17-01-2011:
One complaint of frequent leaks into load area of 3 year old RC.
09-05-2012:
6-speed gearbox can regularly jump out of 3rd or 4th gear into neutral when cold first thing on a cold morning. Replacement of the baulk ring cures this.
04-06-2012:
Fault specific to the Roadster Coupe. There is a drain pipe leading from a drain hole in a rubber seal between the powered hood and the panel which moves up out of the way to allow the top to be lowered and then goes back into place, to a drain with a plastic grid over it in the floor of the boot. But the rubber drain pipe stops well short of the drain. Apparently this is necessary because the rubber drain pipe is pushed to one side by the powered top when it is being stowed. If a car is parked outside facing up a slope of 5/10%, the water from the rubber drain pipe can splash around, miss the drain below it and then leak into the boot, eventually causing corrosion.
07-08-2014:
Roof motors of Mazda MX-5 RC now starting to fail and Mazda dealers quoting £2,700 to fix them. Probably due to the above (4-6-2012). Reported by a reader with a 39k mile 2008.
13-09-2016:
Two heating elements of rear screen of 2014 Mazda MX-5 failed. Car bought used from Mazda dealer 2 weeks previously. Another more local Mazda dealer quoted £1,550 to repair. Fault is the responsibility of the Mazda dealer who originally sold the car.
11-06-2017:
Rattle reported from roof mechanism of 12,000 mile 2011 Mazda MX-5 RC after the roof had been retracted for the first time after recent purchase. This rattle was cured as follows: 1) release roof locking mechanism. 2) release small spring left of catch. 3) release calliper and push holding bolt through from left to right. 4) this will free the arm presenting a screw bolt which you tighten by one turn. 5) re-assemble.
11-05-2018:
Report of paint peeling in area between the edge of the rear window and the boot lid on a 2010 Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. Body shop said may be a manufacturing issue: that the paint hasn't bonded well to the material underneath and is now bubbling.
20-01-2020:
Report of screenwasher jets becoming detached and going missing from 2011 Mazda MX-5 RC.
December 2007
‘Niseko’ edition announced
Named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort. Available from £17,995 on-the-road, the Niseko offers up to £2,000 worth of additional or exclusive extras over and above the equivalent standard models. On sale from 1 January 2008, both the ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Niseko soft-top (126ps, five-speed) and the £19,995 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe (160ps, six-speed) are available in an exclusive new bespoke colour ‘Icy Blue’ metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver metallic – for no additional charge.
June 2010
Continuing to celebrate the 20 th Anniversary of the world’s best-selling roadster, Mazda has introduced a new ‘summer special edition’ version of its iconic sportscar, named the Mazda MX-5 Miyako. The new model, which is on sale from 1 July, is available in two versions – the 1.8i Miyako soft-top priced at £18,385 (on-the-road) and the more powerful 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with the world’s fastest folding powered roof (up or down in 12 seconds), priced at £20,885 (on-the-road).
The name ‘Miyako’ is taken from the idyllic Japanese holiday island of Miyako-jima, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful spots in Japan and the perfect location for open-top motoring.
The new Miyako is generously equipped with the interior benefitting from unique Medici premium perforated black leather trim with a red underlay and stitching, special badging, floor mats and climate control air-conditioning. The exterior includes front fog lamps, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a front suspension strut brace (for improved steering response), and free metallic paint.
The 1.8i 126ps Miyako soft-top accelerates to 62mph in a brisk 9.9 seconds, while the 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with its 160ps engine undercuts that time by two seconds. Combined mpg and CO2ratings are 40.4/38.2mpg and 167/177g/km, respectively. Both Miyako models carry generous equipment levels with many features as standard including: remote central locking, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, an MP3 compatible audio system with six speakers and auxiliary (AUX) jack input, as well as heated electric mirrors and electric front windows, a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser. In addition, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are included on the 2.0i.
Both versions of the MX-5 Miyako will be available in Aluminium Silver Metallic, while the soft-top will also be available in Velocity Red Mica – free of charge. Just 500 examples of each version will be manufactured for the UK market.
February 2011
To celebrate global production of the Mazda MX-5 passing 900,000 units, UK sales of the world’s most popular roadster reaching more than 100,000 cars and the approach of spring – Mazda introduced a new special edition.
The MX-5 ‘Kendo Special Edition’, is named after “The way of the Sword” – a modern Japanese martial art renowned for its fighting spirit, eye-catching dynamic movement and refinement. Two versions will be available from 1 March 2011. The Mazda MX-5 1.8i Kendo soft-top costs £19,255 (OTR) and the more powerful Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kendo roadster coupe has a £22,320 (OTR) price tag.
The Kendo models are designed to appeal to both the traditional soft-top roadster customer and those is in search of a more premium product with the Roadster Coupe. Based on the ‘SE’ derivatives, both Kendo models feature a unique Stone Leather interior (with Stone coloured stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake), unique 17-inch alloy wheels, exterior badging and floor mats, plus front fog lamps, heated seats, brushed aluminium style-bar trim and aluminium pedals.
The Kendo Roadster Coupe boasts three additional items of equipment – a premium BOSE audio system, Bluetooth hands-free and cruise control. Both versions offer a choice of Sparkling Black or Dolphin Grey mica paint finish – free of charge.
Mechanically the Kendo twins are identical with their regular siblings, delivering the same unique driving pleasure. The Kendo soft-top is powered by a 126ps 1.8-litre engine, the Roadster Coupe by a 160ps 2.0-litre unit.
February 2012
Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition announced
Available in Soft-top or Roadster Coupe with upgraded luxurious specification, advanced technology, premium interior trim and exclusive exterior colours.
Based on the Mazda MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models, the Venture is available as a 1.8 MZR Soft‑top (SE) and a 2.0 MZR Roadster Coupe (Sport Tech) - with the world's fastest powered retractable hard top, up or down in just 12 seconds - with a dozen items of additional equipment over the donor car and priced at £18,995 and £22,285 (OTR).
Specification features light gun metal 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome front grille, piano black fashion bars and special ‘Venture Edition' badging. Inside, stylish Havana Brown heated leather seats, leather steering wheel and hand brake with contrasting grey stitching, matching door trim, climate control air-conditioning, piano black dashboard accents, alloy pedals, cruise control (a first on 1.8 models) and, for the first time on MX-5, a satellite navigation system. Supplied by Sanyo TomTom, the sat-nav features a fully integrated 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map (45 countries), live services, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity and complete multi-media functionality.
The Mazda MX-5 Venture will be available in three colours, the popular Metropolitan Grey Mica and two exclusive colours to this MX-5 special edition - Radiant Ebony Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent - free of charge. A genuine special edition, only 250 examples of the Venture Edition Soft-top and 550 of the Venture Edition Roadster Coupe will be available in the UK.
Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition customers have a choice of two powertrains - the 126ps 1.8 MZR with a five-speed gearbox (Soft-top) and the 160ps 2.0 MZR with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission (Roadster Coupe). Like other MX-5 models, the Venture Edition combines razor sharp handling with lively performance - sprinting to 60mph in 9.9sec (1.8 Soft-top) and 7.9sec (2.0 Roadster Coupe), and capable of going on to reach top speeds of 121mph and 136mph respectively.
For optimum handling stability, the MX-5 Venture Edition features Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) on both Soft-top and Roadster Coupe models. While the two-litre Roadster Coupe model is also equipped with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for enhanced handling precision and side airbags for added protection.
November 2012
Facelifted Mazda MX-5 announced With more responsive acceleration and braking, but also an aggressive front-end design as well as enhanced pedestrian safety. Mazda’s technology specialists fine-tuned the acceleration management program (on manual shift models) to improve acceleration control and with it the linear response to throttle input, especially at lower speeds. By optimising the vacuum brake booster, meanwhile, they also enhanced brake return control.
The upshot is better handling thanks to superior front-rear load distribution. The facelifted MX-5 is ahead of the curve in other ways, too. The new active bonnet system automatically raises the hood during an impact with a pedestrian, enlarging the crumple zone to prevent or at least diminish the severity of injuries, particularly to the head. The lower section of the front bumper has also been reinforced to better protect people’s legs.
The MX-5 is thus ready for stricter EU pedestrian safety standards. When adding these safety features, designers also reworked the front-end of Mazda’s legendary two-seater. The deeper grille and new bumper design express a lower, wider stance and a more assertive face, while the new fog lamp bezels and chin spoiler improve aerodynamics.
Available as a retractable hardtop coupe or classic soft-top convertible, the new MX-5 comes in a choice of eight body colours including one stunning new option: Dolphin Grey. Inside, the glossy dark grey steering wheel spokes and panel décor provide a refined sporty optic. Powered either by a 126 PS MZR 1.8-litre coupled to a five-speed manual or the 160 PS MZR 2.0-litre with a choice of automatic or manual six-speed transmissions .
November 2012
Upgraded for 2013
Mazda revised the line-up for the MX-5 by introducing upgraded models with a fresh face, new pedestrian-friendly bonnet, satellite navigation system, side airbags, climate control air-conditioning and an even more rewarding driving experience.
The new seven-strong range of upgraded Mazda MX-5 sportscars, which introduces the 2.0-litre MX-5 Sport Tech Nav models, with integrated satellite navigation as standard - a Mazda first on the MX-5 range, is on sale from 1 December priced from £18,495 to £23,595 on-the road (OTR).
As well as giving upgraded Mazda MX-5 a fresh appearance, the new front-end design simultaneously improves pedestrian safety. Keeping ahead of tougher EU regulations, the MX-5 is the first Mazda to be equipped with the company'snewly-developed active bonnet system. If a collision with a pedestrian is detected, the trailing edge of the bonnet instantly ‘pops-up' to increase the crumple zone between the bonnet and engine, reducing the severity of pedestrian injuries.
Every upgraded Mazda MX-5 continues to offer the Japanese marque's unique ‘Jinba Ittai' handling finesse with a rear-wheel drive chassis that delivers perfectly balanced handling and pure driving exhilaration. Now, the six manual transmission models feature a modifiedthrottle to improve responsiveness and give more linear, nimble acceleration, especially when manoeuvring out of corners. At the same time, Mazda engineers optimised the vacuum brake booster to improve brake return control and thus front-rear load distribution, particularly when braking into bends.
The upgraded Mazda MX-5 benefits from enhanced equipment with climate control air-conditioning and glossy dark grey dashboard panel and steering wheel inserts on every model. Upgraded Mazda MX-5 Sport Tech and PowerShift models also gain an auto-dimming interior mirror, while Sport Tech models also boast an alloy pedal set.
New to the Mazda MX-5 line-up, the Sport Tech Nav model features a TomTom satellite-navigation system with a fully integrated 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map (45 countries), Live Services, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and complete multi-media functionality.
The upgraded Mazda MX-5 range also benefits from a refreshed palette of colours and new to the Mazda MX-5 range, Sparkling Black Mica, Dolphin Grey Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent. Also available is the popular True Red Solid, Aluminium Silver Metallic, Copper Red Mica and Stormy Blue Mica.
Mazda MX-5 customers have a choice of three powertrains, all fine-tuned to maximise thrills and minimise fuel consumption - the 126ps 1.8i MZR with a five-speed gearbox, and the 160ps 2.0i MZR with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission or ‘PowerShift‘ six-speed sequential paddle-shift transmission that allows manual control or a fully automatic mode.
January 0001
Mazda MX-5 / Performance & Economy
Soft-top
|
Power
(ps)
|
Torque
(Nm)
|
0-62mph
(sec)
|
Top Speed
(mph)
|
Combined
(mpg)
|
1.8i MZR SE
|
126
|
167
|
9.9
|
121
|
39.8
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech
|
160
|
188
|
7.6
|
132
|
36.2
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech Nav
|
160
|
188
|
7.6
|
132
|
36.2
|
Roadster Coupe
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.8i MZR SE
|
126
|
167
|
9.9
|
123
|
39.8
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech
|
160
|
188
|
7.9
|
136
|
36.2
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech Nav
|
160
|
188
|
7.9
|
136
|
36.2
|
2.0i MZR PowerShift
|
160
|
188
|
8.9
|
121
|
35.3
|
January 0001
Mazda MX-5 / Price List - December 2012
Soft-top
|
'On the road'
Retail
|
CO 2
(g/km)
|
RFL
Band
|
Insurance
Group
|
P11D
Value
|
Monthly BIK
20% / 40%
|
1.8i MZR SE
|
£18,495
|
167
|
H
|
21 E
|
24%
|
£72/£145
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech
|
£21,495
|
181
|
I
|
26 E
|
27%
|
£95/£190
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech Nav
|
£21,795
|
181
|
I
|
26 E
|
27%
|
£96/£192
|
Roadster Coupe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.8i MZR SE
|
£19,995
|
167
|
H
|
21 E
|
24%
|
£78/£157
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech
|
£22,995
|
181
|
I
|
26 E
|
27%
|
£101/£203
|
2.0i MZR Sport Tech Nav
|
£23,295
|
181
|
I
|
26 E
|
27%
|
£103/£206
|
2.0i MZR PowerShift
|
£23,595
|
188
|
J
|
26 E
|
28%
|
£107/£215
|
July 2013
Mazda MX-5 ‘Sport Graphite' Roadster Coupe Special announced. Features paint finishes that unique to the model - Aquatic Blue Mica, Zeal Red Mica or Aluminium Silver Metallic - with a contrasting ‘Meteor Grey' retractable hard top roof. The ‘Sport Graphite' model is available with two engine options: the 126ps, 1.8-litre or the 160ps, 2.0-litre. Both offer the generous equipment levels of the standard model enhanced with an array of extra items.
These include 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels, black leather heated seats with unique grey stitching, 5.8-inch TomTom navigation system with integrated Bluetoothhands-free kit, glossy dark grey fashion bars, colour-co-ordinated retractable hard-top roof and door mirrors all in striking Meteor Grey, and limited edition badges on the exterior and interior.
Unique grey stitching to the leather steering wheel and handbrake; glossy dark grey steering wheel spokes and dashboard panel; an alloy pedal set; and MX-5 floor mats with unique grey piping (additional cost).
The standard specification also includes: stainless steel scuff plates, body-coloured door handles, side, driver and passenger airbags, CD radio with Auxiliary jack and six speakers, electric windows, electric adjustable mirrors with heating function and climate control air-conditioning. For optimum handling stability, all MX-5 models also feature Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS). While the 2-litre Roadster Coupe model is also equipped with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), cruise control, auto-dimming rear view mirror and Bilstein suspension.
October 2013
205PS Mazda MX-5 RC Jota now on sale at £29,995. Sold through Mazda dealer Lodge Garage in Aylesbury. Race specialists Jota started the development of the Jota Mazda MX-5 GT early in 2012, the brief from Mazda was to increase the power to over 200PS and improve the handling without compromising the characteristics of the standard car. Based on the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0-litre Sport Tech, the Jota Mazda MX-5 GT develops 205PS from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and is priced at £29,995.
With a 0-60mph time of just 6.4 seconds, the Jota Mazda MX-5 GT cuts a full 1.5 seconds off the standard car with minimal change to fuel consumption and hits a limited top speed of 140mph. With uprated Bilstein dampened suspension and a rear carbon fibre diffuser, to improve aerodynamics, the car has had its handling sharpened to match the increase in power and make the Jota Mazda MX-5 GT a focused driver's car.
In addition to the uprated power and carbon rear diffuser the Jota Mazda MX-5 GT also features leather Recaro seats and will come in three colours, white pearl, true red and aluminium silver metallic, all with a brilliant black roof and anthracite alloy wheels.
Buyers can further enhance their vehicles with the option of a carbon rear boot lip spoiler, a carbon front splitter and Jota's road and track Ohlins suspension kit. Following a year of development and testing Mazda handed over the project in its entirety to Jota in 2013 for the Le Mans specialist race team to take the car to market independently as a Jota Mazda MX-5 GT. The vehicles will be hand-finished to order at Jota and available for sale through Jota and prominent Mazda dealer Lodge Garage.
Service intervals are the same as a standard Mazda MX-5 and after sales support is available through out the Mazda dealer network. Each car will be a post registration modification maintaining the comprehensive 3 year standard Mazda warranty for all non modified parts with an aftermarket extension to cover all modified parts.
February 2014
MX-5 Sport Venture models introduced
The Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture will be available as a ‘Special Edition’ in three versions, the 1.8-litre 126PS soft-top or Roadster Coupe with 1.8-litre 126PS or 2.0-litre 160PS engines. Highlighting their exclusivity, the trio will be offered with two new exterior colours and will feature stone leather sports heated seats. Prices start at £18,995, with free of charge Mica paint. All come with a new 6.1-inch Mazda Navigation System with integrated Bluetooth.
June 2014
MX-5 Roadster Coupe 25th Anniversary Limited Edition launched
On sale throughout the UK from August 2014. 1,000 individually numbered examples. Additional exterior and interior features include Soul Red Metallic paint, Brilliant Black door mirrors, A pillars and power-operated retractable hardtop roof, 17-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels, a rear diffuser, chrome exhaust trim and uunique, Limited Edition numbered external badging.
Inside, Light Stone leather trimmed upholstery with contrasting red stitching to the seats, steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever, and 25th Anniversary logo-embossed headrests. Bespoke, hand-painted Dark Red dashboard decoration panel, Brilliant Black roll-over bar covers, alloy pedal set and 25th Anniversary stainless steel scuff plates. Also a 6.1-inch high res touch screen Mazda Navigation System by Alpine with 46 European country maps, 29 different languages, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, an integrated CD, radio and DVD player with a 50:50 split screen allowing for the simultaneous viewing of two input sources, and customisable user profile settings for each driver. Standard 2.0-litre, 16v, 160PS engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
September 2014
100 examples of the MX-5 Roadster Coupe 25th Anniversary still on sale in UK at £22,995.