Mazda Commences Sales of All-New MX-5 in Japan
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2006 Mazda MX-5 RS
2006 Mazda MX-5 RS
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Mazda
25th August, 2005
The embodiment of Mazda Motor Corporation's "Zoom-Zoom"
brand message, the light weight, two-seat, open-top Roadster sports car, went on sale today at Mazda
and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. The Roadster - known as the MX-5 in overseas markets - was
last significantly upgraded seven years ago. To commemorate the launch of this much-anticipated new
model, Mazda will also begin sales of 500 premium "Third Generation Limited" model roadsters today.
The lifetime average sales target for the Japanese market is set at 360 units per month.
The all-new Roadster is the product of Mazda looking back at the heritage of the previous models,
inheriting the original model's "Jinba Ittai" development concept, boasting reduced curb weight and
equipped with a newly developed compact 2.0 litre MZR engine. As a light weight, open-top sports car,
driving performance is further enhanced through carefully scrutinised savings in body weight, optimal
weight distribution, and the latest features to meet safety and environmental requirements. A
completely redesigned exterior passes on the unique heritage of earlier Mazda roadsters with
contemporary, accessible styling. The interior's simple-yet-progressive appearance is conveyed through
clean-feeling surfaces and the use of new materials.
Takao Kijima, the MX-5 development programme manager, said, "Jinba Ittai - or 'rider and horse
as one' - is the essence of the all-new Roadster, the expression of the emotional connection between a
horse and rider. Like a dialogue between a car and its driver, they are integrated while in motion.
The Roadster provides this unified sense of driving exuberance and lots of fun in many ways. This car
appeals to your emotions, and I would like as many people as possible to share the pleasure offered by
the Roadster's ultimate driving experience."
Since the inception of the original Mazda roadster in 1989, over 720,000 units have been
manufactured. The Guinness World Records organisation continues to recognise the Mazda roadster as the
world's best-selling two-seater sports car. In its 16-year history, from 1989 to the end of May 2005,
Mazda has produced 721,624 roadsters. The last full upgrade, done for the second-generation model
launch, was in January 1998.
Three types of fun may be experienced with the all-new Mazda Roadster:
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| 1) |
Fun to Drive: the exhilarating pleasure of driving a
roadster. |
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Fun to Own: the pure fun of owning a roadster.
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| 3) |
Fun to Use: the excitement of driving a roadster even in
everyday use. |
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1."Fun to Drive"
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The use of light weight materials such as aluminium in the
boot lid and the pursuit of the "gram strategy" to find the greatest possible
reduction in weight of every single part of the vehicle, resulted in a compact,
lightweight body comparable to that of the current second-generation model.
Concurrently, the effective use of high tensile steel realised a greater
improvement in body rigidity. |
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The all-new Roadster also attains an optimal distribution
in weight to prevent pitch and roll, providing a firm drive feel that is true to
the driver's intent. |
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In pursuing an exquisite operating feel in any type of
driving environment, the development team thoroughly investigated driver
position ergonomics, improvements in operability, and the linear feel of the
powertrain. |
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The all-new Roadster has a newly developed lightweight 2.0L
MZR engine, providing an appropriate balance of nimbleness, liveliness,
"extensibility" (meaning consistent acceleration throughout the rev range),
linear engine response and a pleasing engine sound-all critical attributes for
light weight sports cars. |
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A smooth, precise shift feel is achieved with the newly
developed six-speed manual transmission, and operability of the five-speed
manual transmission is also enhanced. A new six-speed Activematic automatic
transmission also adds a new dimension of driving delight to the all-new
Roadster line-up. |
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2."Fun to Own"
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While paying homage to the original and second-generation
model's 'simple', 'friendly' and 'fun' designs, the all-new Roadster features a
modern and refined exterior. Designers focused on light refractions and shadows
in the body shape to achieve an appearance that varies with viewing angle and
ultimately forms an eye-pleasing design. In addition, there is a range of eight
body colours, including four new colours. |
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With a superb balance between a snug fit and a feeling of
openness, clean surfaces and new materials are combined in the interior that
features the latest in design trends. Simple and functional to look at, the
interior design has been meticulously crafted down to the finest detail. The
Roadster and RS models have interior parts with a silver finish, which create a
high-quality texture in combination with the black fabric seats. The VS model
comes with stylish saddle-tan leather seats as standard equipment.
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3."Fun to Use"
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A new mesh aero board has been adopted to minimise
reverse-flowing air in the cabin, and with seven different climate-control
settings, drivers can fully enjoy the open-top driving experience in any
situation or climate. |
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All models can be equipped with a factory-installed BOSE
sound system that enables occupants to enjoy exceptional audio quality with
highly realistic sound sensations even when riding with the top down. This is
due to precise tuning which modifies the sound equalisation, whether the top is
open or closed. |
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The boot capacity has been increased to 150 litres, ample space for ten ingenious ways to stow items.
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Safety and environmental compatibility that satisfies the latest requirements
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Though in the convertible class, the all-new Roadster
offers top-level safety features. It has a high-rigidity body structure based on
the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS), A-pillar
strength the equal of more costly competitors, and a Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) with side airbags (as a factory-installed option) that provides
head protection. |
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While engine performance and emissions are greatly
improved, the all-new Roadster attains the same level of fuel economy as the
second-generation model. |
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Immobilisers are installed as standard equipment in all
models to help prevent theft. |
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Mazda Roadster (MX-5) Major Specifications
Specifications/
grade |
Body type |
Open-top, two-door |
| Model |
Roadster |
3rd Gen. Limited/RS |
VS |
| Engine |
2000 DOHC |
| Transmission |
5-
speed
manual |
Electronically-
controlled
6-
speed
automatic
(Activematic) |
6-speed manual |
6-speed
manual |
Electronically-
controlled
6-
speed
automatic
(Activematic) |
| Dimensions |
Overall length x
overall width x
overall height |
3,995 mm x 1,720 mm x 1,245 mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,330 mm |
Track
(front/rear) |
1,490 mm/1,495 mm |
| Weight |
1,090 kg |
1,100 kg |
1,090 kg |
1,100 kg |
| Seating capacity |
2 persons |
| Engines |
Type |
Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve |
| Max. output |
125 kW/6,700 rpm (manual transmission)
122 kW/6,700 rpm
(automatic transmission) |
| Max. torque |
189 Nm (19.3 kg-m)/5,000 rpm |
| Bore x stroke |
87.5x83.1 mm |
| Steering |
Type |
Rack and pinion |
| Suspension |
Front/rear |
Double wishbone/Multi-link |
| Brakes |
Front/rear |
Ventilated disc/Solid disc |
| Tyres |
205/50R 16 87V |
205/45R 17 84V |
205/50R 16 87V |
| Wheels |
16x6 1/2J |
17x7J |
16x6 1/2J |
| 10/15 mode fuel economy (MLIT) |
13.4 km/L |
11.8 km/L |
13.0 km/L |
11.8 km/L |
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