PARIS — Mazda has formally unveiled its face-lifted MX-5 Roadster and Roadster Coupe in Europe at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, revealing subtle enhancements inside and out.
Ahead of the car's 20th anniversary in 2009, Mazda has modestly made over the styling of the MX-5 (known originally as the MX-5 Miata) with a redesigned grille, headlamps, foglamps, bumpers, side sills and taillamps, as well as new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. There are also subtle trim differences between the Roadster and the Roadster Coupe (marketed in North America as the MX-5 power-retractable hardtop).
Mazda engineers modestly upgraded the driveline and suspension. The company has installed a forged crankshaft, new valve springs and fully floating pistons in the DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, boosting the engine redline and the speed at which maximum power is delivered, and has refined shift quality and revised gear ratios in the six-speed manual gearbox. Engineers also retuned various suspension components to provide more linear steering response and stability.
The revamped MX-5 is quieter, too, thanks to additional structural reinforcements and sound-deadening materials. In addition, the cockpit has been updated, with revised trim and accents, plus an improved Bose audio system.
What this means to you: In typical Japanese fashion, many small improvements add up to a better car. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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