Mazda has given the MX-5 a bit of a redo this year.
A bit because there isn’t a whole lot that’s new and improved. There’s the same engine, same power levels, and it looks exactly how you would picture an MX-5 looking.
What is fresh is the inclusion of Kinematic Posture Control technology, and New Zealand gets a Roadster GT variant added to the current line-up.
Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) is Mazda’s new way of reducing body roll in their cars. It works by a computer lightly applying the brake of an inside wheel while cornering.
This suppresses the roll in the car and creates a smoother ride.
The amount of braking is minimal. The laws of physics don’t demand much braking force, so Mazda listened. So, while KPC will provide a distinctly more comfortable ride, drivers shouldn’t notice it at work.
It’s not driver activated. Instead, computers will recognise the difference in speed between the rear wheels when cornering and apply the brake accordingly.
KPC also makes zero difference to the weight of the car.
Beyond that, Mazda hasn’t done anything in changing the MX-5.
There is a new shade of white, which comes with an unnecessarily fancy name. And Mazda will also plant five native trees for every new model sold. Neat.
The Roadster GT comes with these additions:
- Bilstein Sports Suspension Dampers,
- Brembo Front Brakes with Red Callipers,
- Front Suspension Tower Brace Bar,
- 17-inch Gunmetal BBS Forged Alloy Wheels.
Price-wise, both the Roadster and MX-5 RF six-speed manual will cost you $54,990.
The six-speed automatic RF is a little bit dearer, costing $56,490.
