2013 Mazda MX-5

Exterior and Interior

The 2013 model year may be the last year for the current generation MX-5, but Mazda has still offered a somewhat extensive list of updates. Changes start with the exterior where the model has received a larger front grille opening, a newly designed front fog lamp bezel, and a new front chin spoiler. Also, for the 2013 model year, Mazda is offering a new Dolphin Gray Mica exterior paint, which replaces the Metropolitan Gray Mica.

For the interior, Mazda is offering a new tan color for the genuine leather seat covers combined with black on the seat sides. As an option, customers can also opt for fabric (black), leather (tan and black), and a combination of Alcantara and black leather seat cover materials. There is also a new Glossy Dark Gray used for the decoration panel and steering wheel bezel.

Mazda ensured that there would be a focus on weight reduction by redesigning the front bumper, adding an active bonnet, new 17-inch aluminum wheels, and internal wiring.

Engine

The 2013 Mazda MX5 has not received any changes under the hood, meaning customers will still get the usual 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that delivers a total of 170 HP and 140 lb-ft of torque, coupled to either a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual transmission. There is also a 158 HP version available only with an optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

What Mazda did work with was improving the acceleration control and making fine adjustments to the throttle management program. As a result, the updated MX-5 is more responsive when accelerating out of corners.

The power braking device has also been updated, so now the car is much easier to control and offers the driver an increased feel of mastery over the vehicle.

For the 2013 model year, Mazda has also worked on improving the pedestrian’s safety. As a result, the new MX-5 has received an active bonnet that ensure that, at certain vehicle speeds, when sensors detect an impact exceeding a defined level, the rear end of the bonnet is raised. This creates a space between the bonnet and the engine which acts to absorb the energy of impact and reduces the severity of head injuries in collisions involving pedestrians.

Prices

Prices for the US market will be announced at a later date, but in Japan they range from 2,330,000 yen ($29,100) to 2,920,000 yen ($36,000).

Competition

The new Mazda MX-5 will currently take on models like the Mini Cooper S Convertible, but in the future, the list of competitors will grow bigger with Kia planning a new small sports roadster.

The Cooper S is offered with a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter. The model is offered with high-quality materials and an extremely harmonious color scheme.