Super TestCar reviews - Mazda - MX-5 - convertibleMazda modelsOverviewMore performance and an extra gear extended the appeal of the NB MX-5 Series II29 May 2001 MAZDA has played a canny game with its now 12 years old MX-5 by staying true to its original retro principles but managing to keep the car fresh at the same time. The biggest update was in 1998 when the car was given a major styling workover that involved scrapping the flip-up headlights. The company has also resisted the use of bigger, more powerful engines, choosing to retain the inline four-cylinder but progressively updating it, as it has with the latest variable valve timing system. The MX-5 remains a great driver's car and is still excellent value. Will it last forever? Model release date: 1 October 2000 to 1 December 2002 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelIntroduced to Australia in October 1989, the MX-5 continued virtually unchanged, apart from a number of limited edition versions and a larger 1.8-litre engine in 1993, for almost eight years or until September 1997. Six months later, in March 1998, an all-new second-generation MX-5 appeared with totally new sheetmetal and no pop-up headlights. Traditionalists were furious but most agreed the new shape would continue to ensure the MX-5 remains a classic. Two and half years later, in October 2000, the MX-5 was given a new front bumper, bigger alloy wheels, numerous head/tail-light changes and a power increase courtesy of variable valve timing. |
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