One year after introducing the third generation of its famous little roadster, Mazda unveiled a power retractable hardtop version at the British International Motor Show last July. Some people might be
surprised by the Japanese automaker's decision to offer such a model, since the MX-5's manual soft top is one of the slickest around. Truth is, however, the hardtop is even slicker.
First of all, the mechanism of the 2007 MX-5 PRHT has no impact on trunk space because the rigid hideaway top retracts entirely within the cabin. The trunk has the same capacity of 150 litres. Secondly, the roof operation is quick and easy. Taking only 12 seconds to open or close, it's the quickest electrically retractable hardtop on the market today.
While the roof opening is larger, body stiffness is reportedly just as high whether the hardtop is open or closed. Overall, the hardtop model is just 36kg heavier than the soft-top model. To minimize the impact of the added weight, the company optimized the suspension damper and spring
settings, resulting in a smoother ride. Mazda says that with the roof closed, exterior noise is effectively kept out of the cabin, while the sports-car engine sound is still perfectly audible to enhance the driving experience.
Aside from a power rear deck cover that's 40mm higher, the most visible differences from the soft-top model lie in the contours of the rear fenders and trunk lid and in a new design for the high-mount stop lamp. Moreover, the door handles, headlamp trim bezels and front grille trim surround have chrome plating. The rear window is also slightly larger for enhanced rearward visibility.
Inside, both cars are essentially identical. The same goes for the drivetrain, including the 2.0L four-cylinder engine as well as the five- and six-speed gearboxes. Expect the new 2007 MX-5 PRHT to be as nimble, responsive and fun to drive as the regular model.
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| (Photo: Mazda) |
First of all, the mechanism of the 2007 MX-5 PRHT has no impact on trunk space because the rigid hideaway top retracts entirely within the cabin. The trunk has the same capacity of 150 litres. Secondly, the roof operation is quick and easy. Taking only 12 seconds to open or close, it's the quickest electrically retractable hardtop on the market today.
While the roof opening is larger, body stiffness is reportedly just as high whether the hardtop is open or closed. Overall, the hardtop model is just 36kg heavier than the soft-top model. To minimize the impact of the added weight, the company optimized the suspension damper and spring
 |
| (Photo: Mazda) |
Aside from a power rear deck cover that's 40mm higher, the most visible differences from the soft-top model lie in the contours of the rear fenders and trunk lid and in a new design for the high-mount stop lamp. Moreover, the door handles, headlamp trim bezels and front grille trim surround have chrome plating. The rear window is also slightly larger for enhanced rearward visibility.
Inside, both cars are essentially identical. The same goes for the drivetrain, including the 2.0L four-cylinder engine as well as the five- and six-speed gearboxes. Expect the new 2007 MX-5 PRHT to be as nimble, responsive and fun to drive as the regular model.
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