2010 Mazda MX-5
2010 Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5
MX-5 (still called the Miata by purists) is in its third edition as the best-selling sports car in history. Since its debut in 1989, more than 850,000 Miatas have sold, and a lot more will likely sell considering the upgrades – some substantial, some subtle – for the 2010 model.
The new edition is available with a manual-folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window or a power-folding hardtop, and there are 10 trims. It all ups up to a sure-thing to continue the sports car’s legacy.
The Weekly Driver’s Ratings
First Impression: My weekly driver, the grand touring soft top model, arrived a few days before Halloween. Its exterior color, Competition Yellow, was ideal for the week. The tone is more orange than yellow and it’s striking, for good or bad. Lots of onlookers commented on my pumpkin on wheels.
Acceleration (6)
With its low-to-the-ground profile and classic two-seat sports car feel, the MX-5 seems fast. Better described, it’s brisk. The six-speed manual transmission has short throws and gearing is firm, which adds to the fun.
Controls/Gauges (6)
The controls are well-placed. Gauges are clearly marked and easy to read.
Details (6)
It’s plastic throughout the cockpit, but it looks sharp. The Grand Touring edition (my weekly driver) had leather trim and it added class. The aforementioned hidden storage bins added a savvy touch.
Front Seats (6)
I’m 6-feet, 185 pounds and I fit OK in the Mazda MX-5. But anyone taller would likely want for more leg room and definitely more head room when the soft top is up. The Mazda MX-5 isn’t spacious, but how many coupes are?
Rear Seats (0)
There aren’t any.
Total (54 out of 100 )
Class – Sports car
Primary competition – Honda S2000, Nissan 370Z.
For standard equipment/option package information, visit: www.mazdausa.com.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price – $26,410.
Price As Driven – $29,310.
Mileage Estimates – 21 mpg (city), 28 mpg (hwy).
Warranty – Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.
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Mazda RX-7 to mark the end of RX-8 in 2011
Mazda Taiki Concept
While Toyota works on getting its FT-86 rear-wheel-drive coupe on the road and as Nissan plans a rival, another Japanese automaker is going to throw its two cents into the segment as well. Sources close to Mazda say that RX-7 should see a revival sometime in early 2011 and will mark the end of the slow-selling and expensive RX-8.
The next-generation Mazda RX-7 will use the company’s new Renesis 16X rotary engine, which made its debut in the Taiki concept. While the 16X is capable of producing 350-hp and 215 lb-ft of torque, Mazda will keep output around the 200-250 range in order to stick the price-tag close to $25,000.
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New Mazda RX-7 May Replace RX-8
The Japanese automaker is reportedly working on a successor to its ultra-sexy Mazda FD RX-7, which bowed out of the market in the earlier part of the decade. An inside source has revealed to Edmunds that not only is a new Mazda RX-7 in the works but a brand new Renesis rotary engine is too. The story doesn’t end there as the same sources has said that the new RX-7 may actually replace the slow-selling and relatively expensive RX-8.
Due for launch in late 2011, the new car is expected to eschew outright performance and prestige in favor of affordability and reliability. Mazda is reportedly looking to evoke the character of the original RX-7 (sold in the U.S. from 1979-1985) by keeping output around the 200-250 horsepower mark and prices well below $30,000. This will make the new car an ideal competitor to the likes of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and upcoming Toyota and Subaru joint sports cars.
Styling is expected to be influenced by 2007’s race-inspired Furai concept car (pictured) as well the 2008 Takai concept.
As for its powerplant, Mazda will use a new generation rotary engine dubbed the Renesis 16X, which it has already previewed in concept form.
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SPEED World Challenge GT at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
This past weekend Brandon Davis secured the 2009 SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT title in only his second season with a fourth place finish at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
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2010 Mazda3 Hits the Stage
The all-new Mazda3 is powered by a choice of two engines, a 148 horsepower 2.0L engine or a 167 horsepower 2.5L. The 2.0L engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 2.5L can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto.
On the outside the styling is all-new, although it is easily recognizable as a Mazda3. The front-end features Mazda’s new global face with a front-end that Mazda describes as “exotic”.
The new Mazda3 is available with many features that are not available on other vehicles in its class, such as self leveling Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive front lighting system, and rain sensing wipers.
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