quite pretty, innit? (ND launch)

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:46 pm

pluto wrote:So, who's first in line at the Mazda showroom?

More importantly for Mazda...will this bring back new customers of the MX5 to that line...?

shuey · Postby **shuey** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:49 pm

KevGoat wrote:More importantly for Mazda...will this bring back new customers of the MX5 to that line...?

.. if it's priced competitively, I think it will do well since there won't be a BRZ/86 convertible anytime soon

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 4:04 pm

If you look at the video presentation the thing that stands out to me is the upgraded materials of the interior. The way all the gauges, etc., are angled at the driver. Also there is no gap with the soft top to the side of the bodywork like on the NC. The soft top also sits higher than the bodywork, maybe some space under it where the NC is VERY limited.

SE owners should have picked up the little short mud flap towards the top of the rear arch, similar to the SE. :roll:

Engine sizes has been well publicised before being the 1500cc and 2000cc skyactive engines, so my guess is that the 1500 will get the 16” wheels and the 2000 the 17” wheels.

It will be very interesting to see what price they come in at. If I hazard a guess, I’d say the 1.5 litre will be around $42K and the 2.0 litre $46K, going on the upgraded finishes.

pluto · Postby **pluto** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 4:30 pm

Yeah, Mazda got the NC styling WRONG, an MX5 should look like a classic roadster, NOT like it belongs to the period it was designed in.[/quote]

Not going to slag any previous design, but I do strongly agree with your comment. Almost by definition, a classic design should be timeless and ageless, not just a cluttered mishmash of contemporary trend-following styling cues. eg, (in contrast) how will the Veloster be seen in future decades?

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 4:34 pm

OurCognitiveSurplus wrote:Price. Price. Price.

If we're talking 86 money, I'll be at a show room. If we're still talking high 40s and 50s, ƒü¢k that.

- unfortunately I think you'll be "ƒü¢king that".

Vat · Postby **Vat** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:42 pm

Seems to be back to its roots - first impressions when I saw it was "wow, it's tiny!". The efforts to put the driver back have given a very Z3/Z4ish side profile, with very little space between the trailing edge of the door and the rear wheel arch, and there are definite Honda CR-Z elements around the front.

Rear wheel arch and hip treatment aside, I'm battling a bit to see the Kodo elements in the styling. Not necessarily a bad thing, I don't think Mazda were completely successful with the scaling of the Kodo detailing on the 3 (to my eyes the grille/headlight treatment looks heavy and oversized) and it would have been really hard to completely go down that path with something the size of the MX-5 without the grille completely dominating the front end.

It's a little more aggressive than the NA-NB-NC models, that's for sure.

That said, I have a feeling this is one of those cars that's going to look fairly different in the metal to what it does in photos. It looks quite sculpted and I suspect that much of the shaping been flattened with the red launch colour.

Mazda Australia have made some initial comments on pricing, they're aiming for a sub $40k 1.5 litre model, and two 2.0 litre models with a mid-2015 launch (http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/2015-mazda-mx5-to-start-under-40k-20140904-10cdyz.html).

Postby **Okibi** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 7:59 pm

Haven't had a good look at but first impressions look good.

Glad it's more aggressive and the classic sports car shape of a muscular rear end looks way better than the NCs child bearing hips.

I've read it's they've shaved 100kgs off, I was really hoping that the kerb weight would be under a ton, would love some confirmation that it's less significantly less than 1050kgs.

I'm keen to feel how well it drives.

Exciting times, thanks Mazda for showing the MX-5 the respect it deserves.

MrRevhead · Postby **MrRevhead** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:30 pm

I've just stumbled upon these photoshopped ND pics with different wheels and a lower ride height.

Hammer · Postby **Hammer** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 9:06 pm

As I've posted at the other thread, I really like the front wheel arch humps that protrudes into the bonnet. In some angles it reminds me of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

The rear.... ehhh, I can take it or leave it. But it might be one of those designs that will grow on you. I love the looks' new direction overall. Though I'm not sure if I'll feel the same way in 20 years time. It might not age as well as the NA or NB.

Well done Mazda.

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:12 pm

I am disappointed, Mazda had licence to do something really special, missed it and followed the stream.
Greg.

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:24 pm

The pics make one decision for me - the A pillars and screen surround on mine now need to go black, and probably satin or gloss, not matte.

hejira · Postby **hejira** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:39 pm

shuey wrote:
KevGoat wrote:More importantly for Mazda...will this bring back new customers of the MX5 to that line...?

.. if it's priced competitively, I think it will do well since there won't be a BRZ/86 convertible anytime soon

..there already is an 86 convertible by toyota. I saw it in person at goodwood festival of speed 13 months ago. And it looks crap.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 3:51 am

A few more shopped wheel images......

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 8:25 am

Initial reaction is mixed. Mainly leaning to not liking it. Will wait till the test drives to see what's said about it. Styling seems trying too hard.