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Showing posts with label Mazda MX-5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mazda MX-5. Show all posts

August 8, 2017

Review: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF


A few weeks back, I happened to experience what I thought was one of the best balanced sportscars in the world: the Porsche 718 Boxster. At the time, I thought Stuttgart’s effort would be hard to beat. That was, until I snuggled into the driver’s seat of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF. Now, I can unequivocally say that if I were in the market for an open-top two-seater sportscar (and had all the budget in the world), I would choose the Mazda.

August 4, 2017

Mazda Starts Offering MX-5 Parts Re-Supply, Restoration Service


As Mazda zooms in on its centennial year in 2020, the Hiroshima-based automaker announced a classic car program last year. Today, they have announced the first model to benefit from this program: the MX-5 NA.

May 21, 2017

The 2017 Mazda Miata Cup is On!


The 2017 Mazda Miata Cup takes off with another exciting season as 17 MX-5s of all four generations race in this year’s first two rounds held at the 4.2-kilometer Clark International Speedway last May 12th.   Organized by the Miata Club Philippines and run exclusively by its members, the series showcases the club’s special fascination for motor sports and serves as a venue for MX-5 owners to truly experience the true nature of their cars.

April 8, 2017

Mazda MX-5 RF Wins Red Dot Award's Best of the Best in Product Design


People agree that the new Mazda MX-5 RF is a sexy looking machine. But now, designers and critics can both agree as this sleek retractable hardtop has just been conveyed with The 2017 Red Dot Award: Best of the Best Award in Production Design. This isn’t the first time the fourth-generation ND model has been bestowed with the honor as the soft top version scooped it up in 2015. This makes the MX-5 an award winner in product design in both hard- and soft top flavors.

April 6, 2017

What's Next for the Mazda MX-5? We Talk to the Program Head to Find Out


Who isn’t a fan of the Mazda MX-5 RF? We know we are. So it was a rare treat for us to be able to meet, greet, and sit down with Mr. Masahashi Nakayama, the former Chief Designer of the MX-5 ND and currently MX-5 Program Head, right here in Manila. We admit – we were tongue-tied and starstruck, simply from being able to shake the hand of the man who designed such an extraordinary vehicle. However, it was more interesting to listen to the insights behind the design and how Mazda stayed true to the philosophy of jinba-ittai in its quest for the perfect sports car.

Twenty years ago, the first MX-5 roadster hit the streets and grew an incredible fan base. The Miata was the epitome of jinba-ittai – without even starting the engine, the connection it evoked between the driver and the car can be felt immediately. The cocoon-like interior and elegantly curved bucket seat is snug and comfortable, with the wheel and controls positioned within ergonomic angles. What is often ignored, though, is the fact that these unique details extend to the passenger, as well. As a companion, you are treated to almost the same experience, sans the driving.

The MX-5 RF is the version of the bestselling roadster that features a retractable hardtop and fastback styling. Hence, “RF.” But what exactly inspired Mazda to design a hardtop when soft tops are most iconic for convertible sports cars, even until today? According to Nakayama-san, it was a requirement that came with the times.


Over the years, the following for the MX-5 grew. But as with any product, the consumer base plateaued, especially with the evolution of automotive standards. Security is one of them. The answer to this challenge is the RF – a more protective targa hardtop, but with a 2-way retractable mechanism that cleanly tucks away to maintain overall weight balance and keep the well-loved top-down Miata design uncompromised. Interestingly enough, the design of the MX-5 RF was also improved. Its center of gravity was adjusted to be right where the driver is seated, resulting in equal distance between the driver to the front and back wheels. This keeps the driver secure and in control at all times.

We’re not surprised. As Mazda Philippines CEO, Steven Tan quipped, “The goal is to create a more perfect car with every generation.” More perfect, but consistent in its foundation of making the car feel like a natural extension of the driver’s body.

Following this train of thought, the MX-5 RF is already the fourth generation of the Miata line and has addressed challenges without sacrificing design. We couldn’t help but wonder – what’s next for the iconic Japanese roadster, given the demands in global automotive safety standards and the rising popularity of SUVs? The answer from Nakayama-san was simple and engaging.


The MX-5 was built on three principles that has been consistent through the years – first, its short-wheel base, which makes the sports car light and easy to maneuver on city streets, yet stable enough for that coveted burst of speed. Second, the MX-5 features a lightweight structure, regardless of whether it has a soft top or a hardtop installed as roofing. And third, it maintains enough trunk space for the carry-on of two people (because, of course, a roadster is meant for a sweet ride out of town). These three principles allowed Mazda to deliver the expectations of Miata fans through the ages, without compromising function and practicality.

And so Nakayama-san threw the question back. What do we think should be next? How else can the Roadster be improved? Remember – what made the Miata one of the most iconic, coveted, fun-driving sports car for decades, is its foundation of delivering a perfect unity between man and machine, and in evoking a sense of awe with every drive. In this regard, it makes sense that it is only with the insight of a new generation of customers that Mazda can create an even more perfect Roadster. And it is also this openness to engage that reassures us MX-5 fans that the well-loved convertible is here to stay and it can only get better.

Words and Photos by Gen Tiu.

April 4, 2017

Mazda Philippines Turns Over First Batch of MX-5 RF to Owners


Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles handed over the keys of the first batch of the latest fourth generation MX-5 RF to their new owners during handover ceremonies held on the final day of the 2017 Manila International Auto Show.

March 31, 2017

MIAS 2017: CX-5, CX-9, and MX-5 RF are Mazda's All-New Power Trio (w/ Specs)


UPDATE: The specs and more photos are below (4/2).

Mazda easily had one of the most attractive booths at the Manila International Auto Show this year. Keeping with the brand’s global show branding of midnight black multi-level flooring, each car stood out on its own, tall and proud, effortlessly calling out to passers-by. And trust us – you will stop and find yourself weaving through the display like you just want to take them all home.

March 1, 2017

EXCLUSIVE: This is the Philippine-spec 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF (w/ 21 Photos)


Everyone’s favorite portable tanning machine is getting a timely upgrade. Just in time for summer, Mazda Philippines is releasing the 2017 MX-5 Retractable Fastback or MX-5 RF for short. Officially making its market debut at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the end of the month, we were the first to see the Philippine-spec models as they prepare to make their way from the stockyard to Mazda showrooms.

November 8, 2016

2017 Toyota 86 A/T vs 2016 Mazda MX-5 A/T


Having high levels of horsepower is something most people crave for, but there’s also something deeply satisfying with a well-balanced sports car. By perfectly dialing in not just the engine output, but the steering, chassis, and brakes as well, they become more of good dance partners, following your lead without trying to overwhelm you at every corner.

May 11, 2016

Mazda Produces One Millionth MX-5


Mazda’s plucky roadster reached a significant milestone as the company announced the production of the one millionth, yes the 1,000,000th unit of the MX-5 (or if you prefer its Japanese name, Roadster). The well-received, well-awarded two-seater roadster achieved this feat after 27 years and four generations.

March 23, 2016

New York International Auto Show: Mazda Shows Off MX-5 with Power Retractable Hardtop


I knew it, I just knew it. When Mazda said they weren’t making any other variant of the MX-5, they were pretty coy about it. Well, the cat’s out of the bag as a new variant of the best-selling roadster arrives at the New York International Auto Show: the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF. And my goodness. It is a looker.

January 18, 2016

Tokyo Auto Salon 2016: Mazda Wants You to be the Driver


“Be a driver” is a slogan adopted by Mazda to showcase the fun-to-drive attitude of its entire line-up. And it showed what could be done to give their line-up that extra edge at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon. Although most were left wanting a proper Mazdaspeed version of their cars (this is well and covered by the other exhibitors), Mazda did give racing concept versions of the MX-5 (Roadster in Japan), Mazda6, CX-3, and the Mazda2 (Demio in Japan).

December 11, 2015

Mazda MX-5 Scoops Up Japan Car of the Year


Mazda Motor Corporation’s all-new Mazda Roadster (known as MX-5 outside Japan) has been named the 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan.

November 3, 2015

Review: 2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Skyactiv A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang
It’s amusing how carmakers become obsessed with whoever can build the fastest, most powerful, or best handling car out there. Often, they’ll start quoting things like horsepower, torque, and even NĂĽrburgring lap times. That’s all well and good, but unfortunately, in their quest to build what factually is the best car disregards the most important aspect: the driver. In their plan to build a car with blistering acceleration and rib-hurting lateral g’s, it becomes cold and distant to drive. Yes, it’s fast, but it doesn’t feel enjoyable to the man behind the wheel.

August 16, 2015

The Masterpiece: 2016 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Skyactiv on the Race Track

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The Mona Lisa is something you admire for the way it looks. Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is something you admire for the way it sounds. Robuchon’s food is something you admire for the way it tastes. Although these things can move you, the experience is rarely encompassing. In truth, any of these engage just one of the five senses. This is what makes cars special. They are, by nature, a multisensory experience.

June 27, 2015

This is Your 2016 Mazda MX-5 Brochure


A few weeks back, Mazda Philippines dropped the bomb by revealing the price of the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 on a quiet Sunday morning. You can check it out here.

Now, we got our hands on the brochure (see it after the break). So we’ll just leave it here for you to drool over. And remember, you can reserve one now with customer deliveries starting in August.

June 14, 2015

Breaking News: Mazda Reveals MX-5 Pricing for Philippines


We interrupt your regular Sunday internet browsing habit to bring you some breaking news: Berjaya Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country has finally revealed the pricing and variants of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 (ND).

April 12, 2015

MIAS 2015: The 2015 Mazda Collection Impresses


Mazda Philippines’s sprawling and intimidating 1,000 square-meter space at the Manila International Auto Show is a strong show of force and for very good reason. Just last year, Mazda achieved a milestone with overall sales almost doubling that of 2013. The end tally shows them selling more than 3,200 units overtaking Subaru in the process. Of course, the giant showcase isn’t just for celebration. They’ve used the occasion to strategically launch 13 all-new or significantly updated new models for 2015. In short, if you’re buying a car that’s not a Mazda, you better hold off that purchase.

April 7, 2015

First Drive: Mazda MX-5 1.5 Skyactiv

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Mazda Press
There are great driver’s cars, but there is only one Mazda MX-5. From its inception in 1989, the MX-5 has baked into every generation, an unmistakable close bond between car and driver. You can sound off a list of cars that come close to offering the same sort of experience, but none can capture the same MX-5 magic. And Mazda knows this very well. Listening to the designers and engineers talk about this fourth-generation ‘ND’ model makes you believe that they’ve poured their heart and soul into it. Indeed, every single person in the project team knows that they had to keep it as close to its founding ethos as possible. It can’t just be a great sports car or a great Mazda. It has to be a great MX-5.

April 6, 2015

MIAS 2015: Mazda's Display is a Strong Show of Force


Mazda Philippines is pulling out all the stops to bring back the fun in driving and they’re using the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) as their venue. The Japanese brand, best known for ‘zoom-zoom’, ‘KODO’, and of course, ‘Skyactiv’ will have the biggest footprint among exhibitors at the World Trade Center, measuring at 1,000 square-meters. And it won’t just be the case of making things roomy for show goers. Mazda says they will bring in 13 all-new or improved models at the show. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen all-new or improved models for 2015.