Review: Mazda NC MX-5 (2005-14)

Review: Mazda NC.I MX-5 (2005-09)

Overview

Released in September 2005, the Mazda NC Series I (NC.I) MX-5 was initially offered as a two-seat, soft-top convertible. Manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan, the rear-wheel drive MX-5 was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – with variable valve timing – that was mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

In September 2006, the range was expanded with a ‘Roadster Coupe’ variant which had a power operated, three-piece retractable hardtop. The Soft-top range was also revised and consisted of an unnamed, entry-level edition and the better-equipped Touring edition (effectively replacing the Leather editions).

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Mazda NB MX-5 which preceded it, the NC MX-5 Soft-top was 20 mm longer (at 3995 mm), 40 mm wider (1720 mm), 20 mm taller (1245 mm) and had a 65 mm longer wheelbase (2330 mm); kerb weight was 1115 kg. Furthermore, The chassis achieved a 22 per cent increase in bending rigidity and a 47 per increase in torsional rigidity, while the engine was moved 135 mm rearwards for a 50:50 weight distribution.

For the Roadster Coupe, its power-operated hardtop roof could be opened or closed in 12 seconds once manually unlatched. Due to additional bracing, a steel bootlid (in place of the soft top’s aluminium bootlid) and a more complex wiring harness, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe was 37 kg heavier at 1152 kg. Other changes for the MX-5 Roadster Coupe included:

• a 10 mm higher roofline;
• a larger rear window;
• the front edge of the rear deck was raised by 40 mm;
• the retilaing edge of the bootlid was raised by 20 mm; and,
• the rear wheel arches had more prominent contours.

Suspension

The Mazda NC MX-5 had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (previously rear double wishbones for its NB predecessor). For the MX-5 Roadster Coupe, the suspension was revised with a larger front stabiliser bar (22.2 mm diameter compared to 21.0 mm for the Soft-top), unique settings for the front dampers and stiffer rear springs and dampers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mazda NC MX-5 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. In September 2006, electronic stability control and traction control were made standard.

Brakes

The Mazda NC MX-5 had 290 mm by 22 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Mazda MX-5 Soft-top included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. Manual models were also fitted with a limited slip differential, while the ‘Activematic’ (automatic) models featured steering-wheel gearshift paddles

The Soft-top Leather and Touring editions, as well as the Roadster Coupe variants, were further equipped with a seven speaker, 200 watt Bose sound system (with speed dependent volume control) and leather seats.

Mazda MX-5 Limited Edition

To coincide with the release of the Mazda NC.I MX-5, a Limited Edition Soft-top was released. Compared to the standard Soft-top, the Limited Edition was distinguished by its red leather interior and selected paint colours (Brilliant Black, Galaxy Grey or Velocity Red mica).

In February 2007, another MX-5 ‘Limited Edition’ was released; based on the Soft-top Touring, it added 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers, ‘sand’ coloured leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, brushed aluminium-look dashboard highlights, stainless steel scuff plates, chrome-ringed air vents and meter rings, chrome grille and headlight bezels.

Related links

• Brochure: Mazda NC.I MX-5 (August 2005)

Review: Mazda NC.II MX-5 (2009-12)

Overview

Released in March 2009, the NC Series II (NC.II) MX-5 introduced a revised line-up, facelift and upgraded engine. For the NC.II MX-5, changes for the 2.0-litre LF-VE four-cylinder engine included:

• A forged crankshaft to reduce vibrations at higher engine speeds;
• Fully-floating pistons with higher pin-boss reliability;
• New-design valve springs to suppress valve ‘bounce’ at higher engine speeds;
• More durable material for the connecting-rod bearings;
• New connecting-rod bearings;
• An Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE) which transmitted induction noise into the cabin via a plastic duct in the dashboard; and,
• A more rigid surge tank.

As a result of these changes, maximum engine speed was increased to 7500 rpm (previously 7000 rpm).

The Mazda NC.II MX-5 was distinguished by its single front fascia bumper, five-point grille, new headlights, triangular front fog lamp bezels, garnished side skills, revised rear bumper and new rear combination lamps. Compared to the Soft-top, the Roadster Coupe was differentiated by its mesh grille, chrome finish inner headlight bezel, silver fog lamp surrounds and chrome door handles.

Inside, the Mazda NC.II MX-5 featured red-backlit LCD tripmeter/odometer, more supportive seat bolsters, silver-ringed climate control knobs and soft-touch centre console cover. For the MX-5 Roadster Coupe, sound insulation was improved with urethane filling for the front suspension area and new damping in the front roof section.

The suspension for the NC.II MX-5 was re-tuned for more precise steering and ‘more natural’ yaw and roll feel, while the height of the front roll centre was lowered by 26 mm for more linear steering response.

Features

Standard features were substantially unchanged, though the sound system now featured an auxiliary MP3 input and the driver’s seat was height adjustable. The newly introduced Roadster Coupe Sports was distinguished by its leather/Alcantara Recaro sports seats and BBS alloy wheels.

2011 MX-5 Special Edition

In February 2011, a limited-run Roadster Coupe Special Edition was released; it was distinguished by its bright 17-inch alloy wheels, Bilstein-tuned suspension, painted strut tower bar, unique grey leather seats, steering wheel and handbrake with grey highlight stitching and chrome meter rings and air vent bezels.

Related links

• Press Kit: Mazda NC.II MX-5 (March 2009)
• Technical data: Mazda NC.II MX-5 (March 2009)

Review: Mazda NC.III MX-5 (2012-14)

Overview

Released in October 2012, the Mazda NC Series III (NC.III) MX-5 introduced a revised range as the soft-top models were discontinued. Visually, the Mazda NC.III MX-5 could be identified by its larger five-point grille and lighter front bumper, new front fog light bezels, front chin spoiler and gunmetal alloy wheels. Inside, matte dark silver finishes for decoration panels and steering wheel bezel were replaced with a glossy dark grey finish.

For models with manual transmissions, revised throttle management software was introduced to provide greater throttle response when accelerating out of corners. For all models, upgraded brake boosters were fitted for better front and rear load distribution under braking. Furthermore, greater refinement was also achieved through stiffer door modules, a urethane-filled front suspension cross member, a reinforced second cross member and additional damping material in the front-most section of the roof.

Safety equipment

Compared to its NC.II predecessor, standard safety equipment was extended to include an ‘active’ bonnet which would lift its trailing edge – when certain frontal impacts were detected – to reduce the forces that a pedestrian would experience on impact with the bonnet.

Features

Standard features for the Mazda NC.III MX-5 Roadster Coupe included 17-inch alloy wheels, a 200 watt Bose sound system with amplifier, seven speakers, six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary input (3.5 mm), air conditioning, leather sports seats, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser. As before, models with automatic transmissions featured steering wheel gearshift paddles, while models with manual transmissions were fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

The MX-5 Sports edition was distinguished by its BBS alloy wheels and Recaro front seats with leather and alcantara trim.

Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary

In August 2014, forty (40) MX-5 25th Anniversary edition vehicles were released in Australia. The MX-5 25th Anniversary edition could be identified by its ’25th anniversary’ badge, ‘Soul Red’ metallic paint finish, black painted A-pillars, door mirrors and retractable roof. Inside, the MX-5 25th Anniversary edition featured off-white leather upholstery, a red decoration panel, stainless steel scuff plates (with the ’25th anniversary’ logo) and door trim, and a black leather arm rest, steering wheel and gearshift knob with red stitching. Furthermore, each MX-5 25th Anniversary edition was sold with a Tourneau commemorative watch set.

Brochures

• Brochure: Mazda NC.III MX-5 (January 2014)
• Brochure: Mazda NC.III MX-5 25th Anniversary edition (July 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mazda NC.III MX-5 (October 2012)
• Specifications: Mazda NC.III MX-5 (October 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Mazda NC MX-5