Retractable Hardtop Would Help Mazda's Budget-Priced Roadster Reach a Wider Audience
According to insiders, Mazda is preparing to add a new member to the MX-5 range. While most are expecting the gain to
be the performance-tweaked Mazdaspeed variant, complete with suspension mods, turbo and 'bucktooth' intercooler, the Japanese firm is expected to pull a surprise out of its bag of tricks in the near future. Instead of the Mazdaspeed variant, which is still a prospect down the road, it has been rumored to be creating a folding hard top version of the famous two-seater.
Though there's little chance that Mazda is in a position of losing its designated title of best-selling roadster of all time, recent entries from General Motors (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky), plus an overall growth in the two-seat roadster segment has had an impact on Mazda's segment share. Recent updates
in performance and refinement have also led the MX-5 into competition with pricier roadsters, as it now poses a formidable threat against the base-level Audi TT and BMW Z4 roadsters, among others.
In order to solidify its strength in the market further, Mazda's may add a folding hard top model. What was once a limited offering from Mercedes-Benz in high-end luxury models, has become available to the consumer in vehicles of all sizes and price ranges. Volkswagen, Volvo, and even Pontiac will soon enter the retractable hardtop fray with their respective Eos, C70 and G6 Convertible, delivering the practical dual personality of a coupe and convertible, without breaking the bank.
According to insiders, Mazda is preparing to add a new member to the MX-5 range. While most are expecting the gain to
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| Mazda has been rumored to be creating a folding hard top version of its famous MX-5 roadster. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) |
Though there's little chance that Mazda is in a position of losing its designated title of best-selling roadster of all time, recent entries from General Motors (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky), plus an overall growth in the two-seat roadster segment has had an impact on Mazda's segment share. Recent updates
 |
| Recent updates in performance and refinement have also led the MX-5 into competition with pricier roadsters. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) |
In order to solidify its strength in the market further, Mazda's may add a folding hard top model. What was once a limited offering from Mercedes-Benz in high-end luxury models, has become available to the consumer in vehicles of all sizes and price ranges. Volkswagen, Volvo, and even Pontiac will soon enter the retractable hardtop fray with their respective Eos, C70 and G6 Convertible, delivering the practical dual personality of a coupe and convertible, without breaking the bank.