Mazda takes the wraps off facelifted MX-5

Posted Thu Oct 2 2008 1:58 AM by Nelson Ireson

New range will go on sale in Europe by Spring 2009 with North American sales to follow shortly after

Following a number of leaks of images and details, Mazda has finally released official information for its facelifted MX-5 (Miata) range which makes its world debut at this week’s Paris Motor Show. For the latest update, both the exterior and interior has been given a revamp, as has the car’s engine lineup, which now has a 500rpm higher rev limit.

The 2010 model lineup can be distinguished by a new front-end design, revised side sills, and a new rear bumper. The character hump in the hood remains, as does the fender flares that give the barest of nods to the RX8’s design. A tweaked mesh grille is also more reminiscent of the Mazdaspeed3 (MPS) than previous designs, as is the new lower intake. Inside, the car's design is very much like the current model's with only minor stylistic updates such as the dark silver trim, new instrument panel, and new Recaro seats on select models.

The car is also available with newly designed 16in and 17in aluminum wheels. The 16in wheels have five sets of twin spokes, while the 17in wheels have 10 twisted spokes. New exterior color options include Aluminum, Metropolitan Grey and Sunflower Yellow.

Changes to the car’s powerplant range include the introduction of a forged crankshaft, fully floating pistons and newly designed valve springs. The rev limit for the 2.0L manual model now registers at 7,500rpm, with peak output of 160hp (118kW) 188Nm coming at 7,000rpm. The six-speed manual gearbox has also been upgraded with new carbon-coated synchronizer for improved shift-feel.

A lower front roll centre and retuned suspension make the car’s response to steering inputs more linear and enable the driver to precisely trace desired lines. A key refinement was made to the front suspension knuckles. The ball joints’ vertical pivot position was changed to reduce the height of the front roll centre by 26mm. This decreased fluctuations in the vertical loading on the outer wheel during cornering manoeuvres.

The new range will go on sale in Europe in the first half of next year and is expected to arrive in North America shortly after for the 2010 model year.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda MX-5 facelift

See Full Gallery

Reader Comments

Wed Sep 3 2008 4:31 PM
94 Taurus owner says

I like the current and the new model unfortunately I'm over 6 feet tall so unless I order a mutated streched Miata I'll just stare and gawk at it,Or I'll just buy one and leave it in the garage and just look at it.
Wed Sep 3 2008 4:37 PM
NoNameDenton says

I dunno Taurus owner, when I sold Mazdas I sold an MX-5 to a 6 ft tall guy and he said it was fine, but all people are different. My only issue is I wish the MX-5 would get a GDI and turbo engine.
Thu Sep 4 2008 9:08 AM
Jim says

Sort of has a slack-jawed catfish kind of look about it. Likely to look dated at the end of the production run.
Fri Oct 10 2008 4:05 PM
Gus says

Still such a girlie car. A great car, but only one step less feminine than a Beetle...
Why don't they make an S2000 competitor instead?

MotorAuthority