2's and will consider getting into a stripped Mk3 when the prices drop a little further.

Yet isn't a popular modification to fit a turbo to a MK1 or 2 MX-5?

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.

[jamieduff1981]

Wouldn't be surprised if the Mk4 ended up being front wheel drive.

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

[New Scot]

Worth waiting for the next "limited" special edition then?

[300bhp/ton]

ugg10 said:

Can someomne please explain -
"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.

This can have a big impact. Land Rover use the same technology to alter how a Disco drives off road.

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.

[hammo19]

Looks more like Lightning McQueen every time the front changes - Kerrchow