Mazda NZ’s MX-5 sports car updated for summer
The Mazda MX-5 GT comes as a manual or automatic. Photo: Mazda
Mazda New Zealand has just updated its iconic MX-5 two-seater with sharpened cornering characteristics, and new suspension technology, just in time for summer.
Priced from $57,590, the MX-5 is equipped with the newly developed Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) technology.
Mazda New Zealand Managing Director, David Hodge, said the changes strengthen appeal for drivers and deliver on Mazda’s strategy for continual improvement.
Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) is the next step in that constant evolution, offering an improvement in high-g cornering precision and confidence. KPC is an all-new technology developed by Mazda that manages different vehicle systems to help the MX-5 behave as a harmonious extension of the driver's body without adding a single gram of weight.
For ride comfort and stability during everyday or spirited driving, the MX-5's rear suspension is already designed to generate an “anti-lift” force that pulls the vehicle’s body down when the brakes are applied. KPC uses the MX-5’s suspension structure to provide a more integrated and stable turning posture at high speed, giving a greater sense of Jinba-ittai, without adding even a single gram to the weight of the vehicle.
KPC applies a very slight brake to the inner rear wheel during high-g cornering. This pulls down on that corner, suppressing body roll, and making steering response feel more linear through tight or rough corners. Slightly stronger braking is used when accelerating through a corner, enhancing the limited slip effect.
Turning conditions are determined by KPC in real-time from the difference in speed between the left and right rear wheels and increase its activity linearly in response to this to produce an appropriate posture stabilization effect. This means there is no change to everyday driving situations, but the harder the drive becomes, the more the MX-5 sharpens its tail-end senses and cleverly adjusts its own turning posture.
All MX-5 models have a rear-wheel drive layout and come equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2-litre engine that delivers an inspiring 135 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque.
As well as handling, safety is also a primary focus with all MX-5 models featuring dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side-impact door beams in addition to many i-Activsense safety features that include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart City Brake Support, and Lane Departure Warning.
The exterior styling adds the newly available Platinum Quartz Metallic paint to the seven colour options for the MX-5.
The Mazda MX-5 RF can open or close the roof in a remarkable 13 seconds, providing the MX-5 RF with the look and feel of both a sporty coupe and a stylish convertible.
The MX-5 Roadster GT is paired with a slick six-speed manual transmission and MX-5 Limited RF has a choice of manual transmission or a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters.
