We got our first look at the updated Mazda MX-5 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and now the popular two-door has officially hit the Japanese market. The revised Roadster, as it’s called in Japan, adopts Mazda’s new corporate face, but also adds a few more updates inside and out.
Upfront, the Roadster sports a five-point ‘smile’ lower grille similar to the one seen on the all-new Mazda3. New wheels are also a part of the Roadster’s update, as are three new colors — Metropolitan Gray Mica, Aluminum Metallic and Sunflower Yellow.
Inside, the Roadster feature more support seats – complete with new seat warmers – and a new sound system.
Underhood, the Roadster’s 2.0L powerplant sees a rev-limit increase from 7,000 rpm to 7,500 rpm, while max power is now reached at 7,000 rpm – up from 6,700rpm.
Expect to see the revised MX-5 in U.S. Mazda showrooms just in time for top-down weather.
12/09, 5:23 PM
posted by:
zeeck
happiest car on the planet…
12/09, 5:30 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
This is the car they should have had three years ago.
12/09, 5:47 PM
posted by:
sakio327
Those are some nice Recaro seats! I might consider buying one.
12/09, 5:52 PM
posted by:
Kris K
Classic design, I love it. Now please put the 2.3 l turbo engine in there, please Mazda !!!
12/09, 7:02 PM
posted by:
Mach
Wow, its even more of chick’s car than the old one.
12/09, 7:19 PM
posted by:
nestle_s
looks way better than the clown face on the 2010 mazda3.
12/09, 8:30 PM
posted by:
A4
uhhh howsmydriving, every facelift is “how they should have had it three years ago”.
12/09, 9:39 PM
posted by:
kansei
@ Kris K –uh that would be sorta almost fun but not MX-5 fun. That’s way, way too much power for an MX-5. A ‘tuned’ naturally aspirated 2.5 making say 190 or 200bhp would be great though.
If you want 250whp, go get the Cosworth blower for the MX-5. It’s incredibly well made, incredibly beautiful, and … well kinda incredibly expensive considering how simple the kit is.
12/09, 10:16 PM
posted by:
bimmer_mann_18
I’ve seen more people buy these for the shell so they can put a small block 350 in it. It would be nice if they put a rotary engine in this as an option
12/09, 10:23 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
They tried to put the 2.3 in there, They said it couldn’t work because there is no room for the fuel pump.
I drove one on Mazda’s promotional tour for the car. It has such an awesome 6 speed in it. Not the fastest vehicle but very poised.
12/09, 11:25 PM
posted by:
Renton
Great car. Keep it simple though.
Enjoy it for what it is. If you want more power, get an S2000, which is a significant upgrade.
Both are fantastic and very well made.
12/10, 12:13 AM
posted by:
maxcar
the defining vehicle of a mid-life crisis.
12/10, 12:57 AM
posted by:
buytheredcar
image issues aside, this is a good looking car.
the interior is a disappointment though.
i just dont like the theme, esp the center stack.
12/10, 1:00 AM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
At first glance, it looks like an updated S2000 in the yellow. Pretty cool car but never for me
12/10, 8:41 AM
posted by:
bigjimid
The yellow one looks like its buck-toothed.
And no ^, It doesn’t look like an updated s2k. It looks like an face lifted Miata.
12/10, 10:01 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Get a personalized plate such as UU to complete the buck-toothed look.
12/10, 6:45 PM
posted by:
teahead
Better, but a bit still too cute.
I’d take a Saturn Sky Redline and w/the new GM-supplied chip, get 290hp and 340lb-ft of torque!
12/10, 8:00 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Yeah, until they actually put some real power in this car it’ll never grab my attention.
I also want to see a fixed hard top Miata sold stateside as well. If Mazda did those two things for the MX5 then I’d consider one…