More powerful MX-5 lands in Oz

Mazda has launched the more powerful 2.0-litre version of its MX-5 roadster.

The arrival comes after debate as to whether or not Mazda needed more power for its lighter, new MX-5. The new ND-series – replete with its 96kW 1.5-litre engine – went on sale locally in August and immediately proved a hit with buyers convinced the new model had faithfully recaptured the essence of the original 1989 NA-series.

The 2.0-litre model hits showroom floors this month with a starting price of $34,490. That’s for the basic 2.0 Roadster. The better-specified 2.0 Roadster GT is $39,550.

Mechanically identical, the 2.0-litre cars both deliver 118kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4600rpm. This is the same power but more torque (+12Nm) as the outgoing NC-series' MZR 2.0-litre. Each is available with the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the latter adding $2000 to the list price.

The roadster's pricing places it in direct competition with Toyota's hard-top 86 Coupe, and smaller performance hatches such as the Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo; but Mazda says the 2.0-litre MX-5 offers something those models can't.

"We have followed a similar strategy to our other core models: a very competitive entry price point. We've introduced two powerplants to the MX-5 for the first time ever, and a wide spread of variants means that we appeal to the broadest possible audience," said Mazda Australia marketing director, Alastair Doak.

"We believe there is real opportunity to bring energy and exhilaration of an open-top, affordable sportscar to a whole new generation of younger car enthusiasts."

Doak admitted the previous NC-series had priced the MX-5 out of reach for many buyers, saying more than 80 per cent of buyers were aged 45 years or over.

To date, the new ND-series is enjoying a wider demographic sales mix, with 10 per cent of the 454 examples already sold going to buyers aged between 20-29 years old. Mazda says a further 31 per cent of new-generation MX-5 buyers are aged between 29 and 44 years of age, with the remainder aged 45 years or over.

A similar ratio is expected for the 2.0-litre model, of which 170 examples have already been sold via pre-order.

"Obviously the opportunity of having the 1.5 enabled us to bring down the entry price considerably, and I think that has automatically put us on more buyer's shopping lists," Doak continued.

"Our research shows some people – some young buyers – weren't even aware of the MX-5, and there were enthusiasts who wanted it and couldn't afford it. This step means it's now a real option for them; and the younger audience as well," he stated.

It's the first time Mazda has offered its roadster with the choice of engine capacities (though we do recall fondly the NB-series turbocharged models), and the first time a model has taken a backwards step on kerb weight. In fact, the body-in-white, which totals 198kg, is lighter than the original NA-series by 13kg.

Lighter than the (1105kg) last-generation MX-5, the new 2.0-litre Roadster GT tips the scale at 1057kg in high-grade, auto form.

The new cars are also more fuel efficient. The ADR stat for the manual variant is 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined), while the auto manages 7.1.

The new four-star ANCAP rated MX-5 arrives as standard with safety gear that includes four airbags, an active bonnet, stability and traction control and tyre pressure monitoring (there is no spare tyre). The model omits autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and does not include a standard reversing camera (the latter available as a $788 option on the base model or $485 on the high grade GT).

Entry-grade 1.5-litre Roadster variants arrive as standard with 16-inch alloys and 195/50-series tyres, body-coloured wing mirrors, black cloth upholstery, air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, six-speaker audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio control, keyless ignition and a limited-slip differential (manual models only).

The 2.0-litre model comes with 17-inch wheels as standard.

Cough-up an additional $6000 (nearly!) and Roadster GT variants provide auto headlights and wipers, LED DRLs, heated piano black mirrors, heated black or tan leather upholstery, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, climate control, keyless entry and Mazda's MZD Connect nine-speaker BOSE infotainment system with internet integration to Pandora, Stitcher and Aha radio, and satellite navigation.

A 'Kuroi' package includes a more aggressive body kit and decals for $2605. Metallic paint is a no cost option (except for Soul Red, which adds $200).

Mazda's capped-price Service Select scheme includes six-monthly (or 10,000km) servicing for $295 or $336 depending on variant.

Mazda says it expects buyers will favour manual variants of the MX-5 by a ratio of three-to-two with the 2.0-litre engine to narrowly outsell the 1.5 (52:48 per cent). The model mix tends to favour the high-grade Roadster GT, Mazda saying the model is so far leading its entry-grade sibling by a mix of 69:31.

The 2.0-litre MX-5 range goes on sale from December 1 (2015).

2015 Mazda MX-5 pricing:
1.5 Roadster -- $31,990 (man.) / $33,990 (auto.)
1.5 Roadster GT -- $37,990 (man.) / $39,990 (auto.)
2.0 Roadster -- $34,490 (man.) / $36,490 (auto.)
2.0 Roadster GT -- $39,550 (man.) / $41,550 (auto.)