Updated 2022 Mazda MX-5 enters Philippine market 

Mazda Philippines launched the new and improved MX-5 and MX-5 RF for the model year 2022. It's still the same fourth-generation model, but it does come with several improvements that intend to rock your socks off. 

The MX-5 RF with the new Platinum Quartz color option

Exterior 

As mentioned, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 and MX-5 RF for the Philippine market are the updated versions of the previous model. Largely, they both still bear the same exact style, silhouette, and stance. 

The array of exterior equipment for the MX-5 and MX-5 RF also remains unchanged. Most trims come standard with adaptive LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, rain-sensing wipers, dual exhaust tips, among others. 

The MX-5 soft top version

The soft-top MX-5 versions however, are now available in Club Edition trims. Previously, only the MX-5 RF may come in the said trim. 

External pieces added for the Club Edition variants include a set of 17-inch BBS alloy wheels. 

Interior 

To keep its occupants comfortable, the MX-5 and MX-5 RF variants except for the entry-level MX-5 with the black soft top come with an automatic single-zone climate control system. The Regular non-Club Edition trims may also have Nappa Leather, regular leather, or fabric seats. The Club Edition trims in turn, are given Recaro seats. 

Its interior arrangement remains unchanged

Standard on all trims though, is a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a push-to-start button, among others. All MX-5 and MX-5 RF variants also have an auto-dimming rearview mirror, except the MX-5 with the black-colored soft top. 

Lastly, cruise control as well as paddle shifters are present for the versions with the automatic gearbox. 

Safety & Tech 

Keeping the 2022 Mazda MX-5 and MX-5 RF’s occupants safe are dual-front airbags and side airbags. All trims also get anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, dynamic stability control, and rear parking sensors. Most trims also have a reverse camera save for the entry-level MX-5 soft top black variant. 

Reinforcing the MX-5 and MX-5 RF’s standard safety kit is a lane departure warning system, and Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). Of note, the SCBS functions like a low-speed automatic braking system. 

Present on all trims is a Mazda Connect touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, aux-in, and Bluetooth connectivity. The said headunit is then linked with a nine-piece Bose speaker system. 

Engine & Performance 

Under the hood, both the Mazda MX-5 and MX-5 RF still use the same 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-4 gasoline engine. At the most, this mill can make up to 182 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic tranny. 

The manual versions are also equipped with a limited-slip differential, as well as Bilstein dampers for its front suspension. 

The MX-5 and the MX-5 RF can be a potent track weapon, or an exciting daily driver

One of the major changes to the 2022 model is the addition of the Kinematic Posture Control. According to Mazda, this is a system that ensures ride stability even when taking on corners at high speed. It helps prevent body roll, and it can help prevent lift whenever one accelerates the vehicle hard.  Suffice to say, this piece of tech can make the agile MX-5 even more sure-footed.

Also making a return to the MX-5 and the MX-5 RF is Mazda’s fuel-saving i-Stop engine idling system, and the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. 

Price 

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