Mazda Motor Corporation will be making an appearance at the upcoming 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) commencing on October 28, 2023. During the event, the brand will be presenting a new concept car.
The teaser photo for Mazda's new concept car
For now, not much is known about Mazda’s new concept, but it might preview the next-generation MX-5 roadster. The Japanese automaker’s booth at JMS, after all, will be focusing on the MX-5.
The only glimpse we have of Mazda’s upcoming concept is a shadowy picture shared by the Japanese automaker. It shows the rear portion of the concept car with its red LED lighting elements turned on. These look similar to the taillights on the Vision Study Model roadster concept which was presented back in 2022.
The concept car shown in the teaser likewise has a glowing LED on its rear bumper’s center point, which is once again similar to what we’ve previously seen in the Vision Study Model.
The Mazda JMS booth will highlight the MX-5 roadster
Other than the new concept car, the updated fourth-generation MX-5 for the 2024 model year will also be premiered at the JMS. Joining the other cars mentioned above is the first generation MX-5 as a callback to the model that started it all. The brand is likewise displaying a miniaturized version of its famous roadster for the enjoyment of the young and young-at-heart.
While mainly putting a spotlight on its roadster, the Japanese carmaker will be displaying the Mazda2 Bio concept vehicle as well. It is touted as a “laboratory on wheels” because it serves as a platform to explore alternatives to fossil fuels, particularly environmentally friendlier biodiesel made from cooking oil and microalgae fats.
The Mazda2 Bio concept will also be displayed at the 2023 JMS [Photo: Mazda]
Last year, the Mazda2 Bio competed in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan to promote biodiesels while aiding the brand in its journey into carbon neutrality by 2050.
The brand also shared that its theme for the JMS booth is “A future created by people who love cars.” In other words, the Mazda display will show how it continues to devote its attention to creating products that will cater to those who love to drive, just like the MX-5.
As a side note, the MX-5 as it is right now, has been around since 2015. Throughout the years, it received major changes but it might be the right time to introduce a next-gen model. It remains to be seen though if the concept is indeed a preview of an all-new MX-5, so let's wait until Mazda pulls off its covers at JMS.
For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.
Know more about Mazda MX-5 2024
The Mazda MX-5 2024 Philippines is a 2-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The soft-top version currently has different variants for the Philippine market:
-
2.0L MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – ₱2,230,000
-
2.0L MT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,300,000
-
2.0L AT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,350,000
-
2.0L MT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,400,000
-
2.0L AT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,450,000
-
2.0L AT RF Black Leather – ₱2,550,000
-
2.0L AT RF Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,600,000
Under the hood, the Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making up to 181 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Size-wise, the MX-5 has a length of 3,915mm, a width of 1,735mm, and a height of 1,230mm.
Currently, the Mazda MX-5 competes against the likes of the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, among others.
Mazda MX-5 Launch
In August 2015, Mazda Philippines launched the Mazda MX-5 launched soft-top variant. Two years later, the Japanese car brand introduced its RF variant at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). It is regarded as one of the best value-for-money sports cars one can get in the Philippines.
As of 2021, Mazda Philippines updated the Mazda MX-5's lineup. It now has three trims. The first is the manual version with a black top. The second is also a manual but it can come with a dark cherry top. The third is an automatic variant with both choices of black or dark cherry top.
In 2022, Mazda Philippines brought in the revamped MX-5. These come with a red or black top version, and two Club Edition versions.
Mazda MX-5 Exterior
The Mazda MX-5's exterior is styled to follow the brand's KODO design philosophy. To this end, it enables the car to look like it's in constant motion, while the outside profile of the vehicle features sultry curves as well. Slim headlamps are evident on the front end, while several regions on the front, side, and rear have sharp and smooth corners.
Its traditional roadster shape is maintained, and for the motor to be pushed behind the front axle, it has a long hood and a short rear. The different variants are available with distinct colored roofs that range from standard black to red.
Mazda MX-5 Interior
As of 2024, there are several options for the MX-5's interior. Its seats can either come with black fabric covers, premium black leather, or Terracotta Nappa leather. The Club Edition variants also have Recaro Seats, while all trims get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and automatic climate control.
Technology & Safety Features
For the 2024 Mazda MX-5, all trims are provided with dual front airbags, side airbags, dynamic stability control, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking, lane departure warning, as well as a low-speed emergency braking system dubbed as the Smart City Brake Support.
Entertainment is then handled by a Mazda Connect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then paired with a 9-piece Bose sound system.
Platform & Chassis
The MX-5 2024 is a 2-seater coupe with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. For suspensions, it uses a Double Wishbone for the front and a multi-link rear suspension. The manual versions then get Bilstein Dampers for the front suspension, as well as a limited-slip differential.
Also, the 2024 version of the MX-5 now comes with Kinematic Posture Control, a system that ensures less body roll and more stability during spirited drives. It also prevents the car from lifting when accelerating hard.
Engine & Drivetrain
The power of the Mazda MX-5 comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that supplies 184 hp as well as 205 Nm torque power. A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission option is available, being the latter unit can be found on higher-spec variants.
Aesthetically appealing as always
The standard for manual variants is a limited speed differential.
For the Philippine market, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 has seven different exterior color choices. These include Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray, Machine Gray, and Soul Red Crystal.
In terms of engine output, the MX-5 makes slightly less horsepower than its main competitor. Then again, it makes just about the same amount of torque. Other than that, it is currently the smallest 2-door sports car in the Philippine market today. This means that it beats out its rivals in terms of curb weight. This can equate to more agility on the track, though this also has the drawback of resulting in less interior space. Most folks, however, will have no issues fitting inside the MX-5 Philippines.
Mazda MX-5 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Mazda MX-5 Q&A
1. Is the Mazda MX-5 a good car?
Yes, Mazda MX-5 owns an engine block for smooth and quiet operation and this new version of Mazda does not consume too much fuel.
2. Is the Mazda MX-5 featured with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
3. How many engine options are available for the Mazda MX-5 in the Philippines?
The Mazda MX-5 is offered with three powertrain options: 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engine choices, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel power plant.
4. How many seaters does the Mazda MX-5 have?
The MX-5 has 2 seaters.
5. How much is the Mazda MX-5 2024 in the Philippines?
The price of the new MX-5 in the Philippines ranges from 2,230,000 Php for the entry-level model to 2,600,000 Php for the top-of-the-line model.
₱ 2,020,000 - ₱ 2,630,000
Explore
Recent posts
- Nissan Hyper Adventure concept Oct 11, 2023
- Mazda Miata Vision Study Model Nov 28, 2022
- 2023 mazda mx-5 updated trims new body color Oct 25, 2022
