New engines and subtle enhancements for 2019 Mazda MX-5
New Mazda MX-5 receives more power and enhanced safety for 2019 model year
Mazda has confirmed that the 2-litre MX-5 Roadster and RF models will receive revised engines, further safety enhancements, new wheels and some cabin updates when it goes on sale on 1 September. Initially only available in the range topping GT Sport Nav+ trim level the Convertible will cost £25,795 with the RF weighing in at £27,795. Further models will receive the new 2-litre engine later in the autumn.
While it’s not a comprehensive makeover by any means the new version of the 2-litre Skyactiv is usefully more powerful, receiving a 24bhp upgrade (now offering 181bhp), and a modest torque increase across the rev range culminating in a 4lb ft rise at its peak.
> Click here for our review of the current Mazda MX-5
It promises to rev harder too, with the rev limit being raised from 6800rpm to 7500rpm. Performance has benefitted with the 0-62mph time dropping to 6.5sec for the Convertible, an improvement of 0.8sec while the RF models see an improvement of 0.6sec and 0.5sec (manual and auto respectively).
The updates to the 2-litre engine are fairly extensive with lighter pistons and conrods, revised camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors (operating at a higher pressure), throttle valve and a new air intake. A new main silencer is also said to improve the exhaust note too. The additional power hasn’t been at the expense of economy or emissions with Mazda claiming a lower CO2 output for the revised 2-litre model. The entry-level 1.5-litre has also been updated although not to the same extent as the 2-litre, now delivering 130bhp and 112lb ft of torque.
All models receive subtle interior enhancements with telescopic steering adjustment and improved seat slider mechanisms. Externally, new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs will distinguish the 2019 model year cars.
Standard safety equipment has increased with Sport Nav+ cars and above now featuring front smart city brake support, lane departure warning system, rear smart city brake support, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert, while blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera are standard on GT Sport Nav+ and optional as a safety pack on Sport Nav+ models.
Prices for the new MX-5 range start at £18,995 for the 1.5-litre Convertible in SE+ trim and rise to £29,195 for the 2-litre RF in GT Sport Nav+ trim equipped with the automatic transmission.
