 Mazda MX-5 SE |
Mazda MX-5 SE |
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18th March, 2004 Offering more performance, a sharper drive and aggressive looks, the turbocharged MX-5 SE at $45,490 delivers unbeatable sports car value. On sale from this month, the SE joins the normally aspirated six-speed manual and four-speed automatic MX-5 models. The SE represents the biggest mechanical change to the iconic MX-5 in years, yet it stays true to the original lightweight, pure-bred sports car formula that has seen 700,000 MX-5s sold worldwide. Since late 1989 almost 10,500 MX-5s have been sold locally. The SE features significant mechanical improvements, including for the first time on an MX-5 in Australia, 17-inch alloy wheels and 205/40R17 unidirectional tyres and a torque-sensing limited slip differential. Its performance boost, which exploits the car’s class-leading dynamics, comes from a torque-tuned turbocharged and intercooled engine. The six-speed manual MX-5 SE also boasts a body kit, a large exhaust pipe and coloured brake calipers. The body kit includes a new front spoiler incorporating a more prominent air intake and recessed fog lamps, a boot spoiler and rear under spoiler. Inside, the interior also features a number of luxury features and can be optioned with leather trim for just $1000. Fitted with a single-scroll turbocharger with 7.25psi maximum boost and an air-to-air intercooler, the 1.8-litre DOHC engine delivers a broad, strong torque band and more power, while a retuned main exhaust muffler reduces unwanted noise while producing a more sporty exhaust note. The turbocharged engine develops 121kW (ECE) at 6000rpm – 14 per cent more than the standard car with the peak 1000rpm below the non-turbo engine – and 206Nm at 4500rpm, almost 23 per cent more than standard and peaking 500rpm earlier. The SE is expected to reduce the 0-100kmh time from 8.4 seconds for the non-turbo model to about 7.8 seconds. The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough, said: “The MX-5 SE adds a new and very exciting dimension to the world’s best-selling sports car and offers enthusiasts the only affordable, high performance, turbocharged, rear-drive sports car on the market. The SE’s enhanced dynamic package, underpinned by a user-friendly torquey engine, will further demonstrate why the MX-5 has earned its icon sports car status. It offers an unrivalled driving experience and great value”. Allan Horsley, Mazda motorsport manager and responsible for the 100, locally built, turbocharged MX-5 SPs that sold during 2002 for $55,540, said: “The MX-5 SE is a great all-round package, offering a significant performance increase and impressive improvements in handling, grip and steering". Other driveline changes introduced with the MX-5 SE include a more efficient radiator, an upgraded clutch, propeller shaft and differential, and harder rubber is used for the engine and differential mounts. The MX-5’s acclaimed four-wheel double wishbone suspension has been retuned for the SE with modified Bilstein shock absorbers and coil springs now 20 per cent stiffer, ensuring great handling and a controlled ride. The MX-5 SE rides 7mm lower than the standard car and has new anti-roll bars fitted, with the front bar increasing by 1mm and the rear by 2mm. Driver’s will also appreciate the SE’s quicker steering with the power rack and pinion system having 2.3 turns lock-to-lock compared with 2.7 turns for the standard car. An ABS anti-lock system controls the standard ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes. The SE’s cabin has a number of luxury touches including stainless steel scuff plates and the centre dash features a swirl alloy finish. An alloy look has also been added to the air vents, door handles and gearbox surround. All MX-5s now feature a larger wind deflector for more comfortable open-top cruising with the deflector also housing two rear speakers boosting the number of speakers to six. The SE also features drilled aluminium pedals. The seat fabric is new and boasts a striking red seat insert, a theme that is repeated on the doors. The optional leather trim is black, highlighted by red stitching, with the stitching also appearing on the shift knob and parking brake lever. Other standard equipment includes dual airbags, six-stack CD player, power windows and mirrors, folding roof with a glass rear window and demister, remote central locking and seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters. The MX-5 SE will be available in three metallic colours – Velocity Red (an exclusive SE colour), Titanium Grey or Sunlight Silver. Standard MX-5 models received an upgrade late last year that brought new-look 16-inch alloy wheels and interior improvements. The manual has 107kW (ECE) at 7000rpm and 168Nm at 5000rpm. The non-SE six-speed manual is priced from $40,530 and the automatic $42,030. Mazda Australia expects to sell about 70 MX-5s a month split between 50 SEs and 20 non turbos. The MX-5 SE and standard MX-5s, are built in Japan and are protected by a comprehensive 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
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