Friday 19th July 2019

New 'Cup' and 'Design' packs for Mazda MX-5

Everyone tinkers with their MX-5; now there are more bits available straight from Mazda

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Modifying has been part of the MX-5 story for almost as long as the car has existed; remember way back in 1991, for example, when the Le Mans brought turbo power to mark the 787B's victory. And while the latest 'Cup' and 'Design' packs for the Mk4 MX-5 aren't as drastic as that, they do represent am increased willingness from Mazda to embrace the culture with dealer-fit extras.

Available for all ND generation cars, the two kits are said to "deliver stylish enhancements" to the Roadster. The Cup upgrade costs £1,995 and comprises Eibach 25mm lowering springs, 17-inch black BBS wheels (on the 2.0-litre only) and a Bastuck exhaust system. That final item is perhaps the most interesting, promising a "deeper, bassier rasp on the overrun... plus a sportier note as you pick up the throttle". There's said to be no impact on cruising refinement, either.

The Design Pack brings all of the Cup accessories with a few cosmetic enhancements. Chiefly, those are a black accented aerokit outside, and plenty of Alcantara inside. The entire pack costs £4,675, though all the parts are available to order individually now as well.

It looks like a big chunk of money to spend on a fairly affordable roadster, though it should be noted that 2.0-litre cars - albeit with the lower-powered 160hp version of it - are available from £13k. Then once the Mazda bits are installed, you'll be ready for what BBR has to offer...

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Inspired? Search for a Mazda MX-5 here

[cib24]

On a brand new car it's too much cost on top, but not going to lie it looks really nice with the drop, the wheels and the cosmetic changes with that lovely white paint.

[TheDrBrian]

How much for just the exhaust?
Hopefully it'll fix the quietness of the car.

[adriman]

Springs make such a massive difference to the ND, good to see you can finally get them as a “factory” option! Got the Eibachs on mine and its really transformed the car.

[Mafioso]

So I've been pricing up BBR bits for my car this week. Basically for the Super 200 pack with the exhaust system to make it 215bhp it will cost me £4k. But for £600 more I can have some plastic trims and some soft alcantara for the dashboard!

[Helicopter123]

Does look good though.

[TristPerrin]

Hoping desperatly they'll offer a Green colour option/limited edition like the old NA in BRG...but I do ike that white

[CABC]

Cup pack looks good as for a small premium on the actual parts it keeps the car standard

[anonymous-user]

Helicopter123 said:

Does look good though.

I agree. So pretty. Shame I can't get both kids in the passenger seat! Well now that I think about it maybe...

[redroadster]

What I don't get is Toyota gt86 has always been slated for been too expensive but the even smaller Mazda no one seems to say it's priced high both are similar fun cars but ones convertible v plus2 .

[WJNB]

redroadster said:

What I don't get is Toyota gt86 has always been slated for been too expensive but the even smaller Mazda no one seems to say it's priced high both are similar fun cars but ones convertible v plus2 .

Toyota IS expensive & fun but in the same stable as an Aygo & of no interest to fresh air fans.
The MX-5 as the title suggests ideal for 'tinkering' or playing with as they have always been, in other words more of a toy & not to be taken too seriously. Cuddly friendly & easy for ladies to drive & park plus the joy of fresh air so as to be seen.

[Helicopter123]

fblm said:

Helicopter123 said:

Does look good though.

I agree. So pretty. Shame I can't get both kids in the passenger seat! Well now that I think about it maybe...

Boot bigger than you think in these.

[SweptVolume]

When are black wheels going to go out of fashion? Look okay out of the factory, but age terribly (and don't even get me started on diamond cut wheels).

New dampers a quality performance option, though.

[PistonBroker]

fblm said:

I agree. So pretty. Shame I can't get both kids in the passenger seat! Well now that I think about it maybe...

We once managed to squeeze Mrs PB into the footwell of our NA whilst a mate was in the passenger seat.

Now I read that back it sounds saucier than it was!

[rare6499]

Really want one of these, they look so good on those BBS!

[robertmcf99]

adriman said:

Springs make such a massive difference to the ND, good to see you can finally get them as a “factory” option! Got the Eibachs on mine and its really transformed the car.

How does it affect the ride? I like the way my 1.5 ND, now 4 years old, rides on bumpy roads, but it does sit a bit high on the standard springs, with a touch too much body roll. I really dont want to stiffen it up too much to excite those annoying little squeaks and rattles which usually result from stiffening up.

[edo111s]

robertmcf99 said:

adriman said:

Springs make such a massive difference to the ND, good to see you can finally get them as a “factory” option! Got the Eibachs on mine and its really transformed the car.

How does it affect the ride? I like the way my 1.5 ND, now 4 years old, rides on bumpy roads, but it does sit a bit high on the standard springs, with a touch too much body roll. I really dont want to stiffen it up too much to excite those annoying little squeaks and rattles which usually result from stiffening up.

The ride is actually better! No harsher, plus you get less roll, bit more precision and better looks.
Win-win-win

(I went for the Mazda lowering kit dealer-installed on my ND 2.0L)

[anonymous-user]

edo111s said:

The ride is actually better! No harsher, plus you get less roll, bit more precision and better looks.
Win-win-win

(I went for the Mazda lowering kit dealer-installed on my ND 2.0L)

Do you have any issues with ground clearance on speedbumps etc?

[adriman]

dme123 said:

edo111s said:

The ride is actually better! No harsher, plus you get less roll, bit more precision and better looks.
Win-win-win

(I went for the Mazda lowering kit dealer-installed on my ND 2.0L)

Do you have any issues with ground clearance on speedbumps etc?

Agree with the above, new springs are a much better match with the sport dampers. Never had any issues with ground clearance / speed bumps in the few months ive had them on. No real downsides IMO!

[edo111s]

dme123 said:

Do you have any issues with ground clearance on speedbumps etc?

None!

It’s night and day compared to the negotiations I had to do with my old Elise front splitter :-)