MAZDA FINE TUNES ITS ICONIC MX-5

Ever restless in their search for perfection, the engineers at Mazda have given their ND series MX-5 roadster’s rear suspension some minor tweaks.

Using information from the development of the Retractable Fastback (RF) version of the MX-5, the soft-top’s rear suspension’s upper link bushings have been lowered and the rear bump stops lengthened. The aim of the latter was to bring the stops into play a little earlier.

It’s also there to give a slightly more comfortable ride, but obviously without in any way interfering with the MX-5’s exceptional road holding and feel.

Arguably the biggest news is that Mazda’s stunning colour, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, is now available on the MX-5.

Realising that – sadly – the MX-5 roadster is more likely to spend time in boring commuting than being fanged on interesting Sunday drives, in-cabin noise reduction has been improved. Sound insulation was installed over areas of the centre tunnel and gaps around the tunnel reinforcements were reduced. Finally vibration-damping materials were added to the rear wheel housings.

While the MX-5 already has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the GT version gets the added safety features of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH).

Small changes like this indicate just how serious the guys and gals at Mazda are. Speaking purely selfishly they have also given us the opportunity to borrow a road test car and do some more fanging on nice Sunday roads and, we suppose, some boring commuting as well. Stay tuned.