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

Mazda MX-5 SuperLight. Spite of stereotypes

Mazda MX-5 SuperLight. Concept car. Will not go on sale
the car may not have, say, ESP or ABS, but the wheels, steering wheel, pedals and other familiar attributes are present without fail. However, the Japanese engineers who created the Mazda MX-5 SuperLight concept car decided differently. They deprived the car of everything superfluous, including windshield. Typically, conceptual developments are not intended for testing, but the 5 wheels correspondent managed to ride on unusual transport
Test pilot
Sergey Krestov, 28 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience of 10 years, personal car - Opel Corsa
Typically, such machines are exhibition samples not designed for operation. Back in September, during the Frankfurt car dealership, it seemed that the new development of the Japanese manufacturer would repeat the fate of thousands of beautiful, unusual and equally useless concepts. Their calm, but insanely boring existence takes place in corporate museums. But is this the life of a real iron horse?!
With Mazda MX-5 SuperLight the situation is different. This concept is not only for expositions. In recent years, the Hiroshima company has been condemning a generally accepted trend. If each subsequent model of competitors becomes larger and harder, then Mazda, on the contrary, seeks to facilitate the design as much as possible. Light cars are a brilliant output. Firstly, such cars drive faster. Secondly, they are better controlled. Thirdly, they spend less fuel, and car owners spend less money on annual horse tax.
Mazda engineers decided to make the most obedient and accurate sports car, while maintaining safety and increasing efficiency. Having taken as a basis the cult convertible MX-5, which is controlled perfectly in the serial version, the specialists literally dismantled the car. Then the extra screws were simply thrown away. So that the weight of the car does not exceed a ton, the designers had to get rid of almost all the benefits of civilization. The car now does not have a folding roof, noise insulation, air conditioning, music and even lateral rear -view mirrors! Rodster hood is made of polished aluminum, which also reduced the weight of the car. But that's not all. The concept car completely lacks windshield. Instead, two racing helmets fixed in the trunk included in the kit. From additional elements behind the backs of the seats appeared arcs of security arcs with implanted diode stop signals. In addition, the body was strengthened with a special frame.
Before the trip, I started mandrazh. After all, I will go on a unique concept that is created in a single copy. It was decided, I will move slowly to avoid unpleasant excesses. The weather in the alpine foothills played with us in cats-mouse: either the sun was shining, then clouds ran into possible precipitation. Let me remind you that the roof in our car is absent as a class. Mazda specialists need to adopt the experience of Moscow scientists who, with the help of Chizhevsky chandelier, disperse clouds in the Arbat area. It would be nice to place a similar installation on the Mazda MX-5 Superlight. Thank God, the heavenly office took pity, granting almost perfect conditions for the test.
The five -point seat belt does not allow you to breathe deeply. To launch the motor, you need to raise two aviation toggle switches and then press the button. A sports roar makes the alarms of cars parked nearby work. Go! The only rear view mirror is in the center. The role of the reflective element is played by polished aluminum. A stylish solution, but to follow it in the road situation is like looking into a samovar. A standard 1.8-liter engine is installed under the hood. I did not have to get used to the Rodster. The engineers, although they threw out many familiar attributes out of the car, left everything necessary for a fascinating journey in the usual places. The standard instrument shield goes well with new leather chairs and a designer armrest. The role of the musical system is played by the built -in IPOD. In motion, the responsiveness and obedience of the concept car is striking in the motion. Sports suspension and reduced weight turned the car into cards. The motor instantly promotes short gears to the red zone. It seems that you rush no slower than 150 km/h, but the speedometer stubbornly remained at the mark of 100. There are no subjective sensations anywhere. And this is understandable when a stream of cool air beats in the face, why I want to not just sing, but scream, scaring the numerous fauna of the Alps.
In the end, nature put a pig. The rain that began added a thrill. I had to raise the helmet. It is a pity that there are no wipers in it. A further trip resembled my favorite Windsurfing.
More in the smaller
On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the recognized bestseller Mazda MX-5, Mazda specialists specifically for the Frankfurt car dealership created an ultra-light version of Superlight. Constructed on the basis of the third-generation serial family, this concept car has an uncompromising sports character. MX-5 Superlight is a vivid example of a complete unity of the driver with a car, improved handling and fuel economy. Like the first MX-5, which symbolized the revival of the classical relatives, Superlight embodies the idea of \u200b\u200bopen sports cars. In the new product, retro style is combined with futuristic motives. The ultra-light MX-5 provides fascinating driving a worthy of a sports car, since it is equipped with a receiving 1.8-liter MZR gasoline engine. In addition, the concept car has a unique body without windshield.
We do not love
To start the engine, it is necessary to raise the aircraft tooth switches. Stylish
Salon made of aged perforated leather. handsomely
As a mirror, polished aluminum. Unknown
Driving
Due to the low weight and sports suspension, the concept is controlled as cards.

Salon
The leather finish of the cabin perfectly complements the general image of the concept.
Comfort
Comfort is the main thing that suffered in this car. It shakes strongly, the wind blows into the face, and rain pours on his head.
Safety
Throwing off the roof, the engineers additionally strengthened the body, and the five -point belts hold the pilot tightly.
Price
Will not be sold.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Bright design, low fuel consumption, excellent handling.
- insufficient speed characteristics, lack of roof for a sports car.

Specifications
Mark and model - Mazda MX -5 Superlight
Dimensions - 4002x1720x1110 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1800 cm3, 126 hp/6500 min -1
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed KP
Dynamics - max 230 km/h; 8.9 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Audi TT, BMW Z4
Our opinion
Mazda MX-5 SuperLight proves that you can enjoy driving on an ascetic convertible with a small engine, while saving on fuel and road tax. However, for real operation, small windshield was still worth leaving. In addition, it is not clear what weighs more: glass or 2 helmets included in the mandatory set?

Author: Sergey Krestov
 
 
 

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [December 2009]