How many people r going to buy the new model ND

[Nevyn72]

Those who read Today's drive com .au would have noted around 130 kW for the 2.0-litre.

Unfortunately Mazda confirmed to some Journos at the Euro test drive event that the US spec 2.0 will be around 155hp (~115kw) and 148 ft/lb of torque.
For comparison, the base Mazda3 2.0 in the US is 155hp and 150 ft/lb of torque running on regular fuel (87AKI / 91RON) so the same power but even less torque!

Hopefully we'll see a better spec for the 2.0 in the Euro and Aussie markets (Japan will only be getting the 1.5L version) but don't count on it.....
The Euro spec SAG 2.0 (with a 14:1 compression ratio rather than 13:1) running on premium (95RON) puts out 165PS/163hp or around 122kW.

I find this outcome particularly surprising (if it turns out to be true) for a few reasons;
- The engine has a specific tune for the MX5. Previous versions/tunes for the 2.0 are targeted more for economy and low down torque in a heaver vehicle, the MX5 tune should be more for power.
- The engine will have unique headers and exhaust for the MX5, by virtue of the N/S engine orientation.
- They appear to have it tuned for regular fuel despite it being for a sports car and requiring premium for the last two generations.
- They managed a 15% power increase over the standard 1.5 with a 500 RPM red-line increase (to 7500 RPM), indications are the 2.0 maintains the standard 6800 RPM red-line of the garden variety 2.0.

Mazda repeatedly told the Journos at the Euro event that they saw the 1.5 as the true MX5 and appear to have put most of the effort into that version. The 2.0 version appears to be somewhat 'under-done'.....

Some other interesting bits I've picked up on;
- They claim the ND is only ~30kg heavier than the original NA, however when you add the optional PS & AC (which come standard in the ND) they're pretty much the same weight.
- Indications are that the 2.0 version will be ~35kg heavier than the 1.5.... the 2.0 engine itself is only ~5kg heavier than the 1.5, I wonder where the rest of the weight comes from?
- There appears to be a lower spec trim level with cloth seats and a basic radio unit (as seen in lower spec Mazda3/2 models) replacing the infotainment screen on top of the dash.
- The 1.5 will get the 16" wheels standard, the 2.0 version will get the 17" wheels standard.
- The driver sits ~20mm lower in the car due to a new seat construction where fabric replaces springs.

[markwid]

Mazda repeatedly told the Journos at the Euro event that they saw the 1.5 as the true MX5 and appear to have put most of the effort into that version. The 2.0 version appears to be somewhat 'under-done'.....

Hmnn, I am now thinking the 1.5 might suit me more than the 2.0. Purity and less is more thing resonates with me.

[Nevyn72]

Colour range has been leaked!

[rpost77]

I actually like the wrong side handbrake of the NA/NB

As do I. I actually find the position on my NA useful for resting my hand on while at lights etc. - I have perfected shifting into 1st with the tip of my thumb and the handbrake serves as the rest that allows this - overall I find it "comfortable".

I actually don't like the position of the hb on the drivers side of the tunnel - have this in our Mazda3 and I find it obtrusive (doesn't actually get in the way of anything but "appears" to crowd things).

[project.r.racing]

There was a write up in the Brisbane Saturday paper yesterday. Either the Euro journo is incorrect or the Courier Mail journo is incorrect. Cos they both came out with completely different info on powers/weights/assessories etc.

[Buckshot]

There was a write up in the Brisbane Saturday paper yesterday. Either the Euro journo is incorrect or the Courier Mail journo is incorrect. Cos they both came out with completely different info on powers/weights/assessories etc.

So basically we still only know what it looks like.

This drip feeding of information and speculation is really getting annoying.

[project.r.racing]

There was a write up in the Brisbane Saturday paper yesterday. Either the Euro journo is incorrect or the Courier Mail journo is incorrect. Cos they both came out with completely different info on powers/weights/assessories etc.

So basically we still only know what it looks like.

This drip feeding of information and speculation is really getting annoying.

Yes. Completely opposite of what Toyota does. Let the info flow and the excitment build. And then have your factory overwhelmed by demand. I like how Mazda are doing the opposite - slowing sales down so the factory can keep up. haha

Most journos are probably just trying to make a name for themselves and making up some figures from rumours. Cos to be honest, with the way Mazda are releasing the information. The journos will get away with it as no one has any other information.

[Mr Morlock]

I think Buckshot is on the money about it being annoying. The road reports on the Euro car are far from flattering and back to basics is not what the world of cars is all about - we have been there and cars just get keep adding new technology. I wonder if Mazda are not going to be in trouble with this car.

[Rocky]

I was just reading a thread on the new ND on a US Forum I frequent.
One guy made a negative comment about the ND having only 130bhp. I guess he was talking about the 1.5l motor, although I'm not sure he knew it.
Admittedly most Yanks think anything south of 200bhp is peanuts.
A lot of them confuse 'Sports Car' with 'Muscle Car'. They don't know the difference.

[JBT]

...I wonder if Mazda are not going to be in trouble with this car.

Me too. I don't think there is much of a market for this car in Australia ATM due to uncertain (political and economic) conditions.
If it is undersold at 86/BRZ prices, there will be an initial rush and then it just might go seriously quiet - like it has for last few years.

[Regie]

I want a Yellow one!!!!

Bring yellow to Australia!

[MINX]

After 7 years I need a big colour change - def going for Grey Mica [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH]


Stuart

[Pureview]

Blue and Yellow looks awesome! BRG would have looked nice too but I'm guessing it isn't a very profitable colour for Mazda?

[Dan]

I was just reading a thread on the new ND on a US Forum I frequent.
One guy made a negative comment about the ND having only 130bhp. I guess he was talking about the 1.5l motor, although I'm not sure he knew it.
Admittedly most Yanks think anything south of 200bhp is peanuts.
A lot of them confuse 'Sports Car' with 'Muscle Car'. They don't know the difference.

I agree with him, a car going down in weight but backwards in power to weight doesn't sound appealing to me especially when you go down in engine capacity at the same time (I think the torque curve will be more telling than the kW figures).

The Entertainment system, new shape and headlights I don't think justify the massive depreciation hit for me on a 1.5L when I could go buy an NC2 for less than half the money and be just as happy.

I still love the lightweight ND concept, just waiting for the 2L which should cure the power problem.

[rjastra2]

Admittedly most Yanks think anything south of 200bhp is peanuts.
A lot of them confuse 'Sports Car' with 'Muscle Car'. They don't know the difference.

Yeah, Mazda knows what people want from a "sports car"....<looks at the flat-lining MX5 sales>

Manufacturers are bailing from the 2 seater roadster and coupe market.

To release a roadster which may indeed get hosed from the lights by a Mazda 3 Neo is courageous. Especially after the soft Scion FRS sales in the USA where performance is one factor of it lack of popularity.