The Mazda MX-5 (known officially as the Roadster in the Japanese market) and MX-5 RF have just received a facelift in Japan. Even though this update is considered a minor one, the changes made towards the interior and especially the performance and safety department are certainly welcomed.
Taking facelifts in the most literal sense, the new facelifted Mazda MX-5 now gets full LED headlights and taillights, including its turn indicators. Its daytime running lights (DRLs) that were previously mounted on its front bumper are now housed within the redesigned headlights itself. Mazda has also given the roadster a new wheel design, along with a new Aero Gray Metallic exterior colour option.
Performance-wise, the Mazda MX-5 facelift now gets the new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (Asymmetric LSD). This feature stabilises the car when taken through corners by changing the differential gear’s differential limiting force during acceleration and deceleration.
Also in the driving department, Mazda has also enhanced the MX-5’s power steering. The power steering has been made lighter to deliver a more accurate response.
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The SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre engine which powers the “regular” Mazda MX-5 has been made to be more efficient and features special settings tailored to Japanese domestic high-octane gasoline (petrol) fuels. Mazda has also tuned the mill to produce an extra 4 hp (3 kW) as compared to before.
The more powerful SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre engine under the hood of the Mazda MX-5 RF has been made to deliver improved accelerator response. The manual transmission models also gained the latest control logic that has been introduced for drive force control.
Also added to the manual transmission models only is a new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) control mode known as ‘DSC-Track’. Optimised for track driving, the system when turned on won’t engage DSC to prevent from intervening with the driver’s inputs, except for extreme uncontrollable situations. Like before, the Mazda MX-5’s 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines are paired to either the 6EC-AT automatic transmission or the 6-speed manual transmission.
Inside, the Mazda MX-5 facelift now gets a larger 8.8-inch central display, which continues to run on the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The car’s interior now gets a sports tan interior along with a beige soft top too, giving the car a more premium feel.
Safety-wise, the facelifted Mazda MX-5 has now gained the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) function. The Smart Brake Support (SBS-RC) feature is also here which can help brake when it detects vehicles approaching from the left or right when the car is reversing at approximately 15 km/h or less.
Mazda has also introduced a new variant to the “regular” Mazda MX-5 lineup in Japan, known as the S Leather Package V Selection. It comes with a soft top finished in beige, together with sports tan Nappa leather seats. Its synthetic leather door trim, instrument panel, and centre console are also finished in sports tan.
Closer to home, only the retractable hard-top Mazda MX-5 RF is available. Powered by the brand’s SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine paired with either the SkyActiv Drive 6-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission, the roadster is priced at RM279,354 and RM277,354 respectively (on-the-road, without insurance).
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