Dealers are puzzled by Mazda’s plan to offer a retractable hardtop version of the MX-5 Miata roadster, reports Automotive News Europe. They say they haven’t seen any demand from customers for such an option. “The MX-5 is so different from other coupe convertibles that customers are satisfied with the softtop,” one salesman said. Another dealer said he doesn’t expect sales to increase when the new model is introduced. Colin Couchman of Global Insight was also confused by the plan, saying it seems early in the car’s life cycle to make the addition. The new roof isn’t expected to take up any trunk space because it will fold behind the seats. So far, no sources have indicated if the roof will be motorized or hand-operatoed. As previously reported, the car is expected to be unveiled in late July at the British Motor Show. [Pictured right is an AutoBild rendering of how the car could look].
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06/15, 9:09 AM
posted by:
Renton
Let us see some pics.
06/15, 9:14 AM
posted by:
ss
looks good to me. sometimes people dont realize they want something until they see it. i think they wont have a problem selling this car. well…to anyone under 6ft that is.
06/15, 9:23 AM
posted by:
mike
It’ll help to reduce theft.
06/15, 10:59 AM
posted by:
Thom
Lots of people don’t buy convertibles because of the soft top. I think it will help sales, depending on the cost of it as an option.
06/15, 11:53 AM
posted by:
LBJay
Dealers are the last people that know what customers want.
Yes, it will be powered. 3 piece top. About 12-14 seconds to open/close. Will add about 80 lbs to car’s weight.
06/15, 12:16 PM
posted by:
ziggy
I hope this thing tanks in the sales department. Then Mazda will be forced to bring out the Kabura concept that EVERYONE loves. Throw in the Mazdaspeed 2.3l turbo engine and you have a fast affordable RWD coupe in the mid 20k range.
06/15, 12:21 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
Go #6!
j i m
06/15, 7:49 PM
posted by:
Ryan
#6… or with bad sales Mazda will get too scared to go edgier with the Kabura and drop any thoughts of it altogether.
06/15, 10:16 PM
posted by:
JSP
Give me a coupe.
06/16, 1:11 AM
posted by:
Bob Lastiri
NO >> NO >> NO, , , PLEASE do NOT do this. This is just one more step down the road to perdition. BIGGER, WIDER, HEAVIER, UGLIER ! The original idea of the Miata was a small lightweight affordable fun to drive sports car. NOT a big, heavily accessoray laden Grand Touring Luxo Barge. There are other cars that fill that niche. Too many cars have gone down this road. The 55 Thunderbird for example, it went from a small 2 seater to a giant THING. Don’t let the Miata go that way.
06/17, 1:18 AM
posted by:
Rick
Incredible. They can’t figure out if this would sell? Let’s see – give it a 240 HP engine, the hardtop, it has a very friendly interior, a decent trunk vs. cars with soft tops and basically no trunk. You’ve got SLK and boxster killer! Sell it for $26999 and take the whole market.
06/18, 3:51 AM
posted by:
Andrew
My girlfriend and I both have never been interested in convertibles because of their soft top. I think this is going to play out quite well for Mazda, as this has certainly made me a whole lot more interested in the Miata.
06/19, 5:23 PM
posted by:
dan
I think I’d like a hardtop version. especially if it still weighs less than a sky
07/10, 8:31 AM
posted by:
Kim - Aus
I find a need to respond to to those that do not know what they are about in the UK!
We are talking here of those that successfully managed to Alt-Ctrl-Delete the MG and Triumph TR series of roadsters with the statement. What do we need of an open top sports car! Company management and dealers were brainwashed. It worked, both companies best efforts died in a not so glorious blasé of bull-****! Do they now exist, NO!
I was in my younger life the very proud owner of a TR4A!
In later life, and now turning 58 Jul 11/06 I find a need to replace my TR4A memories with those of a reputable replacement roadster for my wife and I. The Mazda MX5 Series 3 (NC) is the one that was chosen at release! WHY, it suit all our needs and what we expected of a roadster!
BUT, I now suffer from Diabetes that has taken feeling from the feet, but not the enthusiasm from the brain. ANSWER The 6 speed auto gearbox. Mazda came to the rescue! After a test drive, what magic!
My TR4A had an aftermarket detachable fibreglass fastback type hard top not the surrey-top. I had made my mind up that this is what I would order for my MX5. But my wish list at my age was for an SLK type hardtop and this is what was rumoured to happen. So I waited, as I really have no place to store a detachable hard top. ANSWER Mazda will provide! Can I ask for more. No!
Does this answer the question asked by dealers. There is a place for both configurations. Soft top AND/OR Removable Hardtop combination, and electric lightweight composite roof. Mazda has seen the light for the young and old.
Can I say if this change didn’t happen early in the series 3 life cycle, I for one would most probably would still be waiting without ordering what I really wanted from Mazda!!!!