2022 Mazda MX-5 gets new suspension setup for better stability

Updated Dec 17, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The new setup does not add a single gram of weight.

Mazda North America announced that the MX-5, also known as the Miata, gets a new suspension setup for the 2022 model. This addition is called the Kinetic Posture Control (KPC), an all-new technology by the Japanese marque that aims to improve the stability, ride comfort, and handling of the sports car.

Mazda MX-5 on the road

2022 Mazda MX-5 offers an improved suspension

The KPC has been developed to keep the vehicle planted on the ground. It applies a slight brake to the inner rear wheel during high-g cornering, reducing body rolls and limited-slip effects. As a result, the Mazda MX-5 can deliver a good steering response feel through tight or rough corners.

When drivers decide to accelerate through a corner, the braking feature gets slightly stronger which enhances the limited-slip effect. This ensures that both the rear wheels receive power from the engine, translating to smoother cornering. Additionally, the all-new system enhances the overall ride comfort.

Despite the improvements the KPC offers, the new suspension setup does not add a single gram of weight to the vehicle. The Mazda MX-5 managed to still retain its renowned characteristic which is being a lightweight sports car. In turn, the well-balanced chassis and impressive power-to-weight ratio are still present for 2022.

Mazda MX-5 Kinetic Posture Control (KPC)

Kinetic Posture Control

Powering the MX-5 is still a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine that is capable of generating 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. It sends power exclusively to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission. The auto gearbox comes with paddle shifters which can be used to manually control gear changes.

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 is expected to go on next year. Mazda also announced that the MX-5 will be available with a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint (see image below), and Terracotta Nappa leather seats.

Mazda MX-5 rear view

A subtle yet noteworthy update

In the Philippines, the currently available Mazda MX-5 is offered in either soft-top or retractable fastback version. Pricing for the PH-spec Mazda MX-5 starts at Php 1,980,000.  

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Know more about Mazda MX-5 2024

Mazda MX-5

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.

Mazda MX-5 front view

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
 
  • Lightweight 

  • Great power output for its size and weight 

  • Agile 

  • Stylish exterior 

 
  • Larger individuals will have issues with interior space 

  • Less than stellar cargo capacity 

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?

Yes, the MX-5 comes with both 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

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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