Prices up across Mazda MX-5 range

MAZDA Australia has upped prices across its entire MX-5 convertible range, barring the flagship RF Limited Edition, with base 1.5- and 2.0-litre grades increasing by $100 while up-spec GT versions have jumped $1320 for both rag-top and retractable fastback (RF) body styles.

The MX-5 range now starts at $33,340 before on-roads for the 1.5-litre six-speed manual soft-top, while the GT grade – which now adds lane departure warning and adaptive headlights on top of its leather interior, satellite navigation and up-rated sound system from before – lobs from $38,340.

Meanwhile, variants with the 2.0-litre engine kick off from $34,850 for the base three-pedal version and $39,890 for the GT.

Folding-hardtop MX-5s, which are powered exclusively by the 2.0-litre engine, now start from $38,550 in base form and $43,890 for the GT – the latter still available with a $1000 option pack that changes the colour of the roof to black and adds Nappa leather.

All MX-5s except the $52,210 RF Limited Edition are available with a six-speed automatic transmission for an additional $2000.

In addition to the pricing reshuffle, Mazda has also tweaked the rear suspension of soft-top models by lowering the upper link bushings and lengthening the bump stops.

Noise, vibration and harshness levels are also improved in Roadster models, which gain sound insulation in the centre tunnel and fabric roof, while “performance of the dash insulator was also improved, holes and gaps around the tunnel reinforcements were reduced, and vibration-damping and noise-absorbing materials were added to the rear wheel housings,” according to Mazda.

A wider exterior colour palette is also offered in the 2018 model year update with Soul Red Crystal Metallic offered across the entire MX-5 range, while rag-top vehicles gain the option of Machine Grey Metallic.

Finally, 1.5-litre MX-5 GTs also gain the option of bright aluminium 16-inch wheels.

Power remains unchanged in both engines, with the 1.5-litre four pot producing 96kW of power at 7000rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4800rpm, while the 2.0-litre develops 118kW/200Nm at 6000 and 4600rpm respectively.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said: “The MX-5 carries a promise of fun, and the upgraded fourth-generation model certainly upholds this.

“The enhancements and added equipment are another phase in its constant evolution, which is testament to Mazda’s endless pursuit of achieving driving pleasure,” he said.

Last year, Mazda sold 1459 examples of its MX-5, down 7.5 per cent on 2016’s tally, to finish fifth in the sub-$80,000 sportscar segment behind the dominate Ford Mustang (9165), Hyundai Veloster (1935), BMW 2 Series (1750) and Toyota 86 (1619).

For the first two month of the year, Mazda MX-5 sales have continued on a downward trend, dropping 26.1 per cent year-on-year to 193 units.

2018 Mazda MX-5 pricing*

1.5L Roadster	$33,440 (+$100)
1.5L Roadster (a)	$35,440 (+$100)
1.5L Roadster GT	$39,660 (+$1320)
1.5L Roadster GT (a)	$41,660 (+$1320)
2.0L Roadster	$34,950 (+$100)
2.0L Roadster (a)	$36,950 (+$100)
2.0L Roadster GT	$41,210 (+$1320)
2.0L Roadster GT (a)	$43,210 (+$1320)
2.0L RF	$38,650 (+$100)
2.0L RF (a)	$40,650 (+$100)
2.0L RF GT	$45,210 (+$1320)
2.0L RF GT (a)	$47,210 (+$1320)
2.0L RF Limited Edition	$52,210

*Excludes on-road costs