Among the many traits that have made every MX-5 since 1989 such a delight is the sweet manual transmission. Together with its handling prowess, the car endeared itself to many driving fans. To satisfy the devotees to the manual, the third generation model was launched with a limited slip differential dedicated to cars with three foot pedals.
In the updated MX-5, Mazda has set aside more goodies for the manual. In this case, it’s a forged crankshaft, which allows the engine to rev 300rpm higher than before. The engine mated to the manual gearbox even features a special induction ducting to enhance the 2-litre’s roar.
The automatic version, though, gets none of the above and it takes a full second longer to get to 100km/h from rest.
With the automatic transmission being the ’box of choice with buyers here, the manual MX-5 is only available on indent.
At least the automatic is a rather good one. Supplied by Japanese transmission maker Aisin, it’s smooth and has as many forward ratios as the manual (that’s six). Paddles behind the steering wheel spokes are there for DIY shifts, but the ’box will shift up when revs near 6700rpm .
The convenience of using an automatic allows the driver to focus on the other attributes of the MX-5, like how direct and natural the chassis feels. As before, this car is more about handling balance than grip. It doesn’t leech onto the twisty tarmac as much as course along beautifully, with the rear wheels as engaged in plotting the car’s path as the fronts.
RHT drops its top in a flash, but you have to undo a latch before pressing the button.
The retractable hard-top (RHT) version features more insulation than before. According to Mazda, the car is now 2.6dB quieter at 60km/h. Of course, you’ll have to be a bat or a scientific device to notice the difference. To the naked ear, the RHT does a more than decent job to be as refined as a coupe should. The soft-top version is still available on special order.
In terms of cosmetic changes, Mazda has aligned the car with its current corporate look, so there’s a new grille that looks a bit like a goofy smile flanked by a pair of intakes that look like dimples. The headlights are slicker, injecting some hints of aggression into the cutesy sports car.
The majority of MX-5 buyers will be keener to pick out the reduction in chrome accents in the tail-lamps and the revised design of the alloy wheels than missing the added thrill from stirring the sublime manual box. For the few who yearn to enjoy the iconic sports car beyond the cosmetics and want to be actively engaged in driving, put your name down for one.
For your information, it’ll be a two-month wait. Just enough time for a refresher course on manual transmission cars!
Mazda MX-5 2.0 (A)
ENGINE 1999cc, 16-valves, inline-4
MAX POWER 160bhp at 7000rpm
MAX TORQUE 187Nm at 5000rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 8.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 195km/h
CONSUMPTION 9km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE $127,488
