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AUS: Mazda MX-5 – Good Clean Affordable Fun
The world’s most popular sports car, the Mazda MX-5, is now more affordable with the revised 2003 model priced from $40,480, a saving of $3875 over the superseded version.
The updated MX-5 is also more environmentally friendly with its 16-valve, 1.8-litre, Sequential Valve Timing engine now passing the strict European Stage III emission standards that do not come into effect here until January 2005.
The cleaner engine produces a strong 107 kilowatts at 7000rpm and 168 Newton metres of torque at 5000rpm.
The trim, 1086kg, six-speed manual MX-5 accelerates from 0-100kmh in just 8.4 seconds. A four-speed automatic model, priced at $41,480, is also available.
Others changes to the roadster include the introduction of reshaped A pillar trim panels that further improve the MX-5’s already impressive crash safety performance, a low fuel warning light and new body colors.
The two-seat roadster is now available in Garnet Red mica metallic and Splash Green metallic, bringing the total body color range to eight.
Standard safety features include dual front airbags, seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters and an ABS anti-lock system that controls the MX-5’s ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes.
Standard equipment is impressive with remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, CD player, power antenna, windblocker, folding soft top with heated glass rear window, 16-inch alloy wheels, 205/45 tyres, driving lights and, on manual models, a front suspension strut tower bar all part of the package.
First going on sale in 1989, Mazda has sold more than 640,000 MX-5’s globally, making it the world’s best-selling sports car.
Recently Mazda imported the 10,000th MX-5 into Australia, a Classic Red manual model just like the first car that arrived here in October 1989.
The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough, said: “The price realignment and the raft of detail changes introduced on the latest model ensures that the MX-5 remains the benchmark by which other affordable sports cars are judged.
“Its combination of sublime handling, steering and braking, great performance and open-air motoring makes the MX-5 a world beater”.
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