Mazda’s MX-5 Smiley Face Roadster Hits The South African Market

The new, revised Mazda MX-5 Facelift model is now available to South African consumers. The new model marks the 20th anniversary of the MX-5, and it currently holds the record as the best-selling two seat sports car ever. Mazda has sold over 850,000 units to date. Mazda’s facelifted MX-5 houses the latest design theme, and this include a new front end, and a sportier engine.

“The MX-5 represents Mazda’s philosophy of car making. It perfectly embodies the spirit of Zoom-Zoom, the exhilaration and liberation that comes from experiencing the sheer joy of motion. The newly evolved MX-5 builds on these philosophies and ensures the car remains current and as enjoyable as ever,” explains Brendan Lyne, Mazda General Manager.

Mazda has enlarged the front grille, and it is now on-par with all of the other updated models. Yes, that means that the smiley face grille has been added! Alongside the the grille, the front end features new fog-lamp treatment and new athletic looks. While the athletic looks don’t only taunt buyers, they also add new aerodynamics for better off the line performance and fuel-consumption. The rear end has a new wider, and sportier look.

The MX-5 has a new powered roof system which will first retract back into the cabin to save boot space.

“This legendary hardtop convertible roadster perfectly embodies the feeling of oneness between man and machine. It’s a top-down, wind-in-your-hair, driving exhilaration that has been honed by Mazda over the past 20 years and ensuring the MX-5 remains at the pinnacle of its game,” concludes Lyne.

Inside features chrome pieces here and there, as well as a new instrument panel which is now dark silver. This will have a higher quality look when compared to the non-facelifted MX-5.

Performance-wise Mazda has upped the power to 118kW, while the torque will be set at 188Nm. The transmission will be a six-speed manual unit, and it will allow for smooth shifts. The suspension has been enhanced for a smoother ride, and more control around corners.

New equipment includes a Bose sound system, and AUX jacks for third-party audio devices.

South African pricing starts at R337 500.

Full Stats below

 

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