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From YourSITE.com Events Coverage It may seem rather cruel, but those gifted in the height department have been missing out on the wonderfully fun Mazda Miata if only for one simple reason – they don’t fit! Mazda brought the new MX-5 to the Big Apple after sending it to a tailor, and it may be time to try it on for size again.
What makes this remarkable is that despite a wheelbase only 2.6" longer, Mazda actually moved the engine 5.3” farther back. The entire block now resides behind the front axle, for a true front-mid-engine layout. This impressive packaging yields a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Combine that with a large increase in track, one that necessitated the attractive new fender flares, and the fun factor should not be lacking. The engine's 170 horsepower output means it now makes nearly the same power as the previous Mazdaspeed MX-5, but without resorting to turbocharging. Expect quicker throttle response, and good acceleration, given a curb weight that is roughly the same as the previous model. The hood is aluminum, and engineers went back a second time to reduce the weight of every single component by one gram.
The addition of a tilt wheel leaves a little more room for your knees, though most people will want to position it all the way up. Practice shuffle steering, or else your hands will bump your knees if you’re even close to six feet tall. The new seat was comfy but the base felt too low to provide good thigh support. The six-speed manual shifter had well defined gates and short throws, just as you’d expect (base models feature a five-speed transmission; a five-speed automatic is also available). The trunk is more useable thanks to multilink hinges that do not intrude, and also because an instant mobility kit replaces the traditional spare. Storage in the cabin has not improved much, and one has to question why a two-passenger car has four cupholders. I’d gladly trade those for more storage for cell phones and such. The new top is extremely easy to operate, with one central latch. Even better, it folds out of the way so neatly, in such a low profile, that you just won’t need a tonneau cover.
Speaking of easy, the oil filter is now near the bottom of the engine for easy access. Anyone who has ever changed the oil on the original Miata will welcome that change. Chain-driven cams mean no more timing belt changes, too. Weldon Munsey, from Mazda Product Planning, put it well when he said it was “a more refined, improved revision of the original…we stayed true to the original concept.” The hood dome certainly tips its hat to the original 1990 model, and the new headlight surround is shaped like the original’s turn signals, so it looks like the original when its headlights were off. Fender flares were needed to accommodate a much wider track, both front and rear. The new look just plain works - like the old model hit the gym and developed more bulging muscles.
The new MX-5 should arrive early this fall. Mazda also showed the Mazda5, which might be one of the few people-movers image-conscious young couples would want to be seen in. Powered by Mazda's ubiquitous 2.3-liter MZR engine, the 5 is the only people-mover in North America available with a manual transmission (a four-speed automatic is optional). Wide sliding doors make ingress and egress very easy, and the captain’s chairs in the second row are raised theatre-style for a better view. The third row is tight for adults, but will fit your child’s friends if you ever car pool. Just pack light, as cargo room is minimal with all seats in place. Prices aren’t set, but expect the base Sport models to start just under $18,000 including freight - a strong value, considering that air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD stereo, and 17" alloy wheels are all standard equipment. The facelifted Mazda6 sedan, wagon, and hatchback sport new bumpers, and the new honeycomb grille looks quite sharp. The headlight clusters have more menacing dark surrounds, something that continues inside, with dark titanium trim in the center console. That darkness is offset by the newly available HID headlamps and shiny new 18” alloy rims.
Other enhancements include a new voice-activated navigation system, and the base four-cylinder engine can be had with a five-speed automatic, replacing the current four-speed unit. Your elbows will be happy if you didn’t like the old armrests, as they are now better padded. New fabrics and colors join the lineup as well. All of these combine to make a fun sedan even more so. Also on display was the Mazdaspeed version of the 6, which goes on sale early this summer. The base 2.3-liter engine has been fortified with a turbocharger, resulting in 274 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and power is put to the ground via an all-wheel drive system inherited from the European Mazda6. The Mazdaspeed6 is available in two trim levels. While both are quite well equipped, the Grand Touring model adds heated leather seats (power adjustable for both driver and passenger), a sunroof, heated mirrors, and an advanced keyless entry system. Prices are expected to begin at around $29,000.
Finally, Mazda once again showed the MX-Crossport concept. That likely means it’s under consideration for production. The production version will likely share its 6-based underpinnings with the next-generation Lincoln Aviator. One peek at the Crossport next to the RX8 and the rest of the lineup confirms it would be a good fit in Mazda showrooms.
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