20^th October, 2000

MX-5 + S-VT = more excitement

Mazda has added ten percent more power and torque, another gear, ABS brakes and loads of extra driving excitement to its MX-5 two seater.

Key factor in the new equation is that its 1.8 litre DOHC four cylinder engine now has Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) which lifts power output from 106 kW at 6500 rpm to 113kW at 7000 rpm and torque from 165 Nm at 4500 rpm to 181 Nm at 5000 rpm.

S-VT is yet another set of initials which, like competitor systems such as Honda’s VTEC or Toyota’s VVT-i, optimises the open/close timing of the intake valves from low to high rpm ranges while the improved intake/exhaust system provides smoother acceleration to the high rpm range.

While output and torque are enhanced, fuel consumption, carbon-dioxide and nitrogen-oxide emissions are minimised.

The key components of the system are;

• An hydraulic vane-type actuator that continuously alters the intake valve timing and phase in relation to the crank angle.
• A computer which calculates the optimum intake valve timing
• An oil control valve (OCV) which controls the oil pressure in accordance with information from the computer.

Mazda’s new system offers specific benefits in three key areas of engine operation:

High load, low speed: The intake valves close relatively early this minimising the reverse flow of intake air and maximising charge efficiency. Torque in the low and mid ranges is improved as a result.

High load, high speed: The intake valves close relatively late maximising the inertia ram-charging effect and improving output.

Moderate load: The intake valves open relatively early thus increasing the extent of valve overlap. As a result the internal exhaust gas recirculation increases and pumping losses decrease, yielding a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions. The internal exhaust gas recirculation has the additional effect of causing the reintroduction of inert gases into the cylinders and this reduces the combustion temperature and lowers exhaust emissions.

Mazda also took the opportunity to engineer a sportier and more exciting engine sound to further increase the pleasure of driving the MX-5, and the increased performance is now transmitted through a standard six-speed gearbox using the stubby, close to hand, short-throw shifter.

New pattern sixteen inch lightweight alloy road wheels with flat flanges, 205/45R16 tyres, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and 15 mm larger brake rotors complete the engineering upgrade and place the new MX-5 well to the forefront in performance and equipment levels.

Externally Mazda has retained the elegant and flowing body lines of the second generation model, which has taken sales figures to new heights compared with the first generation MX-5 which began the legend in 1989.

Minor changes have been made to the dominant ‘mouth’ which now incorporates Mazda’s distinctive five-point front styling element and is positioned below slimmer headlamps which incorporate multi reflector high beam and projector low beam lamps.

Fog lamps are incorporated into the air dam, while at the rear the distinctive tail lamp/reflector/turn lamp clusters have also been redesigned to give the turn/flasher compartment a transparent look.

A new metallic fashion colour - Crystal Blue - has been added to the palette of seven paint finishes.

Interior changes
Inside the snug and purposeful cockpit the driver faces a familiar instrument binnacle shape. But all meters now have a white background, amber back lighting and chrome ring surrounds. In the centre of the steering wheel, Mazda’s distinctive logo now takes pride of place.

Both driver and passenger sit in redesigned seats with higher reshaped backs which provide additional support for the shoulders, lumbar and body side at the same time improving comfort and safety. These are trimmed in a new contrast patterned black cloth, while restyled door trims contribute to the sportier and more sophisticated feel.

The sound system now incorporates a single disc CD player while the centre console has been redesigned to store 6 CD’s and provide two easy-to-use cup holders. And keyless entry for doors and boot lid with two ‘remotes’ is now standard.

Mazda’s engineers also achieved additional body strength, improving torsional rigidity by 22 percent and bending rigidity by 16 percent to provide more ‘solid’ handling and a smoother ride.

Additional reinforcements include new truss members for substantially increased rigidity, improved body frame and cross members as well as an under-bonnet brace bar between the suspension towers.

The double wishbone suspension now features a new Bilstein damper which has additional valves for controlling suspension rebound. This is the first time these dampers have been offered on a Japanese made vehicle.

Coupled with the car’s power assisted rack and pinion steering, the overall effect is a greater feeling of "oneness" between car and driver and a further enhancement of the driving experience.

Occupant safety is now further enhanced through seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, as well as airbags for the driver and passenger.

Protected by the comprehensive Mazda 3 Year/100,000 Kilometre Warranty, the new MX-5 6 speed manual soft top comes to market at $41,190.00 while a hard-top version is priced at $44,190.00

A true ‘Five Star’ sports car
Mazda Australia’s national sales manager, Doug Dickson, says the new MX-5 can best be described as the only ‘five star’ entrant in the lightweight two-seat convertible class,

"It provides –

• More power than its competitors – 113 kW
• Better equipment level – 6 speed transmission
• True sports car suspension – double wishbone
• Front engine rear drive – the classic layout
• Best value for money - $41,190

and as well as this it features gorgeous styling with classic and timeless lines," he said.

"These are the ingredients of a winner and we are confident that, in spite of the arrival of other contenders, the MX-5 will retain the crown as the best selling two seat convertible on the Australian market."

Since its launch October 1989 until the end of September 2000, a total of 8,124 MX-5’s have gone into Australian garages and by year’s end Mazda Australia expects to add a further 430 units to the total.

"Beyond that we are looking for sales of close to 1000 in the year 2001,"said Mr Dickson.

While the MX-5’s position at the top of the sales chart has remained a constant, there have been some shifts in customer preferences, especially with colour choices.

With the first model, red dominated with white the next most popular. These trends were so strong that for some years Mazda Australia only stocked these two colours with other choices confined to a series of limited edition models, or available on deposit paid orders.

Highlight Silver tops the preference list today, accounting for 30 percent of sales. Next is traditional Grace Green at 26 percent followed by the darkish Twilight Blue at 20 percent.

Brilliant Black has shown a dramatic rise in popularity at 15 percent with the traditional Classic Red registering a modest 10.