Test drive Mazda MX-5 (MIATA) since 2008 convertible
Mazda MX-5. Automation
Mazda MX-5. Price: from 22,000* on sale: since 2010 The updated Mazda Roadster Cup received what this model was missing since birth, an automatic transmission
Test pilot
Andrey Myazin, 46 years old, editor -in -chief of the magazine, driving experience 26 years, personal car - Mazda CX -7
It seems that when the third generation of the cult family of MX-5 was created, the real apologists of motorsport sat in the marketing department of Mazda, confident that this model could attract only the same fans of speed and drive as they themselves. But they were mistaken. At least in our country, this miniature machine has more impressed the fairer sex. And these persons did not want to go into the intricacies of setting the suspension, steering and working as a shutter of the kalash drive of a mechanical transmission of everything that allowed the notorious Jinba Ittai merging into a single whole car and driver. But at the same time, having made a trial test drive, they demanded more comfort and comfortable shelves in the cabin, as well as an automatic machine!
The adaptation of the machine to the requirements of this target audience was delayed for a long three years and coincided with the restyling of the model, during which both the filling and the appearance of the Rooster-Cupid was finalized. So, instead of the oval front air intake, which was an integral feature of the Mazda MX-5 during the 20-year history of the model, the updated version received a large pentagonal mouth, crowned on the sides of the amygdalas of tumor tumors. The rounded sides of the relatives revived aerodynamic overlays on the thresholds, and the back of the new lanterns, also contributing to the optimization of the distribution of air flows.
In the cabin, the quality of finishing materials has improved (the armrests and a glove compartment cover are covered with soft plastic), and a convenient niche appeared under a mobile phone with a rubber rug in front of the KP lever. The BOSE audio system has received a high-connection Bluetooth module, taking into account the speed of the machine, the noise compensation system and a couple of additional speakers with the possibility of individual sound configuration. In order to reduce the level of noise and vibrations in the cabin, the front suspension blocks were finalized and the damping properties of the laying at the place of mating of the folding roof with the frame glass frame were improved. But the suspension settings have not changed the riders still perfectly feel the profile of the road with their fifth point, shuddering when passing every unevenness. But on a good highway, the car allows you to frolic. Even with an automatic machine, which is now offered for a version with a 2.0-liter engine, Mazda MX-5 remains very alive. Thanks to the Direct ActiveMatic system, you can switch the 6th -speed automatic transmission without tearing your hands away from the steering wheel, while the transmission independently moves from the manual mode to automatic if the car moved for too long on reduced gear when there was no need for this. However, you can click on steering wheel petals only for the sake of fun: the machine cope with its duties and without the participation of the driver. Moreover, the latter can enable the Active Adaptive Shift adaptive gear mode, in which the automatic transmission takes into account parameters such as the slope of the road, the degree of acceleration of the machine and even how the driver is intensively pressed on the brake and twists the lamb.
The updated Roadster-Cup is already sold in Europe, but it will reach Russian dealers only a year later! Due to the fact that our country is not a priority for sales Mazda MX-5, its exit was postponed until autumn. However, reasoning that starting the promotion of such a machine is more relevant in the warm season, the start of Russian sales was postponed to the spring of 2010. 20 years, three generations
For the first time, the Mazda MX-5 was represented by the world in February 1989 at a car dealership in Chicago. At that time, the segment of compact relatives was completely oblivious, and the appearance of a sports low -command Mazda produced a real splash. It is difficult to say what attracted its spectacular appearance more in this car (which was only costing headlights!) Or excellent running qualities, but the fact remains the fact of the Mazda MX-5 became a cult model, gaining fans in all corners of the globe. Thanks to good demand, this model lasted 9 years on the conveyor. The second-generation Mazda MX-5 appeared in 1998 lost its original retractable headlights, but otherwise it retained the recognizable features of its predecessor. And finally, in 2005, the premiere of the third generation of Rogster took place, which a year later a version with a hard folding top of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe joined.
We do not love The new font of dials made it possible to improve the readability of the devices. Comfortable
Restyling refreshed the appearance of the model. Freshly
The folding roof is hidden in the compartment behind the backs of the seats, without interfering with luggage loading. Compact
Driving
A sharp and accurate steering wheel, the juicy sound of the exhaust and good dynamics. In a word, full jinba ittai.
Salon
The quality of the finish has increased, the instrument graphics have changed, the Bose audio system has become more powerful.
Comfort
On the road with an unimportant coating, the Mazda MX-5 turns into a real vibration stand.
Security
Provide 4 eirbeg and body, 58% consisting of high -strength steels.
Price
Even taking into account the depreciation of the ruble, there is more lemon per base is too much.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent handling. Economical engines. The hard folding top is transformed in just 12 seconds.
- A hard suspension. High price.
Specifications
Mark and model - Mazda MX -5
Dimensions - 4020x1720x1255 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1999 cm3, 160 hp
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - Max 192 km/h; 8.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Mini Cooper S Cabrio, Peugeot 207 CC
Our opinion
With the advent of the machine gun options, sales of the Mazda relatives can come to life noticeably. Although on the path of the popularity of this model there will be a different, no less urgent problem, a hard suspension that limits the use of the car on most of the domestic roads. And the price will not contribute to the rapid increase in the number of Russian fans of Mazda MX-5.
Author: Andrey Myazin
A source: Magazine 5 wheel [May 2009]
