Mazda reveals vital MX-5 weight figure
New Mazda roadster's kerb weight listed at a lean 1058kg in 2.0-litre manual form in the US, making it the quickest standard MX-5 yetMazda has revealed the final piece of its 2015 MX-5 specifications puzzle: weight.
Previously, Mazda had only revealed the kerb weight of the entry-level 1.5-litre model, which was rated at 998kg for the six-speed manual variant.
Now, Mazda USA has confirmed the 2.0-litre variant will tip the scales at 2332 pounds (1058kg), which is 60kg heavier than the base MX-5 but an impressive 109kg lighter than the outgoing third-generation (2.0-litre) MX-5.
Now equipped with a SKYACTIV six-speed automatic transmission, self-shifting versions of both powertrains are around 22kg heavier, with the new 2.0-litre auto weighing 2381 pounds (1080kg).
Australia's MX-5 is not expected to be significantly different to the North American version in terms of specifications or weight.
The announcement confirms the new MX-5 is the lightest since the original NA-series MX-5, which was launched in 1989 and still holds the record as the lightest Mazda roadster, at 940kg.
However, in Australia it was powered by an 85kW 1.6-litre engine matched with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. First sold in 1998, the second-gen MX-5 weighed 1030kg and came with the combination of a 106kW 1.8-litre petrol engine and the same transmissions.
Mazda's announcement sees the latest 2.0-litre version offer a power-to-weight ratio of 109kW to the tonne. That number exceeds the previous MX-5's output by 8kW/tonne.
Combined with a higher final-drive ratio, the numbers should shave the 0-100km/h acceleration figure of the new model to around 6.2 seconds — 1.6 seconds sooner than the model it replaces.
Previously, our 0-100km/h calculations for the 1.5-litre manual variant came to seven seconds, which is also quicker than the outgoing 2.0-litre MX-5 (7.8 seconds).
Fitted with a manually-folding soft-top roof, just like the original, both 1.5- and 2.0-litre versions of the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 are expected to arrive in Australian showrooms by September, priced from under $40,000.
Related reading:
Mazda MX-5: The essential guide
Mazda MX-5: International Launch Review
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