Mazda Confirms Tin Top MX-5

Motoring Channel Staff - 21/June/2006
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe: Road Test

Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation has revealed that it will use the 2006 British International Motor Show to exhibit for the first time its new MX-5 model.

While Mazda released the soft top MX-5 (Miata) in the latter stages of 2005, it has confirmed that it will release a newer, more expensive model in form of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe, which will feature a metal folding roof.

The addition of a metal roof improves security (you can't cut a metal roof with a pocket knife), and also the car's ability to shield occupants from foul weather. And it also creates a more integrated look for the vehicle when the roof is raised, giving it the unmistakable coupe appearance.

As Mazda explains, the global reveal of the new Mazda MX-5, now equipped with a power retractable hard top roof, will take place at the British International Motor Show that will be held in London from Tuesday, July 18, through Sunday, July 30, 2006, alongside a new one-tonne ute, the Mazda BT-50 one-ton pickup truck.

Mazda's new MX-5 model features a new, unique power retractable hard top roof, which the company says is an all-new addition to the 3rd generation Mazda MX-5 which has been celebrated globally since 2005, even by our very own Editor - read about his thoughts here. Though Mazda has revealed scant information on the new model, save for these couple of images and the fact that it will indeed have a metal folding roof, it is expected to pack the same 118kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine from the cloth-roofed version, though the chances of a more powerful - possibly even turbo - model are not completely beyond the realms of possibility. Perhaps even a rotary engine...? That would be something. We'll know more come July 18, when the British International Motor Show (BIMS) commences.

Expected to be slighter heavier than the cloth roofed convertible MX-5, the new tin top version of the classic sports car will provide a "unified sense of driving exhilaration, ready to spread the fun of lightweight sports cars in diverse and distinct new ways," says Mazda, which can be translated to mean that the car's agreeable driving dynamics haven't been totally overshadowed by the inclusion of the the extra weight the servos and electrics that operate the roof add.

The new model will likely appeal to almost every MX-5 and Miata owner already out there, but is expected to fetch a few more dollar in the car dealer's lot than the standard MX-5 model. By all accounts the styling of the car hasn't changed - save for the obvious metal roof - though boot space may be impinged by the bulkier roof system when folded flat.

Like it's current MX-5, the new model will be sold in all markets across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, with more detailed specifications to be revealed in mid July at the BIMS.

In addition to the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe, the Japanese automaker will exhibit a number of other models in London, some of which we've covered already, including the daring Mazda Kabura sports coupe. The Mazda Sassou will also feature, plus the new BT-50 will be launched, which is equipped with Mazda's efficient new 2.5- litre Direct Injection Turbo Diesel engine. The BT-50 will represent the European premiere of this new diesel engine, which Mazda is expected to use in wide variety of applications.

Mazda has also been kind enough to provide a global list of what the new MX-5 Roadster Coupe will be known as:

Europe and Australia: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
Japan: Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top
North America: Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Power Retractable Hard Top