Mazda Motor Corporation recently unveiled its long-term plan for the inevitable electric vehicle (EV) era that should significantly be adopted by 2030 in various markets around the world. The Japanese car company’s “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030” plan hasn’t thoroughly discussed which of its current models will be either discontinued or electrified.
The current fourth-gen Mazda MX-5
Fortunately, we got an early lead after Mazda USA confirmed through Motor1.com that the next-generation model of one of Mazda’s most iconic nameplates, the Mazda MX-5 (or Miata in North America), will be electrified. This means that the roadster will live on to boost Mazda’s name in the automotive scene.
“Mazda is seeking to electrify the MX-5 Miata in an effort to have all models feature a form of electrification by 2030. We will work hard to make it a lightweight, affordable, open two-seater sports car in order to meet the needs of customers,” shared Mazda USA from its official statement to Motor1.com.
One of the lightest vehicles in today's time
The confirmation, however, did not include the exact details of the next-gen model including its release dates. It only states that the Mazda MX-5 will be retained in the lineup with the addition of a form of electrification while keeping its fundamental characteristics such as its lightweight nature and affordability.
If we follow Mazda’s timeline in updating its 2-seater sports car, one can expect that the new fifth-generation version will be out by 2023 considering that each of the model’s generations has an average lifespan of eight years. The current fourth-gen model was launched by Mazda in 2015 with a design that pays homage to the roadster’s core design.
The Miata nameplate has come a long way
This makes sense as the “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030” states that its current models with SKYACTIV engines will come with electrification solutions starting 2022 to 2025. And by 2025 onward, Mazda will start rolling out its unique EV platform called “SKYACTIV EV Scalable Architecture” to help further electrify and innovate its lineup.
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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:
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2.0L MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – ₱2,230,000
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2.0L MT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,300,000
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2.0L AT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,350,000
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2.0L MT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,400,000
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2.0L AT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,450,000
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2.0L AT RF Black Leather – ₱2,550,000
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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
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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
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