Mazda Canada has just revealed details of the revised new edition of its Mazda MX-5, now in the fourth year of its ND generation. Changes for 2019 centre around increased power and enhanced performance, as well as esthetic tweaks like a new available brown-coloured soft top and an enhanced offering of safety features. We had previously reported on the boost in power the tweaked engine will deliver, but here's in full what we now know about the model.
A more muscular roadster
According to Mazda, the changes brought to the model aim mainly to make it “quicker, more responsive and more engaging to drive, adhering to Mazda's unique Jinba Ittai—"horse and rider as one"—engineering philosophy”.
Mazda engineers thus boosted the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine in order to improve response, performance, feel and efficiency. The 181 horsepower it delivers at 7,000 rpm represent a 17% improvement. Torque is 151 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, with a richer torque curve throughout MX-5's entire rev range.
The Mazda MX-5 has never been about power; it's a car whose sole purpose is to help the driver and passenger fall in love with driving. But, a little extra power never hurts.”
- Mazda
Among the other technical changes brought, internal mass and friction have been reduced in the engine, and circulation of fuel in the cylinder has been optimized to gain greater efficiency and improved torque at all RPMs.
In addition to the revised powertrain, the new 2019 MX-5 now comes with a new (available) brown canvas soft top, new black metallic 16- and 17-inch wheels, a newly telescoping steering wheel, easier-to-open doors and revised door stops and revised cupholders and seat levers.
Safety features
The 2019 MX-5 features a new backup camera, and new optional systems like Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support in addition to other i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies found throughout various trim levels. These new systems were added without adding to the overall weight of the car, or almost (it has put on all of 3 kg since last year!).
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 will be available in Canada as of this summer. Information regarding prices and options, as well as detailed specifications, will be announced closer to launch date.
In fact we will be present in the Toronto area in just a few weeks for the official launch event for the 2019 Mazda MX-5, and we’ll be giving you our first impressions of this exciting small roadster. Stay tuned!
You’ll recall, by the way, that the 2018 RF (Retractable Fastback) version of the MX-5 earned the title of Convertible of the Year during our last Auto123.com Awards!