Finally, the second coming of Je... the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 / Miata was undressed of one of its most highly-awaited secrets - the output of the entry-level 1.5-liter SkyActiv petrol. Without further ado, here’s Johnny - British publications tell that the 1.5 churns out 129 HP (96 kW). So what does that mean compared to the NC?
Well, the old 1.8-liter MZR inline four-banger was rated 126 HP (94 kW). This translated to a less than satisfying 3 BHP increase, but there’s something you need to learn about the weight of the 1.8-liter NC and the 1.5-liter ND. Grandpa tips the scales at just 1,110 kilograms (2,447 lbs), while the all-new MX-5 / Miata has shed “approximately 220 lbs” (100 kilograms) according to the Japanese manufacturer. Hip hip hurray for power-to-weight ratio!
The 1.5-liter of the 2015 Mazda MX-5 (2016 Mazda MX-5 in the US) is an all-aluminum unit with direct-injection technology and the SkyActiv suite of “outstanding performance and great fuel economy.” Mated as standard to a snickety six-speed manual transmission, chances are the Japs will also offer an automatic as an optional extra sometime in the future. 16-inch wheels with 195/50 rubber are also standard.
With 111 lb-ft (150 Nm) at 4,800 rpm and 129 HP at 7,000 rpm, the 1,496 cc is moving a ton (2,204 lbs) of a sportscar. The 1.5 is rated 48 UK mpg (40 US mpg or 5.9 liters per 100 km).
As for CO2 rating, Mazda announced that the 1.5-liter MX-5 / Miata produces 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer driven, making this a pretty green soft-top sportscar. According to various video reviews from the UK that just popped up on the World Wide Web, the close-ratio manual is a joy to row gears with, while the pedal box is just perfect for heel-and-toe duties.
Furthermore, the 50:50 weight distribution is just what everyone wants from a car designed to be chucked around in the corners. Mind you, many reviewers claimed there’s a surfeit of grip over handling.
The suspension system’s compliance also equates to some body roll under heavy cornering and braking. Last but not least, the electrically assisted steering goes 2.5 turns between locks and is described as being direct feeling for such a system. As for the 2-liter SkyActiv petrol-powered Mazda MX-5 / Miata (ND), not a single thing is known at the moment, but our two cents go on either 155 HP minimum or 165 HP tops.
UPDATE: driving.ca reports that the 2-liter SkyActiv is going to develop 155 HP and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm), which is less horsepower than the NC's 2.0-liter with 167 HP and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque on tap.
UPDATE 2: Mazda officially confirmed that the 2.0 SkyActiv makes 155 HP and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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