Another issue Mazda must face is how to incorporate the system into the MX-5's rather tight confines. Most vehicles to feature a folding
hardtop appear disproportionate, with stretched rear overhangs to enable ample storage of the folded roof without robbing the car of too much trunk space. Without a desire to recast moulds for fenders or trunk lids, design integrity being high on the list of priorities for Mazda's project managers, Mazda would need to get creative in designing its retractable roof mechanism.
Either way, the addition of a hard-top model for the MX-5 would create even greater appeal for the model. While many owners love the Miata for its unpolluted handling, and ability to embarrass sports cars with much fatter price tags, it's not exactly the most practical vehicle for year-round use in soft-top guise. One might think of a new folding hardtop variant would be an active yet retractable shield against the elements, vandalism and break-ins.
In
the final days of the previous generation model, Mazda introduced the Miata Coupe, a streamlined hardtop version of its MX-5 geared towards performance enthusiasts. The added metal structure improved rigidity, increasing the car's dynamics and poise. Produced as a limited-run, domestic market vehicle, pent up worldwide demand for the Miata Coupe has opened Mazda's eyes to the potential of alternative models within the line.
Should Mazda give the MX-5 retractable hardtop the green light, it would most likely arrive sometime during mid to late 2006 as a 2007 model-year product. Pricing would be approximately $4,000 to $5,000 higher than the current MX-5.
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| The addition of a hard-top for the MX-5 would create even greater appeal for the model. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Either way, the addition of a hard-top model for the MX-5 would create even greater appeal for the model. While many owners love the Miata for its unpolluted handling, and ability to embarrass sports cars with much fatter price tags, it's not exactly the most practical vehicle for year-round use in soft-top guise. One might think of a new folding hardtop variant would be an active yet retractable shield against the elements, vandalism and break-ins.
In
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| In the final days of the previous generation model, Mazda introduced the Miata Coupe, a streamlined hardtop version of its MX-5 geared towards performance enthusiasts. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
Should Mazda give the MX-5 retractable hardtop the green light, it would most likely arrive sometime during mid to late 2006 as a 2007 model-year product. Pricing would be approximately $4,000 to $5,000 higher than the current MX-5.
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