The Mazda MX-5 Thread

Huh?

6d101e7bd883603e28223f7c498d4ee6.jpg
 
BCO said:
I still can't understand why the MX-5 sells so poorly in SA.
Click to expand...

The correct answer is that it's a niche sportscar/roadster. It was never meant to sell in high volume. The fact the local model range is so limited + the hectic price does not help the case.
 
SA’s 11 Worst-Selling Cars (Under R500k) Of Oct 2017

The monthly Naamsa stats generally make for rather interesting reading. But, naturally, we tend to focus on the best-performing vehicles in terms of sales.

Indeed, we’ve already reported the 10 best-selling passenger cars of October 2017, as well as listed the 10 best-selling bakkies in our market for the same period.

But now we’ve decided to take a look at the worst-selling passenger car models on our shores. Thankfully, Hyundai and Kia have started reporting their individual model sales figures, which certainly helps to paint a more accurate monthly picture. But, of course, some other automakers (such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW) still disclose only aggregate sales statistics.

Also, take note that – in order to make this list more relevant – we’ve excluded vehicle ranges that start at more than R500 000. Otherwise, this table would be dominated by luxury manufacturers such as Bentley, Ferrari and Maserati, whose high-priced vehicles traditionally sell in tiny numbers.

We also don’t count sales from run-out stock of vehicles that have been discontinued locally, such as the Volkswagen Scirocco (4), Chevrolet Cruze (3), Mitsubishi Mirage (1) and Ford Fusion (1).

So, what happened during the month of October?

Well, just three units of each of the Mahindra Xylo and Toyota 86 were registered. The Abarth 500 range (4), Tata Manza (4), Alfa Romeo Giulietta (5), Tata Vista (5) and Volvo S60 (5) were next, while the Mazda MX-5 had to settle for six registrations. Suzuki’s Grand Vitara (7), the Volkswagen Beetle (7) and the Toyota Prius (9) rounded out the table.

For reference, see September’s list here.

SA’s 11 worst-selling passenger cars (under R500k) of October 2017:

Mahindra Xylo – 3
Toyota 86 – 3
Abarth 500 – 4
Tata Manza – 4
Alfa Romeo Giulietta – 5
Tata Vista – 5
Volvo S60 – 5
Mazda MX-5 – 6
Suzuki Grand Vitara – 7
Volkswagen Beetle – 7
Toyota Prius – 9

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-11-worst-selling-cars-under-r500k-of-oct-2017/
 
FiestaST said:
SA’s 11 Worst-Selling Cars (Under R500k) Of Oct 2017

The monthly Naamsa stats generally make for rather interesting reading. But, naturally, we tend to focus on the best-performing vehicles in terms of sales.

Indeed, we’ve already reported the 10 best-selling passenger cars of October 2017, as well as listed the 10 best-selling bakkies in our market for the same period.

But now we’ve decided to take a look at the worst-selling passenger car models on our shores. Thankfully, Hyundai and Kia have started reporting their individual model sales figures, which certainly helps to paint a more accurate monthly picture. But, of course, some other automakers (such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW) still disclose only aggregate sales statistics.

Also, take note that – in order to make this list more relevant – we’ve excluded vehicle ranges that start at more than R500 000. Otherwise, this table would be dominated by luxury manufacturers such as Bentley, Ferrari and Maserati, whose high-priced vehicles traditionally sell in tiny numbers.

We also don’t count sales from run-out stock of vehicles that have been discontinued locally, such as the Volkswagen Scirocco (4), Chevrolet Cruze (3), Mitsubishi Mirage (1) and Ford Fusion (1).

So, what happened during the month of October?

Well, just three units of each of the Mahindra Xylo and Toyota 86 were registered. The Abarth 500 range (4), Tata Manza (4), Alfa Romeo Giulietta (5), Tata Vista (5) and Volvo S60 (5) were next, while the Mazda MX-5 had to settle for six registrations. Suzuki’s Grand Vitara (7), the Volkswagen Beetle (7) and the Toyota Prius (9) rounded out the table.

For reference, see September’s list here.

SA’s 11 worst-selling passenger cars (under R500k) of October 2017:

Mahindra Xylo – 3
Toyota 86 – 3
Abarth 500 – 4
Tata Manza – 4
Alfa Romeo Giulietta – 5
Tata Vista – 5
Volvo S60 – 5
Mazda MX-5 – 6
Suzuki Grand Vitara – 7
Volkswagen Beetle – 7
Toyota Prius – 9

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/sas-11-worst-selling-cars-under-r500k-of-oct-2017/
Click to expand...
Well they stopped bringing in the cheaper softtop manual, which many say is the one to get... The RF way too expensive.
 
Mazda SA Kills Off The MX-5 Roadster (But Retains RF)

Mazda Southern Africa has quietly removed the MX-5 roadster from its local line-up, but interestingly chosen to retain the RF variant of the little rear-wheel-drive sportscar.

We asked the local arm of the Japanese automaker for the rationale behind the decision to kill off the six-speed manual MX-5 roadster, which was priced at R441 700, and a spokesperson told us that Mazda’s policy was “not to keep two body styles or even two transmissions in its production line if the market sells low volumes”.

The MX-5 (which grabbed the World Car of the Year title for 2016) has often found itself on our list of worst-selling vehicles each month, including our latest table from October. In fact, combining roadster and RF figures, just 62 units of the MX-5 have been registered in South Africa in the first ten months of 2017.

And the reason for preferring the RF over the roadster? Well, Mazda SA says feedback from “public and dealers” helped it make the choice.

So, the MX-5 RF (which stands for “Retractable Fastback”) soldiers on locally, powered by the same 118 kW/200 N.m 2,0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. But, priced at R532 800, this model (pictured below) is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/mazda-sa-kills-off-the-mx-5-roadster-but-retains-rf/
 
BCO said:
I still can't understand why the MX-5 sells so poorly in SA.
Click to expand...

I saw one on the road a couple weeks ago and thought, hey that actually looks pretty good. So I googled to check it out. The 120kw is the issue here. That's family car power, not sports car power.
 
Mazda MX-5 Z-Sport limited edition model revealed

300-unit special edition is based on Sport Nav trim and gets a red soft-top roof and contrasting interior upholstery

A new UK-only special-edition Mazda MX-5, the Z-Sport, has been revealed.

On the outside, the Z-Sport gets a red soft-top roof, while inside, its seats are finished in beige leather.

BBS wheels are also added, as with previous MX-5 special editions. The Z-Sport is finished in Machine Grey paint, which was until now exclusive to the hard-top MX-5 RF.

Inside, a numbered plaque on the dashboard commemorates the car’s limited number, and there are also bespoke floor mats. The car follows from the previous-generation Z-Sport, which was also limited edition.

The Z-Sport is limited to 300 units. It's based on Sport Nav trim and costs £25,595, £1230 more than the Sport Nav. Deliveries start in March 2018.

Under the bonnet, the MX-5's 2.0-litre, 158bhp petrol engine remains unchanged, although being based on the Sport Nav model means the Z-Sport gets Bilstein dampers, a strut brace and a limited slip differential.

Mazda confirmed that this is the first time a different-coloured roof will be available for the latest MX-5, but it couldn’t detail when the next opportunity will be.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mazda-mx-5-z-sport-limited-edition-model-revealed

MX-5 1.jpg
MX-5 2.jpg
MX-5 3.jpg
MX-5 4.jpg
MX-5 5.jpg
 
You Can Order A 2018 Mazda Miata With A Red Top, Finally

Mazda’s little two-seat sports car MX-5 has never sold in stratospheric numbers, most years just barely outselling Porsche’s 911. Mazda is a big company with more pressing matters, like figuring out how to add another CUV to their lineup. If they wanted to, their sports car model could just be treated as an after-thought, just floating along at dealerships unchanged for a decade, like Nissan does. The MX-5 actually matters to Mazda, however, as it holds the key to the company’s soul.

For 2018, however, the MX-5 has enough new tweaks to get me excited. First of all, the Cherry Top option, which was a limited-edition model for the U.K. market has now been expanded as a regular series production option. New paint colors include Eternal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Soul Red Crystal, and Machine Gray Metallic. I think a white pearl car with a red top would look just stellar, don’t you?

Further changes, the base Sport model receives a standard 7-inch touch screen as standard now (likely because reverse cameras are now mandated by law), LED head and tail lights, bluetooth connectivity, and a new leather-wrapped shift knob. The base price jumps a bit to $26,185 to reflect the new standard equipment. An automatic is available for an extra $1,350, but please do not.

The mid-tier Club model gets a few cool new options. For one, you can now get heated cloth seats as standard, or you can opt for the Recaro sport seats which were previously not available in the US market (part of a $4,470 package that includes Brembo big brakes and special BBS wheels).

The Grand Touring is still the top-of-the-line luxo model, and the $31,085 starting price reflects that. This one comes equipped with standard heated leather seats, climate control, navigation, extra sound deadening, rain sensing wipers, adaptive headlamps, and lane departure warning safety. A new option is Auburn Nappa leather seating for just $300.

You can order one from your Mazda dealer now, with nationwide dealer lot availability starting from January. There are additional, similar, changes being made to the Retractable Fastback model, which will be announced later.

https://jalopnik.com/you-can-order-a-2018-mazda-miata-with-a-red-top-finall-1821561451

MX-5.jpg
 
Used car buying guide: Mazda MX-5 Mk3

You can enjoy a Mk3 Mazda MX-5 every day, all year round, without freezing your assets, financial or otherwise. We say winter is a smart time to buy, too

Mid-winter: what better time to buy a Mazda MX-5? Convertibles have come a long way since the days of draughty MG Midgets but car buyers’ instincts haven’t.

It’ll be spring before they think about shopping for one. A great time to strike, then, while they aren’t looking and prices are soft.

Not a Mk1 or Mk2, mind: too rusty and silly money. The Mk3’s the one you want. Not that certain sections of the motoring press thought so when it was launched in 2005 in roadster and, the following year, folding hard-top forms. Some thought it had gone a little soft but Autocar declared it roomier, quieter, safer and better equipped, while finding it as entertaining to drive as ever.

You’ve a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines, the 2.0 with variable valve timing and a limited-slip diff. The 1.8 has a five-speed gearbox, the 2.0 a five-speed in standard trim and a six- speed in Sport. The 2.0 and 2.0 Sport have 17in alloy wheels and the 1.8 has 16s. In addition, the Sport has firmer Bilstein suspension with a front strut brace, traction control, heated leather seats and an uprated Bose stereo.

The 1.8 is comfier, cheaper to insure, lighter on fuel and perfect for tootling but the 2.0 Sport’s the one to have. Naturally, it’s more expensive. For example, £2500 will buy a 2005/55-reg 2.0 Sport with 130,000 miles and full history or a 2007/07 1.8 with 80,000 miles. On the other hand, another £1000 will bag a 2007/07 2.0 Sport with 75,000 miles.

A major facelift in 2009 brought retuned suspension, a revvier 2.0-litre engine and a stronger folding mechanism for the hard- top. Crucially, seeing that it’s our recommended version, the Sport was replaced by the Sport Tech.

Three years later, the model was facelifted again, this time gaining a radically reworked nose in line with Mazda’s new look. It also boasted a more pedestrian-friendly bonnet complete with explosive charges to raise it away from the engine to give the unfortunate individual a softer landing. Throttle response and brake pedal feel were improved, and the Sport Tech acquired an integrated TomTom sat-nav with a 5.8in touchscreen and alloy pedals. All versions got climate control.

This being an MX-5, special editions are numerous and include the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition of 2010 based on the 1.8 SE, and the Venture of 2012, which has TomTom sat-nav.

The specials aside, it’s 2.0 Option Pack cars you’re likely to see in numbers. Not to be confused with 2.0 Sport models, these have a premium cloth hood, stainless steel scuff plates, a leather steering wheel and a couple of additional speakers. Together, they give the otherwise standard 2.0 on which they’re based a welcome lift.

Regardless of the version, dip the oil, check for smoke, look for uneven tyre wear, and feel for a quick gearchange and precise steering. All good? Then what are you waiting for?

How to get one in your garage:

An expert’s view - Paul Roddison, Roddisons motorsport:

“The 2.0 Sport is the one to buy. I know from experience that the 1.8 is less popular, because whenever we stock them, they can hang around for months. Saying that, there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the model, and if you’re on a budget, there’s nothing better. We’ve raced MX-5s for years and, in my opinion, the Mk3 is the best of the lot; better than the Mk4, in fact. Engine and diff oil are the two main issues. Regarding engine oil, there’s not enough spare capacity whentheleveldrops.Withthediffoil,the official change interval is too long. Change it every two years.”

Buyer beware…

ENGINE - Check the oil level is spot on, look for oil smoke and listen for a rumbling crankshaft. High-milers can suffer broken wires in the coil-on-plugs. It has a timing chain, not a belt, but the tensioner can fail.

GEARBOX - Expect the action on five and six-speed gearboxes to be stiff from cold but to loosen up. Listen for a noisy rear diff.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES - Check the dampers. Listen for knocking from front and rear anti-roll bar drop links, which last around 40k miles. Inspect for irregular tyre wear. Brake hard to check for pulling since the calipers are prone to seizing.

BODY - Expect the underbonnet, boot and chassis to be superficially rusty. Check for uneven panel gaps, orange peel paint, overspray on rubbers, new wing bolts and a mismatched bonnet slam panel. Check the clips securing the plastic panel beneath the wipers. They can channel water into the interior. Ensure the hood drain holes are clear and feel for damp carpets. Check the roof operation on early coupés.

INTERIOR - Watch for warning lights staying on, especially DSC (dynamic stability control), caused by battery disconnection. It should go out when you turn the wheels from lock to lock. Ensure both keys are available since a new one is expensive.

Also worth knowing:

The Mk3 is highly sensitive to wheel alignment. On the test drive, check the car tracks precisely and feels pointy and alert. The seller will try to convince you all is well. Stick to your guns and negotiate an alignment (and maybe new tyres) as part of the deal.

How much to spend:

£2500-£3749 - Early (2005-2007) cars, including a 07-reg Sport with 75k miles for £3500.

£3750-£4999 - Lots of middling-mileage (around 75k) 2007 and 2008 Sports.

£5000-£7449 - Plenty of tidy 2007-2009 Sports, such as a 57-reg with 57k miles for £5495 and an 08-reg with 42k for £6995.

£7450-£8999 - Some 09-reg and 10-reg 2.0 Sport Techs with up to 50k miles for £8k or so.

£9000-£11,999 - Take your pick of 11-reg and 12-reg cars.

£12,000-£16,000 - Late-plate to the last Mk3s (£15,998 for 15-reg 2.0 Anniversary, 7k miles).

One we found:

MAZDA MX-5 2.0 SPORT, 2009/09, 62K MILES, £6750 This dealer-sale hard-top has a full service history (eight stamps in the book) and comes with a proper RAC warranty, including 12 months’ roadside assistance. It has two keys, black heated leather seats and air-con and it is finished in classic silver.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-mazda-mx-5-mk3

MX-5 1.jpg
MX-5 2.jpg
MX-5 3.jpg
MX-5 4.jpg
 
BBR GTi Mazda MX-5 1.5 2018 review

Should I buy one?

Back to the 1.5 package tasted here – does it have any rivals? At £4995 on top of £18,795 for the basic car, it nicely undercuts the slower Abarth 124 Spider but occupies used 981 Boxster territory. Perhaps it isn’t fair to bring used Porsches into the debate, but there it is. A Subaru BRZ has a more natural balance, less grip and similar pace, but assuming you’re after a drop-top, it’s off the menu. Simply, for this money you’ll struggle to go faster and have more fun in prettier car that you can still buy from new.

Those who would like to keep their factory warranty in one piece – and we suspect that might be most, despite the fact BBR offer its own three-year warranty – understandably won’t be keen. But for existing MX-5 owners who are perhaps more adventurous, a turbo conversion as astonishingly tacit in its execution but so vividly effective as this Stage 1 BBR GTI package must be a sorely tempting prospect. Without doubt, this is a very good car made better.

BBR GTi Mazda MX-5 1.5 Stage 1 Turbocharged

Where Surrey On sale Now Price £4995 (kit, fitted) Engine 4cyls, 1496cc, petrol, turbo Power 210bhp at 7000rpm Torque 197lb ft at 4150rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual Kerb weight 1056kg Top speed 145mph (est) 0-60mph 6.0sec (est) Fuel economy n/a CO2 n/a Rivals Abarth 124 Spider, Subaru BRZ

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mazda/mx-5/first-drives/bbr-gti-mazda-mx-5-15-2018-review

IMG_2920.JPG

IMG_2919.JPG

IMG_2918.JPG

IMG_2922.JPG

IMG_2921.JPG

IMG_2923.JPG
 
Mazda MX-5 set to gain a bump in power – report

A fresh report out of the United States suggests that the Mazda MX-5 will benefit from a power hike during an upcoming refresh.

According to Road and Track, a new document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US suggests that the lightweight sportscar’s 2,0-litre naturally aspirated engine will gain an increase in power for 2019.

The document says that the updated MX-5’s four-cylinder petrol unit will make around 135 kW, up from the current 118 kW offered here in South Africa. At first glance, that may not appear much, but considering the MX-5’s distinct lack of lard, it should translate into noticeably more get-up-and-go.

In South Africa, of course, the MX-5 roadster was scrapped late in 2017, although the Japanese brand’s local distributors opted to retain the (automatic-only) RF variant of the little rear-wheel-drive sportscar.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/mazda-mx-5-set-to-gain-a-bump-in-power-report/
 
2019 Mazda MX-5 gains more power

While the nimble Mazda MX-5 has never been a numbers car, many have criticised its 118 kW naturally aspirated 2,0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv engine for being somewhat short of breath when it matters. Now, a leaked document sourced by Road & Track, suggests the 2019 update for the Miata (MX-5) will, along with other updates, introduce a welcome boost in power.

Engine updates that include lighter pistons and conrods, a new crankshaft, larger intake and exhaust ports and a new throttle body will reportedly see power increased by 15 kW to 133 kW, with 4 N.m worth of torque added. In addition, the roadster will have a higher maximum rev range.

A dual mass flywheel has been added in order to absorb the NVH from the more powerful engine.

Updated safety equipment in the new MX-5 will include a smart city brake feature for increased pedestrian safety.

The addition of a reach adjustment on the steering column will be welcomed by taller owners.

Let’s hope these updates, which for the time being are linked with the North American market (where the car is called, Miata) make their way to South Africa where the MX-5 is currently only represented by the RF model.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/2019-mazda-mx-5-gains-more-power/
 
Mazda MX-5 Z-Sport 2018 UK review

Should I buy one?

That really depends on how much value you place on the additional trinketry that comes as part of the Z-Sport package. To drive, it’s no different from the standard Sport Nav model - so if you can do without the BBS alloy wheels and cherry red fabric roof, you might find that you’d be happy to pocket that extra £1200 or so and stick with the standard model.

If, however, you quite fancy the idea of a limited-run MX-5, it’s worth considering that the Z-Sport is forecast to retain more of its value than the Sport Nav model - although only by a few percentage points. Over 36 months of ownership and 36,000 miles, our experts predict the Z-Sport will be worth 47% of what it was when new, while the Sport Nav will sit at 45%.

It all comes down to personal preference, then. Well, personal preference and the fact that there are only 300 Z-Sports available. So if you’ve decided you’d rather fancy one, you’d better get cracking - otherwise your decision might be made for you.

Mazda MX-5 Z-Sport

Location Lincolnshire; On sale Now; Price £25,620; Engine 4 cyls, 1998cc, petrol; Power 158bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 148lb ft at 4600rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1075kg; Top speed 133mph; 0-62mph 7.3sec; Economy 40.9mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 161g/km, 29%; Rivals Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Abarth 124

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mazda/mx-5/first-drives/mazda-mx-5-z-sport-2018-uk-review

IMG_8322.JPG

IMG_8325.JPG

IMG_8326.JPG

IMG_8327.JPG

IMG_8324.JPG
 
Mazda MX-5 Updated for 2019

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 has been substantially improved over the current model and boasts more power, more safety and upgraded technology.

Officially, Mazda says the new 2019 MX-5 will be unveiled in Japan towards the end of July 2018. The big changes can be found under the bonnet, with the new MX-5 featuring an optimised air intake, new cylinder heads, revised pistons and different connecting rods. The reason behind these upgrades? Mazda claims they're lighter components which will increase the performance.

How do the numbers stack for the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G engine? With a redline now set at 7 500 rpm (previously 6 800 rpm), figures now stand at 135 kW and 205 Nm (previously 118 kW and 200 Nm). Naturally, the engine is cleaner and more efficient too. There are revisions to the 1.5-litre motor which never came to SA and that now offers up 97 kW and 152 Nm.

In terms of cabin changes, the car now features a revised TFT display and telescopic steering wheel as well as a whole host of standard safety equipment like Advanced Smart City Brake Support and a Lane Departure Warning System. There are options available such as a tan leather cabin, 16-inch alloy wheels and a brown fabric roof.

Mazda has discontinued sales of the MX-5 roadster in South Africa and now only offers the MX-5 RF automatic locally. We have our doubts as to whether we will see this latest MX-5 in South Africa but based on previous driving experiences in the MX-5, we can only but hope that Mazda brings it back to South Africa.

We'll bring you more info when the vehicle launches at the end of July 2018.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mazda-mx-5-updated-for-2019/45136/

IMG_5669.JPG

IMG_5670.JPG

IMG_5671.JPG

IMG_5672.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X