Test drive Mazda MX-5 (MIATA) since 2008 convertible

Small discovery

Mazda supported her ray of specialist in sports cars. The Mazda3 and Mazda6 MPS supplied to Russia, as well as the RX-8 rotary machine, nevertheless, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe is able to decorate this brilliant company. Acquaintance with the novelty took place in the Stavropol Territory.
 

Mazda MX-5 (ex-miata) can already be considered a living legend. Production started in 1989, and since then more than 770,000 people have gained this little happiness. The MX-5 even entered the Guinness Book of Records not a single manufacturer could sell so many relatives. The secret of the popularity of the model in honed technology and charming appearance.

 
 
 
 
  
Thanks to rapidly developing technologies, the production of cars with a folding hard top was greatly simplified. Today, even a golf-class hatchback can become almost a family. But inside, under a beautiful folding roof, he will still be himself. Both the suspension and the layout will remain trivial. But under the beautiful contours of the new MX-5 there are a number of technical solutions of the race.
 
 
 


The car has an individual platform with a front suspension on double -knit levers and a multi -link scheme from behind. This is the development of an idea implemented in the second generation of a car. The four-cylinder 2-liter engine is located longitudinally in the database and shifted back. Like the predecessors, the power unit is installed on an aluminum Z-shaped frame, which is also a connecting element of the checkpoint and the rear self-locking differential. The chairs are placed almost on the floor. The distribution of mass along the axes is 50/50.


The matter was not limited to sports layout, the creators tried to reduce the weight of the machine in all possible ways. Many details are aluminum.
When developing literally each MX-5 node, the company's engineers tried to win at least a few grams. The result can be evaluated when comparing the characteristics of the past and the current model (though you have to compare cars with a soft top of hard before). The weighting was about 130 kg (for versions with a 1.8 liter engine). This is a little, because the equipment has become much richer, the size increased, the power structure and passive safety means have improved. It should also be noted that the version with a hard roof also slightly reassured an increase of only 37 kg.
 

Cabriolet will not be supplied to Russia for climatic reasons. However, Roadster Coupe is even more interesting than your relative. Its roof is more suitable for all -season use, in addition, the body with such a top is tougher in open state. When there is no roof, the car is almost no different from the usual MX-5. In the design of the stern, minimal changes in the height of the body in the part where the top is hidden, increased by 4 cm, I had to make new wings, lifting the trunk cover by 2 cm.
 


Folding mechanism subject of pride mazda. The roof folds in just 12 seconds and is placed in the compartment, where the soft top was previously stored. In addition, the Roadster Coupe has a smooth move of the anterior reptile stability stability thicker by 1.2 mm, and in the posterior suspension of the spring and shock absorbers with other parameters. Another plus of such a car is a lower level of aerodynamic noise.
 
 
 
 

Roadster Coupe trunk is always isolated from the roof (unlike many other similar cars), a constant volume of 150 liters. Two medium -sized road bags and a small backpack (verified) fit there. So you can safely go on a trip. With one reservation, your growth should not exceed 180 cm.
 
 
 
 
 


Yes, the interior of the MX-5, let’s say, is very compact. A colleague a little lower than me (a little more than 180 cm) could not find the optimal landing. Well, when the roof was raised, I practically propped up the ceiling. If you slide in an armchair, it ceases to grab the longitudinal adjustment of the legs bent, and the hands are extended. Of course, you get used to this, but the incorrect landing still interferes with the car. A little better to the passenger. Of the inconvenience, only a wide tunnel, your legs have to be held pressed to each other. In general, tall fans of MX-5 is just right to complain about fate.
  

With the design and quality of the assembly of the cabin is complete order. It is not spoiled even by widespread hard plastic. The front panel is attractive, ergonomics are good. True, there are not enough compartments for useful items of the arrangements in the doorbells, a small glove compartment, two cup holders on the central tunnel and a small container in the rear of the machine. I liked the steering wheel, armchairs and pedals. But it is not so convenient to use a handbrake to the passenger chair. But it is possible to connect iPod and listen to your favorite music in unlimited quantities.
 
To remove the roof, you need to stop, put the box on the neutral, unfasten the lock and press the button. When we ended up on a straight section of the highway with a good coating, I accelerated to 200 km/h. Behind the chairs between the protective arcs, a small rectangular plate is installed, which protects the heads of passengers from draft. The wind dears only the crown, the higher the speed, the more, more annoying. No matter how I slid down, to the detriment of landing, it was not possible to hide from the windfield. Another minus of fast movement without a roof noise. At a speed for 160180 km/h, he presses quite strongly by ear, forcing him to lose speed. They dropped, stopped, raised the roof. Now you can safely type 200 km/h. The car does it easily. The gear rates in the gearbox are selected as it should, and 160 forces are enough for dynamic acceleration. Moreover, even at a speed of 150 km/h, the Mazda MX-5 accelerates willingly. I wonder how the version with a 1.8-liter engine will go? There were no such ones at the presentation.
 
All controls of a small relatives work perfectly. The accelerator pedal is sensitive, the motor quickly responds to its pressing. And the brakes are magnificent information content of the pedal can be called exemplary. I really liked the small lever of the inclusion gearbox clear, pleasant, you can’t slip past the desired position.
 
 
  
 
 

Sports single -pipe sports shock absorbers Bilstein work in the suspension. Comfort is not a hindrance. The tires were low -profile (205/45 R17), but the suspension did not pass on the excellent sections of the Stavropol roads. She worked out the comb, as well as gentle waves and even pits. True, blows pass on the steering wheel, and it must be kept stronger, especially if the speed is high. Roadster Coupe is very fond of smooth roads, the car holds the line impeccably, sensitively reacts to the steering wheel, deftly prescribes turns. The body showed himself well, even on potholes and tubercles he did not creak, the salon was silent, the doorways did not play. But the gearbox lever is abundantly flavored with vibrations at idle, what to do, the fight against weight affected here.
 

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is one of those rare authumbilers with whom you want to communicate again and again. Well, there is a reason to get acquainted with the younger version in the line, with a 1.8-liter engine. And let it not show outstanding dynamics it doesn’t matter. This Mazda is created so that the driver enjoys driving. And here it is quite possible to do without a speed of 250 km/h and five -second acceleration to a hundred.
  


 
 
 

Prices and configuration
MX-5 is proposed in Energy ($ 34 900) and Sport ($ 39,900). The Energy package includes a 1.8 liter engine (126 hp), 5-speed manual transmission, front and lateral PB, ABS, EBA, TCS, LSD, DSC, tissue upholstery of the salon, audio system with 6 speakers, air conditioning, on-board computer , electric windows, alloy wheels R16.
The SPORT option offers 2 liters of engine (160 hp), 6-speed manual transmission, leather decoration of the passenger compartment, climate control, heating seats, xenon headlights with a washer, alloy wheels R17, an audio system of a higher class. Additionally, you can order a metallic color $ 400.
 
Leonty Tyutelev

 
 






  














 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

 

Source: Motor magazine [May 2007]