The all-new Mazda MX-5 roadster has been named the 2015-2016 Japan Car of the Year. The roadster follows in the footsteps of the Mazda 2 last year to become the 6th Mazda vehicle to nab the coveted Japan Car of the Year award.
The MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda’s new-generation lineup of vehicles that feature the full range of SkyActiv Technology and Kodo ‘Soul of Motion’ design language. This lightweight open-top two-seater front-engine rear-wheel drive sports car is designed for pure Jinba–ittai driving fun.
In redesigning the model, the Japanese automaker aimed to further deepen the experience of driving fun and managed to both perfect the driving position and reduce the weight of the car by over 100 kilograms. As a result, the MX-5 weighs less than 1000kg.
While ensuring that the model would remain a true driver’s car, Mazda engineers were determined to make the vehicle practical enough for daily use, adopting a weatherproof, easy-to-open-and-close top and ensuring enough space in the luggage compartment for two carry-on-sized bags.
“This result is thanks to everyone’s enthusiastic support, and we are both grateful and proud that our Roadster has received such a prestigious award,” said Masamichi Kogai, President and CEO of Mazda. “Inspired by this win, we will continue building cars that offer driving pleasure, aiming to become a ‘one-and-only’ for our customers that they will choose again and again.”
The Mazda MX-5 is currently available in Malaysia with a retail price of RM226,376. It is offered in 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine variant that churns out 158 hp/ 200 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed SkyActive-Drive automatic gearbox, while a manual variant is expected to enter our market sometime next year.
