Five Reasons We Love the Mazda MX-5

Reason #1 | It’s one of the lightest manual transmissions in the world

Weighing in at just 1,033kg is our MX-5 1.5L Roadster Manual, one of the lightest manuals in the world. That is no mean feat. Engineers have meticulously worked to shave off the smallest amounts of weight in different places around the car in pursuit of a lighter vehicle without compromising safety or chassis structure.

The fact they have been able to achieve this and still maintain a 5-star ANCAP safety rating is almost unheard of in the segment, and the effects it has on the drive and performance is something you have to experience to fully appreciate.

DRIVE EXPERIENCE

The Mazda MX-5 is the ultimate driver’s car. Its lightweight body and nimble Skyactiv chassis work in seamless harmony to deliver the awe-inspiring, wind-through-your-hair experience that Mazda MX-5 is famous for.

Thanks to its lightweight the car steering and accelerating are noticeably swift and enthusiastic, this would be a different story if the car was carrying more weight. After all, you can’t defy physics!

Reason #2 | It gives you the most smiles per kilometre

As the world’s most popular lightweight sports car for over three decades, iconic Mazda MX-5 excites every sense like only a true roadster can. It’s almost impossible to wipe the smile off your face thanks to the ultra-responsive handling and the enhanced feeling of balance and control as a result of perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution. Jinba Ittai has never been more alive than when you are driving a MX-5.

JINBA ITTAI – THE PHILOSOPHY OF ‘HORSE AND RIDER AS ONE’

Did you know that “MX” in the MX-5 nameplate stands for “Mazda Experiment”? This is the ultimate expression of Mazda's challenger spirit as a company and their product-focused “Jinba Ittai” philosophy. MX-5 embodies this "Jinba Ittai" concept perfectly with every detail focused around the driver with a human-centric design theory.

While "Jinba Ittai" translates to horse and rider as one, you can see the realisation of this thinking via the Roadsters fun-to-drive character that truly connects the driver every time they get behind the wheel. This is an evolution of the dream that engineers first conceived in the mid-80s. The latest iteration of MX-5 carries on this amazing legacy for Mazda, and it continues to win over the hearts and minds of sports car enthusiasts around the world.

Reason #3 | It has one of the fastest power-folding roofs on the market

Owning a convertible is one of the raciest things you can do when it comes to vehicle ownership, but it can come with its challenges. Having the roof down is perfect for those beautiful sunny days, but what happens when you’re hit with a sudden downpour? Or running late?

Something we are all way too familiar with here in Australia between the rapid weather changes and hectic traffic.  Well, you can rest assured you’ll keep dry even when the most unexpected rain hits.

You’ll also be able to get the roof shut just as you’re pulling up to your destination, instead of waiting until you’ve parked thanks to Mazda MX-5’s speedy power-folding roof. It’s actually one of the fastest on the market!

The Mazda MX-5 RF roof folds back in just 13 seconds, leaving most competitors in its dust when it comes to comparing. Even better, you don’t have to come to a full stop to operate the roof, it can be opened or closed when travelling at speeds up to 10km/h allowing you to close it as you pull up to your destination.

Reason #4 | It’s designed to move you

Mazda MX-5 captures Mazda’s signature Kodo Design philosophy in its most exciting form. Lean, muscular lines capture the moment energy becomes motion, while the uncluttered interior is designed to feel like an extension of the driver.

As the world’s most popular lightweight sports car for over three decades, the iconic Mazda MX-5 excites every sense as only a true roadster can.

KODO – SOUL OF MOTION DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

Throughout its history, Mazda has explored various design themes of motion. Kodo Design captures the very instant energy that becomes motion.

It’s a fusion of functionality and beauty - the muscular vigour you see when an animal pounces. The sleek and aerodynamic lines of every Mazda is enhanced by this visionary design philosophy and are most evident on Mazda MX-5.

Reason #5 | It’s a step up in handling and performance thanks to the new RS variant

The new MX-5 GT RS is an Australian market model that further sharpens the MX-5’s already-legendary handling response. Designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts, the Mazda MX-5 GT RS Roadster and RF models are sharply focused on dynamics.

Australia has a proud history of localised MX-5 variants, including the turbocharged NB-series MX-5 SP which produced astounding performance. The new MX-5 GT RS variant offers even more focused dynamics with upgraded suspension and braking systems that provide greater feedback, control and performance.